In the world of casino gaming, few games manage to capture the excitement and anticipation of players quite like online slots. These iconic casino attractions have not only been a fixture in traditional brick-and-mortar establishments but have also found a significant following in online casinos. Nowhere is their popularity more pronounced than in Australia, where these games are affectionately known as “pokies.”
Although pokies appear relatively easy, there is more to them than meets the eye. To properly maximize your pokie gaming experience, you need to know specifics and techniques that can significantly increase your enjoyment of the game. In this post, we’ll review the important guidelines and key elements to remember when playing pokies, whether you’re a seasoned pro or taking your first spin.
What are Pokies?
In the early days of gambling machines, video poker was a keen favorite. Over a couple of decades spanning the latter half of the 20th century, video poker machines reigned supreme on the gambling floors of Australian casinos. Such was the affection for these machines among Aussies that they affectionately dubbed them “pokies.” However, the landscape transformed in the 1980s with the emergence of a new type of gambling machine – video slots. These games quickly gained widespread popularity in Australia, leading many gamblers to shift their focus away from poker machines. Nevertheless, the moniker “pokies” endured, and today, Australians refer to all slots, including those played online, as pokies.
How To Play Pokies
Whether played online or within the walls of traditional casinos, pokies are played the same way. Players wager, set the reels in motion, and eagerly await the emergence of a winning symbol combination. The outcome of each spin is entirely dictated by chance, as online pokies rely on the random number generator (RNG), an algorithm responsible for determining the result of every spin. However, the frequency of wins and the potential monetary gains differ from one game to another. Some pokies yield modest prizes every few spins, while others offer the prospect of significant victories occurring once every few hundred spins. The diversity of pokies, allowing players to choose from various types, contributes significantly to their enduring popularity among millions of Australians. Yet, this merely scratches the surface of why pokies continue to captivate a vast audience Down Under.
How Many Australians Play the Pokies?
Australians comprise roughly 0.5% of the world’s population, yet nearly 20% of all slot machines worldwide are located in the country, underscoring their affinity for pokies. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, 38% of adult Australians engage in gambling weekly, with a significantly higher percentage participating at least once a year, encompassing nearly 75% of the population. Regarding gambling expenditure, lotteries and horse racing betting are the most prevalent, followed by sports betting, with pokies ranking fourth. This ranking does not diminish the popularity of pokies; rather, it reflects the comparatively lower financial commitment required. Consequently, it is estimated that virtually all Australian gamblers have tried pokies, while regular players may number as high as 6 million.
Pokie of the Month
The wide range of online slot games can make selecting the best one for you difficult. Many options are available, from classic and five-reel slots to progressive slots with themes ranging from sports to sci-fi. Among all of these options, it’s important to remember that not all pokies will fit your tastes.
While you could take a chance and choose a game at random, a wiser method is to stick to pokies recommended by industry experts. At truebluecasinos.org, for example, you can read all about their recommended pokie of the month. Playing a game reviewed by a trustworthy casino directory will help you filter through all the other games you probably don’t need to play. You can also read about the game before you begin, from gameplay to betting options.
How to Win on Pokies?
The first rule to successful pokies playing is to allocate your pokies budget. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose to avoid going broke. When it comes to the method you can use to increase your winning chance, here are some proven strategies:
Play High-RTP Pokies
The Return To Player (RTP) is the percentage of all the money wagered on the game that’s paid back to the players. The industry standard is 96%, but some pokies come with an even higher RTP, such as NetEnt’s Blood Suckers with a 98% RTP.
Stick To Popular Pokies
If there’s something casinos hate, it’s losing money. For you to win a big prize playing a pokie, some other players need to lose their money first. This is why playing popular pokies is your best shot at walking away with cash.
Play Medium-Volatility Slots
High volatility means that the slot pays big but only occasionally. Low-volatility slots are those that do just the opposite. Then, there are slots with medium volatility, which pay decent prices relatively frequently.
Only Play at Legit Sites
Online gambling platforms with a legit operating license and positive reviews are almost guaranteed to ensure fair gambling. Playing slots at such online casinos means that you do have a chance to hit the jackpot.
Claim Online Casino Bonuses
You should claim all available bonuses when playing online slots and make the most of ongoing casino promotions. This way, you will get more pokie-playing credits, which, in turn, will give you more opportunities to land some nice prizes. However, always make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that you meet the required wagering requirements.
Final Thoughts
We’ve looked at ways to improve your odds of winning at the pokies. We’ve emphasized the need for responsible gambling techniques like budgeting to keep players from exceeding their financial restrictions. In addition, we’ve described tried-and-true tactics such as choosing high-RTP slots, focusing on popular slots, and selecting medium-volatility slots. Playing exclusively at reputable online casinos and capitalizing on available bonuses and promotions further heightens the prospect of landing substantial prizes. Armed with the insights and tips presented in this guide, players can embark on their pokie adventures more confidently, making the most of their gaming experiences while prioritizing responsibility.
