Pokies, also known as slot machines, are the most widely played form of gambling in Australia. Whether you’re at a pub in Sydney or browsing through an online casino on your phone, you’re never far from a spinning reel. For new players, pokies offer instant entertainment, easy-to-understand mechanics, and the potential for real-money wins without complex strategy.
This guide explains how to play pokies from the ground up — from choosing the right game to placing your first spin, and managing your bankroll effectively. It also highlights platforms like SpeedAU, which provide Australian players with access to licensed, safe, and beginner-friendly pokies across various themes and formats.
What Are Pokies and How Do They Work?
Pokies are games of chance that operate using a Random Number Generator (RNG). Every time you spin, the RNG determines where the reels stop. This means no outcome is predictable or influenced by previous spins — each result is entirely random and independent.
Most pokies feature 3 to 6 reels, with symbols like fruits, numbers, wilds, scatters, and themed icons. When certain combinations appear across specific “paylines,” you win based on the value of those combinations. The payouts depend on the symbol, your bet size, and the number of paylines played.
Modern online pokies also include bonus rounds, free spins, and multipliers that add layers of excitement and increase your chances of higher payouts.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Playing Pokies
Even though pokies are simple, having a clear process helps you avoid beginner mistakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide for Australian players:
Step 1: Choose a Licensed Casino
Start by selecting a reliable and regulated online casino. For Australians, that often means using offshore platforms licensed in Curaçao, Malta, or Kahnawake. Directories like SpeedAU make this easier by listing casinos that are trusted, transparent, and AUD-friendly.
Step 2: Register and Verify Your Account
Provide your email, create a password, and verify your identity if required. Some platforms allow anonymous play with crypto, but most will ask for ID to comply with anti-fraud regulations.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Use a payment method that supports AUD, such as POLi, PayID, Visa/Mastercard, or Bitcoin. Many casinos offer welcome bonuses on your first deposit.
Step 4: Select a Pokie Game
Choose a game that fits your preference — some pokies are fast and flashy, others are slow-paced and strategic. Beginners should stick to low-volatility games with simple bonus features.
Step 5: Set Your Bet and Spin
Adjust your bet size and number of paylines. Then hit the spin button. Watch the reels, check for winning lines, and activate any bonus features that appear.
Step 6: Cash Out or Continue
If you’ve had a win, you can withdraw your balance or keep playing. Set win/loss limits in advance to control your spending.
Understanding Paylines, Bets, and RTP
Before you start spinning, it’s critical to understand how pokies calculate wins.
Paylines
A payline is a line across the reels that determines winning symbol combinations. Classic pokies might have 1 to 5 paylines, while modern video slots can feature up to 1,024 ways to win or even “Megaways” systems offering over 100,000 combinations.
More paylines generally increase your chances of winning, but they also increase the total cost per spin. For example, if you bet $0.10 on each of 20 paylines, your total bet per spin is $2.00.
Bet Levels
Most pokies allow you to adjust both the coin value and the number of coins per line. This gives you full control over how much you wager per spin. Betting higher may unlock larger potential wins or progressive jackpot eligibility.
Return to Player (RTP)
RTP is a percentage showing how much a pokie pays back to players over time. A game with a 96% RTP theoretically returns $96 for every $100 wagered. While RTP is calculated over millions of spins, it’s a useful indicator of how “fair” a game is.
Look for games with RTPs above 95% for a better long-term experience.
Volatility: How Risk Affects Your Pokie Choice
Volatility (also called variance) describes how often and how much a pokie pays out.
- Low volatility: Frequent wins, usually small. Great for beginners or players on a budget.
- Medium volatility: Balanced payouts and frequency.
- High volatility: Rare but big wins. Suitable for experienced players or high-risk takers.
For new players, low to medium volatility pokies are ideal. They help build confidence without draining your bankroll too quickly.
Examples:
- Low: Starburst.
- Medium: Big Bass Bonanza.
- High: Wanted Dead or a Wild.
🎁 Bonus Features Explained
Modern pokies come packed with features that can trigger massive wins. Understanding these features helps you pick the right games and make smarter decisions while playing.
Free Spins
Triggered by scatter symbols, free spins give you a set number of additional spins without using your balance. Some games add multipliers or wilds during this round.
Wild Symbols
Wilds substitute for other symbols to complete a payline. Some wilds expand across reels, while others multiply your win.
Scatter Symbols
Scatters often activate bonus rounds or free spins. Unlike regular symbols, they don’t need to be on a specific payline to pay.
Bonus Buy
Many games now offer a feature called Bonus Buy, allowing players to directly purchase access to the bonus round. While risky, it’s a shortcut to the high-reward section of the game.
These elements keep the gameplay engaging and offer the potential for massive wins — especially in high-volatility pokies.
Deposits, Withdrawals, and Local Payment Options
Australian players benefit from several convenient and secure banking methods when playing online pokies:
Deposits
- POLi and PayID – Fast, local bank transfer options.
- Visa / Mastercard – Widely accepted with quick confirmation.
- Bitcoin / Ethereum / USDT – Increasingly popular for privacy and speed.
- Neosurf / Flexepin – Prepaid vouchers that don’t link to your bank.
Withdrawals
Always check the casino’s withdrawal policy, including processing times, limits, and identity checks. Crypto withdrawals are often fastest (1–24 hours), while bank transfers may take 1–3 business days.
Trusted platforms like those listed on SpeedAU clearly state their payment terms and support popular AUD-friendly options.
Mobile Pokies: Playing on the Go
With over 80% of Australian players accessing pokies via mobile, mobile compatibility is essential.
Leading game developers like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Play’n GO, and Hacksaw Gaming build pokies using HTML5 technology. This ensures they load instantly in browsers, adapt to different screen sizes, and offer touch-optimised controls.
Whether you’re playing from an iPhone, Android device, or tablet, you can expect:
- Responsive controls
- Fast load times
- Full feature access (bonus rounds, autoplay, bet adjustment)
- Secure in-browser payment access.
You don’t need to download anything — just log in, choose a game, and start spinning.
Pokie Types: Classic, Video, and Megaways
Understanding pokie types helps you explore games that match your style.
Classic Pokies
3 reels, few paylines, and nostalgic fruit or bar symbols. Great for those who want simplicity and a retro experience.
Video Slots
5+ reels with advanced graphics, animated symbols, and multiple bonus features. These are the most common online pokies today.
Megaways™
Introduced by Big Time Gaming, this system changes the number of symbols on each reel every spin, creating hundreds of thousands of possible win combinations.
For beginners, video slots offer a good balance of visuals, features, and manageable complexity. Megaways are exciting but may feel chaotic at first.