How pokies work
Many websites claim that they can tell you how to beat pokies. However, they’re usually created by companies or people that profit from them. The truth is that a lot of time and effort goes into making sure you can't beat or cheat a pokie machine.
Learn about how pokies really work here.
When you press the spin button, a number is chosen from each virtual reel. These numbers make up a set called the pokie line or payline. To receive any winnings from a spin, the line needs to match one of the pre-set winning combinations stored in the computer.
If you do have a winning pokie line you will receive a number of credits depending on the prize level, and you can either cash these out or keep playing.
Keep reading to learn more about how pokies work and how they keep players hooked.
Pokie machine design
Pokie machines are specially designed to hold your attention and keep you playing for longer. Everything from the chair you sit on to the buttons you press has an impact.
Check out the effects of game design on your playing habits below.
Your brain on pokies
Pokies utilise many different psychological techniques to keep players hooked. Learn more about what’s going on inside your head when using a pokie machine below.
Your odds of winning
Learn about the odds of winning at a pokie machine below, and find out why there is nothing you can do to improve your odds, despite what the game design leads you to believe.
Sources
Productivity Commission (1999), Australia’s Gambling Industries, report No. 10.
NZCT 2016. New Zealand’s Pub Gaming Industry. Retrieved from http://www.nzct.org.nz/assets/Reports/Pub-Gaming-2016.pdf
http://www.onlinepokies.com/facts.htm
Breiter H.C., Aharon I., Kahneman D., Dale A., Shizgal P., (2001) Functional imaging of neural responses to expectancy and experience of monetary gains and losses. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/SO896627301003038
Huettel,S (2013). Behavioural Economics: When Psychology and Economics Collide. The Great Courses, Duke University. Lecture 3.
Harrigan, K. (2015). Ontario Canada. Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation film.
Schull, N.D., (2012). Addiction by Design: Machine Gambling in Las Vegas, pg. 34 and chapter 7, 54, 104, 125, 268. Princeton University Press; Reprint edition (May 11, 2014)
Jacksons, B (2015). Director of Game Development, Bally Technologies. Ka-Ching! Pokie Nation film.
VideoScience (2013). How Slot Machines Use Psychology and Design to Keep You Coming Back. Retrieved from http://youtube/CYQrL1hKoo
Munro, C. (2015). Ex-Poker Machine composer. Ka Ching! Pokie Nation film.
Livingstone, C. (2015). Monash University. Ka-Ching Pokie Nation film.
Mcrone, J. (2008). Spinning and losing: the reality of pokies. The Press. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/625371/Spinning-and-losing-the-reality-of-pokies
https://www.gamblingwatch.org.nz/pokies-know-the-facts-before-you-spin/
https://www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/learn-about-gambling/how-gambling-works/poker-machines
Online gambling
More access to technology can mean more risks, as we can now gamble almost anywhere, at any time. Keep an eye out for common online gambling traps to keep yourself safe.
Using today's technology, it's possible to gamble almost anywhere, 24/7. From the bedroom to the bathroom, even outdoors, and sadly a lot of us have learnt the hard way just how quickly gambling can go from fun to feeling out of control. Here are some of the traps to watch out for and some tips to keep yourself safe so you don’t lose more time and money than you meant to.
Guide to casino games
Casinos are built to be exciting and entertaining, but each casino game is designed so players are disadvantaged. Get some tips on how to stay safe.
Step inside a casino and the atmosphere tingles with excitement. While it’s supposed to be a form of entertainment, it can become harmful. You’re likely to spend more than you win, so it should never be counted on as a way to make money.
Online gambling
More access to technology can mean more risks, as we can now gamble almost anywhere, at any time. Keep an eye out for common online gambling traps to keep yourself safe.
Using today's technology, it's possible to gamble almost anywhere, 24/7. From the bedroom to the bathroom, even outdoors, and sadly a lot of us have learnt the hard way just how quickly gambling can go from fun to feeling out of control. Here are some of the traps to watch out for and some tips to keep yourself safe so you don’t lose more time and money than you meant to.
Guide to casino games
Casinos are built to be exciting and entertaining, but each casino game is designed so players are disadvantaged. Get some tips on how to stay safe.
Step inside a casino and the atmosphere tingles with excitement. While it’s supposed to be a form of entertainment, it can become harmful. You’re likely to spend more than you win, so it should never be counted on as a way to make money.