How to Win on Pokie Machines? 

Do you search all around for how to win on pokie machines? In this piece, we will dig deeper into how you can improve your gameplay and level up your chances.

But hold on! Before you start reading this, we want to make it clear that pokies are a luck-based game. So, we won’t give you any magical wand to win all your next pokie sessions. We are here to guide you to better strategies and a strong mindset that will help you improve your casino skills, and who knows, you may end up with a jackpot. 

How do pokies work?

When you press the spin button, all you see is some random symbols popping out on your screen, and if it’s the winning combination, you win significant returns. But what actually happens? How do the NZ pokies work in the backend? Let’s understand. 

A modern online pokie machine is just a computer programmed to deliver that old pokie machine-like experience. The reel is not spinning in reality, and what we see is just some animations.  These machines use certified Random Number Generators that generate random numbers. When you hit the play button, these random numbers flip into random outcomes. It doesn’t matter what the previous outcomes of the pokie machine were; every new outcome is independent and unique, which guarantees fairness. 

To get a better understanding of how pokies work and how to win on pokie machines, you need to know about various aspects of the game, which are as follows: 

RTP: Return to Player refers to the percentage of wagered money a pokie machine will return to you over time. Let’s take an example to make things a bit more clear. Suppose you invested $100 on a 96% RTP game; there is a high probability that the game will return you $96, in the long term. So, it’s pretty clear that the higher the RTP, the higher the returns. Generally, online gaming pokies with over 96% of RTP are considered good. 

Volatility: Volatility or variance—anything between the two describes the level of risk tied to the pokie game. So, if the game you are playing comes with low volatility, there are high chances that you will get frequent but smaller payouts. However, if the volatility is sky-high, there are high chances of losing it all. But in these games, if you hit the jackpot, it will be life-changing. So, they offer a high risk-to-reward ratio. Normally, for beginners with a low-risk appetite, low-volatility pokies are the best. 

Hit Frequency: Hit frequency describes how frequently a winning combination shows up on the reels. You will win more frequently if your hit frequency is higher, but a higher hit frequency pokie does not guarantee big rewards. 

Ways to win on pokie machines

Classic pokies are simple with minimal paylines and simple features. However, over the years, they have improved by introducing new elements, and today we have pokies with different paylines offering different gameplay mechanics. So, if you want to know how to win on pokie machines, you must know about the ways to pay:

Paylines

Paylines are nothing but the lines where the winning combinations of symbols drop. Some pokies come with a simple setup and fewer paylines, while some roll in a higher number of paylines. But how do they impact the games? The more paylines, the better your chances of landing a winning combination. 

Megaways

When it comes to paylines, Megaways are the kings. The Megaways slots are the new trending titles that you will mostly find in the Big Time Gaming pokies. In these games, the setup is a bit different; there are no fixed paylines. Rather, they offer 117,649 ways to win, which levels up your chances of winning massively. 

Cluster Pays

Cluster pay slots stay away from the standard conventional paylines setup. Wins are instead obtained by hitting groups of adjacent symbols. The reward increases with the size of the cluster. Popular games like Gems Bonanza use this type of setup. 

So, here comes the main question: which pokies setup should you pick for maximum gains? Theoretically, the Megaways may attract you, offering so many ways to win. But they also demand big bet value. That’s the reason we say there is no way that guarantees big wins. It all depends on your choices, game style, and most importantly, luck. 

You can test all these ways to pay using our demo pokies.

How to pick a winning pokie machine? 

“How to choose a winning pokie machine?” – Search this on Google, and you will see a rush of articles selling you bullet-proof ways to win. But we will suggest you stay a thousand miles away from them, as in reality there are no certified winning pokie machines. Most pokie games come with similar reward systems and prize pools. So, it’s just about understanding how the pokie machine works, how well it pays under different conditions, and juggling with the volatility. 

When choosing a pokie game for maximum wins, we recommend you stick to the principles and practices of the existing super-experienced players. There are a bunch of key factors that they believe make or break your winning streak. So, let’s unveil them:

RTP and Volatility 

We spoke to hundreds of pokie players, and the most common thought we accumulated from them is that higher RTP is the hack to higher returns. Most pokie pros recommend games with high RTP to beginners, as they believe these machines offer better long-term odds. So, if you want to know how to win on pokie machines, the rule is simple. Keep RTP at the peak of the mountains and volatility on the grounds. 

It’s a popular confusion among newbies whether to play high-volatility games with big returns or settle down with low-volatility games and small returns. Well, the choice of volatility basically depends on personal game style and risk appetite. If you have a big risk appetite and you don’t care if you end up losing your bet, the high-volatility games are the perfect match for you. On the other hand, if you are a careful player, who wants small but regular returns with low risk, the low-volatility games are a must-pick for you. So, when you are picking a pokie game to play, make sure to keep these factors in mind for the most successful gaming sessions. 

Keep an eye on your budget 

According to the pokie pros, this is where most of the rookies fumble. Don’t shower all the money in your pockets chasing big wins. The goal should be to become a profitable casino player rather than hitting the jackpot. That’s where a solid budget comes into the picture. While engaging in casino gaming, you must carry a strict budget on your shoulders. This budget will define your complete gaming experience and also the pokies you will dip your hands into. For example, if you have just arrived at a casino, going with the highly volatile games and making large deposits is the act of a fool. So, as a newbie, it’s best to start slow with low volatility options, squeezing out small but frequent wins. When looking into how to win on pokie machines, it’s essential to start by setting your budget and keeping a strict eye on it.

Special Features 

Why settle for ordinary pokie games that lack features, when you can make your gaming sessions 10x more engaging? While it is okay to play the classic pokie games to get that dose of nostalgia, to aim for big wins, you need to play games with bonus features. The special features like bonus spins, innovative rounds, and re-spin options not only keep you hooked but also multiply your overall wins. That’s why, make sure to go with games offering special features and ditch those mundane titles. 

How to win on pokie machine – pokies strategy 

No doubt pokies is a luck-based game. But to aim for the big fish, you need to stand out in the race. That’s where some proven pokie strategies used by the regular players will help you. Although these strategies do not guarantee wins, they can improve your chances. So, make sure you add the following strategies to your pokies gameplay regime: 

Play the demo versions of the games 

One of the smartest ways to develop a good grip on pokies is by testing their demo modes. You play the games with virtual coins, without risking a single penny from your pocket. Playing free fruit machines is a great way to understand the game’s mechanics, features, and payouts. You can familiarize yourself with bonus modes, symbols, and multipliers so that when you jump into real money sessions, you can be super confident. 

Use Casino Promotions

If you are curious to know about how to win on pokie machines, we would say use bonuses and promotions as your ladder. Most popular casinos offer you free spins and a cash bonus when you register or make a deposit. So, make sure to claim these offers, and take their full advantage. At many casinos, you can grab a decent chunk of bonus cash with deposits as low as $10. But remember, these promotions roll in specific terms and conditions, so it’s important to read them to spot the best deals. After you get the bonuses, don’t just blindly shower it; use them wisely to maximize your winnings.

Join Tournaments

If you are playing at the top pokies casinos and you are not participating in their tournaments, you are definitely missing out on something big. These casinos often partner with big software brands to host regular pokies tournaments with huge prize pools. So, if you trust your skills and luck, you can join these contests with super low deposits, and in some cases even for free. If luck is in your court, you will eventually top the leaderboard.

Gamble Responsibly 

Although we are mentioning this at last, you should keep it above all. Don’t ever let greed enter your gaming regime. No matter how much profit you make, never ever step into the loop of addiction. Stick to a super strict budget, and never let losses impact that. Pokies are just a form of entertainment. So, don’t rely on it or make it a source of income. When the fun starts to fade or you find yourself in the clutches of addiction, walk away. Use the responsible gambling tools at your casino to fight back. 

Best pokies to win on in NZ

There’s no such thing as the best pokies or the most winning pokies. That’s because the outcome of each game depends on your preferences, play style, and a bit of luck. What may turn out to be a highly rewarding pokie for you could be a loss for another person. It’s this randomness that makes the game thrilling. So, instead of focusing on finding the winning pokie, it’s better to try the most popular games that most players love to play. 

That being said, here is a list of the wildly popular pokies that deserve your attention: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

  • Q. How to win on pokie machines? 
  • Q. How do you increase your chances of winning pokies?
  • Q. What is the best time to play pokies?
  • Q. How to pick a winning pokie machine?
  • Q. Can I get rich playing pokies?