A Beginner's Guide to Playing Pokies in Australia

So, you've heard about pokies but aren't really sure how they work or where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone! There are many people who haven't played before that feel a little daunted at the prospect of where to begin.

Whether you're visiting a casino, hotel, or club, pokies are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Australia. But before you get started, it's important to understand how these machines work and how you can make the most of your experience.

This beginners guide aims to give you some guidance on how to get started playing the pokies without feeling too overwhelmed.

Where Can You Play Pokies in Australia?

In Australia, you'll find pokies in a variety of places, each offering a different atmosphere and experience. The most common locations include casinos, clubs, and pubs.
  • Casinos: These are the most well-known venues for pokies, offering a wide range of machines, from classic pokies to the latest video pokies with advanced features and progressive jackpots. Popular casinos like The Star in Sydney and Crown in Melbourne are renowned for their large selections of pokies.
  • Clubs: Many local clubs, such as RSLs and sporting clubs, also have pokies available for members and guests. These venues typically offer a more relaxed and community-focused atmosphere compared to casinos, but you'll still find a variety of machines to choose from.
  • Pubs: Pubs in Australia often feature a small selection of pokies for players looking for a quick spin while enjoying a drink or meal. They're a more casual environment and a great option for those just dipping their toes into the world of pokies.
Each venue may have slightly different rules, limits, and available pokies, but all of them provide a chance for you to experience the thrill of the game. Just be sure to check if the venue has any membership requirements or local regulations before you head in!

Membership Requirements at Some Clubs

In Australia, many clubs, such as RSLs, sporting clubs, and other local venues, require you to be a member to play pokies if you live within a certain radius of the venue. This is often due to state regulations and the club's policies. If you live outside of this radius, you are allowed to sign in as a visitor.

Keep in mind that if you have a big win at the pokies and you aren't signed in, you may forfeit your chances of receiving the payout (as you hadn't abided by the rules). The good news is that becoming a member is usually quick and easy - it often involves filling out a simple registration form, and in some cases, paying a small annual fee.

Once you're a member, you'll have access to the pokies as well as other club facilities, like dining areas and events. Some clubs even offer special rewards or promotions for members, including members draws. Members are usually offered discounted meals, so it can be worth signing up if you plan to visit regularly.

How Do Pokies Work?

At its core, pokies are a game of chance. The outcome of each spin is entirely random, thanks to a Random Number Generator (RNG) that ensures fairness. Simply put, no one (not even the venue) can predict or influence the result of a spin.

When you press the spin button, the RNG selects a random combination of symbols that determines whether you win or lose. But don't let that discourage you! Pokies are meant to be fun and exciting, and understanding how they work is the first step in enjoying the experience. You may win - you may lose. Just be careful to keep it fun, and don't lose too much.

What Are Paylines?

If you're asking, "What are paylines?" - you're not alone. Paylines are the lines where matching symbols must appear to trigger a payout. As opposed to the original pokies machines that had 1 payline, modern pokies have multiple paylines - sometimes even hundreds!

The more paylines a machine has, the more ways you can win by matching symbols in any combination of rows, diagonals, and zigzags. You can usually choose how many paylines you want to play, with the spin price increasing the more lines you play.

Betting Options and Limits on Pokies Machines

When you play pokies, you'll notice that many machines allow you to adjust your bet size per spin. This flexibility means you can choose to bet a small amount if you're just starting out or feel more adventurous and increase your bet for the chance to win bigger payouts.

Some pokies let you adjust the coin denomination, the number of coins per line, and even the number of paylines you want to activate, giving you a range of options depending on your budget and preferences. For example, you can play a 1c game, playing 50 paylines, at 3x bet. Each spin will cost you $1.50, and wins are multiplied by 3. If you did x5 bet, the wins are multiplied by 5.

However, it's important to be aware that each machine has a betting limit, which caps how much you can wager per spin. This limit is typically set by the venue or the casino and can vary from machine to machine.

Higher betting limits are often associated with machines offering larger jackpots or more advanced features, such as progressive jackpots. While betting more can lead to bigger potential payouts, it also increases the risk of losing your money more quickly.

Remember to always keep track of your budget and ensure you're comfortable with the amount you're betting before you hit that spin button!

What Are Payouts?

Payouts are how much you win when you hit a winning combination on a payline. The amount depends on the symbols you land and how many times they appear on the payline.

For example, if you land a combination of cherries on a three-reel pokie, the payout could be small, but if you hit a combination of lucky sevens or wild symbols, the payout could be much larger. Each machine has its own payout table that tells you how much each symbol is worth and how much you can win with different combinations.

You can usually find game information by pressing the 'i' button on the screen, such as payout combinations and RTP percentages.

How Do Bonus Games Work?

Bonus games are one of the most exciting features of modern pokies. They offer an extra chance to win, often by triggering special rounds or free spins. For beginners, bonus games can seem a bit confusing, but once you know what to look for, they're pretty straightforward!
  • Free Spins: This is the most common type of bonus game. You get to spin the reels without placing additional bets. Any winnings you accumulate during free spins are added to your total prize.
  • Mini-Games: Some pokies have interactive mini-games, where you might have to pick a symbol or complete a task for extra rewards. These are often the highlight of the game, offering bigger payouts and more excitement.
To trigger these bonus games, you'll typically need to land specific combinations of symbols (like scatter symbols) or reach certain milestones in the game. Just be sure to check the game's instructions to know how to unlock these bonus features!

What Is RTP (Return to Player)?

RTP, or Return to Player, is a percentage that tells you how much a pokie will pay back to players over time. For example, if a machine has an RTP of 95%, it means that for every $100 you spend on the machine, you can expect to get back $95 in the long run (though it's important to note that this is a long-term average, and individual sessions may vary widely).
  • Higher RTP: A higher RTP generally means better odds for the player, but remember, it's still a game of chance. It's always fun to aim for a high RTP, but don't forget to enjoy the entertainment value as well!
  • Lower RTP: Lower RTP pokies might offer higher jackpots, but the odds of winning are generally slimmer.
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Progressive Jackpots - What Are They?

Progressive jackpots are the dream for many pokies players. These jackpots grow over time as more people play the game, with a small percentage of every bet contributing to the jackpot pool.
  • How It Works: When you play a progressive pokie, the jackpot keeps increasing until someone wins it. While the chances of winning the progressive jackpot are low, the payout can be massive!
  • Types of Progressive Jackpots: There are two main types of progressive jackpots - standalone (only the game you're playing contributes to the jackpot) and networked (where the jackpot pool is shared across multiple machines or even casinos).
It's important to keep in mind that while chasing a big progressive jackpot can be exciting, these games typically have lower RTPs to balance the large payouts.

The Gamble Feature: How It Works and What to Expect

Many modern pokies machines include a gamble feature, which gives you the option to increase your winnings after hitting a small payout. Essentially, the gamble feature lets you risk your current winnings in a mini-game for a chance to double or even quadruple your prize.

To play, you typically need to guess the outcome of a simple game, such as guessing the color of a hidden card (red or black) or predicting the suit. If you're correct, your winnings are multiplied; if you're wrong, you lose your winnings from that round.

While the gamble feature can be exciting, it's important to keep in mind that the chances of winning are often low - around 50% for simple color guesses and even less for more complex options like suits.

Because of the risk involved, it's recommended to use the gamble feature sparingly and only when you're willing to accept the potential loss of your current winnings. The gamble feature is all about adding a little extra thrill to the game, but remember: it's a high-risk, high-reward feature, and should be approached with caution!

The Chances of Winning at Pokies

Before you start playing, it's good to have realistic expectations. The chances of winning on pokies depend on the machine, its RTP, and the number of paylines. Generally, the more complex the game (with more paylines and bonus features), the lower the chances of winning big on a single spin.

Remember: pokies are designed to be entertaining, and it's important to play responsibly. Set a budget, know when to stop, and always gamble for fun - not to make money.

Choosing the Right Pokie Game

When you're just starting out, it can be overwhelming to pick the right game. There are so many options, from classic fruit machines to modern video pokies with flashy graphics and complex bonus features. Here's how to choose:
  • Stick to Simple Games: If you're new to pokies, start with simpler games with fewer features.
  • Explore Newer Games: Once you get the hang of things, try games with more complex features, like bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots.
  • Read the Paytable: Before you start playing, always check the paytable to understand the symbols, paylines, and potential payouts. This will help you make informed decisions about your bets and gameplay. They may not make sense at first, but you'll eventually get the hang of them.

Ready to Start Playing?

Now that you know the basics of how pokies work, including paylines, RTP, progressive jackpots, bonus games, and more, you're ready to start your pokies adventure. Remember, it's all about having fun and enjoying the experience. Set a budget, know your limits, and play responsibly.

Whether you're at a casino, hotel, or club, pokies are a fantastic way to experience the thrill of chance. Good luck, and may the reels spin in your favour!