About Columbus Deluxe
Columbus Deluxe is a popular online pokie from Novomatic that reimagines the legendary voyages of Christopher Columbus in a rewarding 5-reel slot format. As a refined version of the original Columbus game, this Deluxe edition offers improved graphics, expanded paylines, and a thrilling free spins feature that gives players more chances to land big wins.
Simple yet engaging, Columbus Deluxe has become a trusted choice among pokie fans in New Zealand – especially those who appreciate high volatility and straightforward gameplay with solid payout potential.
Gameplay and Features
Columbus Deluxe is played on a standard 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 fixed paylines. Its mechanics follow a classic Novomatic style – familiar to players who enjoy games like Book of Ra or Lucky Lady’s Charm – but with a maritime twist.
Key features include:
- Wild Symbol: Columbus himself is the wild and can substitute for all symbols except the scatters.
- Scatter Symbols: Three ship symbols (Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria) act as scatters and are needed to trigger the bonus round.
- Free Spins: Landing 3 or more scatters awards 10 free spins, during which additional wilds and retriggers are possible.
- Gamble Feature: After any win, players can opt to gamble and potentially double their payout by guessing the colour of a hidden card.
Volatility is on the higher end, making it a great pick for players who enjoy the thrill of bigger, less frequent wins.
Symbols and Payouts
The symbol lineup includes Columbus, Queen Isabella, jewellery, and classic card values. Here’s how some of the key symbols behave:
- Columbus (Wild) – Helps complete winning combinations
- Ships (Scatters) – Trigger the free spins feature
- Queen Isabella – One of the highest-paying regular symbols
Wins are paid from left to right, and the max win can reach up to 5,000x your stake with the right combination of symbols and features during the free spins.
Graphics and Sound
As the name suggests, Columbus Deluxe is an upgrade over the original, with cleaner graphics, more vibrant colours, and smoother animations. The background features a calm ocean horizon, with reels framed in gold.
The soundtrack is minimal but includes classic Novomatic jingles during wins and feature triggers – adding a sense of familiarity for fans of their older titles.
Mobile Experience
Columbus Deluxe is fully compatible with mobile devices and plays smoothly on iOS and Android. The game runs in-browser using HTML5, so there’s no need for downloads or special apps. Players in New Zealand can spin from their phone or tablet with the same features and performance as the desktop version.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High payout potential in free spins
- Clean, classic Novomatic style
- Available at most NZ-friendly casinos
- Mobile-optimised
Cons
- No bonus buy feature
- High volatility may not suit all players
- Dated animations compared to newer slots
Final Verdict
Columbus Deluxe is a timeless Novomatic title that delivers exactly what many pokie players look for: straightforward, high-volatility action with a strong bonus round. While it won’t win awards for cutting-edge graphics or innovation, its simplicity and potential for rewarding free spins keep it relevant among online pokies in New Zealand.
Can I play Columbus Deluxe for free in New Zealand?
Yes, most online casinos and review sites offer a free demo version of the game.
Is Columbus Deluxe available on mobile?
Yes, the game is built with HTML5 and plays seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
What is the RTP of Columbus Deluxe?
The theoretical RTP is around 95.02%, which is standard for Novomatic titles.
Does Columbus Deluxe have a progressive jackpot?
No, there’s no jackpot, but the game can pay up to 5,000x your stake during the free spins round.
Online Casinos to play Columbus Deluxe
| № | Casino | Rating | Welcome Bonus | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Up to €1,000 Info about bonus | Play now | Stupid Casino offers new players a wager-free welcome bonus package of up to €1,000 across their first three deposits. The first deposit grants a 100% bonus up to €300, the second deposit provides a 50% bonus up to €400, and the third deposit awards another 100% bonus up to €300. To claim each bonus, players must use the respective codes FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD before depositing. The bonus is sticky, meaning it is deducted upon withdrawal, but players can cash out at any time since there are no wagering requirements on winnings. | ||
 | 125% up to NZ$2,500 + 125 FS Info about bonus | Play now | New players at Bizzo Casino can claim a first deposit bonus of up to 125% and NZ$2,500 plus 125 free spins. The percentage of the bonus and the number of free spins depend on the deposit amount. A deposit between NZ$30 and NZ$50 grants a 50% bonus and 50 free spins, while a deposit between NZ$50 and NZ$200 increases the bonus to 75% and awards 75 free spins. Those who deposit between NZ$200 and NZ$500 receive a 100% match bonus and 100 free spins. For players who deposit between NZ$500 and NZ$2,000, the bonus reaches its maximum of 125% along with 125 free spins. Free spins are credited in batches over five days, with winnings subject to a 40x wagering requirement. The bonus funds also require a 40x wagering requirement, and the maximum bet allowed while the bonus is active is NZ$6.5. | ||
 | 100% bonus up to NZ$ 123 Info about bonus | Play now | Fun Casino's welcome bonus offers a 100% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$123, effectively doubling your initial deposit. For example, depositing NZ$123 will give you a total of NZ$246 to play with. Additionally, new players receive 160 free spins, with 10 spins credited upon registration and 150 spins awarded after the first deposit. The maximum bet allowed with bonus funds is NZ$5. No bonus code is required to activate the offer-simply register and make a qualifying deposit to receive it. The bonus comes with a 50x wagering requirement, which must be met within 30 days. Deposits made via Neteller and Skrill are excluded from this offer. Always read the full terms and conditions before participating in any promotion. | ||
 | No welcome bonus - 10% cashback Info about bonus | Play now | No Bonus Casino offers a straightforward 10% cashback program for New Zealand players, calculated on net deposit losses during a 24-hour period starting from the first deposit. For example, if you deposit 200 NZD and lose the entire amount, you'll receive 20 NZD as cashback. The cashback becomes available 24 hours after the initial deposit and can be claimed immediately or within 10 days, provided your account balance is below 10 NZD and there are no pending withdrawals. Unlike traditional bonuses, the cashback is free of wagering requirements, offering players a transparent and hassle-free way to recover part of their losses. | ||
 | Up to NZ$4,000 + 250 FS + 1 Bonus Crab Info about bonus | Play now | Beteum's welcome bonus for New Zealand players begins with a 150% match on the first deposit, up to NZ$2,000, along with 50 free spins. To qualify, players must deposit at least NZ$40. The free spins must be claimed manually after logging in and are subject to a 35x wagering requirement. The bonus funds also carry a 35x wagering requirement. The maximum allowed bet while wagering is NZ$10, and deposits made via Skrill or Neteller are not eligible. |
