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Best Microgaming Slots at LeoVegas New Zealand

Microgaming is one of the most respected providers in the online casino industry, renowned for its extensive range of slot games available at licensed casinos, such as LeoVegas NZ. Its catalogue includes classic 3-reel slots, feature-rich video pokies, and branded titles, all driven by certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) and regularly audited for fairness.

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In this guide, we'll explore how Microgaming pokies work, spotlighting the top titles and standout features that have kept this developer popular among New Zealand players.

Company Background: Who is Microgaming?

Microgaming, recently rebranded as Apricot, is a private software company based on the Isle of Man. Founded in 1994 by Martin Moshal, the company initially operated from South Africa before relocating.

Today, Microgaming employs hundreds of people globally and provides casino games, along with platform infrastructure, for numerous online gambling sites. The company is widely recognised as a leading developer within the online gaming industry.

The Origin Story and Legacy of Innovation

Microgaming is credited with launching the world's first real-money online casino, Gaming Club, in 1994. This groundbreaking step paved the way for regulated internet gambling and established Microgaming as a key player in the online casino industry.

Over the years, Microgaming introduced significant advancements such as mobile-compatible casino software in 2004 and early virtual reality gaming prototypes by 2016. The company achieved another notable milestone when its Mega Moolah slot awarded a Guinness World Record jackpot of £13.2 million to a single player in 2015.

The developer’s extensive catalogue includes widely played games such as Immortal Romance and Avalon, alongside titles developed by affiliated studios like Stormcraft Studios and distributed through partnerships with platforms such as Games Global. With content from over 135 partner studios, Microgaming continues to expand and adapt its offerings in response to evolving player preferences.

Regulatory Credentials and Global Reach

The company operates under strict licensing and certification protocols. The developer holds regulatory approvals from the Isle of Man, Malta, the UK, Gibraltar, and other key jurisdictions. Just as importantly, Microgaming games are tested for fairness by independent agencies to ensure compliance with international standards.

This oversight guarantees that the Random Number Generator (RNG) functions fairly and that return-to-player (RTP) percentages remain transparent and unbiased. As a result, Microgaming slots appear in licensed international casinos, including those that legally accept players from New Zealand.

Microgaming Slot Game Mechanics

Microgaming slots rely on robust software architecture, which determines outcomes and ensures each round unfolds fairly behind the scenes.

RNG and Fairness

The fairness of Microgaming slots is tied directly to the Random Number Generator, which runs continuously in the background and determines outcomes the moment a player clicks “spin.” This system guarantees that each spin is entirely independent, unaffected by previous results.

Independent agencies, including eCOGRA, Technical Systems Testing, GLI, and iTechLabs, test the software by simulating millions of spins to confirm that each game performs in line with its stated RTP rate. For example, a game with a 96% RTP is verified to return approximately 96 cents per dollar bet over time, without skewed outcomes or hidden algorithms. The licensing bodies overseeing the developer’s operations require this level of transparency before its games can be offered legally.

Paylines, Reels, and Symbols

Most Microgaming slots use a standard layout of vertical reels and horizontal rows. Classic games such as Avalon typically feature five reels, three rows, and a fixed number of paylines (20 in Avalon’s case). Wins are usually awarded when matching symbols align on active paylines from left to right.

Newer pokies often use alternative mechanics like the popular “ways to win” format. Thunderstruck II, for example, provides 243 possible combinations on its 5x3 grid.

Symbol sets generally include standard playing card icons (9 through Ace) and themed imagery aligned with each game's specific narrative or design, such as mythological figures, animals, or special artefacts. Special symbols further enhance gameplay, with wilds substituting for regular symbols and scatter symbols frequently triggering bonus features like free spins. Additional mechanics include stacked or expanding wilds that cover entire reels, increasing chances of landing significant wins.

Types of Microgaming Slot Games

Microgaming offers a diverse range of slot types, each providing a unique gaming experience. Here are the main styles you’ll encounter.

Classic 3-Reel Slots

Microgaming’s classic slots take inspiration from traditional mechanical pokies. These games usually feature three reels, a limited number of paylines, and iconic symbols such as fruits, bars, sevens, bells, and diamonds.

While visually straightforward, these pokies often include simple bonus features and uncomplicated gameplay. A good example is Wacky Panda, which combines a modern theme with the classic three-reel format and simplified mechanics reminiscent of traditional machines.

5-Reel Video Slots

The majority of Microgaming’s catalogue consists of five-reel video slots. These pokies typically feature detailed graphics, multiple bonus options, immersive storylines, and thematic soundtracks. Many provide numerous paylines or alternative payout systems like the popular "243 ways" format. Notable examples include Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck II.

Progressive Jackpot Slots

Microgaming is renowned for its global progressive jackpot network. Popular titles such as Mega Moolah, Major Millions, and WowPot connect players from various casinos, contributing a portion of each wager into shared jackpot pools.

Jackpots can trigger randomly or via bonus features, and potential top prizes frequently reach seven figures, although outcomes remain entirely chance-based. The Mega Moolah series is especially notable, having awarded some of the largest slot wins ever recorded.

Branded and Themed Slots

Licensed content remains a key part of the Microgaming catalogue. Branded titles like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Jurassic Park, Bridesmaids, Game of Thrones, and Deadmau5 feature trademarked elements from their respective franchises. Alongside these, the developer also releases original series, such as Thunderstruck and Avalon, which maintain lasting appeal through recurring characters and story-driven themes.

Specialty Formats and Mechanics

Microgaming continues to expand its slot portfolio through partnerships with third-party studios, integrating diverse mechanics and formats via its aggregation platform. For example, titles from Inspired Entertainment, such as Anubis Wild Megaways and Prison Escape, introduce variations in reel layouts and branded bonus systems.

Alongside external partnerships, Microgaming also develops its catalogue in collaboration with affiliated studios. Stormcraft Studios has produced popular titles like Immortal Romance Vein of Gold and Avalon III, while Games Global manages the distribution of Microgaming’s legacy series and progressive jackpots.

Additionally, Microgaming has introduced specialised mechanics in select pokies, often through these studio partnerships. Features like Hyper Hold, a hold-and-win mechanic locking cash-value symbols, and Hyperspins, allowing players targeted respins on individual reels, offer players new ways to approach winning combinations.

The developer has also embraced Megaways slots, such as Shamrock Holmes and Forgotten Island, utilizing cascading reels and progressive multipliers. Earlier innovations, such as NobleWays, featured in Mayan Eagle, demonstrate Microgaming’s commitment to experimenting with unique reel mechanics.

Thunderstruck II

A staple in Microgaming’s lineup, Thunderstruck II is a Norse mythology-themed slot that builds on the popularity of its predecessor. The game uses a 5x3 layout with 243 ways to win and features four gods: Thor, Odin, Loki, and Valkyrie, each tied to distinct mechanics within the Great Hall of Spins. This bonus mode unlocks in stages, introducing features such as win multipliers, symbol transformations, extended free-spin modes, and cascading combinations.

Another major draw is the Wild Storm feature, which can activate during base play and turn up to five reels completely wild in a single spin. With a max win of 8,100x the stake, the slot combines solid volatility with layered gameplay. The game’s use of Norse mythology, progressive bonuses, immersive sound design, and random features has kept it a mainstay in Microgaming’s portfolio.

Avalon III

The third entry in Microgaming’s long-running Arthurian-themed series, Avalon III (developed via Stormcraft Studios), expands the saga with a 5x4 reel setup and 20 fixed paylines. Released in 2025, the game features a high volatility profile.

Set against a backdrop of mythical quests, the slot revolves around collecting Magic Orbs to trigger layered features that include jackpots, multipliers, and free spins. As the reels spin, Orbs and scatters accumulate in chests above the grid, randomly unlocking events like a Magic Orb Bonus that floods the reels with prize symbols, or a pick-based Jackpot Bonus tied to five fixed rewards. During free spins, these features remain active and can be extended, maintaining momentum throughout the session.

With a max win of 5,000x and a suite of integrated mechanics, Avalon III represents one of the studio’s most feature-packed and stylistically polished releases to date.

Adventure Palace

Set against a dense jungle backdrop, Adventure Palace is one of Microgaming’s long-standing video slots, using a 5-reel, 3-row format with 9 fixed paylines. The game pairs its straightforward structure with a vibrant set of animal symbols, including tigers, cobras, monkeys, and peacocks. The Elephant acts as the wild and doubles any win it contributes to, while the Jungle Landscape Scatter is key to triggering the free spins round.

Three or more Scatters unlock 15 free spins with a 3x multiplier on all wins. This round can be retriggered, and when combined with the doubling wilds, adds a layer of multiplier potential to the game’s core mechanics. Players also have access to a simple gamble option, allowing them to risk winnings on a card-guess mini-game.

With medium volatility, Adventure Palace also offers a max win of up to 15,000x the stake. Overall, the game maintains a streamlined format that continues to function reliably despite its age.

Can you bring home the bounty playing Amazing Link Bounty slot? Set amongst the harsh conditions of middle America, this slot has a Wild West theme with cowboys and bandits a'plenty.

Amazing Link Bounty offers some incredible features, which include being able to win up to 5,000 x your stake if you hit the right symbols.

There are free spins to take advantage of, as well as the Amazing Link feature, which is activated by landing six or more Amazing symbols. This gives you 3x re-spins instantly, with the Amazing Link symbols staying put while the other reels spin around them, allowing for big cash winning potential!

9 Masks of Fire

Will you go face to face with the 9 Masks of Fire slot? Using an African savannah theme, this enthralling game will keep you captivated by the many bonuses on offer. If you hit three or more Mask Scatter symbols, you will unlock a magical cash prize or land three Free Spin symbols.

Plus, you will summon the great and mystical Free Spin Wheel. Spin this to unearth how many free spins you will be rewarded and if by chance, a multiplier will be added to your wins! You can get up to 30x free spins that can land you a scorching hot cash total.

Travel back to ancient Greece to battle it out with the god of sunlight in Amazing Link: Apollo.

Offering you the chance to win up to 5,000x your stake, you will find out if the gods are smiling down on you by landing some amazing cash prizes. One of the key features of Amazing Link: Apollo is the Amazing Link feature, which is triggered if you hit six or more Apollo Golden Shield symbols.

This will grant you three re-spins instantly, with the Golden Shields staying in place to help you build an even bigger cash prize. There is also the Pick feature, which is unlocked by landing three matching icons, allowing you more ways to win.

Assassin Moon

Take a trip to the glitz and luxury of Assassin Moon playing Microgaming's out of this world slot, featuring a jackpot of 5,000x your stake. Set in a glamorous European mansion, the game is filled with tension as you try to find up to 25 ways to win.

Trigger the Free Spins feature by hitting three or more Scatter symbols across the reels, which will reward you with 10x free spins instantly. You can also build a Jumbo Block that can lead to an extra 10 spins and a win of 7x your stake.

There is also a Link & Win feature that comes into play when you land six or more Link & Win Moon symbols. Here, you can win instant cash prizes or unlock re-spins to help you land a big cash payday.

Hyper Strike

Enjoy dancing your way to victory playing Hyper Strike. This timeless slot has you trying to hit and match classic fruit symbols of cherries, bells, dollar signs and Lucky 7's, as you send the reels into a spin.

Using a five reel grid and 20 paylines, look to land the Hyper Strike Scatter symbols to trigger free spins or you could be rewarded with a go on the Feature Wheel for even more free spins and multipliers to unlock.

Immortal Romance

Go for a walk on the dark side playing Immortal Romance. Set in a supernatural environment, you are sure to unearth spooky things as you go in search of the 243 ways to win on this slot.

Vampires will try to stop you from winning big, but with enough love, there are some excellent features to bring to life. You can hit the Wild Desire feature randomly at any time, which adds to this slot's dark suspense. Entire reels become possessed and big wins can be had. Or discover the Chamber of Spins when you land three or more Scatter symbols (Golden Door Knockers) to awaken free spins!

Book of Oz

Visit the Emerald City when you play Book of Oz and try to unlock all the magical features this slot provides. You will need to navigate a world of wizardry for the chance to win up to 5,000x your stake.

Book of Oz has a brilliant re-spin feature that can help you land a big win, or you can trigger the Free Spin feature by landing three or more Golden Book Scatter symbols. The more of these symbols you hit, the more free spins you will be rewarded, up to a maximum of 25 free spins for five Scatter symbols.

Spin the reels amongst pyramids and pharaohs in Links of Ra where you can win up to 2,500x your stake. Using 40 paylines, this Egyptian themed slot game utilises the Link & Win feature, which is triggered if you hit at least six Coin symbols.

You will be rewarded with 3x re-spins instantly, with the Coin symbols held in place to increase your possibilities of winning a big cash prize.

There is also a Free Spins bonus round, activated when three or more Scatter symbols land, giving you 15 free spins. Any winnings in this bonus are paid out at double the prize!

The Twisted Circus

Roll up, roll up, to play one of the best slots in town when you enter The Twisted Circus. This captivating game not only has a brilliant theme, but you can also win a staggering 83,200x your stake via up to 243 ways to win.

Enter the Big Top to see what features The Twisted Circus has, including a Free Spins feature, unlocked when you hit three or more Circus Ticket Scatter symbols. You will be rewarded with a minimum of 13 free spins instantly plus all prizes won will be multiplied 3x.

There is also a big cash prize to be won in the Circus Match Bonus, which is triggered if you can land a show stopping combination of three or more Wild Symbols, Pink Twins Symbols, Muscle Man Symbols, Snake Handler Symbols, or Fire Breathing Symbols.

Mega Moolah

Play the iconic Mega Moolah for the chance to win up to an astonishing and really wild $1,000,000. Set in the African savanna, this game is packed with big prizes, lots of fun, and exhilarating features.

Try to land the Scatter Monkey symbol to unlock the re-spins feature or track down the Wild Lion symbol which can substitute for any symbol except for the Scatter. Trigger the Free Spins feature by finding three or more Monkey symbols and you'll receive up to 15 free spins, with all wins multiplying x3 in value.

The Mega Moolah Bonus Game can be activated at random to offer more ways to win or you could be lucky enough to get a go at spinning the Mega Moolah Jackpot Wheel for a shot at claiming a whopping $1 Million win!

Game Features That Stand Out

The following are some of the mechanics that define how Microgaming slots function.

Free Spins and Multipliers

Free spins are a common feature in Microgaming pokies and are frequently paired with multipliers. For instance, Adventure Palace triples all wins during its free spins, while Avalon awards up to 12 free spins with a 7x multiplier. Thunderstruck II introduces the Great Hall of Spins, unlocking progressive bonus features, and Immortal Romance ties different free-spin bonuses to individual characters. These mechanics are fundamental to Microgaming’s bonus designs and appear regularly in their most popular games.

Bonus Rounds and Mini-Games

While free spins are the most common bonus feature, some Microgaming pokies also include interactive mini-games. Adventure Palace, for example, lets players gamble winnings in a simple card-based bonus game. Other slots feature pick-and-click mechanics or multi-stage bonus rounds that unlock progressively.

In games like Thunderstruck II and Immortal Romance, repeatedly triggering the main bonus rounds can unveil additional perks, such as increased free-spin counts or enhanced multipliers, creating a sense of progression within each gaming session.

Expanding and Stacked Wilds

Wild mechanics are a hallmark of Microgaming pokies. Games like Immortal Romance offer both expanding and stacked wild symbols, while Thunderstruck II includes the Wild Storm feature, randomly turning up to five reels fully wild during a spin. These mechanics increase the potential for significant wins and add dynamic visuals to key moments in gameplay.

FAQs

What is the best Microgaming slot for beginners?

Low- to medium-volatility slots with simple gameplay are generally easier to get started with. 9 Masks of Fire and Wacky Panda are straightforward examples. Once familiar with the basics, more layered games like Thunderstruck II or Immortal Romance offer greater variety. Trying demo versions first is a useful way to explore different formats.

Which Microgaming slots have the highest RTP?

Microgaming slots with some of the highest RTPs include Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II , Avalon III and Adventure Palace. Progressive jackpot slots, such as Mega Moolah, typically offer lower RTPs around 88%. For the most accurate and current RTP details, always check the game information panel.

Are Microgaming slots fair to play?

Yes. All Microgaming slots use certified RNG systems and are regularly audited by independent agencies like eCOGRA. As long as you're playing at a licensed casino like LeoVegas NZ, the games meet international fairness standards.

What’s the difference between Microgaming and Apricot?

Apricot is the new corporate identity of Microgaming. Although the company's branding has evolved, the games, partnerships, and platform largely remain unchanged. Players will continue seeing the Microgaming name across the familiar pokies that Kiwi players recognise and trust.

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