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Slots And Pokies - What Are the Differences?
Language can be a complicated beast at times. All over the world, there are different words used to describe the same thing, yet at the same time, there are other words that mean something completely different depending on where you’re from.
Terms used in the world of online gambling can be confusing enough on their own, but if you’re completely new to the experience they can seem like they’re part of some sort of alien language. Thankfully, the difference between slots and pokies isn’t hard to understand - they’re essentially two different words for the same thing.
Whilst ‘slots’ is perhaps more commonly used around the world, the term ‘pokies’ is preferred in Australia and New Zealand to describe online slots or slot machines. It may seem a strange choice, but as the world knows Australians are the true experts at abbreviating words.
It appears as though ‘pokies’ comes from a time when poker machines could be found in pubs and clubs throughout Australia, as well as slots. Over time it was just simpler to categorise them both as ‘pokies’ and have a single word to describe both - at the end of the day that’s how language has evolved.
Now, in future, if you ever come across either word in relation to the gambling industry you’ll know what it means - the unsavoury answers that are often found within the urban dictionary can be avoided - google at your peril.
Can You Play Pokies For Free Online?
Playing online doesn’t necessarily mean you have to risk your hard-earned cash. If you just want to pass some time or test out a new game, there are plenty of ways to play free pokies. It’s also a great way to familiarise yourself with how they work and what cash prizes are available if you’re new to the world of online gambling.
It should go without saying, but if you do choose to play free slots pokies you won’t be eligible to win real money in demo mode.
However, demo play isn’t the only way of playing free pokies - you could also make use of certain no deposit free spin bonuses, where they’re available. These are free spins you’ll receive without having to perform a deposit, thereby meaning there’s absolutely no risk. What’s even better is that you can actually win real money when using no deposit free spins. Simply use them on an eligible game, watch the potential wins roll in and collect your winnings!
Where Can I Play Pokies Demos?
So, where exactly can you play these free pokies? Well, there are a number of online casinos that actually allow you to play pokies specifically in demo mode. More often than not you’ll first have to sign up for a new account in order to play, but there are certain sites out there that make demo pokies available to all visiting players.
One such site is Oshi Casino. It fully welcomes those of you who are playing from Australia, allows you to fund your account using Australian Dollars and also gives you the option to play loads of pokie games for free. Plus, if you do decide to sign up for an account, there’s a fantastic welcome offer that you can make use of to play with extra cash.
Of course, there are also many other Australian online casinos where you’ll be able to play free pokies, which we’ll cover in greater detail further down the page.
However, it’s not only at online casinos that you can try out pokies in demo play. Certain casino game providers also host their iGaming portfolio on their respective websites. Therefore if you’ve taken interest in a specific developer’s range of pokies, you may be able to head to their site to try out the latest games as soon as they’re released.
In fact, if you were to check out NetEnt’s games you’ll discover that you can play many of them in demo mode. Although it may seem like an obvious plug, they are indeed considered to be some of the best titles on the market and we think you’ll love the variety of choices at your disposal.
They include some of the most innovative bonus features, highly exciting Free Spins modes and some of them offer absolutely incredible top prizes. So if you’re looking for somewhere to begin your online pokies journey, we definitely recommend you start with NetEnt.
Here are a few specific pokies to keep an eye out for:
- Dead or Alive II
- Street Fighter II: The World Warrior
- Ocean’s Treasure
- Wilderland
- Starburst
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Narcos
Which Is The Best Online Casino In Australia?
It’d be absolutely fantastic if we could just give a single, straightforward answer to this question. However, the fact remains that not all Australian players will be looking for the same things when searching for an online casino. Many will judge a site based on its selection of pokies/slots, others are looking for a generous range of casino bonuses and some want to be rewarded for their custom via some sort of casino loyalty scheme or VIP programme.
Obviously, as we’re avid fans of NetEnt’s range of games we’d also be looking for a site where they can be played. So, when you factor in all of these criteria your options are, understandably, going to be somewhat limited.
Never fear though, as there are still a number of websites that meet our benchmark. You’ll find all of them on our dedicated Australian online casinos page, along with a fantastic selection of bonuses and answers to any questions you may have regarding online gambling in Australia.
If you don’t fancy committing to an extra click, you’ll also find a few of our top recommendations below:
- Oshi Casino - As we’ve previously mentioned, this online casino has the full package: plenty of NetEnt’s titles, a huge selection of pokies to play (2,400+), a generous welcome offer and a cherry on top in the form of a rewarding VIP programme.
- 1
150% Bonus up to €350 + 200 Free Spins
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- Casinoisy - Again, you’ll find plenty of choice here, even though Casinoisy has fewer games than some other sites. Still, you’ll be able to benefit from plenty of weekly promotions, extra rewards as you rise through the different tiers of the loyalty programme and you can also take part in weekly tournaments to win extra cash.
- Campeonbet - If you prioritise game selection when looking for an online casino, this is definitely the site to play at. Campeonbet has a library that consists of 5,000+ pokies, table games and live casino titles so you’ll never be short of something to play. You’re also able to deposit and withdraw funds using AUD, making it a top choice as an Australian online casino.
- 1
Exclusively at NetEnt Casino150% up to €2,500 Bonus + 150 Free Spins
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Which Pokies Have The Best Free Spins Modes?
Now we’re getting to the meat of the matter. Playing pokies is undoubtedly fun, but the excitement is cranked up a few notches when free spin bonuses come into play. Granted, these are the best way to win huge prizes when playing pokies for real money, but they can also be extremely enjoyable if you’re playing in demo mode. So, which should you be looking out for? Again, we’re going to have to highlight those found in many of NetEnt’s games as they’re both unique and highly rewarding if Lady Luck comes your way.
We’ll start with a game that’s been around for a number of years now, yet still has the same draw as when first released - Dead or Alive II. If you’re fortunate enough to trigger the feature on this game, you get to choose one of three different free spin modes. Each comes with varying volatility, giving you the choice between winning often and winning big. If you decide to pick the most volatile of these options, High Noon Saloon Free Spins, you’ve got a chance to win over 100,000x your bet, making it one of the largest prizes available outside of a progressive jackpot.
Elsewhere, Finn and the Swirly Spin has 4 different free spin modes that can each deliver sizeable payouts. Not only that, but this innovative release utilises a progression mechanic that enables you to unlock additional free spins features the more times you’re able to trigger the bonus. It’s definitely a pokie you’ll want to play if you’re looking for fun free spins.
Another notable inclusion would be the newly released Street Fighter II: The World Warrior. Based on the original arcade game, you get to choose from any of the titular characters to do battle and activate the Beat the Boss Free Spins. Defeat all 4 bosses and you could be walking away with the ultimate prize and the title of World Champion!
There are many other pokies that feature highly enjoyable free spins modes and if we were to list them all we’d be here forever. Those which we’ve mentioned are a great place to start, but any other game in NetEnt’s catalogue will have you on the edge of your seat for the duration of the bonus.
Give ‘em a whirl and see what they’re made of. Try some free pokies for a bit of fun and you may discover that you’ve been missing out!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play online pokies in Australia?
Yes, you certainly can. Physical Pokie machines are very popular in Australia but you can also play them online at casinos from all around the world. Check out our top casinos and start playing your favourite Pokies today.
What kind of online pokies can you play in Australia?
Players in Australia have access to almost all of the world’s top Pokies, including games from NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech e.t.c. Just because they’re on the other side of the planet doesn’t mean they should miss out on top quality iGaming!
Can you win real money playing online pokies in Australia?
Yes, while the legal situation surrounding gambling in Australian is rather iffy, Australian players are legally allowed to play at casinos online and withdraw their winnings. Do check the terms and conditions of any casinos you visit to make sure they accept players down under.
Are online pokies safe?
Pokies are completely safe. Any issues surrounding security and safety when gambling online comes from the casinos that host the games. Make sure you only sign up and deposit at casinos that are properly licensed and regulated, otherwise there’s no guarantee you will be able to play safely.
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