Playing pokies is one of the world’s favorite pastimes. The randomized game of luck induces a thrilling, exciting rush with the hope of landing on a winning payline. While wins are rare on a pokies machine, they are still so much fun to play as long as you practice healthy bankroll management and gaming strategies.
You can try an online pokie at Christchurch Casino when you want to kick back and relax at home. Explore the virtual machines by trying their demo versions before playing with real money for possible prizes. Once you find a few machines you like, switch between them as you play to keep your gaming session interesting and engaging.
1. Reels
Reels on a pokies machine spin vertically to reveal the symbols on every spin. Traditional pokies machines have 3 reels on them, reminiscent of the fruit symbol units from years ago. More modern machines feature 5 reels and various paylines that could help you win.
2. Paylines
All paylines are unique to each pokies machine. Certain symbols must be in a specific order to trigger a payout. You can preview some of the possible paylines by reading the game description before trying demo play on a pokies unit.
3. RTP (Return to Player)
The RTP rate is important to note. This is the percentage of earnings you will receive if you land on a winning payline based on your original wager for that spin.
For example, if you bet $100 on a spin and the RTP rate is 95%, you will earn back a base amount of $95 into your bankroll. This will happen if there are no other multipliers on the machine at the moment. A higher RTP pokie machine is usually favored because you will earn more back from your original investment if you land on a winning payline.
4. Volatility (or Variance)
Volatility refers to how often a win occurs and the overall size of winnings. A lower volatility pokies machine pays out more often than a high volatility one. However, a low-volatility unit will pay out smaller winning amounts. A highly volatile unit is known to pay out bigger earnings, but the wins happen more rarely than their low volatility cousin.
5. Wild Symbols
Wild symbols are substitute pictures on the reel that stand in for a missing symbol to trigger a payline. Think of these as your saving grace from an otherwise losing combination.
6. Scatter Symbols
Scatter symbols are pictures on the reels that must be in a certain order to trigger bonus rounds such as free spins. Other bonus rounds may include selecting from 3 types of mini-games to earn more in-game resources. Other pokie machines may have you pick from a chest to earn more benefits beyond just free spins such as multipliers and bonus winnings for your bankroll.
7. Free Spins
Free spins can be awarded to you in many ways. A deposit into your bankroll could award you free spins during a specific casino promotion. You could also earn them while playing on a pokies machine. Essentially, you don’t have to pay out of your bankroll for every free spin you receive. This enhances your chances for a better return on investment if you are lucky enough to win a spin during a free spins round.
8. Bonus Round
A bonus round gives you extra features in the game. You may play a mini game to earn free spins or other in-game extras. A free spins round can also be considered a bonus.
9. Auto Spim
Rather than clicking the spin button, you can set the auto spin feature to however many times you want the reels to go around at your designated bet amount. You may want 25 spins at $20 each and then dial down to 20 spins at $10 each once your bankroll gets low.
10. Jackpot
Pokie players love jackpots. These are life-changing winnings you could earn during a pokies jackpot tournament if you are lucky enough to trigger the machine’s winning combination to earn it.