New Zealand is home to a booming gambling industry. Gambling is taken seriously and has been part of the country since the nineteenth century. Before this time, wagers were placed on athletic games, and players played card games. However, the most popular option was horse betting, and it became more popular during the first official competition in 1835.

Brief history

How Pokies Work

Pokies are gambling machines with a screen showing a couple of reels that spin when activated. The activation is done with a lever which is now replaced by a built-in random number generator, producing thousands of possibilities when the button is pressed. Payout is designed according to the symbols displayed when the reels come to a halt.

Furthermore, the machines randomly pick a result from the multiple possibilities. You should know that it takes any credit-bets. Also, it determines what position the symbols or numbers take, which is always different from every other outcome. Credits are paid if a win is determined. The machines keep generating outcomes if no win is produced.

pokies free spins What You Need To Know

There are a few concepts or terms you need to understand before playing pokies. These terms are simple but would mean a great deal on your gambling adventure. Here, we would give a breakdown of some of these terms online pokie players should be familiar with.

Paylines describe the maximum number of winning combinations available on a pokie machine. In essence, a payline refers to any combination of symbols that gives a win. pokie machines such as the Vintage Pub Fruities offer just a handful, while modern-day pokie machines can offer many more paylines, several hundred.

After each spin is completed, a check is carried out for a line of 3 or more symbols along the lines. Additionally, paylines don’t have to be straight lines from left to right. They can be straight lines in any direction, zigzag, or even diagonal across the slot.

Symbols are unique and are characterized based on the theme of the pokie. We can also refer to them as individual images, characters, card suits, etc., combined to create the reels. Special symbols (same symbols) are lined up to form a winning combination, creating a payout for the player. Classic symbols include bells, fruits, stylized lucky sevens, and many others. Interestingly, some of these special symbols have multiple uses. 

In an easy-to-learn definition, scatter symbols are special symbols that pay anywhere on the screen. Essentially, there are no requirements regarding where they appear on a payline or reel. An example is the Pyramid symbols on the Queen of the Nile. Sometimes, pokies are designed with a designated scatter. In this scenario, bonus features such as multipliers and free spins are triggered when such symbols appear.

Wilds are also symbols for unlocking jackpots and bonus games. However, the term symbolizes special symbols that can be substituted for any other symbol to aid the player in creating an ideal winning combination. It is also possible for the wild symbol to act as a multiplier.

Wilds symbols are of various types. Stacked wilds, shifting wilds, sticky wilds, and expanding wilds are several wild symbol forms. These forms work differently but are used for the same purpose, substituting for other special symbols.

RNG (Random Number Generator)

A sequence of symbols or numbers that can’t be reasonably predicted is generated utilizing an RNG. The random number generation holds patterns observable in hindsight but unpredictable to foresight. There is no cycle it follows but an algorithm. However, neither the casinos nor players can predict the algorithm. This is why fair play is consistent with online pokies. But when the spin is completed, the sequence would be shown on the screen for everyone to see.

Variance

Variance is a term associated with pokies. It is also referred to as volatility. Variance tells the player how risky a pokie game is to play. Additionally, variance is classed as low, medium, or high. A low variance pokie game poses less risk of a loss than a high variance game. However, high rewards are tied to games with high variance.

Now, a player can decide to play gently or go all in, risk more to win more. Regardless, the house always has the edge, which does not translate as being impossible to win. We want to help balance your entertainment value against your bankroll.

Types of pokies free spins

Interestingly, there is a wide variety of pokies games available in land-based casinos and online. This is a guarantee that every player would find, at least, a game he loves. To broaden your understanding, here, we would go through the different types of pokies providing facts about them.

How to Find the Right Pokie for You

As earlier mentioned, there are several pokie games to select regardless of how much you know about the game. Some are quite easy to understand. All that is needed is to spin and check out the payline for the outcome. Others are a bit complex but are still playable by advanced players.

If you are kicking off a gambling adventure on pokies, it is important, to begin with some beginner classes. You can work your way to the top using every strategy you learn in your journey.

On selecting pokie games, you can lookout for a game with a lovely theme. With lots of games come many themes ranging from pop culture references to Egyptian mythology themes. Each game tells a story. Trust us when we tell you that every player has a pokie that fits them like a glove.

Some pokies are as straightforward as could be – you spin the reels and you either win or not. Others, features special in-game levels and special games. Some pokies consist of a ‘story’ – just like a video game – where you spin the reels to go through levels and move through the story. Choosing an online pokie is just like choosing any other game – and NZ online casino lovers have plenty of options to choose from.

If you are a professional player and want a chance to land a massive payout, progressive jackpots would be a good try.

pokies free spins Conclusion

In conclusion, the best New Zealand online casinos have an insane variety to choose of pokies to choose from, and it’s up to you to find a pokie game that you enjoy playing. You would come across many classics to steppers and video pokies and progressive jackpots. These games serve your entertainment desire or add to your bankroll. For more entertainment, ensure the pokie has a story behind it or a theme you enjoy.

It is important to play responsibly. Set a limit amount to bet. Ensure you don’t go overboard. This would guarantee you an exciting gambling adventure coupled with great fun.