Online pokies, as well as physical slot machines, are some of the most popular casino games, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re easy to play, fast-paced, require no strategy or skill, and offer the chance to win cash prizes with a single spin of the reels. Anyone can play pokies online real money Australia, and everyone — first-timers and seasoned players are sure to enjoy them. If the game had a motto, it would certainly be ‘sit back and wait for a stroke of luck’. But how do online pokies work?
The answer is surprisingly simple. Every pokie game is powered by a random number generator (RNG), which is a piece of computer software that creates sequences of random numbers. When you hit the ‘spin’ button, the RNG picks a random number, and this determines which reel stops on which symbol. As a rule, if you land three or more matching symbols on a payline, you’ll receive a payout. The outcome is completely random, so there’s no way to predict or influence the result.
This may sound like bad news for the players, but there’s actually a silver lining. Because pokie outcomes are entirely random, it means that every player has an equal chance of winning. And with jackpots often reaching millions of dollars, it’s no wonder that so many players keep coming back for more.
The amount of the payout depends on the symbols that land on the payline, as well as the size of your initial bet. For example, three cherries may only pay out a small prize, while three sevens could result in a much larger payout.
Online pokies generally have higher payout percentages than traditional slot machines, making them a popular choice for many gamblers.
How to play online pokies: Top Tips
As we’ve said above, pokies are a pure game of chance. This is why you are not going to find any guidelines on how exactly to place bets, what paylines to choose, what to receive bonuses, etc. here. It is all random! Slots are a game of chance, and no amount of skill or strategic thinking can overcome the house edge.
Our tips will cover the most frequently asked questions about the mechanics of the game, and the principles of responsible gambling.
- Make sure you understand the game. Read the paytable so you know what symbols are worth, and determine how many paylines you want to play.
- Then, set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and spend more money than you intended. Once you’ve reached your limit, stop playing and walk away.
- Manage your money. When it comes to pokies, it’s all about managing your money wisely. First, be sure to only bet what you can afford to lose. It can be tempting to bet more money when you are on a winning streak, but this is often when players end up losing the most money. Remember that each spin of the wheel is completely independent of the last: winning once or even twice in a row doesn’t mean that you must raise the stakes. It is always better to start with minimum wagers and place bigger bets only if you want to spice things up a bit and when you are ready to lose that money.
- Don’t get obsessed with progressive jackpots. Yes, progressive pokies offer ever-growing jackpots that can reach life-changing sums of money. But ask yourself: what are your odds to hit it? The winning chances are slim, and many gamblers feel much more satisfied playing lower-volatile pokies with fixed jackpots that tend to pay out more systematically.
- Have fun! At the end of the day, pokies are all about having fun. And it is also a healthy and preferable approach to gambling.
In addition, don’t forget to maintain the principles of safe gambling: registering only on a licensed platform, choosing the right bonuses, and playing the games in the free demo mode before depositing real money.
Online Pokie Myths and Truths
Even though online pokies have proven to be absolute leaders on any casino floor, a lot of misconceptions are still surrounding them.
All online pokies are rigged
You have to understand that any online game can be either fair or rigged. It will depend on the casino where you have registered and the developer company. Both of them must be licensed and reputable companies. Then, there will be no issue concerning the security of your data and money. The gambling platforms regulated by gaming authorities must follow strict guidelines. Their software, services, payments, pokie games, and Random Number Generators are subject to regular audits to ensure that the results are completely random.
You can play online pokies professionally
First of all, turning playing pokies into a money-making activity is dangerous for a healthy state of mind. Besides, some people believe that there is some kind of secret technique that will raise your winning chances or that you need to be a skilled player to win at online pokies. Again, this is not the case. This is a purely luck-based game, so anyone can win at any time. What a player should do, though, is check all the paytables, Bonus features, and paylines in advance and play it a couple of times in the free demo mode. Being aware of what to expect and simply knowing the rules is enough.
There are no strategy tips that can help you win at online pokies
While there is no sure-fire way to guarantee a win, there are some tips that can give you a better chance of success. For example, it can be a good idea to bet on all paylines to maximize your chances of winning. And yet, it may not work well for every game and each gambler.
Online pokies are boring and repetitive
This could not be further from the truth! There are hundreds of different online pokie games to choose from, with themes to suit all tastes. From classic fruit machines to the latest video pokies, plus, there are the newest releases that have managed to incorporate 3D, VR technologies, and interactive gaming principles.
You need to place maximum bets to win the jackpot
While betting max might increase the chances in some games, it is not necessary. Activating the maximum number of paylines is much more important for improving the odds.
We hope our tips have dispelled some misconceptions you might have had about online pokies and physical slot machines. Always keep a cool head and stay in control: gambling is just a form of entertainment, nothing more.