Don’t Fall for These Pokie Myths: How Pokies Actually Work
Online pokies are powered by sophisticated software that uses certified algorithms to determine every result. Understanding how they really work helps you avoid costly myths and make smarter decisions with your bankroll.
Key Takeaways
- Results are instant: The RNG decides the outcome the microsecond you hit spin—the animation is just for show
- RTP is long-term: A 96% RTP is an average over millions of spins, not your session
- “Hot” and “cold” are myths: Every spin is independent. Past results don’t predict future ones
- Volatility matters more: It determines how swingy your session will feel
- Play responsibly: Set limits before you start. Support: Gambling Help Online — 1800 858 858
The Truth They Don’t Want You to Know
When you press “Spin,” the outcome is already decided. The spinning reels? Pure theatre. The near-misses? Designed to keep you engaged. The “hot streak”? Statistical noise.
Understanding this doesn’t make pokies less fun—it makes you a smarter player who won’t chase losses or fall for superstitions.
”Pokies” vs. “Slots”: What’s the Difference?
In Australia and New Zealand, we call them “pokies” (short for “poker machines”). The rest of the world calls them “slots.”
| Region | Terminology |
|---|---|
| Australia & NZ | Pokies, Gaming Machines |
| International | Slots, Slot Machines, Fruit Machines |
Regardless of the name, reputable online and land-based games rely on a Random Number Generator (RNG) to ensure fairness.
For a list of top-rated sites, check out Best Online Casinos in Australia or our Real Money Online Pokies guide.
The Engine Room: Random Number Generators (RNG)
The RNG is the heartbeat of every pokie. It ensures that outcomes are unpredictable and fair.
How it operates:
- The RNG generates thousands of number sequences every second
- When you click “Spin,” the software grabs the exact numbers active at that split-second
- These numbers translate to specific symbols on the reels
- The reels spin and stop to display this pre-determined result
- The RNG continues generating numbers immediately for the next potential spin
Critical Facts You Need to Know:
| Fact | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Independence | Previous spins have zero effect on the next one |
| Instant decision | The win/loss is decided before the reels move |
| No memory | Machines don’t get “hot” or “cold” |
| Certified | Licensed RNGs are audited by third-party labs |
Don’t fall for the gambler’s fallacy: A machine that hasn’t paid out in an hour is no more “due” than one that just hit a jackpot.
Understanding RTP (Return to Player)
Return to Player (RTP) is the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that a game pays back to players over a massive number of spins. The “House Edge” is 100% minus the RTP.
What RTP Actually Means:
| RTP | House Edge | What the Casino Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| 98% | 2% | $2 per $100 bet |
| 96% | 4% | $4 per $100 bet |
| 94% | 6% | $6 per $100 bet |
The Reality Check:
RTP is calculated over millions of spins. In a short session, anything can happen—you might win big or lose everything. Don’t expect to get 96% of your money back in one sitting.
Typical RTPs by Venue:
| Venue | RTP Range |
|---|---|
| Online Pokies | 94–99% |
| Clubs/Pubs | 85–92% |
Always check the game’s help file for the specific RTP.
Paylines, Ways to Win, and Bonuses
Paylines
The specific patterns where symbols must land to trigger a win. Classic games had one; modern video pokies can have 20, 50, or more.
Ways-to-Win
These games discard traditional lines. Instead, you win by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels (e.g., 243 ways or Megaways™ with up to 117,649 ways).
| System | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Fixed Lines | You play all lines on every spin |
| Adjustable Lines | You choose how many lines to activate (rare now) |
| All-Ways | Wins triggered by adjacent symbols, left to right |
Common Features:
- Free Spins: Bonus rounds that don’t cost you money
- Multipliers: Multiply your win by 2x, 5x, etc.
- Wilds: Substitute for other symbols
- Scatters: Trigger bonuses regardless of position
Learn more about wagering bonuses in our Casino Bonus Wagering Guide.
Volatility vs. Hit Frequency: Why This Matters More Than RTP
These two concepts define the “feel” of a game—and they matter more for your session than RTP does.
The Difference Explained:
| Concept | What It Measures | How It Affects You |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Risk level | High = bigger but rarer wins |
| Hit Frequency | How often you win anything | Higher = more frequent (small) wins |
Volatility Guide:
| Volatility | Hit Rate | Typical Session | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 40-50% | Steady balance, slow decline or small profit | Longer sessions, smaller bankrolls |
| Medium | 30-40% | Moderate swings (±$150 on $200 bankroll) | Most players |
| High | 20-30% | Deep drawdowns, potential for huge wins | Thrill seekers, bigger bankrolls |
Bankroll Reality Check:
High Volatility ($1.00 spins, $200 bankroll):
- You might see your balance drop to $50 waiting for a feature
- You could bust completely, or hit a $1,000+ win
- This is the nature of the game—not bad luck
Low Volatility ($0.50 spins, $200 bankroll):
- Balance hovers steadily, gradual decline
- Many small feature triggers
- You’ll play longer but unlikely to hit huge wins
Betting Limits and Jackpots
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Denom | The value of one credit (1c, 2c, $1) |
| Max Bet | The maximum stake per spin |
| Progressive Jackpot | Often requires max bet to qualify |
| Fixed Jackpot | Usually scales with your bet size |
Important: Always read the game rules to ensure you qualify for the jackpot.
Pokie Myths: Don’t Fall for These
Myth: “It’s due for a win”
Reality: Each spin is independent. A machine that hasn’t paid in 100 spins has the exact same odds on spin 101.
Myth: “Casinos change payouts on weekends”
Reality: RNGs run on fixed, certified algorithms. Time of day and player activity don’t change the math.
Myth: “Stopping the reels changes the result”
Reality: The result is determined the instant you press spin. Stopping early is just visual—it changes nothing.
Myth: “Online pokies are rigged”
Reality: Licensed games are independently audited. The house edge guarantees casino profit mathematically—there’s no need to rig individual spins.
Myth: “Hot” and “cold” machines exist
Reality: Every spin is statistically independent. The machine has no memory of previous results.
Don’t Make These Costly Mistakes
- Chasing losses — The machine doesn’t know you’ve lost. More bets won’t change the math.
- Believing in patterns — RNG doesn’t care about your theories.
- Playing high-volatility with a small bankroll — You’ll bust before the features hit.
- Ignoring RTP — All else equal, higher RTP means better long-term value.
- Forgetting this is entertainment — Set a budget and stop when it’s gone.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling is entertainment. Never bet money you need for essentials.
Support:
- Use deposit limits and self-exclusion tools
- Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 — https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Summary
Pokies run on certified RNGs and math. RTP is the long-term payout, volatility is how swingy your session feels. “Hot” and “cold” machines don’t exist—every spin is independent.
Choose games that fit your budget and play style, and always gamble responsibly.