When you create an account at an online casino in Australia, you are sure to find hundreds or even thousands of pokies in its collection. These games are not only perfect for having an exciting time with enjoyable gameplay, but also allow you to get a chance to win money in a matter of seconds. Let’s talk about it in more detail.
What are Pokies?
Residents of Australia use the word ‘pokies’ for a game such as slots. This is the most popular casino game in the country. This entertainment has a simple mechanics: the player must place a bet and press the button that starts the rotation of the reels. The reels can be from three or more. On them are placed various symbols, each of which has its own value. If after stopping the rotation of the reels on them a winning combination, you will be awarded money.
All information about pokies is presented in the pay table. In it you can find out the following information:
- What symbols are used in the game, and what their value is (the more identical symbols fall on the reels, the better);
- Whether the game has Wild (changes other symbols to help form winning combinations) and Scatter (three or more of these icons activate the bonus round) symbols;
- Whether the bonus round is available (it can award free spins and multipliers);
- Whether there is a mini-game to increase your winnings, say, a Gamble feature;
- Whether a fixed or progressive jackpot can be won;
- How many winning combinations can be formed on the reels;
- The game’s RTP and volatility, etc.
We strongly recommend that you study the pay table before you start playing. This will reduce the likelihood that you will make a mistake due to not understanding the nuances.
RTP and Volatility
There are two important metrics that influence the development of pokies gameplay and the size and frequency of winnings:
- Return to Player (RTP). This indicator allows you to understand how much money a particular slot returns to players over the course of the game. The higher the RTP, the better. We recommend picking games with an RTP of at least 95%;
- Volatility. Low volatility means frequent wins on a low amount. If the pokie has high volatility, gamblers can expect impressive winnings, but they will be rare. There is also medium volatility, medium-low volatility and medium-high volatility. These are more balanced than low and high.
It’s not uncommon for Aussie online casinos to put RTP and volatility information on the game previews. If this is not the case, turn on the slot and check the pay table.
Top Developers of Real Money Pokies
Hundreds of developers are involved in creating pokies, and once you sign up at Aussie online casinos you will have 24/7 access to thousands of these games. You will be able to play for real money as well as in demo mode. If you are afraid of getting lost in the fantastic ocean of entertainment that awaits you, use our recommendations. The table below presents the names of ten top developers and gives examples of their slots.
| Developer | Recommended pokies | ||
| BetSoft | Book of Helios | Chilli Pop | Hot Lucky 7s |
| IGT | Cleopatra | Kitty Glitter | Wolf Run |
| Microgaming | Mega Moolah | Immortal Romance | 9 Masks of Fire |
| NetEnt | Dead or Alive 2 | Starburst XXXtreme | Gonzo’s Quest |
| PlayTech | The Walking Dead | Age Of The Gods: Wheels of Olympus | Shark Blitz |
| RealTime Gaming | Megasaur | Coyote Cash | Count Spectacular |
| BGaming | Bonanza Billion | Gold Rush With Johnny Cash | Book of Cats |
| NoLimit City | Mental | San Quentin xWays | Das xBoot |
| Yggdrasil | Raptor Doublemax | Calavera Crush | Vikings Go Berzerk |
| Pragmatic Play | Sugar Rush | The Dog House | Gates of Olympus |
The Process of Playing Online Slots
We want to help newbies as much as possible with the start of their gambling adventures, so we have prepared a mini-guide to help you play real money pokies:
- Pick an online casino. You can use our recommendations or do the search yourself. Pay attention to the fact that the site has a license and accepts Aussie gamblers. Also find out what hours support available, whether the operator has bonuses, and what payment methods are available for transactions;
- Create an account. Open the registration form and fill in the blank fields with personal and contact information. Keep in mind that underage people are not allowed to play at online casinos in Australia;
- Make a deposit. Pick one of the available traditional payment methods or cryptocurrencies and deposit your balance (if you wish, you can also activate the Welcome Bonus to grab extra money and free spins);
- Select a game. Open the lobby, and then select the Pokies (or Slots) tab. Click on one of the games to start playing for money;
- Place your bet. Now you need to place the bet and start spinning the reels. If they stop and a winning combination is highlighted, you will get your money right away.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated. But we encourage you to study the pay table in every case when you start playing an unknown slot. This will help you to control your game intelligently.
Demo Pokies
Playing pokies for real money is very exciting and can bring you cash winnings, but, as we have already mentioned, Aussie gamblers have the option to use the demo mode. It has its own undoubted advantages:
- The opportunity to play calmly without nerves and fear of losing;
- You can not lose money, because a virtual balance is used;
- Calmly study the nuances of the rules as long as you want;
- Compare titles with each other to understand whether this or that entertainment suits you;
- You can practice game strategies to later apply them in the paid version of the slot.
The disadvantages of demo mode should include the inability to win money. In this mode you can not use bonuses (except for in-game free spins). Also, free play is not counted in the advancement through the levels of the Loyalty Program. All of the above is available only when playing for money.
Free Spins to Play Pokies
Every online casino provides Aussie customers with the option of using free spins. This is a special bonus for playing pokies. It can be received as a separate bonus for making a deposit, as part of another incentive (say, Welcome Promo) or as a reward for participating in the Loyalty Program. Often gambling operators also award a few free spins to players as an apology if they made them wait long with the withdrawal of winnings or for other reasons.
You can also get in-game free spins, if such an opportunity is provided by the rules of your chosen slot. Usually, this opportunity becomes available if several Scatter or Free Spin symbols appear on the reels.
Free spins are an opportunity to spin the reels of slots for free a certain number of times. Usually they are awarded in packages of several pieces. They can be 5, 10, 20, 45, 100 or any other number. If you have the opportunity to use free spins, do not avoid it. It will extend your playing time and give you more chances to win money. But remember that if you use the free spins as a bonus, and did not get them during the game, then to withdraw your winnings, you will have to fulfill the wagering requirements. They are specified in the rules of the promotion.
Tips and Tricks for Rookie Gamblers
Experienced Aussie gamblers use various secrets when playing pokies, which allows them to reduce the risks of quickly squandering their budget. We have prepared tips for you based on these secrets. We hope it will help you become a professional:
- Control your budget. Only you are responsible for your money, so if you don’t want gambling to bring you disappointment, form a budget for the game. Never add new money to it (especially if it is for other purposes). Also, try to place low bets — this will extend your playing time and give you a better chance of winning;
- Pick games with high RTP. You already know this, the higher the RTP in a particular pokie, the more profitable it is to play that game;
- Use free spins. If you have the opportunity to activate this bonus, then take advantage of it. You will get several chances to spin the reels for free and win money;
- Practice in demo mode. This option will suit not only rookies. Experienced gamblers actively use demo mode to thoroughly study the nuances of the rules of this or that slot, and prepare to play for money;
- Avoid jackpots. If you do not have a goal to win a jackpot, it is better not to play such pokies. Their RTP is lower than that of standard slots. Moreover, in many of these games you need to make the maximum bet to expect success;
- Control your emotions. Pokies have a very dynamic gameplay. If you get into a losing streak, you may start to make emotional decisions, such as betting big to get back on track. Don’t do this, as winning is not guaranteed. Play with a cool head.
Our Conclusion
Online pokies is considered the most popular gambling entertainment in Australia for a reason. These are cool games with great gameplay, fast flowing rounds, cool graphics and interesting nuances of the rules. In the catalogs of online casinos operating in the country, you can find thousands of slots for every taste. A whole life is not enough to try each of these amusements. But it is not necessary. If you want to try your luck and get chances to win, try to pick the best of the best pokies. Focus on high RTP and study the nuances of the rules before risking your money. Good luck!