You may have heard about them on the Internet, but you’re still not sure quite what they are all about. What are these online pokies that are becoming so popular? “Pokies,” or slot machines, have long been a popular and familiar sight in Australia’s land based casinos and pubs. (The word pokie, a uniquely Australian term, evolved from the expression “poker machine,” which Aussies use to refer to both poker machines and slots.) And since the first online casinos began springing up on the Net around 1994, Australia has jumped onto that bandwagon as well, happily joining in the gaming fun with a distinctively Australian flavor. Online pokie games were the happy result.
What Types of Pokies are Available?
Literally hundreds of pokies are available online these days. Games can have any number of reels from three on up, although five-reel pokies are the type Australians most prefer, both online and off. There are both standard and video versions. A huge variety of themes, such as holidays, hit movies, sports, ancient history and a host of others, add to the fun. The best online pokies feature excellent graphics and amusing animations. In selected games, free spins, bonus rounds and multipliers can increase your playing time and your chances of winning big.
What are Online Casinos?
Online casinos are websites that offer, via download or instant play, a selection of games typically found in brick and mortar casinos, such as slot machines, poker, table games like blackjack and roulette, bingo and more. You can play most or all of the games for free. However, in order to have the possibility of winning real cash jackpots and other prizes, you need to register and set up an account with the casino. Once you have deposited funds into your account, by a variety of remote means, such as credit or debit card, PayPal or PayID payment service or prepaid cash vouchers, your play will be eligible for such prizes.
The Online Playing Experience
If you have never visited an online casino, you might wonder how a pastime that seems so physical could translate into virtual reality. Don’t pokies, by their very nature, require you to insert money into a slot, pull a lever and if you are lucky enough to beat the unarmed bandit, receive a shower of coins while an admiring crowd looks on? Well, due to the wonders of the Internet – and top quality software – the best online pokies can offer you an experience that is surprisingly similar to what’s available in a bricks and mortar setting. After you select a game, you can choose the size of your wager and the number of coins. When click “Spin,” you will see the lines “turning” and listen to realistic sound effects that sound remarkably like a reel spinning before slowly coming to a stop. There is even “applause” for a win, in the form of upbeat music.
