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Gold Rush Slot – Review & Demo

Play
Slot Details
RTP RTP
96.50%
Volatility Volatility
Medium High
Autoplay Autoplay
No
Paylines Paylines
25
Theme Theme
Adventure & Treasure Hunting
Release Date Release Date
26th Dec 2017
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Approved by Experts
Boomerang Bet
Extensive Sports Betting Markets
Crypto-Friendly Transactions
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.3/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 35x
Min. Deposit: NZ$40
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Hugo Casino
VPN Friendly Casino
Huge Welcome Offer for Kiwis
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
5/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 45x
Min. Deposit: $40
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Mr.Punter
Diverse Selection of Jackpots
70+ Leading Software Providers
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
3.1/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
Good
Wagering: 35x
Min. Deposit: NZ$40
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Mr.Pacho
Large Selection of Games
NZD Dollar Accepted
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.7/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 35x
Min. Deposit: NZ$40
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Instant Casino
Weekly Cashback for All Players
Various Live Casino Games
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.9/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 60x
Min. Deposit: €20
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Casiny
Generous welcome bonus package
Referral bonus available
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.7/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 40x
Min. Deposit: $30
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Billybets
Responsive Customer Service
Fast Transaction Options
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.6/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 35x
Min. Deposit: $30
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
Casinova
Rich Selection of Promotions
Low Minimum Deposit Amount
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
2.9/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
Poor
Wagering: 40x
Min. Deposit: $40
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
GlitchSpin
Good Deal of Bonuses
Thrilling Tournaments to Compete in
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.7/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 45x
Min. Deposit: NZ$30
Kate Author Image
Approved by Experts
IntellectBet
VPN Friendly
Multifaceted Platform with Sportsbook
Rating
How We Rate?
Our 5-star rating system offers players from New Zealand an honest and clear assessment of the reviewed online casino, based on six key performance factors. The overall rating reflects how each factor contributes to the overall gambling experience, with a special emphasis on security and game quality as the top priorities in terms of the New Zealand online casino that is being assessed. Our experts rate each factor individually to arrive at an overall score, which is an average of all the factors combined. The goal of the 5-star rating system is to offer Kiwi players a reliable and fact-based overview of what the operator has to offer.
30% 20% 15% 15% 10% 10%
  • Security
  • Bonuses
  • Payments
  • Games
  • Support
  • Design
4.7/5
Trust Score
Trust Score
The Casino Trust Score evaluates the reliability of an online casino in New Zealand through an analysis of operational procedures, mechanisms in place to protect players’ personal and financial data, ethical standards, and feedback from real users across the world. The following trust indicators are taken into consideration to reach the final score:
  • Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
  • Financial Security
  • Gaming Technology and Fairness Provability
  • Casino Customer Service
  • Responsible Gambling Practices
High
Wagering: 45x
Min. Deposit: €20
Kate R.
Author: Kate R.
Mia Lewis
Reviewed by: Mia Lewis
Updated: August 19, 2025

Quick Overview of Gold Rush Pokie

Check the table below for a summary of the key features of the Gold Rush pokie:

Provider Pragmatic Play
Reels/Rows 5x3
Hit Frequency N/A
Max Win x161
Min-Max Bet NZ$0.25 - NZ$125
Top Features Scatter Symbol, Free Spins, Wild Symbol, Gold Nugget Collection
Bonus Buy N/A
Jackpots N/A

Comprehensive Gold Rush Pokie Review

With its standard layout, straightforward gameplay, and bet limits designed to suit various player budgets, this pokie appeals to fans of mining-themed titles. It offers medium-to-high volatility with the potential for payouts up to 161x of your stake. The standout feature is the free spins round with level-up options, though triggering it can take time, as there’s no option to buy in.

The Gold Rush pokie is best suited for players who enjoy the excitement of high volatility gameplay and have the bankroll to support any dead or minimal winning spins while waiting for the big wins to land.

How the Game Runs: The Mechanics & Gameplay of Gold Rush Pokie

Pragmatic Play has a knack for creating popular online pokies that appeal to everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned players, thanks to their straightforward layouts and uncomplicated gameplay. Gold Rush is no different, featuring a standard setup of five reels and three rows with 25 fixed paylines.

Adjusting the wager is simple; a large spin button is located to the right of the reels, while + and – buttons let you change the bet from NZ$0.25 to NZ$125. You can also control the pace of the action by choosing Turbo or Quick Spin modes, and set up autoplay for up to 100 hands-free spins.

Exploring the Visuals, Sound, and Player Experience in Gold Rush Pokie

The backing soundtrack has a lively country vibe; however, if players find it a bit repetitive after a while, they can switch it off using the mute button. The mining theme is evident from the moment you open the pokie with the reels set against the backdrop of a mine.

The symbols perfectly depict the theme, with the Prospector being the most valuable. Other symbols include carts full of gold, donkeys, mine lamps, picks, shovels, and the usual range of card suites commonly found in most pokies.

Gold Rush Pokie: RTP, Volatility & Max Win

The Gold Rush pokie features a higher-than-average RTP of 96.50%, with a maximum win of up to 161x your wager. For example, NZ$1 spins could pay up to NZ$161 in winnings. It has a volatility rating of 4 out of 5, placing it in the medium-to-very-high volatility range. This means players may encounter numerous dead spins, but a single significant spin can give a big win, typical of high-volatility pokie titles.

Special Bonus Features in Gold Rush Pokie

Pragmatic Play’s Gold Rush Pokie has straightforward gameplay, featuring one main bonus feature and wild symbols in the form of dynamite sticks. These wilds help create more wins by substituting for all regular symbols, but they do not replace the scatter symbols that trigger the free spins.

The Gold Rush pokie free spins feature triggers when at least three scatter symbols depicted by a mineshaft land on the reels, rewarding 10 free spins. During this round, players collect gold nuggets to progress through levels, with each level increasing valuable Prospector symbols on the reels. Going deeper into the mine also adds more wilds, boosting chances of bigger wins.

  • Level 1: 7 more Prospector symbols
  • Level 2 (collect 5 nuggets): 16 more Prospector symbols
  • Level 3 (collect 10 nuggets): 21 more Prospector symbols
  • Level 4 (collect 15 nuggets): 29 more Prospector symbols

Banner with the text “Gold Rush Paytable & Symbols”.

Gold Rush Pokie: Paytable & Symbols

The higher value symbols are mining-themed icons, while the lower value symbols are the traditional card icons. The top paying symbol is the Prospector, followed by the wagon of gold, donkey, gas lantern, and pickaxe & shovel.
To form a winning combination, you need a minimum of three matching symbols on a payline, starting from the leftmost reel, with payouts increasing for four or five of a kind.

Symbols Payout Rates
Prospector 1x to 20x
Wagon of Gold 1x to 16x
Donkey 1x to 12x
Gas Lantern 0.80x to 8x
Pickaxe & Shovel 0.80x to 4x
Ace 0.40x to 3x
King 0.40x to 2x
Queen, Jack, 10 0.20x to 2x

Pros & Cons of Gold Rush Pokie

To help you decide if the Gold Rush Pokie will complement your gaming requirements, we’ll break down its strong features versus any downsides:

PROS
High RTP of 96.50%
Fun and engaging mining theme
Wilds and free spins feature
Variety of high-paying symbols
CONS
No reel modifiers
Backing soundtrack can be repetitive
No bonus buy-in option

Play Gold Rush: Free Mode vs. Real Money – Comparison

Pragmatic Play offers all its pokie games in both real money and demo versions. The demo mode allows you to explore games risk-free, without any financial commitment, while the real money version requires actual deposits.

Try Gold Rush Pokie in Demo Mode at NZ Casinos

If you’re new to pokies or haven’t played Gold Rush before, you can give the free play version a spin to get familiar with the game. You’ll start with a virtual balance of pretend cash. You can then set your wager limits to match what you would use with real money, helping you see how quickly your funds increase or decrease and choose an optimal betting range.

Play Gold Rush Pokie for Real Money at NZ Casinos

Once you’re ready or have familiarised yourself with the game mechanics, you can choose a licensed casino and claim bonuses for NZ players to boost your bankroll, giving you more chances to spin and trigger the free spins round for bigger payouts. Don’t forget to review the bonus terms to ensure Gold Rush qualifies for wagering.

How to Get Started with Gold Rush at New Zealand Casinos

If you’re new to online gaming and unsure where to start, we will outline the steps to help Kiwi players find a safe NZ casino and get started right away:

Estimated Time: 7min
Tools Needed: Mobile, Computer, iPad
Supplies Needed: Time, Money
Step 1
A laptop displays a website titled "The Best Online Casinos 2025," showcasing two casino listings. A mouse cursor points to the "CLAIM NOW" button.

Select a Pragmatic Play Casino

The first step is to find a licensed Pragmatic Play casino. Make sure the site uses proper safety measures to safeguard player safety.

Step 2
A smartphone displays the "Nightrush Approved Online Casinos" page with a listing for "Hugo Casino," to the right, a blue gift box with a green ribbon is surrounded by gold coins and confetti against a dark blue background.

Sign Up & Claim the Welcome Bonus

Complete the account registration, then visit the promotions page. Review the welcome bonus terms and minimum deposit requirements before claiming.

Step 3
A desktop monitor displays a Popular Payment Methods screen featuring logos with glowing geometric shapes scattered around the monitor against a dark blue, starry background.

Deposit Real Money

Next, go to the cashier page to make your first deposit. If a bonus code is needed to activate the welcome offer, don’t skip it.

Step 4
An image of a smartphone with dollar coins, red arrow going down in one, green arrow going up iin other, deposit and withdrawal texts are positioned in two sides, all against a dark blue background.

Play & Withdraw

Now you can start playing the Gold Rush pokie to meet the wagering requirements. Once completed, you can withdraw any winnings.

Gold Rush Pokie Free Spin Bonuses at New Zealand Casinos

NZ casinos offer a variety of bonuses for Gold Rush players, including special welcome offers, reload bonuses with free spins, and no-deposit promotions that provide bonus cash or free spins. These allow you to play Gold Rush risk-free while still having the chance to win real money.

Banner with the text “Gold Rush Mobile Accessibility for New Zealand Players”.

Mobile Compatibility: Is Gold Rush Good on the Go?

Pragmatic Play optimises all their pokie titles, including Gold Rush, using HTML5 technology. This means you can enjoy the game at top mobile casinos on the go, whether on desktops, tablets, or smartphones. The game adapts to different screen sizes, ensuring a consistent high-quality experience. Loading times are fast, and the touchscreen interface makes gameplay smooth and responsive.

Final Verdict: Is Gold Rush Worth Spinning?

If you enjoy simple gameplay and a fun mining theme, Gold Rush is definitely worth trying. With an above-average RTP, engaging features, and vibrant symbols, it’s a pokie that appeals to a wide range of New Zealand players.

Gold Rush Pokie Review: FAQs

Kate R.
Kate R.
Kate's interest in online casinos started from her curiosity with game theory and statistics, which, over time, she turned into a profession. Her expertise varies from reviewing online casinos to catching and evaluating the latest trends in betting markets. Kate also frequently collaborates with industry experts to provide in-depth analyses and predictions on the future of online gambling.