How to play pokies online and on mobile

Written by

Dec 4, 2025

20 min read

Updated: Nov 29, 2025

If you’re a fan of casino pokie machines and want to enjoy more of what you love in a more convenient way, then you’ve come to the right place! Because if there’s one type of game that’s effortlessly made the transition from traditional casinos to virtual platforms, it’s online pokies!

Learn how to play Pokies Online

Whether you choose to play from your desktop, laptop, or mobile device, you’ll have instant access to everything you love about brick-and-mortar casino pokies – bright colours, flashing lights, thrilling spins, and huge jackpots too! Only now there’s no need to get in your car and drive to the casino – as long as you’ve got a wi-fi connection, you’ve got an all-access pass to the best pokies action the internet has to offer!

Just as you’re used to with regular pokie machines, there are no special skills needed, and no complex rules or complicated strategies to follow. Just dive right in, spin and enjoy! Even better, you’ll have accessibility you’ve only ever dreamt of. The ability to log on whenever you like, wherever you are. So whether you’re on your commute, at home relaxing, or killing time between appointments, you’ll be able to play world-class pokies anywhere, anytime. It’s 24/7 access, and it’s yours to enjoy!

So come with us as we plunge head-first into the world of online and mobile pokies so that you have all the info you need to start placing your bets. We’ll look at how pokies work, which features matter most, what to look out for. And why mobile pokies could be the way of the future. Because the more you know, the more confidently you’ll play, and the more successful you could ultimately be. Let’s go!

What are online pokies?

Let’s start at the beginning. A very good place to start (apologies to The Sound of Music). But it’s best to start with the basics and build from there. Online slots, or pokies (as they’re called in Australia and New Zealand) are exactly the same type of game as their real-life counterparts. Just here you’re playing on a virtual platform rather than in an actual casino building.

Why pokies?

Why indeed? No one’s 100% sure. In fact, these days it feels like it’s a term that’s just always been around. Whether it refers to actual video poker machines or early slots that used poker cards as symbols, slot machines have always been referred to in Australia and New Zealand as ‘poker machines’ or ‘pokies’ for short. Even though they’re slots. We didn’t say the name had to make sense.

Rather than getting hung up on the name though, maybe a better question is, why play pokies online? And to that we have not one, but three answers:

Better odds: Online pokies typically offer a higher RTP than their land-based counterparts, giving you a better chance of winning over time.
Better features: Thanks to creativity, innovation and technology, online pokies have more advanced features than traditional pokies, with bonus rounds, storylines and more.
Better variety: Due to the virtual nature of online pokies, virtual casinos are able to offer hundreds of top-quality games to players, with no floor size constraints.

No physical restraints ultimately means MORE for you. More excitement, more entertainment, and more ways to win! Which is exactly why online pokies are so enduringly popular all around the world.

The same pokies online, but different

Never played online pokies before? There’s no need to feel overwhelmed or intimidated. It’s exactly the same game you’re used to, now just in a virtual, interactive, completely immersive format.

In fact, you’ll still find all the same elements from land-based pokies that you know and love, now just in a digital format:

Reels
Paylines
Symbols
Bonus features
Jackpots

They’re all still there and they’re all still thrilling. The only difference is the platform they’re on. Add in more accessibility, flexibility, convenience and variety, and you’ve got a formula for exhilarating gambling with every bet you place!

How pokies online work

Not sure of exactly how to play pokies online? We’ve got you!

If you’re already familiar with regular casino pokies, you already have all the information you need to get going with your online journey. That’s because all the moving parts of an online pokie are virtually the same. All that’s different is the way you access the game.

We’ve already mentioned the various elements of a pokie machine, but now let’s get into a little more detail so you know what to expect:

Reels: If you’re a pokie purist, you’ll be glad to know that your traditional 3-reel pokies are still available in virtual form. Or if you want to explore your casino’s range a little more, you’ll find plenty more reels to get excited about! Most modern video pokies feature a 5×3 reel format, but some pokies offer as many as 6 or 7 reels or more, plus you’ll often find expanded game areas during bonus rounds as well, giving you even more ways to win!

Paylines or ways to win

Speaking of ways to win, that’s exactly what paylines are. Set paths across the reels that run horizontally, vertically, or even in random patterns for more excitement. Every pokie offers a different number of paylines, which could look like:

10 – 50 paylines: The format most often used by traditional pokies, where you’ll need to find at least 3 matching symbols on a payline from left to right in order to qualify for a payout.
243 ways to win: Instead of specific paylines, here all you’ll need to do is find matching symbols on adjacent reels, not necessarily in a row. With 243 possible combinations in play on 5×3 reels, that’s 243 ways for you to win!
1,024 ways to win: This is similar to 243 ways to win, except here you’re playing with 5×4 reels. More rows mean more winning potential, and up to 1,024 ways for you to add to your account balance!
100,000+ Megaways: A mechanic originated by Big Time Gaming, Megaways gives you a massive number of potential winning combinations thanks to the number of symbols on the reels changing with every spin. With 6 reels and 2 to 7 symbols available on each, the possibilities are almost endless. As are the winnings!

As you can see, the more paylines a pokie has, the more winning combinations you’ll be able to make, which ultimately means more rewards for you!

Bet size for pokies online

Here’s where you choose how much you want to bet per spin. And it all depends on the size of your bankroll. If your account balance is looking a little lean, you might want to stick to minimum bets. Less impact on your bankroll, but still hugely entertaining. Or if you’ve had a good run lately and your bankroll’s looking decent, you might want to increase your bet a little.

Want to put yourself in the running to win the top jackpot? Then you’ll need to bet the maximum amount to qualify. Sometimes all it takes is a $20 bet, but sometimes max bets could go as high as $250 or more per spin – so make sure to keep your bankroll in mind at all times. Settling on a bet size is a delicate balance between the excitement you want to enjoy, and the account balance you want to protect – so make sure you weigh up both carefully to find the sweet spot.

Finally, remember to always set limits on how much you spend when you play. Whether you’re placing minimum bets, maximum bets, or a combination of the two, always go into a session knowing how much you’re able to spend, and being firm with yourself about walking away once you’ve hit that limit. That’s how winners play!

Symbols for pokies online

These are one of the most fun parts of pokie design, and they can add all sorts of excitement to your experience. Symbols are obviously the various icons that appear on the reels. Sometimes traditional bars and bells, sometimes themed according to the storyline of the game, and sometimes just pure fun.

No matter how the various symbols are designed though, they usually fall into the same categories – low-paying, high-paying, wilds, scatters, multipliers, and potentially various bonus symbols too. Get the right combination of each and you’ll soon be getting huge rewards too!

RNG (Random Number Generator)

Whether you’re familiar with this term or it’s completely new to you, it’s one of the most important parts of pokie play. Because the RNG is the brains of the entire operation. So it pays to know what’s what.

Also known as the Random Number Generator, the RNG is the algorithm running in the background of every online casino. This program ensures every outcome is fair, random, and independent from the one before.

With the RNG in play, there’s no such thing as a machine running ‘hot’ or ‘cold’, and there’s no truth to the myth that a particular pokie is ‘due’ for a win, if it hasn’t paid out in a while. The RNG ensures that every spin is random – no patterns, no rigging, and no way to influence the outcome. Which is why online pokies are so endlessly entertaining – thanks to the RNG, you never know what’s going to happen next!

How to get started playing pokies online

If you already know how to play pokies online, you can skip this part. But if you’re brand-new to the game then stick around. We’ve got a simple step-by-step guide that’ll have you spinning the reels with confidence in no time!

Step 1: Choose a reputable online casino

The first and most important step to successfully playing pokies online is choosing the right casino to play at. That’s because not all casinos are created equal. Some are unfair and unscrupulous, and those are the ones you want to avoid as far as possible.

To ensure you only ever play at a trustworthy casino, make sure you choose one that’s:

Fully licensed and regulated by an official gambling jurisdiction such as Gibraltar, Malta, Curacao, the Isle of Man and similar.
Audited regularly by a third-party provider such as eCOGRA, to ensure ongoing compliance, fair play and a functional RNG.
Reviewed positively on casino review sites and forums, and has a good reputation in the industry and amongst players.
Home to high RTP pokies, a choice of volatility, high-quality games and a wide range of world-class pokies online, including the latest releases.

Step 2: Create an account

Once you’re certain you’ve found the right type of casino, you’ll then need to create an account. As a new player, you’ll have two options:

Play for free: Never played online pokies or any online casino game before? Then choosing to play for free first is a smart option. Also known as demo mode, playing for free allows you to play a variety of casino games with virtual credits, rather than actual money. You won’t need to open an account, and you won’t need to deposit any money. Instead, you can start playing right away!

Take advantage of your no deposit bonuses

By playing for free first, you’ll be able to familiarize yourself with the casino environment and the range of pokies on offer, without risking your own money. Aside from progressive pokies, which need real money bets to operate, most other pokies will be available for demo play. Which means you’ll gain the real-time casino experience you need to feel comfortable while gambling online. Then once you’re confident in your skills, you can upgrade to real money play and real money winnings!

Play for real: If you feel you’ve spent enough time in the free casino, or you’re secure in your gambling abilities and you want to dive right in, you can open a real account to start playing for real money. To register as a player, you’ll usually need to submit certain information such as:

Your basic personal details.
Your email and phone number (and potentially be able to verify these too).
Your ID or proof of address (usually only when requesting a cashout for the first time.

Once you’ve registered as a real money player and your account is approved, you’ll be almost ready to start placing your bets at the casino! First though, you’ll need to…

Step 3: Make a deposit

Ready to start playing for real money? Then you’ll need to make a real money deposit into your account first. No need to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Online casino deposits are hugely player-friendly, with a wide range of reputable payment methods to choose from. These usually include:

Major debit/credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard
E-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller)
Prepaid vouchers such as PaySafeCard
Bank transfers
Wire transfers
Cryptocurrency options such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and more

Simply browse the options available, making sure to check for details such as minimum deposits and any potential fees, and choose the payment method that’s most convenient for you. Each has their own particular advantages, so it’s your choice as to which suits you best.

Once you’ve made your selection, head on over to the casino cashier to make your deposit. Choose the payment method you’ve decided on, then follow the instructions. If you’ve chosen a method that facilitates speedy deposits, your money should be in your account shortly. Giving you everything you need to take your first online pokies spin!

Step 4: Claim your casino bonus

While you’re going through the process of registering an account and making your first online casino deposit, don’t forget to claim your welcome bonus at the same time!

Part of the excitement of being a new pokies player is the sign-up bonus you qualify for as soon as you join a casino. Most online casinos will offer generous rewards to players to incentivize them to sign up, so if you do your homework, you could enjoy premium value simply by opening an account!

Dive into welcome bonuses for pokies online

Typically, online casino welcome bonuses come in one of the following forms:

No deposit bonus: No need to make a deposit (as the name suggests) – simply sign up, enter your bonus code if needed, and you’ll have funds deposited directly into your account within minutes. No stress, no fuss!
Free spins bonus: Here you’ll have the chance to play a certain amount of spins on a particular game or games absolutely free! Claim your spins and put them to work for you right away!
Match bonus: Here you will need to make a deposit, but the rewards will be more than worth it. Simply deposit the minimum amount or more, and the casino will match your deposit up to a certain percentage, giving you extra bonus cash for free!

Make sure to read through terms & conditions

Before you dive right into claiming your bonus, though, make sure to keep an eye out for important information regarding your offer, including:

Wagering requirements: Before you can request a cashout of any bonus funds, you’ll need to wager your bonus amount a certain number of times to meet the terms and conditions. The higher the wagering requirements, the longer it’ll take you to fulfil them, so as a rule of thumb, try not to go for any requirements over 30x, or you may not make it in time.
Game exclusions: Not all games contribute equally to your wagering requirements, so check to make sure which give you the most value. Generally, pokies will give you the best return for your money, while table games will give you the least, or often don’t even contribute at all. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you stake your claim.
Expiry date: Believe it or not, casino bonuses do come with a time limit attached, so you’ll need to be aware of this before you endeavour to start meeting the wagering requirements. Make sure you fulfil the terms and conditions in time, or your bonus could become void.

Over and above your online casino welcome bonus, take a look at the other types of promotions on offer. Most reputable casinos will offer a range of bonuses for regular players, such as reload bonuses, happy hour bonuses, and birthday rewards. Usually a VIP programme too, where you’ll receive loyalty points, casino credits, free spins, real cash and more.

If your casino works hard at keeping its players happy, you’ll know it’s a space that takes your gambling experience seriously.

Step 5: Choose an online pokie to play

You’ve got your account set up and you’ve successfully made your first deposit and claimed your welcome bonus. Now it’s time for the fun part. Choosing a pokie online to play!

It might sound simple, but with literally hundreds to choose from, decision fatigue is real. Don’t feel overwhelmed, though. Once you’re more familiar with the selection available and gambling online in general. It’ll become easier to choose the games that suit you best.

Research what kind of game suits you

For now, though, take a look at our quick breakdown of the types of pokies on offer at most casinos, and see which ones best match your playing style and your budget:

Classic 3-reel pokies: These traditional games are inspired by old-school fruit machines, and their retro designs give them a fun sense of nostalgia. Look out for familiar symbols like bars, bells, cherries and more, and get ready for simple gaming, streamlined bonus features and good wholesome fun.
Video pokies: Moving from 3-reel pokies to 5-reel games, video pokies are the most common at any online casino, and they’re where you’ll find the most variety too. From numerous paylines and ways to win to thrilling bonus features like free spins, multipliers, wilds, scatters and more, video pokies pack a huge entertainment punch!
Themed pokies: If you’re into games based on particular themes, or even various movies or TV shows, look out for branded and concept-based pokies. Dive into the worlds of Greek mythology, ancient Egypt, the Wild Wild West, Irish luck, monsters, mayhem and more, and get ready for thrilling pokie excitement with every spin!
Progressive jackpot pokies: Looking for big money and big excitement? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s where you’ll find the six and seven-figure jackpots you’ve always dreamed of – because every time a player on the same network places a bet, the jackpot rises a little more. Hit the big one, and that life-changing jackpot is yours!

Explore pokies online and all their varieties

There are many more varieties of pokies out there. These are just the most popular categories to get you started on your journey. And if you still don’t know where to start, try filtering the available pokies at your casino by:

Theme
RTP
Volatility
Provider
Jackpot type

See what comes up, give it a whirl, and learn about what you like and what you don’t. Your journey is just beginning. It doesn’t get much more exhilarating than this!

4: How to play on mobile

What’s more convenient than playing pokies online? Playing pokies via mobile, of course!

While gambling online is already vastly more accessible than gambling in real life, mobile gaming takes that same accessibility one step further, giving you 24/7 access to your favourite casino games anytime you like, anywhere you are. If you have a mobile device and an internet connection, you have an all-access pass to the hottest gaming in town. Just log on and play. It really is that easy!

So how do you go about playing pokies via mobile? Much the same way as you would at a regular online casino:

Choose a reputable mobile casino to play with. We’ve already run through this in our look at online gambling. All the same points apply. In fact, most online casinos will have a mobile version ready and waiting. So if you already belong to an online casino, just play at its mobile version for added convenience.
Some mobile casinos will offer a dedicated gambling app for you to download, specifically optimized for mobile devices. Others will allow you to play instant online games directly from your mobile web browser. It’s up to you which format you prefer.
Once you’re in the casino, you can either log in with your existing account or create a new account if you’re playing for the first time.
If you have an existing account that’s already loaded with funds, you’ll be good to go. If you need to make a deposit though. You can do so in the same way as you would online. By visiting the casino cashier, choosing your payment method and following the instructions.

Browsing with flexibility

From there, you’ll be able to browse and play pokies just as you would from your laptop or desktop computer. Although when you’re playing from your smartphone or mobile device, you’ll have the benefit of:

Easy-to-use touchscreen controls
An optimized layout for portrait or landscape mode
Faster load times on newer devices
Special mobile-only versions of selected games

Over and above that, you’ll also enjoy crisp graphics and smooth animations thanks to pokies built in HTML5. Assuring you of an even more rewarding and entertaining pokies experience. So grab that mobile and take your gambling with you wherever you go. You’ve got the power!

Top tips for playing mobile pokies

Excited by the thought of being able to play your favourite pokie games online? We don’t blame you! Before you start spinning the reels though, there are some technical aspects you might want to bear in mind:

Make sure that your internet connection is reasonably fast and stable. If you have wi-fi, that’s perfect, but 4G or 5G work well too.
Check to make sure that your device is compatible with your casino’s software. Most reputable casinos are compatible with iOS and Android operating systems. If your device runs on either of these, you should be fine.
Don’t forget about your device’s battery life. Playing casino games does tend to drain the battery faster. So keep an eye on it to make sure your device doesn’t power down in the middle of a game.
Never log onto your mobile casino from a shared or public network. While mobile casinos do use stringent encryption to protect your personal and financial data. Make doubly sure of your online safety by only ever using secure wifi networks.
Want to know if your mobile gambling is legal? Let the casino access your device’s geolocation and you’ll be able to confirm whether or not you’re playing from a legal jurisdiction.

Maximize your results

Looking for the best results from your mobile gambling? Keep these tips in mind as you spin the reels:

Manage your finances responsibly. Your bankroll is your life in the game, so make sure you protect it as effectively as possible. Set yourself a gambling budget for each of your gaming sessions and stick to it. Don’t chase your losses, and don’t be tempted into spending money you can’t afford to lose.
Staying with responsible gambling. Make sure that, as well as setting yourself spending limits, you set yourself limits for the amount you deposit, bet and lose too. Keep track of how much you spend and how long you play for. And step away as soon as you feel yourself becoming too attached to a game’s outcome.
Playing a game for the first time? Always take a look at the rules and the paytable first, so you know what you’re getting into before you place your first bet. Even knowing a little about the game you’re set to play will help you learn how to maximize your winnings.
Mobile bonuses are a thing. And a very rewarding one too! Take a look to see if your casino offers any kind of mobile gambling bonuses. And claim them if you qualify.
Avoid going on tilt (playing emotionally) whenever you can. It’s best to play with a clear head, so if you ever feel yourself becoming frustrated or agitated. End your session and come back when your decision-making abilities aren’t compromised.

It’s time to play!

You’ve got all the theoretical knowledge you need. Now it’s time to put it into practice! Get started on your online pokie journey today with our help, and enjoy the ride. It’s not just winnings you’re playing for. It’s top-quality entertainment and non-stop exhilaration too. And we hope you enjoy every minute!