Understanding Pokies
Pokies, the beloved Aussie term for slot machines, are a popular form of gambling in Australia and New Zealand. These electronic gaming machines are found in pubs, clubs, and casinos across the country.
At their core, pokies are games of chance. Players insert coins or credits and spin virtual reels filled with symbols. The goal is to match symbols across paylines to win prizes.
Most modern pokies have 5 reels and multiple paylines. Some key features include:
- Wild symbols: substitute for other symbols to create wins
- Scatter symbols: trigger bonus rounds or free spins
- Progressive jackpots: massive prizes that grow over time
Pokies use psychological techniques to keep players engaged. Flashing lights, catchy sounds, and near-miss effects create excitement.
It’s important to understand the odds. Pokies have a built-in house edge, meaning they pay out less than they take in over time. The return-to-player (RTP) percentage shows how much a pokie pays back on average.
Players should set limits and play responsibly. While strategies exist, pokies remain games of chance with no guaranteed wins.
Preparing to Play
Before spinning the reels, players need to make two key decisions. They must pick the right machine and set a responsible spending limit. These steps help create an enjoyable pokies experience.
Choosing a Machine
When selecting a pokie machine, punters should look for games with high Return to Player (RTP) percentages. The RTP shows how much a machine pays back to players over time.
Higher RTPs mean better odds for the player. Most pokies display this info in their game menu.
Players should also consider the number of paylines. More paylines offer more chances to win, but they can be pricier to play.
Volatility is another factor to think about. Low volatility games pay out smaller amounts more often. High volatility pokies have bigger jackpots but less frequent wins.
Setting Your Budget
Responsible gaming starts with a solid budget. Players should decide how much they can afford to lose before they start playing.
It’s smart to divide the budget into smaller sessions. This helps stretch the fun and prevents overspending.
Using a timer can keep track of playing time. It’s easy to lose track when the reels are spinning.
Many pokies offer options to set loss limits. These features stop play when a certain amount is lost.
Players should never chase losses or borrow money to play. If the budget runs out, it’s time to stop for the day.
Basics of Playing Pokies

Pokies are easy to play but have a few key steps to understand. Learning these basics will help punters get started and have more fun at the machines.
Reading the Paytable
The paytable shows how much each symbol pays and explains special features. It’s usually found on the pokie machine’s information menu.
Punters should look for:
- Symbol values
- Bonus round rules
- Wild symbol info
- Scatter symbol details
Understanding the paytable helps players know what to aim for during spins. It’s smart to check it before playing a new pokie.
Inserting Money
To start playing, punters need to add money to the machine. For physical pokies, this means inserting coins or notes. Online pokies use digital funds from an account.
Most machines accept various amounts. The screen shows the credit balance after money is added.
It’s wise to set a budget before playing. This helps avoid overspending.
Selecting Bet Amount
Punters choose how much to bet per spin. This affects potential winnings. Higher bets can lead to bigger payouts, but the money goes faster.
To select a bet:
- Choose coin size
- Pick number of coins per line
- Decide on number of paylines to play
The total bet is shown on screen. It’s smart to start with smaller bets to learn the game.
Understanding Paylines
Paylines are the lines where matching symbols pay out. Traditional pokies had one payline, but modern games can have hundreds.
More paylines mean more chances to win, but they cost more to play. Punters can often choose how many lines to activate.
Some pokies have fixed paylines. This means all lines are always in play.
It’s important to know that symbols must land on active paylines to count as wins.
Spinning the Reels
After setting the bet, it’s time to spin. In physical pokies, punters pull a lever or press a button. Online pokies use a ‘Spin’ button on screen.
The reels spin and stop randomly. Matching symbols on paylines create wins.
Some pokies offer an ‘Auto Spin’ option. This spins the reels automatically for a set number of times.
It’s crucial to remember that each spin is random. Past spins don’t affect future results.
Pokie Features and Bonuses
Modern pokies offer exciting features and bonuses that can boost your winnings and make gameplay more fun. These extras add variety and increase your chances of scoring big payouts.
Wilds and Scatters
Wild symbols act as jokers, substituting for other symbols to create winning combos. They often appear stacked or expanded on the reels. Some wilds have special powers like multipliers or sticky abilities.
Scatters are unique symbols that can trigger bonuses. Unlike regular symbols, scatters don’t need to line up on a payline to work their magic. Getting enough scatters usually activates free spins or bonus games.
Both wilds and scatters make it easier to land winning combinations. Keep an eye out for these helpful symbols when playing your favourite pokies.
Free Spins and Bonus Rounds
Free spins and bonus rounds are the most exciting parts of playing pokies. Free spins give you extra chances to win without spending more money. They’re often triggered by landing scatter symbols.
Bonus rounds offer special mini-games within the pokie. These might involve picking objects to reveal prizes or playing a themed game related to the pokie’s story. Bonus rounds usually have bigger payouts than regular spins.
Some pokies let players buy bonus features directly. This costs extra but guarantees access to the special round.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots offer the chance to win life-changing sums of money. These jackpots grow over time as players make bets. A small portion of each wager goes into the jackpot pool.
There are different types of progressives. Some are linked across multiple pokies or even multiple casinos. Others are standalone progressives on a single machine.
To win a progressive, players usually need to land a specific symbol combination or trigger a special bonus round. The odds of hitting a progressive are low, but the payouts can be massive.
Always check the pokie’s rules to see how to qualify for the progressive jackpot. Some require max bets to be eligible.
Pokie Etiquette

Playing pokies can be fun, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette. This helps everyone have a good time at the casino or pub.
Pokie machine etiquette is about being considerate to other players and staff. Here are some key tips:
- Play the machine if you’re sitting at it. Don’t hog a machine without playing.
- Offer your seat to someone else if you’re not playing.
- Keep your belongings close to avoid blocking walkways.
It’s polite to give other players space. Don’t crowd someone while they’re playing or watch their screen too closely.
Be mindful of noise levels. Avoid loud celebrations or complaints that might disturb others.
Respect the casino staff. Follow their instructions and be courteous if they need to check your ID or assist you.
Remember, pokies are for entertainment. Play responsibly and know when to stop. Take breaks and don’t spend more than you can afford.
By following these simple rules, everyone can enjoy their time at the pokies. It creates a friendly atmosphere for all players.
Bankroll Management Tips
Managing your bankroll is key when playing pokies. It helps you have more fun and play longer.
Set a budget before you start. Decide how much you can spend without hurting your wallet. This keeps your finances safe while you enjoy the game.
Break your budget into smaller amounts. This way, you won’t spend it all at once. You might split it into daily or weekly limits.
Choose your bets wisely. Smaller bets mean you can play for longer. They also help your money last through losing streaks.
Here’s a simple guide for bet sizes:
Bankroll Size | Max Bet per Spin |
---|---|
Small | 1-2% of total |
Medium | 2-3% of total |
Large | 3-5% of total |
Take breaks often. This helps you avoid chasing losses or getting too excited when winning.
Set win and loss limits. Stop playing when you hit these limits. It’s a great way to keep your bankroll in check.
Keep track of your wins and losses. This helps you see how well you’re doing over time.
Remember, pokies should be fun. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s okay to stop and come back another day.
Playing Pokies Online
Playing pokies online is easy and fun. It lets you enjoy your favourite games from home. Here’s how to get started and manage your money.
Signing Up at Online Casinos
To play online pokies, you need an account at an online casino. Pick a trusted site with good reviews. Look for casinos that have a licence from a respected authority.
Click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button on the casino’s website. Fill in your details like name, email, and birth date. Choose a username and password.
You might need to verify your account. The casino may ask for ID or proof of address. This step keeps your account safe.
Some casinos offer welcome bonuses for new players. These can give you extra money to play with. Read the terms carefully before you accept any bonus.
Depositing Funds
Once you have an account, you need to add money to play. Go to the cashier or banking section of the casino site.
Pick a payment method that suits you. Common options are:
- Credit or debit cards
- E-wallets like PayPal or Skrill
- Bank transfers
- Prepaid cards
Enter the amount you want to deposit. Most casinos have a minimum deposit amount. Don’t deposit more than you can afford to lose.
Follow the steps to complete your payment. The funds should show up in your account straight away. Now you’re ready to play pokies!
Withdrawing Winnings
If you’re lucky enough to win, you’ll want to get your money out. Go to the withdrawal section of the casino.
Choose how you want to receive your money. Often, you need to use the same method you used to deposit.
Enter the amount you want to withdraw. There might be a minimum withdrawal amount.
The casino will check your withdrawal request. This can take a few days. They might ask for more ID checks for big wins.
Some casinos have a pending period before they process your withdrawal. During this time, you can cancel the withdrawal if you change your mind.
Once approved, your money will be on its way. How long it takes depends on the payment method you chose.
Gaming Strategies and Myth Busting
Many players believe they can outsmart pokies, but it’s crucial to understand how these machines work. Pokies use random number generators, making each spin independent of previous ones.
One common myth is that machines are “due” for a win after a long losing streak. This isn’t true. Each spin has the same odds, regardless of past results.
Some players think they can predict winning patterns, but this is impossible. Pokies are designed to be unpredictable.
A smart strategy is to set a budget and stick to it. This helps manage losses and extend playtime.
Tips for responsible gaming:
- Set time limits for play sessions
- Take regular breaks
- Never chase losses
It’s also wise to choose pokies with higher paylines. More paylines can increase chances of winning, though they may require larger bets.
Free spins and bonus rounds can boost winnings. Look for games that offer these features.
Remember, pokies are meant for entertainment. While strategies can help manage play, there’s no guaranteed way to win. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.
Responsible Gaming
Playing pokies can be fun, but it’s important to do it responsibly. Gamers should set a budget before they start playing. This helps them avoid spending more than they can afford.
Taking breaks is another good idea. It gives players time to clear their heads and think about whether they want to keep going.
Many online pokies sites offer tools to help with responsible gaming. These might include:
- Deposit limits
- Time reminders
- Self-exclusion options
Players should never chase their losses. If they’re not having any luck, it’s best to stop and try again another day.
It’s also smart to learn the rules of the game before playing. This helps gamblers understand their chances of winning and how the game works.
If someone thinks they might have a problem with gambling, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. There are plenty of support services available in Australia.
Remember, pokies should be about having fun. If it stops being enjoyable, it’s time to take a break or stop altogether.