In Australia and New Zealand, slot machines are affectionately known as “pokies”. These machines are a major part of the gambling landscape, with Australia boasting over 185,000 physical machines—New South Wales alone is home to nearly half of them.
Pokies generate around $14 billion annually in gambling revenue in Australia, with most Aussies now preferring Australian online pokies for convenient 24/7 access. They also remain the most popular form of casino game in New Zealand, with 13% of adults engaging in online gambling.
From pubs and clubs to online platforms, pokies are present, influencing gaming habits in both countries.
The Origin of the Word “Pokies”
The term “pokies” is a shortened form of “poker machines,” a nod to the early machines that drew inspiration from the mechanics of poker hands.
Pokie definition provided by The Collins Dictionary
Initially, “poker machine” referred to any mechanical gambling device with a poker-style game, but as the industry evolved, the term “pokies” became synonymous with all types of slot machines. Australians are known for their love of shortening words, and “pokies” fits right in with other local slang (like “brekkie” for breakfast).
Another theory, though less widely accepted, suggests that “pokies” may have originated from the early mechanics of the machines. In those days, players would “poke” buttons or pull levers to play, with the term reflecting the direct physical interaction.
Over time, “pokies” has become the widely accepted term for these gambling machines in Australia and New Zealand.
Pokies vs. Slots: Understanding the Differences
While “pokies” is the local term in Australia and New Zealand, the same machines are commonly called “slots” in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Despite the different names, the mechanics are fundamentally the same: both pokies and slots feature spinning reels, and players win by aligning specific symbols along paylines. The outcomes of each spin are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring fairness and randomness. Gamblers can learn more about the hidden math of pokies thanks to multiple online guides.
One key difference, however, lies in the themes. Pokies often reflect local culture, drawing inspiration from Australian wildlife, local myths, or sports. In contrast, international slot machines will often feature Hollywood movies, Western motifs, or global myths.
Additionally, the regulations governing pokies and slots differ by region, impacting their payout rates and features.
Other Global Slang Variations
There are a few notable names for Pokies/Slots across the world:
- USA: “One-Armed Bandit” refers to early slot machines with a lever resembling an arm. These machines often “stole” money, hence the “bandit” term. This name highlights their mechanics and the perception of loss associated with gambling.
- UK: “Fruit Machine” derives from traditional slot machines that featured fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, and oranges on their reels. The name reflects the visual design of the machines, which became iconic in pubs and arcades.
- Scotland: “Puggie” is a uniquely Scottish slang term for slot machines. While its origins are unclear, the term is deeply rooted in local dialect and commonly used to describe machines in betting shops and arcades.
A Brief History of Pokie Machines
The evolution of pokies has been marked by key milestones that highlight their technological and cultural development.
| Year | Development |
| 1895 | Charles August Fey created Liberty Bell, the first three-reel slot machine in San Francisco. |
| 1907 | Herbert Mills launched Operator Bell, using fruit symbols to comply with gambling restrictions. |
| 1963 | Bally developed Money Honey, the first electromechanical machine offering automatic payouts of up to 500 coins. |
| 1976 | Fortune Coin Company produced the first video slot machine displayed on a modified Sony TV screen. |
| 1994 | Microgaming introduced the first online slot software, marking the start of digital gambling platforms and the “What are online pokies?” question. |
| 2003 | Aristocrat released linked progressive jackpots, connecting multiple machines for record-breaking payouts. |
| 2005 | Multi-line releases became standard, with adjustable paylines and immersive bonus features. |
| 2012 | Mobile-optimised pokies gained traction, enabling play on smartphones and tablets. |
| 2020 | Virtual reality titles emerged, delivering interactive 3D environments and immersive gameplay. |
Today’s pokies feature high-definition graphics, engaging themes, and immersive bonus features, making them a dynamic and interactive form of entertainment.
How Do Pokies Work?
Unlike poker, which relies on skill and strategy, pokies are games of pure chance. This randomness is ensured by the RNG, a computer algorithm that generates thousands of number sequences every second. Each sequence determines the symbols that will appear on the reels, ensuring that every spin is independent and random. You can learn more about the core mechanism explained in a trusted guide.
Bonus rounds enhance gameplay by offering additional chances for wins. Free spins are a popular feature triggered by scatters appearing in specific combinations.
In online gambling, no deposit bonuses allow players to enjoy free spins without needing to make any financial deposit.
Pokie Features and Their Definitions
Modern releases incorporate engaging features designed to maximise excitement:
- Progressive Jackpots: Part of every wager contributes toward a shared prize pool growing until a player wins. These jackpots can reach millions.
- Gamble Option: After wins, some pokies offer gamble features allowing users to double or quadruple payouts by guessing card suits plus colours.
- Wilds: Substitute other symbols, creating winning combinations.
- Scatters: Trigger free spins, bonus games, plus additional prizes.
- Multipliers: Increase winnings by specific factors, often during bonus rounds.
Symbols, Reels and Paylines
Symbols are graphical representations used on reels, including fruits, numbers, letters, or themed designs like animals or objects. Reels are vertical columns where symbols appear.
Paylines refer to winning combinations of symbols. Modern titles may feature a single payline or hundreds, sometimes thousands.
- 3-Reel Classic Machines: Feature a single payline plus basic symbols. Represent early mechanical pokies.
- 5-Reel Machines: Standard in modern online pokies, offering multiple paylines, advanced visuals, and bonus symbols.
- 6+ Reels: Advanced games with multiple reels, sometimes up to 10, provide complex gameplay plus numerous ways to win.
The Popularity of Pokies in Australia
Pokies have become an integral part of the Australian cultural landscape, with New South Wales leading the charge. As the first state to legalise pokies in 1956, NSW now hosts around 90,000 machines, nearly half of Australia’s total.
The sheer number of pokies in Australia is staggering, with over 196,000 machines operating across the country—Australia has the highest number of gaming machines per capita in the world, despite representing only 0.3% of the global population.
In fact, Australia accounts for 18% of the world’s gaming machines, contributing significantly to the global gambling market. The industry generates over $14 billion annually, with pokies making up a large portion of this revenue. This statistic underscores the cultural importance of pokies in Australia and their prominence as the most popular form of gambling.
As of 2022, there were 17,799 physical poker machines in New Zealand. 82% are in pubs and clubs, and 18% in casinos., defining the gambling culture in both countries.
Demographics and Usage of Pokies in Australia
- Average Player Age: The most frequent users are between 35 and 54 years old, a group that often has disposable income and appreciates the casual entertainment value pokies provide.
- Gender: Men make up 60% of pokie players, engaging in both online and offline play. Women, who make up the remaining 40%, are often attracted to thematic or casual pokies.
- Session Length: Players typically spend 20-30 minutes per session, enjoying pokies as a form of quick, accessible entertainment.
- Preferred Time of Day: Evening hours are the busiest, as players unwind after work or daily activities.
- Gambling Alone or Socially: Most players enjoy pokies solo, appreciating the quiet experience. However, some prefer the social atmosphere of playing at pubs or clubs.
- Venue Popularity: While pokies are widely available in clubs and pubs, casinos feature fewer machines, typically attracting a different clientele.
- Themes: Pokies often feature themes that resonate with Australians, such as local wildlife, sports, and ancient myths, offering a sense of cultural connection.
- Mobile Usage: The rise of mobile platforms has made online pokies more accessible, especially to younger generations, who prefer the convenience of playing on their smartphones and tablets.
Australian gambling participation statistic in 2022 by Australian Gambling Research Centre PDF File
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