Pokies explained in relation to slots
Thought to have originated from the word “poker”, the Australian slang term “pokie” or “poky” is most commonly used in reference to slots games and not, confusingly, games of poker.
Despite Australia not being the first to develop slot machines with the US and UK having a great deal of slot games before them, they gained huge popularity as soon as they hit these faraway shores - discover and play slot games here.
But are pokies and slots the same thing? Why do the Aussies not just call pokies slots like everyone else?
Australian pokies
Slot games have been popular in the US for over 110 years but the first pokies arrived in Australia around half of this time ago. We would have been able to recognise what they were intended to be if we were to compare them to what we know as slots games of today, both traditional casino slots and online slot games, but they may have taken some getting used to.
The aesthetic and function have altered over the last six decades since they arrived in Australia but they are not dissimilar to our slot machines at all. In fact, there is absolutely no known reason as to why the Australians don’t just call them slots like the rest of the world. Perhaps they just needed another Aussie slang word to add to their dictionary?
Pokies and slots
Yes, they are basically the same thing, although modern pokies now have commonly more reels than most slot machines. They seem to have increased from the original three reels to 12 and there is one particular poky that has an incredible one reel but 200 paylines in play which is a big hit with the Aussie pokie players.
Just as with slots, there are poky games that cater for the bankroll size of all players with games starting from as little as one penny but with the chance of you being able to become a millionaire with just the spin on the reel.
This is the excitement that everyone loves, no matter where they are playing slots games or pokies in the world, as it really gets the endorphins flowing and encourages you to play again.
Playing popular pokies
Just with our UK slot games, absolutely no strategy or skill is required for Australian players to be able to participate in playing slot games online. Millions of Aussies participate every day and they love that pokies are such inclusive games that have the potential to create life-changing sized wins.
Some of the UK online slots favourites are also loved just as much on the other side of the world, with games such as Mega Moolah having been a huge hit due to the size of its progressive jackpot and the potential to create millionaires overnight.
Other popular slots games or pokies include those of Billyonaire, 100 Panda and Gonzo’s Quest, which may vary in their volatility and number of available paylines, but offer every player the potential for great fun, relaxation and big win potential.