How to Play Pokies
Learn how slot machines work with our free online pokies simulator. Spin the reels, explore winning combinations and practise with virtual credits.
Lucky Reels
Demo game only. Credits have no cash value. No deposits, withdrawals or real-money prizes.
How do pokies work?
Pokies are the name commonly used in New Zealand and Australia for electronic gaming machines, also known as slot machines.
1. Choose your bet
Select the amount you want to wager per spin. In this simulator, you use virtual credits rather than real money.
2. Spin the reels
The reels stop on a combination of symbols. The result in this demo is generated independently for each spin.
3. Check the result
Matching symbols can create a winning combination. The demo paytable shows how virtual payouts are calculated.
Pokies symbols and payouts
This simplified three-reel game uses the following demo payout table. It is not a payout table for any real casino machine.
Returns include the original stake. The simulator uses these illustrative payouts for learning purposes only.
RTP and volatility explained
What is RTP?
Return to Player (RTP) is a theoretical percentage describing how much a game is designed to return over a very large number of plays. It does not predict the outcome of an individual spin or a short session.
What is volatility?
Volatility describes the pattern of wins. Lower-volatility games generally have more frequent, smaller wins, while higher-volatility games may have less frequent, larger wins. Actual game mechanics vary.
Can you predict a spin?
No. Past results do not make a future result due. A slot machine should not be treated as a way to earn income or recover losses.
Keep gambling in perspective
This simulator is for education and entertainment. If you choose to gamble, set limits before you start, never chase losses and only spend what you can afford to lose. Gambling should never be a way to solve financial problems.
In New Zealand, support is available through Gambling Helpline .