How to Win on Pokies: Tips and Strategy

Pokies are undoubtedly the most popular game at Australian online casinos, but many players still aren’t clear on how to win! Since pokies are driven by luck, there’s not much you can do within the game to boost your chances.

However, there are a few strategies you can use before you start playing that might improve your odds of winning. In our guide to pokies, you’ll discover how to enhance your chances of winning, find the best pokie machines in Australia, learn expert strategies for online pokies, and much more!

Why Are They Called Pokies?

Pokies is short for "poker machines." Aussies love shortening words, and over time, "poker machines" evolved into "pokies." These days, the term covers all kinds of slot machines, gambling machines, and poker machines.

 

Finding the RTP of a Pokie

The return to player (RTP) rate of a pokie machine is provided for every online pokie. RTP signifies the percentage of all the wagered money on a pokie that is expected to be returned to players over time. For example, with an RTP of 96%, a $100 wager could statistically return about $96 to the player.

However, it's worth noting that RTPs in brick-and-mortar casinos are usually lower than those offered online. Traditional pokies often have a higher house edge, which can lower the RTP to around 75%. In contrast, online pokies generally feature an average RTP of approximately 96%, with some high-end machines exceeding 98%. This higher RTP online can provide players with better long-term returns compared to their land-based counterparts.

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How to Win on Pokies in Australia

While using an online pokies strategy can help, understanding how pokies machines work is key if you want to know how to win on pokies in Australia. As we’ve discussed, the use of Random Number Generators (RNG) means there’s no surefire way to guarantee a win. However, a few factors can influence your chances of scoring a payout:

Return to Player (RTP) Rate
The RTP of a pokie is the long-term percentage it returns to players. This figure is always below 100%. Pokies with an RTP of 96% or higher offer the best average returns.

Rules
It’s crucial to read the rules of any pokie before playing. To qualify for the bigger jackpots, you often need to bet the maximum per spin. Check the rules beforehand to avoid missing out!

Bonuses
A casino bonus can easily double or even triple your bankroll, and most can be used on pokies! Using a well-managed bonus for your spins gives you extra chances to win. Keep an eye out for no deposit bonuses!

Volatility
Pokie volatility refers to how frequently a game pays out. Low volatility pokies provide smaller, more frequent wins, while high volatility pokies offer bigger wins less often.

Stake Size
Good bankroll management is crucial for extending your pokie sessions and boosting your chances of winning! Keep your bets low, avoid chasing losses, and always stay composed.

A Beginner's Guide to Winning at Online Pokies

Pokies require minimal skill, but by using some smart money management tactics, you can boost your chances of having a successful session. There’s no tricking the system or beating the Random Number Generator (RNG) to improve your odds, so the key to getting ahead is having a solid bankroll strategy. Here are a few top tips to help you make the most of your time on the pokies:

Play When You're in a Good Headspace

Avoid playing casino games when you're intoxicated, upset, or generally in a bad mood. Keeping a clear head is crucial for sticking to your bankroll management strategies and making rational betting decisions. Playing with a clear mind helps you stay focused and improve your chances of success.

Set a Betting Limit

One of the most crucial things to do before you start playing pokies is to set a budget for your session. Only bet what you can afford to lose; this approach ensures you have fun without any added stress. It also helps keep you safe, as gambling with money you can’t afford can lead to serious financial, legal, and social problems. Always remember, pokies are meant to be an enjoyable experience!

Set Win and Loss Limits

Knowing when to stop is key. For wins, aim to double or triple your initial bet as a target, though this can vary. Setting a loss limit is just as important, and it's crucial to stick to it. Tracking your wins and losses during each session helps you manage your money and stay in control of your spending.

Try Before You Bet

Many pokies offer demo modes, allowing you to play for free before risking real money. This is a great way to get a feel for the game, understand its features, and explore any bonuses on offer. By testing it out first, you can decide if you enjoy the game without the risk of losing your cash!

Understand Pay Lines and Symbols

Winning in pokies comes down to landing matching symbols. It’s essential to understand how the pay lines work and if there are multipliers that could boost your win. Each pokie has unique pay lines, symbols, and multipliers, though some may look familiar. The best way to get to know them is by playing free games to familiarise yourself with the specific mechanics of the pokie you’re interested in.

Take a Breather During a Losing Streak

Managing your emotions is just as crucial as managing your bankroll. It’s always a smart move to step away during a losing streak to regain your composure. When emotions get involved, it’s easy to burn through your money. Whether you grab a bite, switch games, or take a walk to clear your mind, it’s important to reset before you continue playing.

Online Pokies Strategy

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Manage Your Bankroll

The importance of managing your bankroll cannot be overstated. Set a budget before you play, and stick to placing smaller bets to maximise your chances of a successful session. If your bankroll runs dry, know when to call it quits.

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Stay Cool, Stay Calm

Only play pokies when you're feeling level-headed. The thrill of the reels can be exciting, but playing while emotional often leads to bad decisions. Never chase your losses—keep your cool, and always play responsibly.

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Play at Safe Sites

Stick to playing pokies at trusted, regulated casino sites where games are audited by respected third-party bodies. At Gamble Online, all the casinos we recommend have undergone rigorous testing for fairness, security, and player safety.

Top Pokies Machines for Winning in Australia

While everyone has their favourite themes and gameplay styles, we always aim to find the best pokies machines to win in Australia in our reviews.

If you're looking to play the top progressive jackpot pokies machines in Australia, here’s a list of the best online casino games:

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Shopping Spree

Shopping Spree may not be the most visually impressive pokie, but it boasts one of the largest jackpots around! To land it, you’ll need to hit five diamond rings while betting the maximum. Along the way, you can take advantage of the bonus round and scatter symbols. With bets starting as low as $0.25, it’s a fun and affordable option.

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Reels & Wheels XL

Reels & Wheels XL is a 5-reel pokie featuring 20 paylines and an impressive 96% RTP. Landing two bonus symbols alongside a wheel symbol on the reels will trigger megawheel spin. The megawheel offers a chance to win a jackpot. If you hit the jackpot, you'll spin another megawheel to determine which of the five jackpot prizes you'll walk away with. With plenty of opportunities for Reels & Wheels XL offers a thrilling experience.

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Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah is a legendary progressive jackpot pokie with an African safari theme. It features 5 reels, 25 paylines, and four jackpots. The bonus wheel triggers randomly, giving players a chance at the mini, minor, major, or mega jackpot. While its 88.12% RTP is modest, the potential for massive wins keeps it popular in Australia.

Types of Bonuses to Win at Pokies

Casinos offer a range of bonuses for both new and experienced players.

Free Spins

One of the most popular casino bonuses, free spins do exactly what they say on the tin. The casino provides you with a set number of free spins on chosen pokies games.

Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots accumulate a portion of bets placed across multiple games or casinos, pooling them into a massive prize. Everyone contributes, and anyone has a shot at landing the jackpot, making these games particularly thrilling.

Welcome Bonuses

A popular choice for new players, the welcome bonus is given to those who make the minimum deposit required. This bonus is designed to give newcomers a warm welcome and boost their initial gameplay.

Bonus Rounds

Bonus rounds are a staple of both online and land-based pokies. These special features activate a mini-game within the main game, adding an extra layer of excitement and potential rewards.

Bonus rounds give players a shot at winning big and add extra excitement to the game. They can be triggered in various ways, with the most common being landing a specific combination of bonus symbols.

Some pokies require you to gather specific symbols or points to activate the bonus round. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the methods for triggering these bonus features in the pokies you’re playing.

Other Casino Guides

Check out more expert guides from the Best Online Gambling Australia team here:

Discover the top pokies you can play for free.

Enjoy pokies anytime, anywhere, right on your mobile device.

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Top Pokies Bonuses in Australia

If you’re keen to learn how to win on pokies in Australia, nothing beats a great casino bonus! Here are five of the top new online casinos in Australia, detailing their bonus offers and our honest reviews of each site:

How to Win at Pokies FAQ

How can I guarantee a win at pokies every time?

Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee a win at pokies, let alone a win every time! When playing at safe, regulated casinos, all games are audited by third-party organizations to ensure they use Random Number Generators (RNGs). This means that every spin produces a completely random outcome, and players cannot influence the result.

What is the most effective strategy for playing pokies?

Since pokies are luck-based, there's no strategy that can guarantee wins during gameplay. However, you can enhance your chances of success by managing your bankroll wisely and selecting games with high RTPs that offer fair odds.

Do newer pokie machines offer better odds of winning?

No, the age of a pokie machine doesn't directly affect your chances of winning. For instance, you might have a better chance on a 2015 pokie machine with a 97% RTP than on a new 2024 machine with a 95% RTP. When assessing the best pokie machines to win in Australia, factors like RTP and volatility are more important than the game's age.

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