Want to know what the hell is a pokie? Well, it is certainly not related to Pokemon. Jokes apart, pokies are the Australian version of online slots or poker slots games. But what are they, and how do they function? Well, I have covered everything there is to cover about online pokies. Here we Go!
History Of Pokies
As of writing this article, Australia has at least one hundred pokie machines. These thrilling and exciting money-making machines are everywhere, from casinos to airport lounges. As per sources, there is a pokie for every 101 citizens. Now, that is a staggering number. But what about these pokies that captivate Aussies, making them love the thrill of winning and losing money?
According to current statistics, an average pokie-loving Australian spends around AU$380 every year. Interestingly, this number is expected to rise as pokies have made a significant transition to the digital forefront. It’s important to note that pokie machines have not always been digital in nature, marking a significant evolution in the gaming industry.
Before the 90s, the game of pokie mainly existed in the form of pokie machines. Only a few people know this, but pokie machines have been around for over a century. The first-ever pokie machine was actually inspired by five-card poker. The first ever pokie machine was built back in 1891 using some strings and drums.
Later on, a man named Charles Fey took the five-poker machine and changed it to something that resembles a modern-day pokie machine. In fact, he was the person who made the first-ever pokie machine.
Initially, this machine was meant to cater to the aristocratic population of Australia. However, the machine found its way to ordinary folks. As a result, Online Pokies became a massive hit among a whole range of people.
Types Of Online Pokie
Pokie machines have been around for ages and have eventually grown to become one of the biggest and most popular means for wagering and passing time. As a result, companies have gone overboard to bring something new from time to time.
In fact, pokies are so popular that every year, something new comes to the table. However, these can be broadly classified into three primary categories. These include video poker, progressive poker, and classic poker. Here is a detailed rundown of some of the best pokie formats in existence,
Video Pokies
Video pokies are the most common variant of the pokie game. In fact, video pokie is most widely available in most casino parlors. In fact, video pokies are the best and most convenient format for playing pokies. However, they are also available online. As a result, this variant is the most popular variant in existence.
Video pokies use visual cues to make things more interesting for their players. Video pokies come in various themes and settings. In fact, the themes that these pokies offer make the gameplay more accessible and engaging for first-time players or beginners. As a result, video pokies have the highest player retention capability compared to other variants.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are not that different from video pokie games. In fact, Progressive jackpots are video pokie games with no fixed jackpots, the jackpot changes with each passing game.
The jackpot amount gets added every round in progressive jackpot pokie games. Every time someone places a bet, the jackpot rises. As a result, the jackpot keeps growing till a player wins it. As a result, the return in progressive jackpot pokie games is much higher than that of other variants.
The jackpot meter is set to zero once the jackpot is won. Even though progressive jackpots are the best way to earn a considerable sum, they are essentially more complex than most other variants of pokie. As a result, you must only try your luck in a progressive jackpot pokie game if you are a seasoned player.
Classic Pokies
Classic pokies are designed to take you back in time. These might feel like they lack features, but that adds to their charms. Classic pokies are the perfect variant for people who want to experience something classic and toned down.
Classic pokies function exactly like old-school pokies. However, you can easily find digital variants resembling the earliest variant. Therefore, you can enjoy this variant from the comfort of your home. Unlike video pokies, classic pokies do not come with swanky themes and whatnot. Instead, they are simplistic and follow a minimalistic design pattern.
How Do Online Pokies Work?
In order to be a master player of pokie, you need to have a clear understanding of how things work in the world of pokie. In fact, having proper knowledge of the game can enable you to make a more informed decision. Therefore, you definitely should not skip this section, as it can help you become a millionaire.
Most online pokie matches are usually played across a grid. These grids typically come in 3×3, 5×3, or 5×5 variants. Each position of a section of this grid contains a specific symbol. There are a total of 12 symbols. As a pokie player, your aim is to build a sequence. This sequence could be a matching sequence or a specialized sequence. Each of these sequences offers a different or specific payout.
As a player, you need to know more about the sequencing. However, it is more important to know about the bets. It would help if you placed your bets before you can start your game. As a result, you need to be very sure about the bet that you place and the implications. Do not oversell your luck. Pokies are notoriously finicky. If you are not careful, they can take all of your money. So be careful.
Once you have placed your bet, you are all set to start your play. For a win, you need to achieve a pay line. A pay line is a specific row of symbols that ensures a particular payout. Therefore, you need to understand the specific payout.
Factors You Need To Understand
As a pokie player, you need to keep track of several factors. In this section, I will try to discuss some of the critical factors that decide or influence the game of pokie. Let us dive right in without further ado. Here is a detailed rundown of two of the most important factors that decide the quality of a pokie.
Online Pokie RTP
RTP stands for Return to Player. This is a significant factor that decides the reward system of a pokie. The game with a higher RTP will mostly pay a higher sum. However, you must not take RTP at face value. Instead, you need to understand the correct way to study a game’s RTP.
RTP can be broadly categorized into two variants. The first is called the theoretical RTP. Theoretical RTP refers to the amount of return that a pokie would give out after an extended period of playing. Therefore, if the theoretical RTP of a pokie is around 97%, it means that it will pay out 97% of its sum after a period of 1 or 2 years.
The second variant is called the actual RTP. Actual RTP refers to the actual return a game will receive after a single round of playing. This is a highly subjective study. This means that the RTP of the game changes from round to round.
As a player, you must understand these two factors very closely in order to know where your money is going. Otherwise, you might make uninformed decisions that can backfire. However, you will appreciate as time goes on. Therefore, you do not need to know all the theories before you start your very first game of Pokies,
Online Pokie Volatility
Apart from RTP, you also need to understand the volatility of a respective pokie. Volatility is significant when it comes to these games. Otherwise, you simply flying blind. In fact, it can even result in the loss of precious funds and bonuses.
Games with lower volatility tend to pay out smaller sums but at more consistent intervals. Games with lower volatility are ideally suited for players who are beginners. They offer space and time to experiment, unlike other variants.
The following variant includes pokies with medium or standard volatility and payout options. Standard volatility offers consistency to players. However, they demand higher wager amounts. Still, they provide consistent payout and handsome sums. This variant is perfect for someone who plays the game regularly.
The final variant is known as high volatility. High volatility pokie is all about high risk and higher rewards. This variant is one of the most thrilling pokie variants. Professional players usually prefer this variant of pokie. In this variant, wins are rare, and it takes more money to begin playing. This is a high-risk, high-reward situation that demands the utmost skill in the pokie. Steer clear of high-volatility pokie games if you are a beginner.
Several online pokie platforms often change their terms according to the traffic they are pulling. As a result, have a clear idea about a game’s volatility before you make any decision. A game with unstable volatility might result in higher losses.
Key Terms You Need To Understand
Apart from the aforementioned terms, the game demands a clearer understanding of some more terms as well. As your casino guide for the day, it is my duty to help you out and educate you on some of the most common and prominent terms that you need to understand when it comes to pokies. Here we go!
- All Ways Win: This means winning the game by matching the most number of symbols in a five or 3-grid game.
- Autoplay: This allows automatic spinning of the reels. It is a quality-of-life addition to most online pokie platforms.
- Avalanche: This allows winning symbols to vanish from grids and let the other symbol replace it. Somehow, it will enable a higher inning rate and faster gameplay.
- Bet: It is the amount of money you wage on a single round of pokie.
- Bonus Round: This is a unique round that is played after a game is over. It allows special rewards and bonuses.
- Bonus Symbol: This symbol enhances or multiplies your winning. This is a payout multiplier symbol.
- Branded Pokie: Branded Pokies are often based on a popular videogame, movie, or TV series franchise. These can even include celebrities and their likeness.
- Cluster Pays: These pokies are played on a larger grid area, and you need to make a cluster of symbols in order to win.
- Coins: Online pokies exclusively use coins as their currency. Each coin might have a real currency value associated with it.
- Expanding Symbol: This is a specialized symbol that grows after you land it. It ensures a larger bonus area and payout.
- Free Spins: Several online pokies provide their players with extra spins. This allows players to win bonuses at no actual cost.
- Gamble: Some online pokie platforms offer a unique feature called the gamble. Here, a player can use their winning to wage on the next game. This can multiply the whole amount and can be a quick way to make more money. However, it also runs the risk of losing everything in the process. Therefore, you must remain wary.
- Jackpot: The highest possible payout of a pokie is called the jackpot. The amount of this jackpot can differ according to the table you are playing.
The Closing Thought
With that, You have reached the end of this article about the game of pokie. Pokie is a prevalent Australian variation of slots and poker slot games. Even though it shares a lot of its genetics with the games as mentioned above, it is a whole different game that works on different proponents. Keep following us for more such content.
Samik has been a literature student all along and uses his fluidity to write about multi-niche topics. Aspiring to be a professional writer, he tries to analyze his topic from a critical standpoint but still adds a hint of personal perspective to the end product. Being a person having a general inclination toward global politics and documentary filmmaking, he also wishes to write and document more about numerous conflicts that are brewing in the different corners of the globe.
