Thanks to the internet, you can now play pokies online from the comfort of your own home.
Australians have a great love for playing pokies, and the country has 196,900 pokie machines which is more than any other country in the world on a per capita basis.
Are online pokies that use real money worth playing? How do they operate and is it possible to win substantial amounts of money? Read our comprehensive guide on online pokies to learn all the necessary details.
The word “”Pokie”” is a term used only by Australians and New Zealanders in the casino industry to refer to what the rest of the world knows as “”slot machines.”” Although it may sound unfamiliar to non-Australians, it is not too difficult to understand the meaning behind the word. However, some Europeans and Americans may initially think that Australians are talking about prisons when they hear the term.
The term ‘pokies’ originated from the term ‘poker machine’ but the exact origin is unclear. It is believed that the first electronic gambling games in Australian casinos were video poker machines, which were called pokies. When slot machines became popular, they were placed on the same gambling floors as the poker machines. Australians then started calling both poker and slot machines ‘pokies’ because it was more convenient.
A pokie is a type of gambling device, either mechanical or video, that has reels with symbols. The goal is to line up combinations of symbols on the designated paylines to win. Each symbol combination has a multiplier value that determines the payout amount when applied to the size of your bet.
There are various types of pokies available, including physical VLT machines (real-life pokies) that are present in casinos throughout Australia and the world. These machines accept bets in the form of coins, notes, or casino cards, depending on the establishment.
You can find another type of pokies available online that can be played on your desktop computer, cellphone or tablet directly from any online casino. To play, you will need to top up your casino account with a deposit through different Australian-friendly payment options and use your credits from there.
To better understand how pokies work and the benefits they offer during gameplay, we need to first discuss common terminology related to these machines. This will help clarify the dynamics of pokies.
On the screen, there are vertical columns called ""roller columns"" that hold the game symbols. These columns will spin and stop to create different combinations of symbols. The screen usually shows either 3 or 5 columns, which are also referred to as ""reels.""
To win in slot games, you need to align identical symbols on pre-set line patterns called paylines. These lines run from left to right across the reels. However, some games use a different method called Megawaysâ„¢ or 'All Ways Pays', where you only have to match symbols on adjacent reels to win instead of following a line pattern.
In the industry, ""bet"" and ""stake"" are used interchangeably to refer to the amount of money you wager on a game round. Generally, you bet per active payline, with amounts ranging from $0.01 to $10 depending on the game. Your total stake for a spin is determined by multiplying your bet per line by the number of paylines. For example, if you bet $5 per line on a game with 20 paylines, your total stake for that spin will be $100. However, Megawaysâ„¢ and All Ways Pay machines are based on total bet rather than payline bets.
To win, you need to match the symbols on the paylines. There are different variations of symbols, each with its own value. The more symbols you get on a payline, the bigger your win will be. Typically, wins come from landing 3 to 5 symbols on a single payline.
A scatter symbol can generate a win without landing on a payline, instead appearing anywhere on the screen. Scatters are also commonly used to activate special bonus rounds in games.
The Wild symbol in the game has the ability to substitute for the majority of other symbols.
The ""jackpot"" refers to the highest amount that can be won on a single payline, typically achieved by aligning the highest paying symbol. The specific amount of the jackpot is determined by the game's variance level and may differ from game to game.
The pokies operate using random algorithms, but their volatility levels can be changed by the game provider, determining how frequently wins occur. The games are usually categorized as Low, Medium, or High variance.
The payouts occur frequently but they are typically smaller in value.
Although game payouts are rare, their rewards are high when you do win.
This strikes a balance between frequent small wins and occasional big wins, making it perfect.
RTP stands for Return to Player, which is the average amount of money that a player can expect to receive back from the machine over its lifetime. It is often misunderstood to refer to the player's edge per game round, but this is not the case. The average RTP for pokies is approximately 96%, making them higher stakes games compared to games like poker and blackjack, which can reach up to 99%.
As you read the guide, you will come across these terms in different places. If you haven’t learned all of them yet, make sure to refer back.
Pokies are a game of chance, and the outcomes are determined by a reliable RNG (Random Number Generator) software that ensures fair results on every spin.
To get started, simply use:
If you are playing online, make sure to register a casino account. Or sit at the slot machine in a real casino.
You can load your account online with a card or a deposit.
Toggle the Bet Selector to select your stake.
Click SPIN once you're satisfied with your wager.
The combinations will be landed as the reels roll.
When you get a winning combination, the machine will multiply the value of the symbols by your bet amount and give you the prize money straight into your account. It’s a straightforward process.
As we have previously mentioned, there is no surefire way to win, but there are actions you can take to improve your performance to the fullest. These actions consist of:
To enjoy playing pokies, it's important to have the right mindset. Focus on the entertainment value rather than the wins, so that if you do lose, you won't feel too disappointed.
It is important to create a budget for gambling and stick to it strictly. Only use money for gambling that you can afford to lose.
It is not recommended to continue playing a slot machine after experiencing multiple losses in a row. It is wiser to switch to a different game instead.
To increase your chances of winning, make sure to activate as many paylines as possible in games with adjustable paylines. If your budget is a concern, adjust your bet per line instead of decreasing the number of active paylines. Remember, the more paylines you have active, the higher your chances of winning.
Until you activate the special features, try to keep your bets at a moderate level. Increase your bet every 50 spins or so to trigger free spins with the highest wager possible. This will help you get the most value out of your spins.
To the type of gameplay you desire, select a game that matches your expectations. If you prefer receiving larger wins less often, opt for high variance games. If you prefer receiving smaller wins more frequently, choose low variance games instead.
Playing smart and responsible leads to better chances of winning, although it does not guarantee them. By making wise choices, you can decrease your losses and savor your wins even more.
To sum up, online pokies are an essential part of the online casino world that offers players an exciting and engaging gaming experience. These games come in a vast variety of themes, boast impressive graphics, and offer tempting bonuses. As a result, online pokies offer limitless amusement and the chance to win big. Since they can be played from the comfort of one’s own home and offer a plethora of game options, players can easily choose the pokie game that best suits their preferences and betting style.
Advanced technology enhances the experience of playing online pokies by providing seamless gameplay, interactive features, and progressive jackpots that can potentially change your life. It’s crucial to practice responsible gambling habits, such as setting limits and only playing with funds within your means.
Online pokies provide a wide range of experiences that cater to the preferences of every player, whether you’re a casual player seeking entertainment or a seasoned gambler seeking high-stakes action. By spinning the reels and pursuing winning combinations, immerse yourself in the thrilling realm of online pokies at online casinos.
