It is common knowledge that pokies are the most popular online casino game for Aussie players. We at Pokiesworld.net understand this well, so we spend a lot of time preparing reviews of these games. This information will help you with your choice of slots, playing which you can not only have a great time, but also get a chance to win money.
Criteria We Use to Select and Rate Online Pokies
Having spent many years analyzing casino games, we have formed a list of criteria that we apply when researching and evaluating online pokies. We are sure you will find these criteria useful if you are looking for a great game to try your luck in Australia:
- Type. We are analyze how many reels are in the game, whether it has features, and so on;
- Provider. Here everything is simple — we find out which company developed the game;
- Theme. We check what theme the online slot is dedicated to. It can be vampires, Wild West, animals, fruit, etc.;
- Volatility. Low volatility means frequent low amount wins, while high volatility slots provide infrequent large amount wins;
- Payout %. How often do you have a chance to win? The higher the percentage, the more often players win;
- Jackpot. We check whether the game has a jackpot and whether it is fixed or progressive;
- Star Rating. We rate the game on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
We also invite Aussie players to explore our catalog of the best real money pokies, formed according to a variety of criteria. It is possible that your future favorite game is just a few clicks away.
Explaining the Process of Playing Online Pokies
Online slots have very simple rules, and you will be convinced of this when you start playing. We have prepared a mini guide that will help you not to make mistakes:
- First, choose a reliable online casino that operates legally in Australia (you can use our recommendations if you don’t want to do the searching):
- Create an account;
- Make a deposit;
- If you want, activate the bonus to get free spins;
- Choose one of the pokies (note that if you have activated the bonus, you may only be allowed to apply it to a specific game);
- Study the rules of the game in the options, paying attention to the value of symbols and the number of pay lines;
- Place your bet;
- Click on the button labeled ‘Spin’, after which the reels will spin (if you want, you can activate the automatic reel spin option by selecting the number of spins to be made).
It usually takes a couple of seconds for the reels to spin, after which you will know whether you have won or lost. Remember that the results are determined by the Random Number Generator, so you have no reason to question them.
How We Carry Out Online Slots Reviews
Our regular readers know that as responsibly as we approach the preparation of online casino reviews, we also scrutinize online pokies. This allows us to provide you with excellent reviews of these games.
When preparing reviews, we evaluate many criteria and give an overall rating to the game. All characteristics of the slot, its features, graphics, sound, payout size, compatibility with handheld gadgets and much more are analyzed. All our actions are aimed at helping you make the most informed choice to play for money at Aussie online casinos.
Gameplay
So, we spend a lot of time playing the game to thoroughly understand its mechanics. This allows us to reasonably tell you about betting limits and game symbols
Features
We always pay attention to theme, number of reels, volatility, number of pay lines and other gameplay elements.
Graphics and Audio
We analyze the quality of graphics and audio, how well it suits the game and contributes to the enjoyment of the process. That’s why we recommend online pokies from the best developers (NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n Go, etc.).
Payout
Payout frequency and size is one of the most important criteria when choosing a game, which is why we always reveal these metrics to our readers.
Jackpots and Bonus Rounds
While testing the game, we also check if the jackpot can be won and if the rules provide for the activation of bonus rounds. We also examine whether the game has free spins, Wilds and Scatters.
Mobile Compatibility
Nowadays, Aussie players increasingly prefer to use smartphones to play online pokies. Therefore, we check whether the game is compatible with Android and iOS devices.
Fun
No matter if you play for real money or in demo mode, you should have fun! That’s why we test the game to see if it’s boring or arouses positive emotions.
Types of Online Slots
The information in this paragraph will also be very useful for rookies taking their first cautious steps into the online gambling world. So, you need to remember that online pokies have many varieties. This will help you choose the game that will be perfect for you.
Classic 3-Reel Pokies
Playing these slots will give you a sense of nostalgia for the 90s of the 20th century and the original land-based machines. Classic pokies are perfect for rookies because they have the simplest rules and only 3 reels. Most often the game symbols in them are fruits, numbers and other classic elements of old games.
5-Reel Slots
These games are called video pokies. On their reels are placed a large number of symbols, including Wilds and Scatters. Also, the more reels, the more pay lines you can form. Note that in these games there is often an opportunity to win fixed or progressive jackpots.
6- and 7-Reel Pokies
This is a new stage in the development of video pokies. They basically follow the structure of 5-reel slots, offering players a 6×3 or 7×3 playing field. Wilds, Scatters, multiplier symbols, etc. are often used in these games.
3D Slots
3D slots are a more advanced version of video slots. Thanks to the high quality graphics, such amusements can be reasonably compared to computer video games. Often these pokies are dedicated to movies and TV series.
Progressive Jackpot Games
The popularity of such games is unlikely to ever go down. All players dream of winning big, and these pokies give them that chance. Many online casinos list the actual amount of the progressive jackpot on their sites, thus motivating players to join the game and try their luck.
Interactive Slots
This is one of the new trends in the development of online slots. They are also called i-slots, and more often than not, their gameplay integrates a mini-game that is part of the bonus round. It allows gamblers to increase their winnings, most often with multipliers. Interactive slots are called so because they give players the opportunity to rely on skill, not just luck.
Hold & Win
These online pokies have a bonus game-play feature, in which you need to collect a certain number of symbols for a certain number of reel spins. When these symbols fall on the reels, they are fixed on the reels. The more symbols you collect, the higher the amount of winnings. If you want to try such a game, then play Brides of Dracula.
Megaways
The creator of this game mechanic is the famous Australian developer Big Time Gaming. This mechanic randomly changes the number of symbols appearing on the reel in each particular spin. Most often, pokies with Megaways mechanics offer up to 117,649 ways to win. These slots usually have at least 6 reels and the number of symbols on each reel changes with each spin, up to a maximum of seven. Due to this, the number of pay lines is increased.
Hot Drops
This variety of jackpot slots appeared not so long ago. Unlike progressive slots, playing Hot Drop pokies, you can be sure that the jackpot will be played by a certain time — once an hour, once a day or when it reaches a certain amount.
VR Pokies
This is a modern variety of slots that is just starting to gain popularity. But there is every reason to believe that pokies with virtual reality technology integrated into them will become more and more popular, allowing players to become full participants in the game.
Pokies Themes
All online slots have a theme. For many players from Australia, it is a very important element of the game, influencing the special emotions from it. We have selected a few examples of slot themes that you are sure to come across when using online casinos:
- Films and TV series. In recent years, developers have increasingly started to offer players online pokies related to famous movies and TV series. Examples include Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones;
- Vampires. A very popular theme that developers continue to enjoy exploiting when creating new slots. We recommend you to try Blood Suckers 2 — it is a very popular pokie in Australia;
- Animals. Play games like The Dog House, Wolf Treasure or Mustang Money to see why slots with this theme are so popular all over the world. Games with animals as protagonists allow you to get positive emotions from gameplay;
- Christmas. These online pokies are particularly popular in winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play them all year round!
- Mythology/History. Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, the Wild West and many other mythological and historical themes are also popular with Aussie customers of online casinos. Try Gates of Olympus or Hall of Gods to understand the reasons for this popularity.
Features You Need to Know About
If you want to become a pro at playing online slots, you should know about the rules and features of this entertainment. Pokies can be characterized by different parameters:
- Reels. The gameplay is organized on these vertical lines. Start the rotation of the reels, after which combinations of symbols will be randomly formed on them. In classic slots there are usually only three reels, and in video pokies — 5 or more;
- Pay lines. These are the winning combinations that are formed on the reels. The more reels, the more pay lines;
- Bet size icons. Use these buttons to set the bet size for the next spin of the reels. Experienced Aussie gamblers form budget for the game and keep their spending under control;
- The spin button. Click on this button to start spinning the reels and find out whether you have won or lost;
- Pay table. This is the information about the game that you need to look at in its options. Be sure to start the game by studying this information to learn about symbols, winning combinations, bonus features and so on;
- Symbols. These are the images on the reels that form combinations. They can be of any kind: in the form of animals, fruits, musical instruments, scuba diving equipment, etc. Each symbol has its own value, and some of them activate special features of the slot;
- Wilds. This symbol is used in the game to replace any regular symbol and help the player to form a winning combination;
- Scatter. Collecting anywhere on the reels three or more of these symbols, you get access to the bonus round and the chance to win even more money.
Real Money Pokies vs. Demo Slots
All online slots can be categorized into two varieties: those that are played for real money and those that are available in demo mode. Although, in fact, online casinos offer their customers to try in demo mode the same pokies, each of which is available to play for money. The advantage of the demo version is that you are not risking your money, and you are free to explore the nuances of gameplay as much as you want.
Real money pokies have advantages and disadvantages that you should know about before you start spinning the reels.
Pros:
- You can win money;
- The opportunity to utilize bonuses is available;
- Chance to win fixed and progressive jackpots;
- Playing for money counts for participation in the VIP/Loyalty program.
Cons:
- You have to spend your money.
Best Developers of Online Pokies
Hundreds of developers are involved in creating online slots for casinos operating all over the world. Over time, you will realize that games from some companies offer much better gameplay than others. Some of the developers that we think deserve your attention are Microgaming, Playtech, Quickspin and Play’n GO.
Microgaming
One of the elite developers who has been working since 1994 and has collaborated with online casinos from different parts of the globe. It often applies innovative mechanics to the gameplay of his pokies, and creates slots of different types. Some of the most popular titles in its collection are games with progressive jackpots, such as such a famous slot as Mega Moolah.
Playtech
Currently, Playtech’s portfolio includes more than 700 (!) games of different genres: games with live dealers, poker, table games and, of course, pokies. If you try such slots as Age of the Gods or Big Bad Wolf, you will understand why iGaming content created by this company is fantastically popular all over the world.
Quickspin
In 2016, Playtech acquired Quickspin, a company that was famous for its cool online slots even before that moment. This developer’s games are created with the desire to make them as player-friendly as possible. At the same time, it emphasizes its efforts to make each of its new pokies better than the previous one.
Play’n GO
You will surely love online pokies from this famous developer. It releases new titles almost every month. Each of Play’n GO games is characterized by cool gameplay, beautiful graphics and excellent optimization, which allows you to enjoy them on both desktop and mobile devices.
Useful Tips for Playing Online Pokies
There is no win-win strategy for playing online slots. This game depends on luck, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t win. Use a few useful tips that our experts have prepared for you.
Know the Pay Lines
This is always the place to start if you want to play a game you haven’t played before. Open the online slot options and explore all the available information about pay lines, symbols, extra features, etc. Remember that the more pay lines in the game, the bigger budget you will need, because you will have to bet on each pay line.
Pick the Best Casinos
We strongly recommend you to choose only reliable, legal online casinos. The operator must accept Aussie players and apply serious measures to ensure the security of their personal and financial information. To avoid searching for such sites, use the reviews from our site Pokiesworld.net.
Control Your Bankroll
Before each game session, make a budget. Include only the money that you are not afraid to lose. Also try to place low bets to prolong the time of the game and prevent rapid burnout of the bankroll.
Try Before You Buy
As a rule, at online casinos in Australia, all pokies can be tried for free using the demo mode. Take advantage of this option to figure out the nuances of the rules, practice and understand whether this game suits you or if you want to choose another entertainment.
Avoid Jackpot Slots
Usually, such online slots are volatile and their RTP is low. These are not the best conditions to play for money. That’s why it’s important to learn the terms and conditions of the game before you start spinning the reels.
Use Free Spins
Almost all online casinos that operate legally in Australia offer bonuses to their customers. Among the promotions available may be free spins, which are used to play online pokies. Study the rules of the bonus and if they seem favorable to you, get it and use it to extend your playing time and get more chances to win.
Know how to Leave on Time
Even the most experienced gamblers from Australia lose more often than they win — that’s the nature of online slots. If your series of losses has become very long, it is better to end the game. Take a rest and come back another day, perhaps then you will be luckier.
Responsible Gambling
Our team of experts from Pokiesworld.net are interested in helping the people of Australia have a great gaming experience. We recommend those online casinos that recognize the importance of Responsible Gaming, promote its principles and honestly inform customers about the risks associated with gambling. We have prepared reviews of many such operators, which you can find on our website.