While the rest of the world knows them by another name, to the people of New Zealand, slot machines will always be called pokies. While no one is completely sure how they came by that name, it’s believed to became to be a nickname or abbreviation for old video poker machines.
Today, the term is still used by Kiwis in reference to any electronic casino game, but is generally considered to refer to slot machines. That could be a classic three-reel slot, or an online slot with multiple bonuses, hundreds of pay-lines, and immersive graphics and gameplay.
The History of Pokies
The 1980s saw the introduction of electronic gaming machines to New Zealand, and they quickly gained popularity. That subsequently led to the legalization of gaming clubs across the country in 1989.
The 90s saw the internet transform the pokie market, with gamers able to access the games online for the first time. The advances in technology and internet speeds that followed, have seen an explosion in popularity. Now people can easily access their thousands of games online, anytime and anywhere they choose.
How to Play Pokies
Each pokie or slot machine has an inbuilt computer program that generates thousands of random outcomes every second. This is called a Random Number Generator (RNG).
Once you press the button to play, the pokie will randomly pick a result from the thousands of possibilities available. This translates to an outcome of symbols that you will see on the screen.
If you check out the paytable for your chosen pokie, you will see a layout of the games paylines. This shows the patterns or lines that need to line up matching symbols in order to win.
If you succeed in hitting a payline with the correct symbols then you win the amount stipulated by the machines paytable.
Set a Budget
Before you get started on the pokies, or any casino game, it’s important to remember that these are games of chance. That means that sometimes you will win and sometimes you will lose.
Therefore, before you begin, you should set yourself a budget for your gaming. Choosing a figure you can afford to lose will help maximise your gaming enjoyment.
Reputable online casinos will assist gamers by allowing them to set wager limits. This will make sure that their time at the casino is more enjoyable.
Pick the Right Game for You
There are thousands of games available online, all with different paylines, jackpots, bonus features, themes and more. That means you’re guaranteed to find a pokie that suits your style of play.
In order to find the one that works best for you, check out online game reviews. Alternatively, you play game demos or make the most of free online pokies in New Zealand, and try out games before you commit your own money.
Game Info to Look Out For
Volatility: This is how frequently a game will pay out. A low volatility game pays out frequent small amounts, while a high volatility game pays out larger prizes but less often.
If you prefer to play for a long time with frequent small wins, then low volatility is for you. However, if bigger, less frequent wins are something that suits your gaming style, high volatility may be for you.
RTP (Return to Player): This is the amount of every wager placed that is returned to a winning player. For example, a game with an RTP of 96% will keep $0.04 for every $1 wagered.
By understanding the odds, you can pick a game with a better return to player percentage and improve your chances of winning.
Bonus features: The best pokies have bonus features that can be activated during the game. They are triggered according to certain criteria being met, and can potentially increase a player’s chance of a payout. They are also a great way to add some extra excitement to a game.
Key bonus features:
- Free spins: A player may be rewarded with a certain number of free spins.
- Re-spin: The player receives a certain number of re-spins on a turn at no extra cost.
- Wilds: This unique symbol can substitute for any other symbol in the game (except scatters), increasing a player’s chances of creating a winning combination.
- Multiplier: This number is multiplied by the player’s original wager to decide their winning total.
- Scatters: These symbols appear anywhere on the reels, and can provide players with payouts or extra bonus features.
Be sure to make the most of bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. Many operators offer players loyalty rewards, or sign-up bonuses, which can include matched deposits, free deposits, and free spins. They are a great way of trying out games and winning some money, with little or no financial risk.
Whatever pokie you choose, by following these simple tips you will not only increase your chances of winning, but maximise your game playing enjoyment too.