Lucky Nugget Casino Review

A 20-year expertise and time-proven commitment to be a reliable gambling spot are what players can expect to get in Lucky Nugget, which is a true veteran in the online casino industry, established back in 1998. It was one of the very first legal sites to be powered by Microgaming and as time has gone on, its reputation solidified as a must-go entertainment option. Lucky Nugget provides full coverage of Microgaming products, from regular pokies to classic roulette to globally acknowledged progressive games, like the celebrated Mega Moolah. NetEnt and Evolution are two more top-class providers to be present in the online casino, thus increasing its appeal among NZ players. Payment options are safe, secure and fast, though bitcoin is not available in the list. Lucky Nugget holds a valid license issued by the Malta Gaming Authority.

All games are checked for fairness by eCOGRA that performs quarterly audits and then furnishes a respective certificate to an eligible casino. The certificate of game fairness can be viewed by clicking the eCOGRA’s icon at the bottom of the casino website. Making players’ choice more reasonable and smart, there is the Payout Percentages page which lists all games found in the online casino with their respective return-to-player values, which will certainly help casino goers find the most profitable games and leverage their casino experience when playing for real money.

Review of banking options in Lucky Nugget Casino

At the point of sign up and after login, a player may choose from about 20 currencies (NZD included) for the casino account. The minimum deposit amount varies between NZ$5 and NZ$20 (method-dependent), with no fees incurred from the casino’s side. Methods include Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, Eco Card and Instadebit.

Players who try to cash out more than x5 times their total deposits with the casino are limited to NZ$4000 a week. For all other players, the max withdrawal limit is NZ$10,000 a day.

Lucky Nugget lists the following withdrawal options on the Banking page: Visa, Neteller, Skrill, Instadebit, e-Check and direct bank transfer. A player has to withdraw a minimum of NZ$50. Each transfer must be screened by the casino and with this aim in view all requests are put on hold for 24 hours, after which the moneys are sent to the player.

Microgaming pokies in Lucky Nugget Casino

There are over 500 games by Microgaming in the reviewed online casino. If the player opts for downloading the casino software to the desktop computer or laptop, the game library will be larger since all Flash games are removed from the browser version but are left untouched in the software. The provider has published a release calendar on its official website which suggests 4 to 6 games be created monthly, thus casino players are encouraged to check back at times, for new pokies.

Due to their cooperation with independent development studios, like Gameburger, Aurum Signature and Fortune Factory, some of their recent games (appr. since the beginning of 2020) lick all creation. New Zealand players are urged to try out their latest pokies (see below) which are full of exciting bonus features and provide fantastic winning opportunities, coupled with eye-catching graphics and game-changing animations: 

• Hyper Gold: Link & Win. Released in June 2021, this 3×5 money-themed pokie has four bet-dependent jackpots, the largest of which (Mega) awards NZ$100,000
• Gold Collector: Hyperhold. This gold-digging 5×4 pokie, made in collaboration with All41Studios,  enables winning up to NZ$100,000 and offers a few enticing bonuses and a unique Hyperhold feature with jackpots
• Amazing Link Zeus. This seemingly basic game can trigger a gigantic NZ$250,000 jackpot at just an NZ$50 bet. Features are Zeus Pick, free spins (10) and Amazing Wild Reels

NetEnt pokies in Lucky Nugget Casino

Additionally to the above classic provider, Lucky Nugget offers around 100 video pokies from another trendsetter, Net Entertainment. Their portfolio is much more extensive than in the above company, yet they do have a great number of iconic games loved by thousands of players in New Zealand.

Starburst is a well-known 5-reel 10-line pokie, a true casino classic in which a win is paid from both ways. Gonzo’s Quest is another legendary NetEnt’s game that has dominated the gambling industry for months. These and other video pokies produced by this leading global company are available in Lucky Nugget for real money.

Progressive games in Lucky Nugget Casino

All the progressives found in this legit online casino come from Microgaming. Many New Zealand gamblers, including newcomers, have certainly heard much about Mega Moolah that has become a byword for instant fortune and monumental winnings. As of today, there are over 5 pokies linked to the Mega Moolah jackpot network. Other noteworthy titles from that developer are Major Millions, King Cashalot and Treasure Nile.

Non-pokie games with progressive jackpots are as follows:

• Roulette Royale
• Triple Sevens Blackjack
• Cyberstud Poker
• Jackpot Deuces
• Poker Ride

All non-pokie jackpots are won very rarely, except Jackpot Deuces video poker that pays out an average of NZ$35,000 every three weeks. The positive expectation for this game appears at the point of almost $54k.

Table games in Lucky Nugget Casino

Fans will be fully satisfied with the selection of table and card games as the casino features around 50 titles. Some recent releases are based on the “Real Dealer” concept that is kind of a bridge between genuine live casino games and RNG tables. Real Baccarat with Courtney, Fortune Finder with Sarati and other similar products use video recordings of female hosts activated at certain stages of the gameplay, responding to player’s actions. Though not as authentic as true live games, Real Dealer tables are nevertheless more immersive than normal online tables.

For a traditional blackjack experience based on classic rules of play, NZ users are encouraged to try Vegas Strip Multihand Blackjack, Vegas Single-Deck Blackjack, European Blackjack and Atlantic City Multihand Blackjack.    

All the three roulette types are covered in the online casino and with some exciting additions to the collection in the form of a Multiwheel Roulette. It is actually based on the same set of rules as European roulette but its key distinction is 8 wheels rotating simultaneously, thus giving the chance to win 8 times as high as playing one single wheel. Baccarat-savvy players should try No Commission baccarat that pays out 1:1 on Player and Banker wins without deducting a 5% commission.

Live games in Lucky Nugget Casino

Multiple game variants, exciting roulette, blackjack, craps and baccarat variations as well as game shows and a recently added slots-inspired Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt are just a tip of an iceberg in what Evolution offers in Lucky Nugget Casino. Registered players with an active casino account can experience premium-quality live games such as Lightning Roulette, French Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Salon Prive Baccarat, Craps, Mega Ball and many other bedazzling games, which are adapted to all devices and can be played in the mobile casino, too.

Welcome bonus in Lucky Nugget Casino

There is only one regular bonus that can be described as a permanent offer. A new member has one week since creating an account with Lucky Nugget to place the first deposit of NZ$10, or greater, and claim the 150% welcome bonus up to NZ$200. The bonus amount needs to be wagered 70 times. Games contribute differently, so players should check the bonus t&c before starting to play it through. 

Bottom line on Lucky Nugget Casino

Game providers in the casino are Microgaming (full collection), NetEnt (partial) and Evolution (full). Payment options are fewer than in many other online casinos for NZ players. The bonus program is very small yet new members do get a welcome bonus, if desired. Lucky Nugget is one of the oldest online casinos in the business and prides itself on being a reputable gambling site with certified fair games and seamless payouts.