Pokies, also known as slot machines, are the most popular form of gambling in Australian casinos, in contrast to slot machines, which are the most popular form of gambling in American casinos. What is the difference between the two?
Many players are often confused as to whether these are two distinct types of games, and they wonder what the difference is and whether it really makes a difference. The truth is, they are not different games. Pokies and slots are two very different names, but that’s all.
While “slots” is more commonly used worldwide, this game is known as “pokies” in Australia and New Zealand. “Pokies” is simply a slang term for slot machines.
Where Did The Word Pokies Come From
Although internet pokies are a newer technology, the term “pokies” has been around for quite some time. The word was coined when slot machines were initially introduced in the early 1900s. At the time, they were commonly referred to as poker machines or fruit machines.
Then, because calling them poker machines was too long, Australians reduced them to pokies, a frequent approach among Australians when establishing slang.
However, why would they call it a poker machine in the first place when it had nothing to do with poker? Most people believe this is because the first gambling machine to enter Australia was a video poker machine, which was also the word used for all subsequent gambling machines.
While the first slot machines had three reels, they gradually evolved into the five-reel slot machines that are now the most common.
Other Alternative Names for Slots
To further complicate matters, there are many other names for slot machines. Here is a list of some additional slot machine names from around the world. Some of these names are pretty inventive, while others are a no-brainer. Here are some examples:
- Fruit Machines: Because traditional slots had fruit icons.
- Slot Machine: Well − you get it.
- Fruities: this is just slang for fruit machines
- Puggy: This is the name they use in Scotland.
- One-Armed Bandits: Because they have a lever, and they take all your money!
- Ding Ding: Because of the sounds.
- Pachisuro/Pachislo: Coined by the Japanese for their slot machines.
Playing Pokies Online
Finding those casinos through a random search is difficult, but there are Australian casino directories like truebluecasinos.org with updated lists of pokie casinos. Free spins are standard in those casinos for new players. It’s a great chance to sign up and get a feel for the casino before depositing your own money. There is no limit to how many of these pokie casinos you can sign up to so taking advantage of the free spins will make it much easier to find a casino that suits you.
We started this article by asking if there are any differences between slots and pokies and can conclude that there aren’t. While slots is a more well-known term globally, pokies are the most commonly used term in both Australia and New Zealand.
As a result, if you are looking to play some slots while in Australia or New Zealand, you must ask for “pokies” or no one will understand you. However, if you want to play online, “pokie casinos” will have a more extensive selection of slots but it’s more a matter of choosing the right online casino. All online casinos today have slot machines so finding a trustworthy and reputable casino should be your first priority.
Remember that online casinos are for adults only and intended for fun. Use responsible gambling tools to set your gambling budget if you start to play for real money.
