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How To Win Pokies

Kia ora, fellow Kiwis! If you’re looking to boost your chances of success at the pokies, you’ve come to the right place. While pokies are fundamentally games of chance, there are strategies and approaches you can adopt to potentially improve your odds and enhance your overall gaming experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of pokies, offering insights, tips, and tactics to help you on your journey to pokie mastery.

Understanding Pokies Mechanics

Before we dive into winning strategies, it’s crucial to understand how pokies work:

Random Number Generators (RNGs) All reputable online pokies use RNGs to ensure fair and random results for each spin. These complex algorithms generate thousands of numbers per second, determining the outcome of each spin the moment you hit the ‘Spin’ button.

Return to Player (RTP) This percentage indicates the average amount of money returned to players over time. For example, a pokie with a 96% RTP will, on average, return $96 for every $100 wagered over millions of spins. Look for pokies with high RTPs for better long-term odds.

Volatility Also known as variance, volatility refers to how often and how much a pokie pays out. Low volatility games offer frequent but smaller wins, while high volatility games provide rarer but potentially larger payouts.

Paylines These are the lines on which matching symbols must land for you to win. Some pokies have fixed paylines, while others allow you to choose how many to play.

Special Symbols Most modern pokies feature special symbols that can enhance your winning potential:

  • Wilds: Substitute for other symbols to create winning combinations
  • Scatters: Often trigger bonus features and free spins
  • Multipliers: Increase your winnings by a specified amount

Bonus Features Many pokies offer bonus features like free spins rounds, pick-and-win games, or cascading reels, which can significantly boost your winning potential.

Strategies for Winning at Pokies

While no strategy can guarantee wins at pokies, these approaches can help maximize your chances of success:

  1. Choose High RTP Pokies Always opt for pokies with high RTPs, preferably 96% or above. This gives you a better chance of winning in the long run. Some popular high RTP pokies include:
  • Mega Joker (NetEnt): Up to 99% RTP
  • Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt): 98.9% RTP
  • Blood Suckers (NetEnt): 98% RTP
  • Starmania (NextGen): 97.87% RTP
  1. Understand Volatility Choose pokies with volatility that matches your playing style and goals:
  • Low volatility: For longer play sessions with frequent small wins
  • High volatility: For the chance of bigger wins, but with potentially longer losing streaks
  1. Manage Your Bankroll Effective bankroll management is crucial for long-term success:
  • Set a budget for each session and stick to it
  • Divide your bankroll into smaller session budgets
  • Never chase losses by betting more than you can afford
  1. Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions Many online casinos offer bonuses specifically for pokie players:
  • Welcome bonuses can boost your initial bankroll
  • Free spins offers allow you to play without risking your own money
  • Loyalty programs can provide ongoing rewards for regular play

Always read the terms and conditions of bonuses, paying attention to wagering requirements and game restrictions.

  1. Practice with Free Play Most online casinos offer free versions of their pokies. Use these to:
  • Familiarize yourself with the game’s features and mechanics
  • Test different betting strategies without risking real money
  • Find pokies you enjoy before committing real funds
  1. Play Maximum Paylines If the pokie allows you to choose the number of paylines:
  • Playing all paylines increases your chances of winning
  • Adjust your bet per line to maintain a comfortable total bet
  1. Know When to Stop Setting win and loss limits can help you maintain control:
  • Decide on a win goal (e.g., 50% increase of your session budget)
  • Set a loss limit (e.g., 50% of your session budget)
  • Once you hit either limit, end your session
  1. Choose the Right Time to Play While pokies use RNGs, some players believe certain times are better for playing:
  • After a big jackpot has been won (the pokie may be “due” for another win)
  • During casino promotion periods when more players are active
  • Late at night or early morning when there may be fewer players competing
  1. Look for Must-Drop Jackpots Some pokies feature jackpots that must be won by a certain time or before reaching a specific amount. Playing these games as the deadline approaches could increase your chances of hitting the jackpot.
  2. Understand Progressive Jackpots If you’re aiming for life-changing wins, consider progressive jackpot pokies:
  • These games offer huge potential payouts, but lower RTPs
  • Always bet the maximum to be eligible for the jackpot
  • Popular progressives include Mega Moolah and Jackpot Giant

Advanced Pokie Strategies

For more experienced players, consider these advanced tactics:

  1. The “One Play” Strategy Bet the maximum on a high volatility pokie for a single spin. If you win, great! If not, move on to another machine. This strategy can be exciting but requires strict discipline.
  2. The “Play and Run” Method Set a small win goal (e.g., 20% increase) for each pokie. Once you hit it, move to another game. This approach can help you accumulate small wins while minimizing losses.
  3. The “Gamble Feature” Tactic Some pokies offer a gamble feature after wins. Use this sparingly and only with smaller wins to potentially boost your payouts.
  4. Track Your Results Keep a record of your play sessions, noting which pokies seem to pay out more frequently for you. This can help you identify patterns and preferences over time.

Responsible Gaming When Playing Pokies

While these strategies can enhance your pokie experience, it’s crucial to approach pokies responsibly:

  • Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose
  • Set time limits for your playing sessions
  • Take regular breaks to maintain perspective
  • Be aware of the signs of problem gambling
  • Use self-exclusion tools if you feel your play is becoming problematic
  • Remember that pokies should be for entertainment, not a way to make money

If you ever feel that your gambling is becoming an issue, don’t hesitate to seek help. The New Zealand Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) offers free, confidential support 24/7.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Pokie Play

While there’s no guaranteed way to win at pokies, understanding the game mechanics, employing smart strategies, and playing responsibly can greatly enhance your experience and potentially improve your odds of success.

Remember, pokies are designed for entertainment. Approach them with a clear head, a set budget, and realistic expectations. With the knowledge gained from this guide, you’re well-equipped to enjoy pokies responsibly and potentially increase your chances of walking away a winner.

Whether you’re spinning the reels at a local pub or enjoying online pokies from the comfort of your home, may luck be on your side. Kia kaha, and happy spinning, Kiwis!