Best Way to Play Pokies — 10 Tips for Beginners

While they are slots for the rest of the globe, here, in Australia, we refer to them as pokies. No matter the title, it is the most popular game for Aussie punters. All the pokie games are primarily based on chance, but still, some strategies for playing pokies can increase your chances of winning. So, on this page, we tested the waters and gathered all the pro tips for beginners. Keep reading to have a squiz at them.

Understanding Pokies

Pokies are electronic gaming machines featuring spinning reels with theme-based symbols. From classic pokies or fruit machines to mystical ancient Egypt reels, they are available in multiple themes at the best online casinos.

Real money pokies need you to land a specific combination of symbols on the reels to win. These details are available in the payout table. Starting from classic 3-reel fruit machines, now there are 5 and 7-reel pokie machines available. You can start spinning the reels after depositing real money in your account. For free gameplay, try free slot machines. All poker machines use RNG to generate results. So, the outcome is always unpredictable.

While the game’s RTP can give you a rough idea of winning, these are merely theoretical numbers more appropriate when you play for long. Estimating the exact odds of winning is hardly possible.

Tips and Strategies for Playing Pokies

Want to start joining your favourite pokies at an online casino and add to your future winning potential but don’t know how to make it happen? The tips below will assist you in this regard.

1. Understand the Odds

Determining when a specific pokie will pay out is not possible, as slot machines operate based on random number generators (RNGs) that ensure fairness and unpredictability. However, understanding the odds and various factors can help you make informed decisions while playing. While every pokie game is different, most games’ house edge is 5%. Pokies are unpredictable, and you can win $200 in one spin while losing $100 in the next. In general, the greater jackpot a slot machine has, the lower winning potential it implements. The higher RTP and player percentage hardly matter.

2. Set a Budget

The responsible punter is the one who knows when to stop and never bets beyond the set limit. Before clicking the “Spin” button or pulling the lever down on a real-time poker machine, decide the amount you want to put at stake. Setting up a budget helps to control the losses. It’s a risk management strategy that every player should implement for extended playtime and continuous feeling of confidence during the game.

3. Stick to Low Variance Games

Online casino games with low variance give players smaller yet frequent payouts. With this in mind, you can receive winning combinations after just several spins. This variant is for you if you do not want to see many spins transfer to no win. With all these things, games with low variance will grant you less emotional turmoil.

4. Play Progressive Jackpots

You get the chance to tap a historical win if you play pokies with progressive jackpots. These prizes don’t have a fixed payout. The winning amount expands with each bet until someone hits the jackpot winning combination. Depending on the players and bets, the winning amount can reach astronomical figures. Note that it is better to look for the progressive jackpot games with the most frequent payouts at online gaming sites. They have a higher winning probability.

5. Take Advantage of Free Spins

Free spins are perhaps the game-changer for any pokie player at an online casino as it offers a chance to try luck without involving real money. Free spins can result in actual money winnings. If you’re lucky, you can hit winning combinations using free spins and collect the payout. Besides, you can trigger free spins by landing scatter symbols. The best part of this bonus is that it’s available at most online casino sites, as it is a great way to attract new players. So, casinos typically include these incentives in their offer packages.

6. Don’t Chase Losses

If you continue to play hoping that victory will come one day, and you will make up the losses, then you should stop. Pokies is a game of luck, and there is no winning guarantee, even if you go with the maximum bet. Some players end up chasing losses hoping to convert them into a win, but we don’t recommend this way. The idea is to set a betting budget and back out when that’s all gone. If you feel that you need some help, address the responsible gambling page of your chosen online casino.

7. Learn the Rules

Knowing pokies basics and fundamental rules is an essential point. Spend some time familiarising yourself with the game instructions, formats, how bonuses and different features work, and look through the valuable combinations. Also, we recommend reading all the additional conditions carefully. This understanding will help you make informed decisions and manage your bankroll effectively.

8. Use Free Play Mode

If you’re a pokies beginner, then your biggest ally is the free or demo play mode pokies. It offers you the chance to test new online pokie games and strategies without any financial risks involved. Also, you can try out bonus features and special symbols in the game. This allows you to be in touch with all the incentives within a certain game without risking any funds.

9. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

The most reliable online casinos have loyalty programs to honour their loyal punters. The more you play, the more perks you receive from the casino site. Poker casinos also have special offers as a part of their VIP programs. These may include free spins, bonuses, VIP coupons, and much more. All these offerings enhance your pokie gaming experience and potentially increase your winning chances. Sign up for the casino, and you will automatically be qualified for the VIP program.

10. Participate in Tournaments

If you want to double up both the game process and winning possibilities, take part in pokies tournaments. Taking about pokie competitions, these are events with quite high prize pools that casinos organise for their players. You have to choose the pokie machine and compete against other gamblers. If you win, you typically receive a cash reward or other valuable prizes. There is a wide range of options like time-based challenges, highest-wins competitions, or leaderboard-based rankings and unfold a whole new dose of excitement.

Conclusion: Have Fun Responsibly

Pokie machines are absolute fun among Aussie punters because this game doesn’t require any specific skills, and, most importantly, pokies pay real money. However, you can end up having a bitter experience if you don’t play with your senses. We recommend every punter start with the basics first. Once that is sorted, you should set a budget, make use of free spins, try a demo play, and stick to all the other quick tips that we explained above as you start playing.

We understand that you can easily get carried away by the thrill of the pokie machine. But, you need to anchor yourself with these beginner tips for continuous online pokies gameplay. Don’t forget that pokies are games of chance, and the outcome of each spin is completely random. No strategies or skills can guarantee consistent results.