If you have come here to learn how to win on pokie machines NZ, we have a comprehensive guide for you that will tell you everything about the most popular casino games in New Zealand and Australia. Pokies are Kiwi players’ favorite games because they are the easiest to play and win. No strategy or math skills are required. You must be relieved! However, there are certain things you need to know about these types of casino games, like how they work, what a pokie machine payout is, and what features pokies have. We will unveil popular myths about pokies that can confuse you and give you unrealistic expectations. We will also answer one of the most popular questions: "How to beat pokie machines?" Just wait for it.
But let’s start by answering the question, "What is a pokies?" Pokies (the way New Zealanders and Australians call slots) are games of chance that feature 3 or more reels that spin and generate random combinations of slot machine symbols.
In New Zealand, pokies became popular in 1988 and were widely played in land-based casinos, game clubs, and hotels. Big-name software provider Microgaming introduced Fruit Fiesta and Cash Splash titles in NZ. More and more developers were joining the local gambling market, and by 2009, local brick-and-mortar casinos boasted 20,000 pokies.
In Australia, casino pokies appeared a bit earlier. The first pokie was introduced in Tasmania, 240 km to the south of the Australian mainland. In 1956, New South Wales legalized gambling for real money and by 1990 the rest of regions in the country made playing pokies legal. Since then, playing pokies has become a popular social activity. Right now, Australia offers about 200,000 pokies in land-based casinos and thousands of online options.
Best Pokie Machine Casinos
Understanding How Slot Machines Work
Before you try to win on slots, you have to ask: "How do pokie machines work?" Slot machines are some of the most entertaining and exciting options when you enter an online casino. They offer a chocka of fun, large winnings, and stunning graphics. Let’s take a squiz at some key components that make up a slot machine which are listed below.
Random Number Generator (RNG) and its role
This is the heart of the slot machine, as it is a computer program that never stops generating random numbers. The numbers will correspond to different symbol positions on the reels. The (RNG) random number generator creates numbers even when the slot machine is not being played. When players press the spin button, the role of the RNG is to create a random number at the exact second, which determines the result of the spin.
Random number generators act in a totally fair and secure way. It ensures that each spin is independent of the previous one, providing unpredictability. Regulatory bodies in NZ are always testing and certifying RNGs to ensure transparent, fair play.
Paylines, reels, and winning combinations
The traditional casino pokies will have 3 or 5 reels, each with multiple symbols. Once the reels have completed their spin, they rest, showing a combination of symbols. The paylines are the lines across the reels, and when matching slot machine symbols land, you will win. The majority of modern slot machines can have multiple paylines in multiple patterns, such as straight lines, zigzag, diagonal, etc. Older slot machines will generally have a single payline across the center of the reel.
You will find modern video slots in NZ with hundreds of paylines; the number can reach up to 243. All of this gives Kiwi players an increased chance of winning combinations. With a combination of symbols on a payline, a player can win on pokies. You will find all the payout details on the paytable, with all the winning combinations possible.
Payout percentages and house edge
The return to player, which is also known as the RTP, is the percentage of all the wagered money a slot machine will pay back to players over time. If you don’t know how to work out your potential win, here is a quick explanation. If a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, it means that over the long term, the machine will give back 95 NZD/AU out of 100 NZD/AU wagered.
The house edge is the casino profit margin on a game. This represents the percentage of each bet the casino expects to win. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 95%, the house edge is 5%. Understanding the volatility of a slot is a measure of the risk involved with a particular slot machine. A low volatility slot will give players smaller wins but more often. A high volatility slot offers players larger payouts but less frequent.
Decoding Slot Machine Symbols and Features
There are plenty of slot symbols and features that slot machines use to attract gamblers. Often, the more interesting the features and winning symbols are, the more players will play. Below are some of the common features and features found in slot machines.
Common slot symbols
A wild symbol is a very useful symbol as it can substitute for other symbols, except scatters and bonus symbols. These types of symbols will often come with additional features. Expanding wilds will extend over all the reels. Sticky wilds in pokies will remain in place for several spins. Stacked wilds are found in stacks and increase the chances of multiple wins. Scatter symbols can trigger free spins or bonus rounds. They will usually pay out when a certain number of scatter symbols appear on the reels. Bonus symbols are always fun to find, as they can activate bonus games if they appear in specific combinations or quantities. A bonus round is where players get the chance to enjoy unique gameplay and win great prizes and multipliers.
Importance of reading the paytable
This is a very important aspect of a slot machine. The paytable is the way you get to understand the slot and how you can win. It will give you all the relevant information regarding the symbols and their value and the payout for each symbol combination. It will also offer details on wilds, scatters, bonus symbols, and how to trigger their features. All the details on bonus rounds and mechanics for any bonus game. The paytable will also give information on the jackpot available.
Bonus games, free spins, and progressive jackpots
By landing the correct symbols in casino pokies you can gain access to a bonus round or special mini-game. With bonus rounds, they can differ greatly, but they will usually include Pick and Win games where players can pick a set of items to uncover prizes. A wheel of fortune is where players get to spin the wheel to grab prizes or multipliers. Interactive rounds are where you find more complex games where gamblers make choices that affect their outcomes.
The free spins feature is a very popular feature where gamblers gain a certain number of free spins. This is often triggered by a scatter symbol. You will find free spins that often come with additional features like multipliers, extra wilds, or a better chance to trigger bonus rounds. Finally, there are progressive jackpots, which are jackpot rewards that grow with each bet made on the slot machine. These are linked across a network of slot machines, and they can be local progressive slots, which are linked within a casino or linked together across many casinos.
If the jackpot is linked across many different casinos, the jackpot prize can be huge. Winning a progressive jackpot means you have landed a specific combination of symbols or triggered a bonus game.
Choosing the Right Pokie Machine
With so many slots at gambling sites, it can be confusing to pick a game that suits your level and requirements. This is why we decided to guide you on criteria on how to choose the right pokie if you are new to gambling.
- Denomination: Play with higher stakes as they result in bigger cash prizes. If you have a 20 NZD/AU budget, make 2 10 NZD/AU bets instead of small bets like 20 cents 100 times.
- Paylines: While classic casino slots offer 3 paylines, multipayline titles fit 243 paylines, providing you with more winning opportunities.
- Volatility: This means the risk associated with playing a game. Low-volatility casino slots provide frequent payouts but in lower amounts, while high-volatility casino slots payout less frequently but with larger cash prizes. If you want to win big, opt for high-volatility titles.
- RTP: Go for casino slot machines with RTP (return to player) of 95% and higher. These games tend to be the most popular at local casino platforms.
If you are wondering what casino slot machines to choose from, online or in land-based casinos, we would certainly recommend opting for online slots since you can play from anywhere, enjoy top-quality sounds and graphics, and withdraw your winnings instantly using e-wallet or crypto.
Are there any other criteria for how to choose the right pokie? Yes! Let’s not forget that in order to win, you must enjoy the gameplay. Pick a pokie machine with the theme that you are drawn to. This can be a simple fruit machine or a slot that represents Medieval times, Ancient Egypt, Nordic scenery, or a pokie that features animal symbols.
How to Play and Win Big | Strategies for Slot Machines
Winning on a slot machine is the aim of the game, and finding strategies for how to do that is what every gambler is interested in. Below, we listed pokie machine tips and things to consider for beginners.
Bankroll management and setting limits
If you want to be successful, you must be strict with your bankroll. It is important to understand how much you can lose and never lose more than that. Always set a budget, and it is a good idea to divide your bankroll into smaller sessions. For example, if you have 200 NZD/AU to spend on gambling, you can divide it into four, giving you four 50 NZD/AU gambling sessions. It is also a good idea to set a win limit. This is where you decide the amount you will win before you stop gambling.
Know when to walk away and cut losses
This is one of the most critical aspects to consider when you are playing casino pokie machines, when to stop playing. Stick to your limits at all times, and never start chasing your losses. Set a time limit for your play because any time you go over a certain time, you will fatigue and make wrong decisions. Always try to cash out when you are ahead. Have a figure in your head that you are satisfied with, and once you hit that figure, cash out and leave.
Betting strategies
Different betting strategies can be implemented when you play slot machines.
- Betting the maximum amount of coins on each spin will increase your chances of hitting a large jackpot award.
- Multipliers will help increase your winnings by a certain amount. When you play slots with multipliers, you will always be able to increase your winnings.
- Buy a pay offers players additional payouts and winning combinations as they are unlocked. By understanding how these machines work, you can bet the right amount to make the most of your winnings.
Myths and Misconceptions About Pokie Machines
There have always been myths and wrong information about pokie machines over the years, but what is the truth? You will find some interesting facts below.
Influencing the outcome
Other common misconceptions about casino pokie machines are that by pressing the spin button at the right time, you can influence the slot machine outcome. The RNGs are the only thing that can determine the outcome of a slot machine win. It has nothing to do with pressing the spin button at the right time. Some Kiwi players believe that the more you bet, the more chances you have of winning. Betting larger amounts can affect the amount you win on slots but not affect your winning chances.
Hacking a pokie
If someone told you they know how to trick a slot machine, here is what we have to say regarding this matter. Older slot machines could be tricked and manipulated with fake coins, stringing coins, or even messing with the machine. Modern slot machines in NZ are so advanced and sophisticated that manipulation will not work. The new machines are also very regulated, making it almost impossible to cheat them. They use advanced software and RNGs and of course, are monitored by security to ensure security.
Hot and cold slots
Hot and cold machines are a myth that has existed for years in New Zealand. Some people believe that there are hot machines, which are machines that payout regularly and cold machines, which never pay out. This is not true, as all machines use random number generators, which ensure each spin is independent and random. This means that there are no patterns to payouts; the history of a machine will not influence its future results.
Insider Tips from Experts
Do you want to know more about slots and ways to win? We gathered some pokie machine tips shared by experts that should set the right intentions for you.
John Patrick, a famous gambler, recommends saying winning less than you thought of is nothing to be disappointed about. He adds that having a calm mind is so much better than chasing big wins. You should not want to change your life by winning a large jackpot as it puts too much pressure on you. Another gambler, Bob Dancer, says managing your biggest loss defines how strong mentally you are.
These casino slot machine tips prove that chasing big wins should not be your main priority. You should certainly learn how to play slot machines and understand how pokie machine is going to pay to enjoy your experience.
Responsible Gambling and Slot Machine Etiquette
This brings us to one of the main concerns - responsible gambling. If you want to know how to win on slot machines, you also need to know when to stop. Gambling can be addictive and cause anxiety, depression, and other mental issues apart from financial struggles. Gambling can cause you to have relationship issues with your loved ones, friends, and colleagues. This is why it is incredibly important to know how to protect yourself along with knowing how to win real money.
Take a look at a few casino slot machine tips that will help you play responsibly and protect yourself from harm:
- Use a deposit limit and stick to the amount of money you can spend without feeling stressed.
- Set session time limits to balance between your favourite pastime and work/other duties you have.
- Fund your casino account using a debit card or prepaid card. This way, you will not have to borrow money to gamble.
- If gambling does not bring you joy but makes you anxious and aggressive, stop playing.
- Try self-exclusion to limit your access to gambling sites for a certain period of time.
Of course, all these responsible gambling practices are performed voluntarily, but you should not underestimate their value. There is nothing more important than to maintain your well-being. Your approach should be how to enjoy instead of how to win if you want to make this experience as safe as possible for yourself.
Summing up
Understanding how casino pokie machines operate is of great importance if you are a slot casino enthusiast. We hope that our comprehensive guide taught you how to pick a winning pokie machine. With so many trustworthy casino sites that host as many as 10,000 pokies, you can treat yourself to real fun and excitement. Do not forget to enjoy your experience and remember to play responsibly!