What are “Pokies” and why are they called that? Pokies is the Australian term for slot machines. And as Aussies like to do, they’ve created their own slang and term for them.

There’s no official origin, but it’s thought that the first video gambling machines in Australia were video poker machines that ended up being called “pokies”, a term later used for all forms of slot machines.

So, if you’re new to pokies or just looking to find some helpful tips and tricks, we have the perfect list for you. Let’s dive into our top 10 tips for Australian Pokies.

#1. Bonuses

Most sites offer weekly or monthly deals, and virtually all online casinos offer signup bonuses. If you’re looking to play, you might as well take advantage of the freebies and bonuses. Just make sure you check all the terms, conditions, and betting requirements that go along with your bonus.

#2. Check Under the Hood

Not all gaming companies are created equal. It’s always best to see which software providers are being used behind the scenes.

Make sure your casino is using reputable software on their site, otherwise you may lose more than you bargained for. Companies like Microgaming, Net Entertainment, and Amaya are some of the bigger names in the business, but any reputable site will proudly display their software provider on their main page to give you peace of mind.

#3. Change It Up

Have you ever heard that a machine or game is totally “due” to hit that jackpot?

The myth persists to this day that a particular game is “due” for that next big payout, but it’s all down to mechanical odds and random number generators. It doesn’t necessarily mean that any particular game is going to win big, though.  So, if you’ve been grinding away and your luck isn’t there, change it up and play a different game for a while or even just take a break.

#4. What’s New?

It’s always a good idea to check out the newest hotness in gaming. Technology, games, and bonuses are always evolving. As technology improves, so does the offering of games, bonuses, mini-games, and overall player experience.

It may seem fun to hit the old-school pokies in hopes of triple 7s lining up, but the older games often have worse odds than more modern machines.

#5. Play for Free

If you just want to relax and play or if you hit your monthly budget, why not play for free? Most pokies offer free play that you can use to learn a new game or just blow off some steam.

You won’t win any money but you won’t lose any either, and you can familiarize yourself with the rules and bonuses of a particular game.

Speaking of which….

#6. Know Your Odds

All of the online pokies have settings and parameters that each casino can set the game to. Armed with that information, it’s public knowledge what the game’s odds could be set to, and some games are just more generous than others.

It’s always a good idea to check out a game’s RTP (Return to Player) before pumping in too much money.

#7. Bigger isn’t Always Better

It’s no secret that the progressive jackpots have some of the highest potential payouts at the pokies. The longer they go unclaimed the bigger they’ll get, and someone will eventually hit the motherlode.

Those big progressive jackpots also tend to have lower average returns than other games. It’s a double-edged sword with high-risk, high-reward gameplay above and beyond the normal odds of other games.

#8. Loyalty

There are quite a few different loyalty programs out there and all pokies will have their own too. Loyalty programs are a great way to get bonus games and cash prizes after you’ve used up all the freebies and sign-up bonuses.

If you can’t find a particular pokies loyalty program, click their login here button and it usually pops up with a few offers.

#9. Hardware

Now that you’ve vetted your favorite gaming sites and found the perfect game to play, it’s a good idea to check out your own hardware.

Are you playing on a desktop, a laptop, or your phone? Take a quick look at what hardware you’re using and make sure that you can actually run the software and games you want to play. Most modern-day setups will be able to run games but if you haven’t updated your system in a while, it’s a good idea to check it out before wagering any money.

#10. Have Fun

Pokies are games, right? When playing stops being fun and starts becoming a chore or a stressor, then it’s time to take a break. If it doesn’t feel fun anymore, the ups and downs are no longer thrilling, and it’s causing more stress than entertainment, it’s time to take a break.

The most important thing to do when playing is to have fun!