Ever heard the term “pokies” and wondered what the heck it means? No, it is not a new game that you are unfamiliar with and it is not a new term that Gen Z invented. The term “pokies” is actually pretty old and it is used to describe a game that we all love and play at casinos every day.
So, what are pokies?
Well, pokies, in simple terms, are what Aussies call slot machines. Yes, that’s it. They are basically the good old slot machines that we play every day. It isn’t a new fancy game coming to the world of casinos. Pokies are mostly used in Australia and New Zealand, and even though they sound like something new, they are used to refer to slot machines.
So, the question is, why would Aussies reinvent the casino vocabulary and introduce a term called “pokies”, which is no shorter than slots? Let’s find out more about why Australians call slot machine pokies and the origin of this word.
The Origin of Pokies
So, why every nation wants to be different? Why don’t we have unified words, at least for things we all agree on?
Well, it has to do with culture, tradition, and habits. The term “pokies” is actually short for “poker machines”, which was a term used in the 1970s and ’90s when video poker machines dominated the world of casino games.
Nowadays, pokies are simply slots, and we are not talking only about video poker. Every slot type is referred to as pokie. For example, social casinos that have free-to-play slots are called free pokies.
So, now that we know what this word resembles, it’s time to ask the question why?
Well, Australians have a knack for shortening words, and they do it all the time. They go to a point where the shortened word causes mass confusion, especially for foreign tourists in the country.
For example, do you know what Australians mean when they say “Barbie”? No, it is not the plastic doll. “Barbie” is a shortened form of “barbeque.” Australians also refer to McDonald’s as “Maccas,” and they call small children “ankle biters.” To understand these terms, you might need a slang dictionary. The word “pokies” fits right into this category.
Types of Pokies
Now that we know that “pokies” are actually good old slot machines, let’s learn more about the types of pokies, how they are played, and other terms like paylines and RTP that might be important if you are thinking about wagering some money.
Let’s break it down. Here are the most popular pokies:
- 3-Reel Pokies: These are timeless classics and are often regarded as the original pokies. The reason is simple: one of the first slot machines ever created had three reels and fruit symbols.
- 5-Reel Pokies: Most modern casinos aim to offer more opportunities to gamblers and enhance the excitement of slot games. They achieve this by increasing the number of reels to five.
- 6-Reel and Beyond: For those feeling adventurous, there are pokies with six or more reels. However, some people avoid them because having more paylines doesn’t necessarily translate to winning more money.
Special Features
However, the reels are just one aspect. Each pokie game includes various other elements, such as:
- Similar to the joker in a deck of cards, a unique icon often represents wild symbols. These symbols are rare, but landing one can lead to a substantial win.
- Next, there are scatter symbols, which often trigger bonus rounds or free spins. Additionally, bonus rounds are essentially mini-games within the pokie.
- Lastly, let’s discuss progressive jackpots. These are particularly appealing to players. The jackpots increase each time someone plays and doesn’t win.
Paylines and Ways to Win
Understanding paylines is crucial. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Fixed Paylines: To increase your chances of winning, you should bet on all paylines. Doing this covers more possibilities and improves your likelihood of hitting a winning combination.
- Variable Paylines: You have the option to select the number of paylines to activate. This allows you to control your bet according to your preferences.
- All Ways Pay (AWP): These games do not use traditional paylines. Instead, they provide a vast number of ways to win, often exceeding a thousand possibilities.
RTP (Return to Player)
RTP is a big deal in the world of pokies. This percentage represents the total amount of wagered money that a pokie returns to players over time. However, this payback is not guaranteed, as it is calculated over an extended period.
However, going for a higher RTP pokie will usually result in making more money. So, aim for pokies with an RTP of at least 96% to get better odds.
The Pokie Experience
Pokies offer more than just gameplay and potential winnings. They provide an overall experience. Modern pokies feature incredible graphics and themes, ranging from Ancient Egypt to futuristic space adventures. These games are designed to be immersive, ensuring you stay entertained for hours.
The next time you encounter the term “pokies,” you’ll know it’s simply another name for your favourite slot machines. Dive into the world of pokies, explore their varied types and features, and savour the excitement they bring. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned gambler, pokies offer a unique and engaging experience for everyone.
