Anyone can hit the “spin” button on a pokie. That’s the easy part. But have you ever wondered what’s going on behind those flashy lights? Why do some games pay out little and often, while others make you wait for a massive win?
This isn’t about cheating the system, mate. It’s about understanding the lingo and the mechanics so you can pick a game that suits your style. Let’s pop the hood on the online pokies.
1. RTP (Return to Player): The “Fair Go” Percentage You’ll see “RTP” mentioned a lot. It stands for “Return to Player,” and it’s a percentage that tells you how much a game is designed to pay back over a gazillion spins. For example, a pokie with a 96% RTP is programmed to pay back $96 for every $100 wagered over the long run. A higher RTP is always better for you, the punter. Think of anything over 96% as a pretty fair go.
2. Volatility (The Thrill-o-Meter) This is the big one. Volatility (or variance) tells you how a pokie pays out.
- Low Volatility: These games are like a steady drizzle. You’ll get heaps of small wins, frequently. It keeps your balance ticking over, and you can play for longer. Good for casual fun.
- High Volatility: These are the “all or nothing” beasts. You might go through long dry spells with no wins, and then BAM!—a massive jackpot lands. They’re riskier and more thrilling. For the patient punter chasing that life-changing win.
- Medium Volatility: A happy medium. A decent mix of smaller wins and the chance for some bonza payouts.
3. Paylines and Ways to Win Forget the single line across the middle. Modern pokies have heaps of “paylines” – patterns across the reels that can score you a win. Some games have ditched paylines altogether for “Ways to Win” systems, where you just need matching symbols on adjacent reels. More paylines usually means more chances to win on each spin.
4. Bonus Rounds & Free Spins This is where the real magic happens. The bonus rounds (often triggered by “scatter” symbols) are your ticket to the big bickies. These are mini-games within the game—free spins, spinning wheels, picking prizes. Understanding what triggers the bonus round in the game you’re playing is key to unlocking its full potential.
So next time you’re picking a pokie, have a quick squiz at its RTP and volatility. Are you after a long, steady session or a high-risk, high-reward thrill ride? Knowing the answer can make your spinning session a whole lot more enjoyable.
