Pokies are the most addictive betting game in the land down under. Perhaps, it is because no real skill is required to play this game.
However, pokie machines generally have a high house edge. This means that the establishment is far more likely to retain your money than you are to win from them.
In light of these revelations, this article will guide you to all you need to know about pokie machines to boost the odds in your favor.
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How Pokie Machines Work
The first thing you will need to understand about pokie machines is how they determine wins. The game typically uses a computer program known as an RNG (random number generator) to constantly generate numbers.
These numbers determine which stop each reel ends up on after spinning the reels.
This process, therefore, is purely random. As such, there is no way of predicting what is going to happen during any given spin. Also, another important fact to note is that any spin of the reel is an independent event.
This means that the results of the previous spins do not have any effect in the outcome of the nest spin.
The third and final fact that you should remember is that an RNG is programmed in such a way that the house has an advantage. This means that if you play long enough, the house will win because that is how the game is designed.
However, this does not imply that you cannot win in the short run, but it has nothing to do with how you pick a pokie machine.
The good news, however, is that there are some pokie machine tricks that you can leverage to your advantage.
Pokie Machine Strategies That Do Not Work
Browse around the internet for pokie strategies, and you will be sure to find ‘winning’ techniques.
Some are obviously ridiculous, while others seem to make sense until they are examined with logic. The following are some of them.
The ZigZag System
This is among the more popular strategies. Here, the idea is that you observe the reels of various pokie machines and try to derive a pattern.
For instance, you are looking to find an ‘X’ or ‘V’ shape being drawn by any particular symbol. If you notice such a pattern, the idea is that the machine is about to pay off at any moment.
Nonetheless, the symbols on the reels are purely for show. Thus, this strategy is nonsensical. This is because pokie machines can never be ready to pay off as each spin is an independent event.
Money Management System
These systems are touted as means of ensuring that you always come out a win. Here, the idea is that you set win goals and loss limits.
The objective is to limit the amount of money you stand to lose when the machines are cold while being mindful enough to stop playing while you are ahead and the machines are still hot.
Nevertheless, this strategy is not logical since pokie machines can never be hot or cold, thus making any money management strategy irrelevant.
Typically, money management schemes are often combines with ‘techniques’ of predicting whether a pokie machine game is hot or cold. One of these techniques is referred to as the ‘straight 60’ strategy.
The idea here is that you quit playing the game once you have either won or lost 60 per cent of your bankroll.
Another rule of the ‘straight 60’ strategy is that you also walk away once you have had 9 naked pulls. A naked pull refers to a spin that results in nothing.
Thus, for example, let us assume that you begin with a session bankroll of $45. You will play until one of the following happens:
1. You lose $27
2. You win $27
3. You lose 9 consecutive spins
This is a very simple system, and remembering it so you can put it into practice should not be a hassle.
However, the idea that it will help you win more or lose less is not practical. Pokie machines are not designed to accommodate such a system.
Another commonly prescribed technique is the ‘play and run’ system. The idea here is that you should not spend more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time at a pokie machine.
This way you will be less likely to lose. Again, it is a flawed system that will not be of any help.
Pokie Machine Tips
Now that we have looked at strategies you should avoid, let us now look at fact-based slot machine tips that can actually work in your favor. These tips are based on the realities of casino games.
1. Play for Fun
As the saying goes, “The house always wins.” This is a fact as the house has a mathematical edge that you cannot beat. As such, it is best that you go into a gambling session with the expectation of losing.
You can expect the occasional win. Nonetheless, the goal of going into a pokie session should be to have fun. This will ensure that you do not take unnecessary risks with your money.
2. Join the Pokies Club
Almost every casino has rewards, rebates, and loyalty bonuses for players who frequent the establishment. They offer you a card that you can insert into the machine. This allows them to track how much you have spent in the casino.
As a symbol of goodwill, the house often returns a small percentage to you in the form of rebates, entertainment, food & drinks, among other benefits.
Nonetheless, be sure to dispel the myth that slot machines pay less when you play with your card inserted.
It has no effect whatsoever since numbers are randomly generated.
3. Look at The Payout Percentage
Before you begin playing a pokie, look into the payout percentage. The higher the percentage, the more ideal it is for you as the player. Most online pokie machines show the Return to Player (RTP) in the game rules.
The general rule is that an RTP of over 96 per cent is what you should be looking for.
4. Hit and Run
When playing pokies, utilising a hit and run strategy can be incredibly effective. To do this, it is important to have a goal before you start gambling. For instance, if you deposited $50, a realistic goal could be to turn that deposit into $125.
If you hit that goal, cash out right there and then and stop playing for the day. If you still feel like going after reaching your goal, then withdraw the target amount and play with the remaining cash.
As such, you should consider setting a secondary goal for your remaining amount. This technique not only allows you to cap off your wins but also your losses.
5. Skip the Progressives
The potential rewards for a progressive pokie machine are incredibly high. As such, such machines are less likely to pay out. They do that in order to afford the possible huge jackpot.
Consequently, a smaller gambler has better chances with lower jackpots since they allow more opportunities for winning.
If you are intent on winning big, then you can stick with the progressives. Nevertheless, your chances of winning a huge pokie machine jackpot are about the same as those of winning the lottery.
6. Quit Playing If You Win Big
Sometimes, lady luck is on your side, and you might start raking up wins. If you manage to win big, don’t test fate – grab your money and quit the game.
7. Slow Down
Pokie players have been known to make over 600 spins in just one hour. That is not a good strategy. Remember, the more you play, the higher the house edge is.
This implies that you will be giving the casino more chances to take your money away. As such, slowing down will help you save your bankroll.
8. Practice with Demos
Before you start playing with your money, play with the online practice modes. This allows you to have an intuitive sense of what kind of gameplay allows you to win more.
Therefore, only start playing real pokie when you feel you are experienced enough to risk your money.
If you are a newbie, it would benefit you greatly to educate yourself as much as you can about casino gambling.
9. Examine Bonuses Intently
Casinos will sometimes offer you bonuses.
However, there might be a catch. For example, there might be substantial wagering requirements, which might make it impossible to clear the bonus. Additionally, your favourite pokie might be excluded from the bonus.
Therefore, be sure that you understand the terms and conditions of a bonus offer before taking it.
10. Don’t Bet Using Rent Money
If you cannot afford to lose what you have, do not play. This might sound like common sense, but many people have destroyed their lives doing exactly that. Be wise, and only play with what’s extra to you.
Winning at Pokies
Spinning the pokie machine is an excellent way of having fun and potentially getting paid for it.
However, there is a good chance of losing. You, therefore, must have a solid strategy that will give you an edge and minimize your loses.
Looking to get better at playing pokies? Read on to learn more about Australia’s most favorite casino game.
