Pokies: What Are These Aussie Electronic Gaming Machines?

Pokies: What Are These Aussie Electronic Gaming Machines?

Pokies is one of the misinterpreted terms in gaming. They are not related to poker or video poker machines in any way. It is a nonformal term for a certain type of betting machine in Australia and New Zealand. Care to know which?

In our best online casino news, we tell you about pokies: what it is, the term’s origin, features, and regulations.

Are Pokies Slot or Video Poker Machines?

Pokies work like every casino slot machine: you insert your coin, pull the lever, and wait patiently for the spinning symbols to align on the paying reels. If you land rewarding combinations, you win; if otherwise, you lose.

“Pokies” is a commonly used term in Australia and New Zealand. The term does not directly relate to slots; it connects more with “poker.” There is a good chance that those who termed slots pokies must have encountered video poker machines, and slots are a big part of these machines. We aren’t sure, but it makes sense if you think about it.

There isn’t a widely known reason for abbreviating slot machines into pokies. However, it is a common practice to shorten things uniquely in the country. For example, a person from Australia is called an Aussie.

Pokies are fun and easy to understand since they are slots. The potential of huge rewards and amazing jackpot prizes makes them appealing. However, since they are chance-based, while you’re likely to win big, you’re equally likely to lose a lot.

In South Australia, pokies must have at least an 87.5% return to player percentage (RTP). These games have RNGs to ensure free and fair gaming. However, note that you will not win 87.5% of the time. Rather, the RTP implies the total lifetime earnings will be returned to players in the long run.

Types of Pokies

Pokies are classified into different groups based on reels. However, in some places in Australia and New Zealand, all pokies are frowned upon because they can be addictive.

Classic Pokies: Slots with 3-reel are called classic pokies. They are the oldest and simplest machines.

Video Pokies: 5-reel slots are called video pokies. They are improved versions of classic slots that offer more paylines and bonus features.

Progressive Pokies: These pokies are slots with increasing or fixed jackpots, where a portion of every bet made across connected machines contributes to a growing jackpot. This can be a life-changing sum of money for lucky winners.

Fixed Jackpots: Fixed jackpots can also yield big returns.

Features of Pokies

One of the reasons pokies are so appealing to players is the variety of exciting features they offer. They include:

Bonuses and Free Spins

Most pokies have bonus rounds, free spins, and interactive elements. Bonus rounds can be initiated by specific symbol combinations, allowing players to win large prizes. With free spins, players enjoy extended play time without extra costs, increasing the chances of hitting a winning combination.

Regulation of Pokies

Despite the fact pokies are immensely popular, they’re equally considered the most harmful form of gambling in Australia and some parts of New Zealand.

The South Australian government regulates pokies by ensuring fair play, protecting players, and maintaining responsible gambling.

Reports show that people who commonly seek gambling-related help play poker. According to the Department of Human Services, in 2018, about 72% of people who reported gambling addiction in South Australia highlighted pokies as the major cause of their problem.

To combat the reoccurring issues, the Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation Amendment Regulations 2023 laid out measures to control pokies. The new standards include where to operate, how many machines can be installed in specific venues, and the maximum amount that can be wagered or lost over time.

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Whittled Brief

Pokies is synonymous with a slot machine. Hence, it is a chance-based game. Place your bets, press a button, or pull a lever, and hope on Lady Luck to match the right combination to make you win big. So, when you next visit Australia or New Zealand, ask for pokies if you want to play slots. However, take into consideration that gambling addiction is real. Therefore, gamble responsibly.

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