Novomatic is one of the most influential names in slot design, and its classic “Book of” and fruit-machine titles remain some of the most recognisable pokies online. This guide covers who Novomatic (and its online arm, Greentube) are, the iconic retro slots they’re known for, how their RTP and volatility actually work, and how to play them safely from New Zealand. It isn’t a recommendation of any operator: whichever casino you use, the house keeps an edge, so this is entertainment, not a way to make money.
Who Novomatic and Greentube are
Founded in Austria in 1980, Novomatic grew into one of Europe’s largest gaming-technology companies, operating land-based venues internationally under its Admiral brand as well as supplying slot software. Its online and mobile games are delivered through Greentube, Novomatic’s interactive division, which compiles its library on modern HTML5 so titles run in a browser rather than as heavy app-store downloads. Novomatic is widely credited with popularising the “Book of” genre — the scatter-triggered free-spins format with a single expanding symbol that has since been imitated across the whole industry (Play’n GO’s Book of Dead is the best-known descendant, which we cover in our Book of Dead guide).
The classic slots — and what “high volatility” really means
The studio’s reputation rests on a handful of long-running titles, most available in a “Deluxe” edition.
The flagship is Book of Ra Deluxe, an ancient-Egyptian slot on a 10-payline grid where three scattered books trigger 10 free spins with one randomly chosen expanding symbol — we go deeper on it in our Book of Ra guide. Alongside it sit faster, simpler games like Sizzling Hot Deluxe (a pure five-reel fruit machine) and higher-variance titles like Lucky Lady’s Charm Deluxe and Dolphin’s Pearl Deluxe. One thing worth being clear about: when these games are described as “high volatility,” that describes how streaky they are — long dry spells punctuated by occasional bigger wins — not better odds. Volatility is variance, not value; the house edge is the same regardless.
RTP, honestly
The page this guide replaces claimed operators “cannot adjust the math” on these games. That’s only half true, and worth correcting.
The provider sets a game’s mathematics, but many Novomatic/Greentube titles ship in several RTP versions, and the figure you actually play can differ between casinos — Book of Ra Deluxe, for instance, has circulated at more than one RTP setting over the years. So the useful habit isn’t to trust a headline number but to open the in-game info screen and check the RTP for the version in front of you. Whatever it says, RTP is a long-run theoretical average across enormous numbers of spins, not a guarantee for your session, and a higher RTP only means a smaller house edge — never none. Genuine provider software audited by a lab like eCOGRA, iTech Labs or GLI is what backs those figures up; our RTP guide has the full picture.
Playing safely from New Zealand
Novomatic games appear on many offshore casinos rather than on any New Zealand-licensed site, so the usual offshore cautions apply. It’s legal for adults aged 18+ to play at offshore sites, but the landscape is changing: New Zealand is introducing a domestic regime under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with a transitional period for offshore operators running until 1 December 2026. On payments, deposits are debit-based, since credit cards and buy-now-pay-later are banned for gambling in New Zealand — so any claim that “credit cards remain popular” is out of date. Expect an identity check (KYC) — a government ID plus proof of address — before you can withdraw, and complete it early to avoid delays. If you want an app-like experience, use your browser’s “add to home screen” option rather than sideloading an Android APK from outside the official stores, which is a genuine security risk. And rather than trusting “best” or “number-one” labels, look for a licence you can verify on a top-tier regulator’s own site.
Bonuses and responsible play
Welcome offers and free spins are common, but the number that matters is the wagering requirement — a $50 bonus at 40x means $2,000 in eligible bets before those funds become withdrawable, and offers usually expire within days. Some higher-volatility slots are excluded from bonus play entirely, so read the terms first. Whatever you play, set deposit and time limits before you start, use cool-off and self-exclusion tools if you need them, and keep spending to money you’ve budgeted to lose.
This article is general, factual information and is not legal or financial advice, and is not a recommendation of any operator. Games, RTP versions and terms change, so verify the current position with an official source. Nothing here encourages you to gamble — the house edge always applies, and gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. If gambling is causing harm to you or someone you know, free and confidential help is available in New Zealand from the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655), PGF Services and the Department of Internal Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Novomatic, and what is Greentube?
Novomatic is an Austrian gaming-technology company founded in 1980, known for land-based machines (under its Admiral brand) and slot software. Greentube is its online and mobile division, which delivers Novomatic’s games as browser-based HTML5 titles rather than app-store downloads.
What are the most famous Novomatic slots?
Book of Ra Deluxe is the flagship — the ancient-Egyptian slot that popularised the “Book of” expanding-symbol format. Other classics include Sizzling Hot Deluxe, Lucky Lady’s Charm Deluxe, Dolphin’s Pearl Deluxe and The Money Game.
Does a high-RTP Novomatic slot mean I’ll win?
No. RTP is a long-run theoretical average over huge numbers of spins, not a session outcome, and a higher RTP only means a smaller house edge — never none. The same title also ships in different RTP versions, so check the in-game info screen for the one you’re playing.
Can I play Novomatic slots legally from New Zealand?
Adults aged 18+ can legally play at offshore sites that carry Novomatic games. A domestic regime is being introduced under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with offshore operators transitional until 1 December 2026. Deposits are debit-based, since credit cards are banned for gambling in NZ.
Do I need to download an app to play?
No. Greentube’s games are HTML5 and run in a browser like Safari or Chrome, and you can pin a site to your home screen for an app-like feel. Avoid sideloading an Android APK from outside the official stores — that’s a security red flag.
