Best Pokies To Play
Playing pokies seem to be so much fun but winning pokies adds more thrill to the game. Since modern pokies base your winnings on things like random number generators (RNGs) and computer software strategy doesn’t seem to have a place at the poker machine banks when these things make the odds impossible to overcome.
Here find eight best casinos to play pokies on Android which have been popular from many years and continue to grow with more new pokies, Aussie punters and gamers from all over the globe. Their games come with the coolest tweaks and the simplest strategies that work best on Android mobile smartphones. I love to play IGT, Ainsworth, WMS & Aristocrat pokies at my local New Zealand casino, pub or club while having a few drinks with my mates, win or lose it’s always a great time out. I created this site to review the best NZ online & land casinos + provide free PC, iPad, iPhone & Android pokie games for all Kiwi players - Thanks for visiting! The pokie called 5 Dragons, from Aristocrat, is also on the list of best pokies to play. In fact, it is so popular that an online version of the game is available as well. Players who have iPad or iPhone devices can download the game right to their device and play from anywhere. Click here to play.
Though winning this game is purely based on your destiny but tactical tips for pokies players do actually exist. It is not that these will have you a sure shot win but they can help you make smart decisions and choose behaviours that make playing pokies more fun.
So what you need is to play pokies games responsibly with common-sense expectations, and make the spinning of poker machine’s reels more entertaining and fruitful. These are games of chance, but you can definitely increase your chances of winning, which is what these tips are designed to help you to do.
Maximize your odds with poker machines – What online casinos don’t want you to know
Lets start with some very important questions and unconvering some common myths.
What is the payout percentage, also called Return to Player (RTP)?
The payout is the percentage of money, out of all the money deposited, that will be returned to you –if you play all the combinations of the machine.
Let’s say that the payout of a machine or casino is 92%, which means that the casino pays out 92% of what it makes. Right? Now, depending on the amount of reels and symbols, this machine could have around 70 000 different combinations. Which means that to get 92% of your money you’ll have to hit every single combination which will take a long time.
A pokies machines payback percentage could be anywhere from 75% to almost 100%, but of course, always lower than 100% otherwise, the casino would make no profit. You can calculate a casino game’s house edge by subtracting its payback percentage from 100% – this is how much the casino makes per bet in the long run. For example, with a 5% house edge, casinos make $5 per every $100 bet.
Calculating a pokies machine’s payback percentage is easy if you have all the information available: multiply the probability of each outcome with what they pay, and the sum is how much the pokies machine returns in the long run, also known as its “payback.”
It’s a different situation with games like blackjack or roulette; in both cases we can calculate the house edge because the rules are known. If you care enough to make the calculations , you’ll know exactly how much you stand to lose or win in the long run.
Some casinos are tested by auditors that publish monthly payout percentages for everyone to see online – now, “payout” is different from “payback.” The actual money that the casino has returned to players through their games is “payouts” and the theoretical money that the pokies machines are set to return is “payback.” Payouts can be influenced by huge jackpot wins, for example, in which case a month’s payout would look much better than the games have been set to pay back.
Here are some real payout percentages of some top online casinos:
Fair Go Casino average pokies percent payout is 97.58%
Rich Casino average percent payout is 97.18%
BitStarz average percent payout is 96.90%
Joe Fortune average percent payout is 96.49%
What is RNG or Random Number Generator?
Best Pokies To Play Money
A random number generator (RNG) is a computational or physical device designed to generate a sequence of numbers or symbols that lack any pattern, i.e. appear random. (reference Wikipedia)
RNG is actually a software meant to secure fairness and randomness of casino games. Actually random number generator is a program code that uses the MD5 algorithm built into a casino’s software. Its job is to generate random symbols or numbers used in a variety of casino games and completely exclude the possibility of tampering with their outcome.
The goal is to avoid the repetition of any particular pattern and ensure different results every time, which is achieved by mathematical equations and formulas that make up the RNG’s algorithm. Finally, the randomness of games in online casinos should resemble the one in real land casinos. As in land casino when playing poker before every game, the dealer will shuffle the cards, thus securing the randomness of the game. After that, the cards you will get will be the first top cards from the deck that are absolutely unknown to anyone. However, in online casinos, there is no dealer to shuffle the deck of cards, and so the casino software has to do it instead. This is when RNG comes in and provides random numbers that consequently determine the card you will get.
RNG is a crucial part of the online gaming industry, as it promises fair play and random games. If casinos failed to provide randomness of games, the gameplay alone would soon become predictable and unappealing for players. Furthermore, if there was a pattern connected to a particular game, players would easily discover it and use it to their advantage, which would lead a casino to bankruptcy.
Are online casinos reviewed and audited for RNG fair pokies?
All the legit online casinos have to comply with specific rules and regulations implied by the online gaming regulatory bodies. Apart from operating under a legal license, casinos must ensure that their games are fair and random. To be able to prove the randomness of the games, online casinos hire independent audit companies in charge of testing a casino’s RNG. After such an agency determines that the outcome of games is completely random, the casino is awarded an RNG certificate of compliance.
This certificate serves as a guarantee of the casino’s integrity and can usually be found on the homepage of the site. However, in order to protect the sensitive data that the original report contains, online casino operators only share the logo of the auditor who did the testing and their seal of approval.
While this whole story about Random Number Generators making online gaming 100% fair and random is pretty much trustworthy, in theory, it is possible to go around this layer of protection. Virtually, RNG is a part of computer software, and it is well-known that everything dealing with computers can be hacked. There if you are thinking of playing any games in online casinos, always look for an RNG certificate of compliance. Such a sign means that casino games have been checked by an independent auditing company and are officially fair and random.
Remember you cannot cheat RNG which means you cannot do anything to win pokies game. So if you take an average casino player as an example, there’s no way they would ever be able to break into the system created by thousands of mathematicians. Also even if they somehow managed to trick the software and make use of it, sooner or later they would be discovered and prosecuted for such actions. Maybe that’s why pokies are called game of chance. Better to play free pokies games for fun rather than risking your real money.
Licensed online casinos are reviewed and audited on their RNG fairness. Many RNG reviews are conducted twice a year by eCogra.org group (http://www.ecogra.org/srs/services_rng_rtp_reviews.php)
What is pokies probability?
The probability to win a significant amount on pokies machines is slim to none. Normally, casinos do not disclose the odds on pokies and often players cannot be informed of their chances of winning, but the chances are low.
When casinos advertise that their pokies machines pay out an average of 90 percent, the fine print they don’t want you to read says that you lose 10 cents from each dollar you put into the machines in the long term. (In probability terms, this advertisement means that your expected winnings are minus 10 cents on every dollar you spend every time the money goes through the machines.)
Generally speaking, the easier the game is, the worse the odds are and because pokies machines are played much faster than other casino games they also take your money faster. Furthermore, whatever the pokies odds are, they are usually worse than table games such as baccarat and blackjack.
If you want to calculate your chances to win on an online pokies machine, all you need is this simple equation:
Number of winning combinations / Total number of combinations
To calculate the payout of the pokies machine, modify the formula a little:
Σ (winning combination_k * possible yield_k) / (Total number of combinations)
Why we lose playing pokies?
We lose playing pokies because they’re set to give back less than they take on average. It’s impossible to play pokies machines better; you can just press spin and hope for the best. With that said, though, you can improve your odds of winning at pokies machines greatly by making good decisions before playing and having a good strategy when entering a casino.
Generally, the more decisions you can make in a casino game, the lower the house edge is (with optimal play). Since there’s almost no room for decisions when playing pokies machines – again, your only decision is to press spin – the house edge is high at pokies when compared to other popular casino games. Also since you play pokies machines for real money so fast (400-800 spins an hour), you lose more at pokies than at any other casino game.
Like most casino games, a pokies machine is a game of independent trials (the previous game has no influence on the next game). Your chances of winning with each spin are the same regardless of whether you’ve lost or won. So, there’s absolutely no room for in-play pokies machine strategy.
Which pokies are best for you?
The simplest pokies machines, also known as “straight” or “flat-top” pokies, are your best choice to play. In these basic pokies, you can’t win a million dollars as they’re less flashy than other pokies, but they’re the best pokies games to play at a casino. For every dollar you bet, you may have to lose 10 cents more to flashier machines with progressive jackpots – that’s a huge difference in the long run.
When playing such pokies you need to adopt a strategy. You have to choose the highest denomination. The higher the denomination, the lower the house edge. For example, nickel pokies have a higher house edge than dollar pokies machines.
Next, bet the maximum amount of coins. There’s usually an incentive to bet maximum coins. For example, the jackpot becomes bigger relative to the bet, giving you a better return from the machine here odds stay the same but payout increases relatively more than bet size.
Also, bet slowly. Not because pressing the Spin button fast or slow would impact your odds of winning at pokies machines, but because it’s a viable pokies machine strategy because you have more time to play with your money and the longer you stay at a casino, the more comps or loyalty tier points you’ll probably receive.
Who are the real winners?
In the real ‘pub pokies’ world, the profits are split between the pub or club and the poker machine operator (TabCorp, Tatts, etc). In the online world, works exactly the same the money is split between the casino operator and the software provider in this case.
Game features and bonuses
Though there is no sure shot strategy to win pokies but certainly the type of pokies machines you choose to play loaded with features help you win more. Also they make the game more entertaining and may add a few extra credits to your bankroll. Although many pokies machines are completely unique, there is a set of elements that you will encounter in most games.
- Wild Symbols: These symbols can replace any other symbol to create extra paylines. Wild Symbols is exactly where the most innovations can be found. These substitutes can travel with each turn on the reels or they can stay locked in one place for a few turns. You may also encounter Wild Symbols extending to the full height of the reel or get a multiplier for playlines containing these symbols.
- Scatter Symbols: You can also often find so-called Scatter Symbols. These are symbols that can usually be found even on 5 reels and they pay out prizes even if they are not grouped on a payline. They often trigger other game features such as free spins or pick-and-win bonuses.
- Free Spins: As you can guess, free spins are games that do not cost you credits. But their winnings are real. These free spins are most often triggered by special symbols or above-mentioned Scatter Symbols.
- Pick-and-Win: When this type of bonus is triggered, the player gets to choose from several options. There may be visually represented as treasure chests, doors or anything else. Each of these options hides winnings or other benefits. Just like with free spins, Pick-and-Win is also triggered by 3 or more Scatter Symbols.
- Cascading Reels: Cascading Reels are one of the latest gaming features in online slot machines and there are only a few games offering them at the moment. Once a payline is created, the active symbols are removed from the game field and are replaced by other random characters. That gives the player another chance to win.
- Gamble: On the other hand, the Gamble feature is one of the oldest available and is well-known by players of classic mechanical slots. If the pokies machine offers Gamble, players may choose to double or even quadruple their winnings by guessing a card or colour.
Also the online casino bonuses where you play such pokies machines help you increase your bankroll. Go for no deposit casinos without any strings attached and play pokies. Also the welcome deposit bonus is good to grab when you join the online site for the first time to play real money pokies. Similarly, other bonus offers are also an effective strategy to play with free money at the casinos like refer a friend bonus or cashback bonus.
Is machine credits, casino credits same as real dollars?
The table below explain how you can convert credits to dollars and viceversa.
Can I lose even if I win?
Yes. In order to have what I call a ‘Nett Win’ you will need to win more that what the Spin cost you.
For example: if you bet 1 credit per line, on a 25 lines game, your total bet is 25 credits and – you will need to win over 25 credits on that Spin to remain ahead.
How easy is to win a Jackpot?
Jackpots are not easy to win. The odds of winning an online jackpot can be as low as 1 in 1,000,000.
Remember that to win a Jackpot you will need to bet on all lines which we just learned is very costly.
The graph below shows Mega Moola Jackpot evolution this year.You can see that they had only 3 winners this year out of around 1 Million players world wide.
Is there any pokie strategy to win?
Though pokies are just game of chance but few simple strategies can be applied:
The One Play Strategy: The one play strategy is that you play the pokies machine once with the highest amount possible. If you win, you play it again, if not you try another machine. It is a very simple strategy but does require a little bit of luck too, however it saves players from sitting at the same machine for hours.
The Standard Deviation: This strategy uses an advanced mathematical equation to determine what are the chances of winning on a certain pokies machine. As in many other occasions this strategy takes patience, concentration and budget to complete, however a return is nearly guaranteed.
- To use this strategy you first find an “equal pay’”pokies machine: meaning that the chosen pokies machine receives an amount related to the number of coins you bet on a line. For example, you get 20 coins returned for a 2 coins, therefore you would get 40 coins for a 4 coins bet.
- Now find the standard number of spins between wins, by playing until you win and playing until you win again, while counting the number of spins between each win. When you have the number of spins between each win for at least 10 times, you will now know the average number of spins between wins you can use on a high payout machine.
- Sign up with at a new casino that offers no deposit bonus, coupon codes or such bonus offers to get the best out of your online gaming experience and to test out this strategy.
Things to take with you
— Remember that there are different phases of payouts and money collection when playing pokie machines. You need to understand what the phases are and what phase your pokie machine is in, just in case your machine is not paying you. That usually means it’s time to move on to a different machine.
— Both real Pokies and online pokies are programmed to payout less of what you put in, so chances are you will not win money.
— Sometimes, you can help to move things along if your machine is not in a payout phase. You can do this by changing how you bet. The way that pokie machines are programmed means that switching how you bet can move the machine along to a payout phase a little more quickly.
— It’s always a good idea to use the red or black features. These features double your money when you win, and pokies are all about increasing your wins to overcome your losses. Using this feature is very helpful.
— Poker machines require you to think about the long term. For instance, you can do this by taking out your winnings once you have won a nice amount of money. If you play with $200 and you win $150, take those winnings out so that you are still playing with your initial $200 investment. This will help you to stay ahead, or at least even!
— Along those lines, remember that you should not gamble more than you can afford. You can easily end up in a bad situation otherwise, as you may gamble to try to “win back” money that you lost that you really needed for important things.
— The best mentality to have is to think of gambling as entertainment. Look at any money that you win as a bonus. If you gamble with your extra money, this will help you to think in the right way.
Free Guide: Maximizing your odds with pokies
Best Pokies To Play Games
We’ve written a comprehensive PDF document about increasing your winning odds while playing pokies either at a Pub or online – Maximizing your Odds with Pokie Machines (Guide).pdf