Online casino glossary A — Z: over 90 terms you will encounter in terms (2026)

Online casino bonus terms and conditions are often full of terms that have entered New Zealand's player vocabulary straight from English — wagering, RTP, scatter, free spins , KYC. When you add New Zealand's own translation ("spin", "return", "scattered symbol"), the result is a dictionary of two languages ​​in one document. This dictionary sorts them alphabetically, explains in two to four sentences, and where it makes sense, adds an example in crowns and a link to a detailed article on our website.

Terms are sorted by New Zealand name. If you see it in English in the game (paytable, bonus buy, RTP), you will find it in brackets after the term New Zealand. For each concept, you will see an example as needed — how much it costs you to spin, what is the casino's mathematical advantage for the given game or what is the amount of the regular welcome bonus in New Zealand casino. The dictionary is a living document — when casinos change conditions or introduce new mechanics (Megaways, Hold and Win, buying a bonus), we continuously add terms here.

Concepts by topic — quick reference

If you are looking for terms from a specific area, these blocks will guide you directly to what you need:

Bonuses and spins

• Bonus , no deposit bonus , welcome bonus , reload bonus , cashback
• Wagering , contribution of games to spinning , sticky bonus , non-sticky bonus
• Maximum winnings from the bonus , maximum bet with bonus , bonus time limit , bonus code

Slots

• Return on investment (RTP) , volatility , frequency of wins , mathematical casino advantage
• Wild symbol , scattered symbol , winning line , cylinder , pay table
• Megaways , Hold and Win , cluster pays , bonus purchase , resp , multiplier

♠️ Table and live games

• Blackjack , roulette , baccarat , craps , poker
• Live casino , croupier , side bet , live show , Aviator and crash games

Regulation, KYC and responsible gaming

• Gambling regulator , license , illegal casino , AML
• KYC (identity verification) , account verification , anti-fraud control , complaint to the gambling regulator
• Self-exclusion , self-restraint , Register of excluded persons , stop-loss limit , tilt

Deposits, withdrawals and money

• Deposit , selection , minimum deposit , selection speed
• Paysafecard , Trustly , electronic wallet , tax on winnings

AND

Action code (promo code, action coupon)

Bonus code tied to a specific campaign or partner. New Zealand casinos use them especially when cooperating with comparators and editors — without a code, the promotional bonus is often not activated, even if the player is formally entitled to it. You can find the current codes for individual operators in the section bonuses .

AML

Abbreviation of English Anti-Money Laundering — countermeasures against money laundering. New Zealand licensed casino is mandatory according to Act No. 253/2026 Coll. Verify player identity (KYC), verify sources of income for larger deposits and report suspicious transactions. It is AML that is behind why the casino can ask you for proof of the origin of the money (pay slip, tax return, sales contract) when making a withdrawal.

Example: after a deposit of NZ$ 0and a request to withdraw NZ$ 30the casino on its own initiative even as a preventive measure (within AML) it can request proof of the origin of the money before it processes the withdrawal.

Anti-fraud control

Internal casino system that looks for fraudulent behavior: multiple accounts from one IP address, use of a foreign payment card, bonus abuse (bonus abuse), automated play. In case of suspicious behavior, the account will be blocked and additional verification will be required. Detail in article on withheld withdrawals .

Automatic rotation (auto-play/autospin)

An automatic function that allows you to set 10 — 1,000 spins forward without the need for repeated clicking. An New Zealand licensed operator is required to attach a stop-loss limit to the automatic rotation, so that the function will stop you when the agreed loss is reached. An activated stop-loss is therefore the most essential part of automatic rotation — without it, you lose track of your budget.

Example setting: 100 spins × €= budget €, stop-loss NZ$ 40The game is on stops at NZ$ 40losses regardless of how many spins are left.

Aviator and crash games

A new kind of game, where after a bet, the plane (or other symbol) starts to rise — and the multiplier grows with it. The player must cash out in time before the plane "takes off" and the multiplier drops to zero. RTP 96 — 97%. In detail in of the Aviator article .

B

Baccarat

A table card game where you bet on a Player, Banker or Tie. The house's mathematical house edge is just 1.06% on a banker bet — among the lowest in the entire casino. The game is popular with higher stakes (high roller) for the low margin of the casino. Detail in separate article on baccarat .

Banker (Banker)

In baccarat, one of the two main betting positions. Colloquially, "banker" is also used for a croupier at full-pay tables. In technical terms, the banker in baccarat is a separate deck of cards that has nothing to do with the person behind the table.

Bank transfer (bank transfer)

The classic way of depositing and withdrawing via a payment order between accounts. Deposit via bank transfer takes one to two working days, withdrawal is the same. It is often the only option for larger amounts (above NZ$ 0). Comparison in article on payment methods .

Blackjack

A card game where the goal is to get your cards as close to 21 as possible without going over. With an optimal basic strategy, the mathematical house edge is only 0.5% — the lowest among casino games. Comprehensive analysis in the article blackjack: basic strategy and in article about blackjack New Zealand .

Bonus

Any form of extra funds that the casino credits to your deposit or registration. The most common types: welcome bonus (for the first deposit), no deposit bonus (free), free spins, reload bonus , cashback, VIP bonus. Each bonus has a spin, a time limit and often a maximum bet. Always read the terms and conditions before accepting — it breaks down bonus mistakes separate article .

Bonus without deposit (no deposit bonus)

The bonus you get just for registering and verifying your account, without the need to deposit your own money. New Zealand is most often 125 — NZ$ 30or 10 — 50 free spins. Spins are typically 30 — 50x, maximum win 1,250 — €. Details in the article no deposit bonus upon registration .

Bonus NZ$ 10with 40x spin= you have to reinvest €. At an RTP of 96% expected loss NZ$ 10Real value of the bonus after spinning: roughly €. The no deposit bonus makes real sense mainly like "trying out" the casino without own money.

Bonus code (promo code)

The character string that you enter when registering or depositing to unlock a specific bonus. New Zealand casinos use it mainly for exclusive offers for partners, news for regular players or tied campaigns. Without a code, the bonus is often not activated — even if you are eligible. After registration, you can enter the code of some casinos (Tipsport, Fortuna, Chance) without any problems additionally, others only during the first deposit.

Second deposit bonus

A bonus that the casino adds to your second deposit — typically as part of a welcome package split between two or three deposits. New Zealand casinos most often offer it in the amount of 50 - 100% of the deposit, up to a ceiling of 2,500 - €. Spinning tends to be 30 — 35x.

C

Bonus time limit

The time you have to spin the bonus. After it expires, the bonus and all winnings resulting from it will be forfeited. New Zealand casinos usually set 7, 14 or 30 days. With welcome bonuses with high spins (60 — 70x), the time limit is one of the most common bottlenecks — the player does not have time to spin within a reasonable budget. Practical examples in article on the value of bonus conditions .

Cashback

A bonus in which the casino returns a percentage of the net loss for a given time. Typically 5 - 25% of the loss per week. Cashback is most often tied to 1 — 5x spins, sometimes it is completely unconditional (pure cash, immediately available). With high losses, it is one of the most advantageous types of bonuses — it does not involve the risk of a new deposit, it only mitigates your loss.

Example: during the week you lose €, the casino offers a cashback of 15% without spins = NZ$ 40back to your player account, for immediate withdrawal.

Cluster pays

A winning mechanic in which a group (cluster) of the same symbols adjacent horizontally and vertically — without winning lines — forms a win. Typically 5 — 8 or more symbols of the same kind. Famous games: Sweet Bonanza, Reactoonz, Sugar Rush. It is often combined with the "tumble" mechanic, in which winning symbols disappear and new ones fall from above.

Craps

A dice table game that is rather marginal in New Zealand online casinos but available in a live casino (Evolution). Mathematical casino advantage 1.4 — 1.6% on basic bets on "pass line" and "don't pass line". Analysis in the article craps in an online casino .

D

Tax on winnings

Winnings from New Zealand licensed casinos are exempt from personal income tax (up to a limit) under current legislation. Therefore, the player does not have to deduct anything from the winnings or declare it in the tax return. However, it is different for winnings from illegal or offshore casinos — they can be considered as other income. Detail in article on tax on winnings .

Demo mode (demo mode/fun play)

A free game with virtual money where you can try the mechanics of the slot machine without your own deposit. The return and math are the same as in the money game. Attention: some New Zealand casinos require registration, others offer demo mode even without registration. You can try a number of games in the section for free casino games free .

Wild symbol

A symbol in a slot that acts as a joker — it replaces any regular symbol in a winning combination. It does not replace a scatter or bonus symbol. Variants: classic, expanding (expands to the entire cylinder), sticky (remains in position for several spins), accumulating, wandering, multiplying. Detail in article on pay tables .

Reload deposit

Any deposit after the first — that is, the second, third and subsequent deposits. Some casinos attach their own bonuses to additional deposits (reload bonus, typically 25 - 50% of the deposit up to a ceiling of 1,250 - €). Spinning tends to be milder than with the welcome bonus (20 — 30x).

E

eCOGRA

British certification company that audits random number generator (RNG) fairness, game return and operator transparency. An New Zealand licensed casino must be audited by eCOGRA, GLI or iTech Labs. Detail in article about RNG and audits .

Electronic wallet (e-wallet)

A payment service that acts as an intermediary between your card or bank account and the casino — well-known ones are Skrill, Neteller, Revolut, MuchBetter. In New Zealand licensed casinos availability is limited, some casinos do not support them at all, others only as one of several options. Revolut in detail in review of Revolut .

Evolution (Evolution Gaming)

The largest live games provider in the world — you can see it in practically all New Zealand casinos in the "live games" section. Studios in Latvia, Malta and the United States, the croupiers are real people, transmitted live via video. Famous live games: Lightning Roulette, Crazy Time, Monopoly Live, Mega Wheel.

Expanding symbol

A symbol that expands to an entire reel when hit — typically a wild or special bonus symbol. The mechanics significantly increase the chance of winning, as one reel filled with the same symbol essentially "links" all lines. Classic game: Book of Ra and its variations.

F

Rogue casino

A site without a valid license or with a license from an exotic jurisdiction (Curaçao, Anjouan) that pretends to be a legitimate casino, but after a big win will block the account, not recognize the win or disappear. New Zealand the player has no legal protection against such a casino. Detail in article about illegal casinos and in comparison licensed vs. Offshore casinos .

Hit rate/hit frequency

The percentage of spins that result in any non-zero win — including a win less than the bet. At low volatility typically 30 — 40%, at high 18 — 25%. Attention: a NZ$ 10win with a NZ$ 0bet is counted in the frequency, even though it is a real loss of NZ$ 20A higher frequency therefore does not mean a higher return.

Free spins

Bonus currency in the form of free spins on a predetermined slot. Most often as a welcome bonus (50 — 200 free spins) or part of the bonus in the game after the impact of scattered symbols (8 — 25 free spins). Winnings from free spins are often loaded with a spin of 30 — 50x.

Example: 50 free spins at €= total value NZ$ 10If you win from them NZ$ 30and spin from the win is 35x → you have to reinvest NZ$ 0

G

GLI (Gaming Laboratories International)

American testing laboratory that certifies online casino software, random number generators and games. One of the three main auditors recognized by the New Zealand gambling regulator (alongside eCOGRA and iTech Labs). Without certification from one of these three New Zealand laboratories, the casino is not allowed to put the game into operation.

Random number generator

New Zealand translation of RNG (Random Number Generator). Detail below the letter R — RNG .

H

Game diary

A simple table in which you enter five to nine data after each game session: date, casino, deposit, withdrawal, result. After three months, you have exact numbers instead of a feeling. Detail in a separate article on budget management .

Hit rate

See above under F — Frequency of wins .

Hold and Win (locked symbols)

The mechanics of a slot machine, where after landing 6 or more money symbols (most often coins) a mini-game with 3 spins is started. Coins remain locked in their positions, new coins replenish them. The goal is to fill the entire grid. Classic games: Money Train, Wolf Treasure, John Hunter. Detail in separate article on slot machines with locked symbols .

House edge (mathematical casino advantage)

The percentage of each wagered amount that the casino earns on a long-term average. Payback complement: at an RTP of 96%, the mathematical edge is 4%. For blackjack 0.5%, for european roulette 2.7%, for American roulette 5.26%, for slots 2 — 10%. Complete table in specific analysis house edge in live games .

AND

iTech Labs

Australian Testing Laboratory, one of three auditors recognized by the New Zealand gambling regulator (alongside eCOGRA and GLI). It audits random number generator, game return and game software. The iTech Labs logo can be found in the footer of many New Zealand casinos.

IP address and geolocation

An New Zealand licensed operator is required to verify that the player is playing from New Zealand. It does this via IP address and additional checks. Playing via VPN from another country may lead to account blocking and withdrawal hold — casino is required by license.

J

Jackpot

Highest win in the game. A fixed jackpot is a fixed amount (for example NZ$ 10for a certain combination). The progressive jackpot grows from the bets of all players until someone guesses — it can reach tens of thousands to millions of crowns. Details in the article jackpot vs. Progressive jackpot . The biggest known wins are in overview of the 10 biggest jackpot winners .

TO

Cognitive distortion

Erroneous ways of thinking that lead to irrational decisions when playing: gambler's fallacy, confirmation bias, chasing losses, illusion of control. The most important ones are summarized in article on cognitive biases .

Buying a bonus (buy feature/bonus buy)

A feature in which for 50 — 100x bets you directly activate the bonus game without waiting for scattered symbols. The return on the purchased bonus is usually 95 - 97.5%. Attention: the casino often prohibits the purchase of a bonus when the bonus is active — violation of the terms leads to the rejection of the winnings. Detail in a separate article about buying a bonus .

Example: Sweet Bonanza game, bet €, bonus purchase price 100×= €. After purchase you get 10 free spins with the same probability of a big win as you would with the classic triggering the bonus over 4 scattered symbols.

Croupier (dealer)

A person dealing cards or spinning roulette in a live casino. In the online version, it can be seen via video transmission from the game studio (most often Evolution or Pragmatic Play Live). The term is not used in a slot machine — there a random number generator controls the game.

KYC (Know Your Customer, identity verification)

Player identity verification process. It requires proof of identity (identity card or passport), sometimes proof of address (electricity or gas invoice) and, for larger withdrawals, proof of payment method (account statement, photo of card with CVV overlay). New Zealand casino without completed KYC is not allowed to pay out winnings. Detail in article on KYC verification .

L

License

A license that allows a casino to operate a gambling game in a given territory. An New Zealand license from the gambling regulator is the only legal form of online casino for New Zealand players. Casinos licensed by Malta (MGA), Curaçao or Gibraltar for New Zealand are not eligible to operate the service — they are illegal. Detail in article about legal casinos .

Limit (daily, weekly, monthly)

A value that the player himself chooses in the account settings and the casino enforces it. Types: deposit limit, bet limit, lost time limit, loss limit. An New Zealand licensed casino is required to offer these limits. Detail in article on self-limiting limits .

Live casino (live casino/live dealer)

An online game with a real dealer broadcast live from the studio. Most often roulette, blackjack, baccarat and games like Crazy Time or Lightning Roulette. The game takes place in real time, the croupier plays for tens to hundreds of players simultaneously. Detail in article about live casinos New Zealand .

M

Maximum bet with bonus

The highest bet you can make while you have an active bonus. New Zealand casinos most often set 50 — NZ$ 0If it is exceeded (for example, a NZ$ 10bet on a slot), the bonus is immediately canceled or the casino rejects your withdrawal. The rule applies during the spin — not after it's finished. It is one of the most frequently violated bonus conditions, viz overview of bonus errors .

Maximum win (max win)

A win ceiling that the game or bonus will not allow to be exceeded. For the slot, most often 500 — 50,000x the bet, for the bonus most often 50 — 500x the value of the bonus. Once the maximum is reached, the game will immediately terminate all active features and pay out the exact cap.

For a € bonus with a maximum win of 5x= ceiling €. Even if you have free spins won NZ$ 0the casino will only credit you with € (the rest will be burned).

Megaways

The patented winning ways mechanic from the UK Big Time Gaming, in which the number of symbols on the reel changes dynamically (2 — 7 symbols), so that there can be 64 to 117,649 winning ways in one spin. Volatility typically high, RTP 94 — 96%. Detail in separate article on Megaways slots .

gambling regulator

Gambling regulator — New Zealand state body that issues licenses to online casinos, oversees compliance with Act No. 186/2026 Coll., maintains the Register of Excluded Persons and resolves player complaints. He is based in Prague. Detail in article on the gambling regulator .

Minimum deposit

The lowest amount the casino will accept as a deposit. New Zealand casinos typically set 25 — NZ$ 10For a welcome bonus, the minimum deposit is usually higher (250 — NZ$ 30) to activate the bonus. Details in the article low deposit online casinos .

Mobile application

Native casino app for Android or iOS. New Zealand licensed casinos offer applications mainly for Android (from their websites or Google Play), for iOS applications must go through the App Store. Overview in article about New Zealand casino mobile applications .

Multiplier

The number by which the game will multiply the winnings. In the basic game, most often 2 — 5x, in the bonus game 3 — 50x. Some games (Money Train, Bonanza) offer a progressive multiplier that increases with each win during free spins.

Bet NZ$ 0win NZ$ 0multiplier 3x= total win NZ$ 10With progressive multiplier in free spins, the value can climb from 1x to 100x and more.

N

Return to Player (RTP)

The percentage of the total amount bet that will be returned to the players during an infinite number of spins. With an RTP of 96%, for every € wagered, € is returned on average (NZ$ 0remains with the casino). New Zealand slots usually have an RTP of 93 — 97%. The value is theoretical and average — for a specific session, the real return can be significantly higher or lower. Detail in article about real RTP New Zealand slots and in a comprehensive analysis RTP and volatility of slots .

Illegal casino

A website running a gambling game for New Zealand players without an New Zealand license from the gambling regulator. This includes casinos with licenses from Malta, Curaçao, Gibraltar, Anjouan, Comoros, etc. Playing in such a casino is a violation of New Zealand law, the winnings may not be paid out and the player has no legal protection against the operator. List in article about illegal online casinos .

Non-sticky bonus (non-sticky bonus)

A type of welcome bonus where you can withdraw your deposit and win at any time until you have exceeded your total spins. The player first loses his deposit — only then is the bonus part "activated". Better value than a sticky bonus, but more the exception than the rule in New Zealand casinos these days.

O

Terms and Conditions (T&C, T&C)

A document that defines the rights and obligations of the player and the casino. It also contains bonus conditions, KYC rules, selection rules and dispute resolution. Before making your first deposit, at least read the sections on bonuses, withdrawals and KYC. How to deal with them — v article on how to read the terms and conditions of an online casino .

Expected Value (EV — Expected Value)

The mathematical average result of the bet in infinite repetition. With a bet of NZ$ 10in a game with an RTP of 96%, the expected value of the win is NZ$ 10— that is, the expected loss of € per bet. When betting in a bonus spin, the expected value is a key indicator in deciding whether the bonus is worth spinning.

Operator/operator

A company operating a casino. An New Zealand operator needs a license from the gambling regulator and must be an New Zealand legal entity. Detail in article about online casino operators .

P

paysafecard

Prepaid payment method — a coupon with a 16-digit code that you buy at a convenience store or gas station for cash. Values ​​125 — €. It is only used for deposit, withdrawal via paysafecard is not possible. A fully anonymous method. Detail in paysafecard review and in overview of anonymous payments .

Paytable

Inside slot map with all symbol values, wild and scatter mechanics, bonus conditions, max win and betting parameters. Open it via the "i" or "menu" icon at the top of the game. The most important document before starting an unknown machine for the first time. Details in the article strategy and paytables .

Payline (payline)

The specific formula on the slot screen by which the win is evaluated. Classic slots have 9, 10, 20, 25 or 81 fixed lines. For a line, matching symbols must start from the first reel from left to right. Detail in article on slot machine winning patterns .

Poker

A card game where a player plays against other players (not against the casino). The most common variations: texas hold'em . It is offered in an online casino, for example, by SYNOT TIP Poker. Detail in article about poker in New Zealand , foundations in instructions on how to play Texas Hold'em .

Pragmatic Play

A Maltese gaming provider, one of the most prominent in the world of online casinos. Famous slots: Sweet Bonanza, Sugar Rush, Gates of Olympus, Big Bass Bonanza, John Hunter. Pragmatic Play Live's own studio also offers live games. Detail in overview of slot machines .

Contribution of games to spinning (game contribution)

The percentage by which the given game category contributes to the bonus spin. Typical values: slots 100%, video poker and live slots 50%, roulette 10 — 20%, blackjack 5 — 10%, baccarat often 0%. High contribution games pay out more on spins due to the casino's higher mathematical edge — for the casino. For players, it's the other way around: low contribution= little bonus, but also low loss per overinvested crown. Detail in of the bonus spin games article .

Progressive jackpot

A jackpot that grows from the bets of all active players in the network. Most often on Apollo Games slots (Casimi network) and Pragmatic Play (Big Bass Bonanza). It drops on average once every few months, with thousands of current players, the chance of a particular player is extremely small. Detail in article about Casimi slots .

Wagering

The casino's requirement is how many times you must reinvest the bonus or bonus funds before withdrawing the winnings. New Zealand casinos typically set 25 — 50x for a welcome bonus, 30 — 40x for a no deposit bonus. When spinning, its "contribution" is calculated for each game (slots 100%, roulette 10%, blackjack 5 — 10%). Detail in article on wagering conditions .

Bonus € with spin 35x= you have to reinvest NZ$ 0on slots (or NZ$ 40on roulette with 10% contribution). With an RTP of 96%, the expected spin loss is €.

R

Register of Excluded Persons (RVO)

A central register maintained by the gambling regulator. Persons enrolled in it are prohibited from playing in all New Zealand licensed casinos. Entry is voluntary ( self-exclusion ), judicial or administrative (dependency, debts, mortgage, social benefits). Detail in of the article on the register of excluded persons , especially for a mortgage in separate article on RVO and mortgage .

Reload bonus (credit replenishment bonus)

The bonus for the second and other deposits that the casino offers to regular players — typically 25 — 50% of the deposit up to a ceiling of 1,250 — €. Spinning tends to be milder than with the welcome bonus (20 — 30x). It is often tied to a specific day of the week (Reload Friday) or a bonus code.

Respin

Re-spin one or more reels without a new bet. Most often, the game gives it when 2 symbols are scattered as a chance to "catch up" with the third. In classic fruit slots (Respin Joker 81), respin is part of the name of the game — the machine often offers a respin after every win for a small fee for a chance at a higher hand.

RNG (Random Number Generator)

A software component that generates the result of each spin or card. New Zealand licensed RNG must be certified (eCOGRA, GLI, iTech Labs) and must not have memory — the result of the next spin does not depend on any previous spin. For this reason, the idea of ​​a "slot machine that warms up" or a "cold roulette wheel" is pure superstition (gambler's fallacy). Detail in article about RNG and audits .

budget (bankroll)

The amount of money a player sets aside for gambling — the recommended cap is how much he can afford to lose. Bankroll management means dividing this amount into individual sessions, bets and periods. Details in the article online casino budget management .

Scatter symbol

A symbol that does not count on a payline and ignores the position. It triggers a bonus feature (free spins, mini-game) and sometimes carries its own win. Typically 3 scattered symbols on the screen activate the bonus, 4 — 5 increase the number of free spins and often a multiplier.

Roulette

Board game with spinning wheel and ball. European roulette has 37 numbers (0 — 36) and a mathematical house edge of 2.7%. American roulette has 38 numbers (extra 00) and an edge of 5.26% — always play European or French. Detail in article about roulette in New Zealand , comparing versions of v European, French and American roulette , betting systems in article on betting systems and practical tips in tips for winning in roulette .

Selection speed

Time from submitting a withdrawal request to crediting the account. It depends on two steps: casino processing (8 — 48 hours) and payment method (bank 1 — 2 working days, paysafecard cannot be used for withdrawal, e-wallet 0 — 24 hours). Detail in article on the speed of withdrawals .

WITH

Self-restraint

Setting your own limits within one casino — deposit, bet, lost time or loss limit. New Zealand operator is obliged to offer and enforce these tools. Self-restriction only works in the casino where you set it, unlike self-exclusion, which applies to the entire New Zealand market. Detail in separate article .

Self-exclusion

Voluntary entry into the Register of Excluded Persons. The New Zealand operator is obliged to allow the player to quickly self-exclude via the account settings. You cannot play in all New Zealand licensed casinos after joining; deletion from voluntary registration can be requested after 6 months at the earliest. It is among the most powerful tools for responsible gaming. Comprehensively in article on responsible gaming .

Side bet

An additional bet in a table game, most often in blackjack and baccarat. Examples: Perfect Pairs (same cards), 21+3 (a combination of the player's cards and the dealer), Lucky Ladies, Hot 3. The casino's mathematical edge on side bets is typically 4 — 15% — significantly higher than the base game. Detail in article on side bets in live blackjack .

Slot (slot machine)

The most popular type of casino game with spinning reels and symbols. The New Zealand market offers thousands of slots from dozens of providers — Kajot, Synot Games, Apollo Games, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, NetEnt, Big Time Gaming. Overview of brands in article about Apollo Games and in overview of slot machines .

Sticky bonus (sticky bonus)

Bonus funds that cannot be withdrawn — you only withdraw the winnings that arise from them in excess of the bonus. The opposite of a non-sticky bonus, where you can withdraw both the deposit and the winnings at any time until you have exceeded the total spins. The vast majority of New Zealand casino welcome bonuses are sticky.

Deposit € + sticky bonus €= total credit €. After spinning and NZ$ 0win you withdraw € (NZ$ 0− € sticky bonus that stays in the casino).

Complaint to the gambling regulator

A formal procedure by which you can resolve a dispute with a casino through the gambling regulator. Most often in case of withheld withdrawal, blocked account or unrecognized winnings. The procedure is free, the player needs documents about communication with the casino and about the disputed transaction. Detail in article about a complaint to the gambling regulator .

Stop-loss limit

A preset loss after which the game or casino will automatically stop playing and you must actively continue. The most powerful tool against tilt, chasing losses and irrational decisions during losing streaks. Comprehensively in article on self-limiting limits .

T

Tilt (loss of self-control)

A condition where a player after a series of losses begins to make irrational decisions — raising bets, chasing a loss, playing outside the planned budget. The term came from poker, it is also used for slots and sports betting. Prevention: stop-loss limit, game diary, planned breaks and awareness of cognitive biases (see article on budget management ).

Trustly

Swedish payment method working via online banking — when making a deposit, the player logs into internet banking via the Trustly environment and the payment takes place immediately. In New Zealand casinos one of the fastest methods, when choosing a credit usually within a few minutes to hours. No registration, no player fees.

Tournament

Competition between players on pre-determined games where the accumulated number of points for bets and winnings is decided. The prize is most often in the form of prize-pool money, free spins or material prizes. New Zealand licensed casinos organize them weekly to monthly. The rules for counting points vary between tournaments — sometimes the highest individual win, sometimes the highest total turnover.

Types of gambling

Casino games are divided into slot machines (slots), table games (roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps), card games (poker), live games, virtual sports, instant games (scratcher tickets) and crash games (Aviator). Detail in overview of types of gambling games .

AT

Welcome bonus (welcome bonus)

New player bonus tied to registration and first deposit. New Zealand is most often 100% of the first deposit up to a ceiling of NZ$ 0— NZ$ 0sometimes with free spins. It is among the lowest marketing barriers — most casinos offer it, but the conditions (spinning 30 — 50x, time limit 7 — 30 days, maximum bet NZ$ 0) are key.

Deposit € + bonus 100%= total credit € when spinning 35x means reinvest NZ$ 10(5,000 × 35) on slots. At RTP 96% expected loss € — higher than total bonus.

IN

reel

A vertically rotating column of symbols in the slot. Classic machines have 3 cylinders, modern machines usually have 5 — 6, Megaways mechanics allow 7 or more. Number of symbols in one reel for classic slot 3 — 4, for Megaways 2 — 7 (dynamically).

Verification (account verification)

Complete completion of the KYC process — the casino confirms that you are the person you claim to be, have the address provided, and own the payment method. After verification, you can choose the prize. Before verification, the casino may withhold the withdrawal and request additional documents. Real test in article on account verification in New Zealand casinos .

VIP club (loyalty program)

Tiered reward system for regular players: every bet brings points, points are converted into money, free spins, cashback or material prizes. Higher levels have a personal manager, higher withdrawal limits and exclusive promotions. Detail in separate article on VIP bonuses .

deposit

Transfer of money from your payment method to the player account. In New Zealand casinos, most often via bank card, bank transfer, Trustly, Apple Pay or Google Pay or paysafecard. The deposit is usually instant; withdrawal takes longer due to verification and anti-fraud control.

Choosing a casino by player type

Not every casino suits every type of player. A recreational player needs different parameters than a bonus hunter or high roller. Detail in a separate article on choosing a casino according to the type of player .

Volatility

A measure of how evenly the game distributes winnings over time. Low volatility= frequent small wins, stable budget, suitable for longer play with lower deposit. High volatility= long streaks without a win, potential for a big hit, requires a bigger budget. Medium volatility is a compromise and the most common in modern slots today. Detail in article on volatility .

A highly volatile game (Money Train 4) may take 200 — 500 spins to drop bonus round. For a budget of € with a bet of €, this means potentially a whole game without a big win — and that bonus is the bearer of 90% of the potential return. Without a budget for 250 spins, it doesn't allow you to risk it meaning.

withdrawal

Transferring money from your player account back to your payment method. New Zealand casino must pay out within 30 days; in practice, most pay within 24-72 hours. The first withdrawal is almost always followed by account verification (KYC). Detail in article on the speed of withdrawals .

W

Wagering

The English term for spinning — see above under the letter P ( Spinning ).

FROM

Live shows in the casino

Live game shows like Crazy Time, Lightning Roulette, Mega Wheel or Sweet Bonanza CandyLand from Evolution and Pragmatic Play Live. They combine the elements of a table game, a slot machine and TV entertainment. Detail in article about Crazy Time and live shows .

Responsible gaming

A set of rules and tools to reduce the risk of problem gambling: stop-loss limit, time limit, self-restriction, self-exclusion, Register of excluded persons. An New Zealand licensed operator is required to offer these tools and actively promote them. Detail in article on responsible gaming .

Attention — the following terms are most often confused:

• Spinning vs. Wagering — the same thing, just in a different language. Spinning 30x= wagering 30x.
• RTP vs. Mathematical house edge — complementary terms. RTP 96%= house edge 4%. RTP is "what you get back", house edge "what the casino keeps".
• Sticky vs. Non-sticky bonus — with the sticky one, you choose only the win above the bonus, with the non-sticky one, the deposit and the bonus win after completing the spin.
• Self-exclusion vs. Self-restriction — self-exclusion via RVO applies to the entire New Zealand market, self-restriction only for the casino where you have set it.
• Wild vs. Scatter symbol — wild replaces regular symbols on paylines, the scatter triggers the bonus and does not require a position on a line.
• Maximum win when playing vs. In the case of a bonus — the game is often 5,000 — 50,000x the bet, the bonus is usually 5 — 10x the value of the bonus (significantly lower).

How to use the dictionary in practice

The dictionary is a reference document — you don't have to read it cover to cover. Three typical situations when it suits you:

1. When making your first deposit at a new casino. In the terms and conditions, you will come across spins, contribution of games, maximum bet, time limit and maximum bonus win. These four parameters decide whether the bonus has real value or is just a marketing sticker. The dictionary will give you the same basics as article on the value of bonus terms .
2. In the event of a dispute over a choice. If the casino withholds the selection, it will use terms such as KYC, AML, anti-fraud, bonus abuse, max win, geolocation in its argumentation. The dictionary will help you quickly find out if the casino has the right to hold or if it's time to file complaint to the gambling regulator .
3. When choosing a new game. In the pay table of the machine, you will find terms such as RTP, volatility, hit rate, max win, mechanics (Megaways, Hold and Win, cluster pays, bonus purchase). The dictionary will give you a quick orientation so that you can decide in 2 minutes whether the game fits your budget and type of player.

Related topics and detailed articles

In-depth articles on individual terms — from the most searched for:

• How to read the terms and conditions of an online casino — what to look for before making your first deposit.
• RTP and volatility of slots — complete analysis with graphs and examples.
• Wagering (spinning) in New Zealand casinos — how much it really costs to spin the bonus.
• The value of the bonus terms — how to calculate the expected value of a specific bonus.
• How to make money on casino sign-up bonuses — what to avoid when spinning.
• KYC verification in New Zealand online casinos — procedure, documents, times.
• House edge on live casino games — table of mathematical advantages for board games.
• RNG and audits of online slots — how the random number generator works and who verifies it.
• Budget management in an online casino — the best preventive tool against tilt and loss chasing.
• New Zealand online casino operators — who stands behind the casinos on the New Zealand market.
• Register of excluded persons — a responsible gaming tool.
• Self limiting limits in New Zealand casinos — daily, weekly and monthly deposit, bet and loss limits.
• Responsible gaming — complete overview of player protection tools.
• Gambling regulator and regulation of gambling — who issues licenses and supervises operators.

Practical articles on topics from the dictionary:

• How to read a slot machine paytable — symbols, lines, RTP, buy bonus.
• Casino Mathematical Edge — Table of Main Games .
• Online casino game providers — who is behind slots and live casino.
• 12 slot machine myths and how it really works.
• The most common mistakes players make with bonuses — causing them to lose their win.
• Loyalty programs and VIP clubs of casinos — when they have a fair value.
• Online casino game log — pattern, formulas, evaluation.
• How to choose an online casino according to the type of player .

❓ Frequently asked questions about the glossary of terms