What is a Pokie?

If you’ve ever wandered into a pub or casino down under or in Kiwi, you would have definitely seen the vibrant (often noisy) but undeniably entertaining machines the locals call pokies. The name may have connotations of pain, but that’s not the case. For the curious, pokies is the local slang term for a slot machine. For those who really don’t know, slot machines are gambling devices where you wager money, pull a lever or click on a button, and watch the reels spin with various combinations that hopefully end with a winning combination.

This concept may be universal to slot machines around the globe, but the term ‘pokie’ comes specifically from Australia and New Zealand. Understanding what a pokie is involves discussing its mechanics, its history in the region and the cultural significance it holds.

Humble Beginnings

The history of the pokie traces back to the 19th century in the United States. Other types of gambling machines had existed before this, but the invention of the Liberty Bell by Charles Fey in San Francisco around 1985 is widely considered where modern slot machines began. The Liberty Bell consisted of three reels that spun with five different symbols: spades, hearts, diamonds, horseshoes and, of course, the Liberty Bell itself.

In the early 20th century, these machines arrived on Australian shores. At first, they were banned and illegal but still managed to find their way into different entertainment establishments. They were a hit with gamblers. A significant turning point in the Australian gambling landscape was in the mid-20th century, when manufacturers (such as Aristocrat Leisure Limited), began developing their own style of gaming machines. The company, founded by Len Ainsworth, released its first machine in 1953. It was designed by Joe Heywood and called the “Clubman.” And so began the distinct Aussie style of pokie.

In 1956, gaming machines were legalized in registered clubs in New South Wales, and it marked a pivotal moment. It paved the way for widespread adoption and cultural integration of pokies in Australia and later in New Zealand. The term “pokie” itself is believed to be a shortened, colloquial version of “poker machine,” possibly in relation to earlier machines that looked like video poker games. It could even just be a natural evolution of Australian slang.

The Inner Workings

Modern pokies have come a long way from their purely mechanical ancestors and are now sophisticated pieces of technology. Here is a breakdown of the main components and how they work.

Random Number Generators (RNG)

No modern pokie would be considered fair and transparent, online or land-based, without this software. It is essentially a microchip that generates thousands of random numbers per second, even when the machine isn’t being played.

Once a player presses the “spin” button, the RNG chooses a random number, which then determines the position of the reels and the combination of symbols displayed. This means that every spin’s outcome is independent and based on chance.

Reels and Symbols

Earlier machines had reels that physically spun, while the more modern pokies use video screens to display virtual reels. There can be a number of reels but the most common are five-reel pokies.

Each reel is made up of a set of symbols, and how they are arranged and how they fall will directly determine whether you get a winning combination or not.

Paylines

These are the patterns across the reels where matching symbols must land for players to win. The number of paylines can range from a single one to even hundreds in more complex pokies. Players have the option to bet on multiple paylines per spin, increasing their chances of winning as well as their total bet.

Paytable

Every pokie has a paytable, which is a list showing the payouts for various winning combinations of symbols. The paytable will show the value of each symbol and how much you can win when landing a certain number of matching symbols on a payline that is active. Larger payouts usually come from rare combinations and high-value symbols.

Betting System

Pokies let players adjust their bets per line, as well as the number of paylines they want to play. Essentially, the total bet for a spin is the bet per line multiplied by the number of active paylines.

Credit metre and payout system

Pokies machines keep track of players’ credits (the amount of money they have loaded or won in the game). Any winning combinations will then result in a corresponding payout to the credit metre. Players can then choose to cash out their winnings or continue playing.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Pokies are more than just gambling machines for the Aussies and the Kiwis—they are ingrained in the social fabric as well. Pokies can be found in many different venues, from suburban pubs and social clubs to proper casinos. Being so accessible has contributed to their popularity, and many people consider it a part of their leisure and entertainment.

However, this importance also brings with it all the considerations regarding responsible gambling. For people to play them responsibly, they must understand that pokies are games of chance. They should also be aware that there are other elements to consider, such as setting limits and keeping in mind the potential for gambling-related harm. 

Conclusion

Pokies are essentially slot machines that have evolved from mechanical games to sophisticated entertainment for many. The term is linguistically tied to Australia and New Zealand. Understanding the mechanics and the importance of responsible play gives us a comprehensive picture of what a pokie is and its cultural significance. Now, next time you hear the term, you’ll know it’s more than just a funny word: it’s a key part of the gaming landscape in Australia and New Zealand.