The simplest definition of pokies is that they’re just gambling machines. The name has a few variations, with some people referring to them as gaming machines, slot machines, or poker machines. Poker machines are quite addictive and can be hard to walk away from once someone is addicted.
This guide will explore what slot machines are and the Australian take on one of the world’s most popular games.
Pokies Explained
So, what are pokies in Australia? In Australia, people refer to slot machines or gambling machines as ‘pokies.’ These machines are designed to make money for their owners when played at venues licensed to operate them, such as hotels, registered clubs, and on-site casinos. Today, even online pokies are available, but it’s important to grasp a bit of the history of this popular game.
Pokies first appeared in Australia in the early 1900s. At that time, they were illegal, but the gambling community liked them. After some decades, the Australian manufacturer, Aristocrat, developed the first Aussie-style game in 1953. The first game, “Clubman,” remained popular for two years before it was replaced by “Clubmaster” in 1955.
In 1956, the government of New South Wales (NSW) legalized gaming machines to allow registered clubs to own them. This legislation changed the Australian gambling landscape forever. Pokies became a hit regardless of their basic nature. Today, even the design has changed, and we can see slot machines with flashing lights and sounds.
How Do Slot Machines Work?
It’s a simple game involving lines and symbols, which can be any number/symbol. A player pulls a lever or pushes a button, allowing the symbols to spin around. When this happens, the player hopes that several symbols will come together to create a winning combination. Sometimes players win, and oftentimes, they lose.
This is because the more a person plays, the more the odds are stacked against them. However, before getting into the wins and losses, people need to understand how pokies actually work. What are the real chances of winning? Is it possible for players to affect their performance?
The symbols or numbers make up a set known as a pokie line or payline. For a player to win from any spin, the line must match one of the pre-set winning combinations saved in the machines. If a player does have a winning pokie line, they receive credits based on the credit level. The player can cash out the credits or keep playing.
The slot machines are designed in such a way that they hold the player’s attention to keep them playing for as long as possible. Everything has an impact on the players, from the chair they sit on to the buttons they press. The machines give the impression that a player almost won, so they keep playing.
At the end of the day, a win is a win and a loss is a loss. The symbols shown above or below the payline have nothing to do with how close a player is to winning the jackpot. However, players can be sure that the machines are in good condition and meet all the technical requirements, so they’re not rigged in any way.
What Are Pokies in Australia? The World’s Biggest Home for Gamblers
Australia’s NSW state has the largest number of the most profitable gaming clubs, according to government data. In one club, you can find hundreds of gaming machines, which are there to attract revelers who end up playing while having a good time in those venues. In NSW alone, there are 90,000 slot machines, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.
While its popularity has increased a hundredfold since its invention, pokie playing does present a few challenges. For example, people who are already addicted to playing pokies for real money often get so preoccupied with gambling that they find it difficult to focus on other things. Another challenge is lying to their friends and families about losses they incur. When someone wins, they’re quick to talk about it openly. However, when they lose, they don’t say how much they lost.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the country’s citizens lose up to 25 billion dollars a year in gambling. This is mainly because Australia has the most widespread gambling activities, mostly taking place in ordinary street pubs in most states. Australia, with less than one percent of the world’s total population, has 18% of the world’s slot machines, according to the Australia Institute.
Understanding Online Pokies
As covered above, online pokies are virtual slot machines that players can use anywhere at any time, provided they have an internet connection and a supported device. They’re available at most online gaming operators. Many gamblers prefer online slots to land-based casinos partly because they can play discreetly in the comfort of their homes and partly because many of them offer better odds.
Playing the games is simple because it’s based on 100% luck. A player simply chooses a pokie game from the online menu, places a bet, and makes line selections. Next is clicking the spin button, watching the reel spin, and hoping for a win.
Before playing pokies, whether online or offline, players are advised to set limits for the amount they would like to spend during the entire session. This can allow them to have steady fun without risking too much money.