Playing pokies (or online slots as they are known abroad) is undoubtedly one of the more ubiquitous gambling activities you’ll find in Australia, and pokie machines can be found in pubs, RSLs and online casinos around the nation.

So how to play pokies?

First of all, the main thing to remember is that online pokies are not designed to give one an advantage over the house, therefore there is no way in which one can successfully win at poker machines.

In saying this, there are things that you can do that will increase your odds to win money and minimise the risk of a big losing streak.

Let’s dive in, so next time you have a slap at a poker machine, you’ll be on top.

Choose The Right Online Casino

This is one of the most fundamental steps, so we’ve put it at the top of the list.

The quality of casino games available at an online casino is a key factor in ensuring that you have a fantastic experience on a pokie machine.

Therefore, before you get started playing pokies, sign up at an online casino that is licensed, has a large selection of online pokies from world-renowned developers, and adequately suits your needs.

Make sure you’re playing at a fair casino that has its communities best interests at heart.

Understand the Pokie Game

Before you start playing a specific pokie, it’s always good to know exactly what you’re dealing with before you start playing and virtual slapping.

Start off by getting yourself familiar with its rules, paytable, and bonus features.

For example, let’s say you’re playing progressive jackpots, what exactly is the jackpot you’re dealing with? How many pay lines are there, and what does the RTP look like?

Furthermore, is this an online pokie machine from a trusted developer? Or does it seem like one of those deceptive casino money-makers?

These are just some of the questions that you should ask before you get started playing pokies online.

Having a solid idea of how things run and the game mechanics will enhance your chances of winning, especially due to the unpredictable nature of casino games like Pokies.

Set a Budget

One of the key ways to ensure that you’re on top of your pokie game (and stay there) is to set yourself a gambling budget before you even log into your chosen online casino.

Decide on the amount of money you’re willing to spend on pokies and avoid exceeding that limit. Resist the temptation to add more money to your budget if you feel like you’re on a hot streak after you win free spins or hit that bonus round.

Taking measures like setting a maximum bet as part of your pokie strategy will allow you to keep a cool head when playing pokie games and ensure that when the pokies pay, you won’t get carried away.

This will help you maintain control over your finances and ultimately prevent any of the nasty habits that can emerge from irresponsible gambling from coming to the surface.

Bonuses and Promotions

Online casinos often offer various bonuses and promotions for pokie players to win real money and additionally increase their odds of winning.

Some of the biggest jackpots can be won off the back of generous promotions and free money bonuses that are at times handed out to punters.

So what do these bonuses and promotions look like?

These can include welcome bonuses, free spin bonuses, or loyalty rewards. Welcome bonuses are often goodies like deposit matching, and loyalty rewards can come in the form of a reload bonus.

Stay on top of the terms and conditions associated with these offers and jump on them when they pop up.

Practice Free Play

Virtually all online casinos will offer potential customers the chance to play pokies and try out casino games for free before they have to make any form of deposit or financial commitment.

This is because the player percentage tends to rise for most casinos if they offer incentivised play for potential customers.

Take advantage of these opportunities to practice and understand the game without risking real money (and who doesn’t get behind that?)

Utilising this tactic, you can get an in-depth feel for the ins and outs of the pokies on offer and make more informed decisions about where you’ll spend your money.

High RTP (Return to Player)

If you’re a seasoned veteran on the online pokies circuit, you’ll be familiar with the term RTP. If you’re a fresh face on the scene, RTP refers to the percentage of wagered money that a pokie machine pays back to players over time.

These percentages can vary quite heavily depending on the type of pokie, the casino and the developer who made the title.

Choose pokies with higher RTP rates, as they are generally more likely to yield better payouts. A good RTP is usually above 94%, with some going up to the high 90s.

Avoid pokies that have very low RTPs like the plague, as there is a chance these have been manipulated to ensure the pokies almost never pay out.

Gamble Responsibly

Last, but certainly not least, remember that gambling should be for entertainment purposes only and that you should always approach gambling activities in a cool, calm and responsible way.

Don’t chase losses, and if you’re not having fun or feel like you’re losing control, take a break or seek assistance.

At the end of the day, having a virtual slap on the pokies should be an enjoyable experience. Don’t get too caught up in the pursuit of coming home with a fat stack in your pocket from hitting the jackpot.

Set realistic expectations and know when to stop playing, regardless of the outcome.