Pokies are extremely popular in Australia and New Zeeland, and it is just another name in that region for slots or fruit machines. Over 20% of the world’s gaming machines are located in Australia, and there are countless pokies-dedicated sites around, so it is quite easy to understand why they are so liked.
Real money pokies use video displays to simulate physical reels, and of course, there are added graphics there, like flashy symbols, sound effects, and so on. There are several factors you should be aware of when deciding to play real money pokies, so let’s break down all the specifics surrounding these hugely popular games.
The Main Types of Real Money Pokies
Some beginners in online gambling may think that all pokies are the same. This is far from the truth, as you will see below. Australia’s real money pokies come in many different themes and versions, so everyone will find a favourite one, regardless of their gambling preferences.
Let’s see which are the most common real money pokies you can play:
- Classic 3-Reel Pokies – this is the standard version of online pokies. These machines are an excellent starting point for newbies to the online gambling scene. They have few symbols and smaller wagering options.
- 5-Reel Pokies – these are a bit more engaging, as they have more interactive graphics, so they are much more entertaining. You will find Scatters and other symbols in these types of real money pokies. You can also expect bonus games, free spins, and more winning combinations
- 7-Reel Pokies – you will have more reels for more options with 7-reel pokies. They are much more exciting to play than the previous two, of course.
- 3D pokies – these are often animated 3D pokies, and they use advanced graphics to create games that are much more advanced. These games are visually very entertaining, so you will enjoy a great gaming experience.
- Video Pokies – Similar to the 5-Reel pokies for real money, video pokies have five reels with additional features that make them much more interesting. Wilds here act as substitutes for regular symbols, and Scatters can get you bonus games and free spin.
Apart from this categorization, another way to differentiate real money pokies is by how you play them. Some pokies are more convenient than others for some players, so everyone has different preferences. The choice here is also vast:
- Progressive Jackpot Pokies – these contain 5 reels and they are connected to other similar games from other online casino sites
- High Payout Pokies – as the name suggests, the stakes in these real money pokies are huge, but the potential rewards are big as well.
- Multiplayer Pokies – you play these games with other people, and you can share the potential winnings.
- Fruit Machines – real money fruit pokies look like the original fruit machines slots that were a big factor when creating pokies in Australia. They are very similar to the old pokies with levers where you just watch the machine spin the wheels.
- Interactive Pokies – these types of pokies can have a storyline and a video at the start that sets up the scenes. These games usually have an adventure format, and some highly entertaining bonus rounds
- MegaSpin Pokies – these allow you to dun several game instances at the same time. You get more than one chance of securing a win, so it is the main feature of MegaSpin Pokies. It can be said that these types of pokies are more demanding than others, so they require your full attention.
Bonus Types in Real Money Pokies
One of the best reasons why any punter registers on any online gambling site is the variety of bonuses it provides. Bonuses and ongoing promotions are a great way for any site to attract new and retain already existing punters on the site.
Below is a table with the most common bonuses you can find on online gambling sites while playing real money pokies.
Match Bonus | These are very common in online casinos these days, and match bonuses are usually awarded as part of the welcome package. The site will match your first deposit on certain pokies, so you can secure much bigger wins |
Loyalty Bonuses | Loyalty bonuses are aimed at loyal punters, and they can include different types of promotions and rewards, depending on the site in question |
Free spins | All reliable online casinos make sure to reward you with free spins during different parts of your gaming journey. The number of free spins and the timing of the promotion depends on the online casino itself |
Cashbacks | Cashbacks are extremely popular among punters when playing real money pokies. They provide punters with the chance to retrieve some of the money they have lost while playing pokies |
No Deposit Bonuses | Another form of bonus that is very popular and appealing for any player online. No deposit bonuses do not require you to make any deposit or use real money to wager. It is essentially free money that the site provides, so it is always a good idea to claim such a bonus, should it come your way. |
How to Start Playing Real Money Pokies
There are a few general steps that you should make sure to take before starting to play real money pokies:
- Select an Australian online casino – make sure to choose a site that is reliable and trustworthy. The licensing information is very important, so check whether the online gambling site has the required license before doing anything else
- Complete the registration process – now that you have made sure the site is safe, you can head to the registration section and complete the sign-up process. It is usually very straightforward and it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to get done.
- Claim the Australian welcome bonus – usually, it will be a match deposit bonus, so read the terms and conditions of it and claim it. It can be a nice boost to your winnings, so you can get a perfect start to your online pokies gaming experience
- Scroll through the game section and find your desired game. This is where the fun starts, as you can begin playing pokes for real money.