Beginner’s Guide: Rules, Bets, RTP & Smart Tips)
Online pokies (online slots) are one of the easiest casino games to learn. You pick a game, choose a stake, spin the reels, and wins are paid according to the paytable. The part that actually matters isn’t pressing “Spin” — it’s understanding how bets work, what the symbols do, and how to choose a pokie that fits your budget and play style.
This guide explains everything in plain English: how pokies work, how to place bets, what wilds and scatters mean, how RTP and volatility affect results, and what to watch for with bonuses.
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What are online pokies?
“Pokies” is simply another word for slot machines. Online pokies use spinning reels (or reel-like screens) with symbols. When the right symbol combinations land, you win based on the game’s paytable.
Most modern pokies include extra features such as free spins, multipliers, respins, and bonus rounds.
How online pokies work (the essentials)
Random outcomes (RNG)
Online pokies are designed so each spin is random and independent. That means the game doesn’t “remember” previous spins. A losing streak doesn’t make a win more likely on the next spin, and a big win doesn’t mean the game will “cool off” right after.
Reels, rows, and symbols
Most pokies are 5 reels, but you’ll also see 3-reel classics and larger layouts. Symbols land on reels, and payouts depend on:
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which symbols land
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how many match
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how the game pays (paylines or ways)
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your stake
Paylines vs ways to win
Pokies generally use one of these systems:
Paylines
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You win when matching symbols land along specific lines across the reels.
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Some games let you choose how many paylines are active.
Ways to win
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Instead of fixed lines, you win by landing matching symbols on adjacent reels (exact rules vary).
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This can feel like you’re hitting smaller wins more often, but your total bet settings still matter.
Key symbols you’ll see (and what they do)
Regular symbols
These are the standard icons in the game. Some pay low, some pay high.
Wild symbols
Wilds usually substitute for other symbols to help complete winning combinations (with a few exceptions that will be shown in the paytable). Some games have special wilds like expanding, sticky, or multiplying wilds.
Scatter symbols
Scatters often trigger free spins or bonus rounds. In many games they can land anywhere, but the exact trigger rules are always listed in the paytable.
Step-by-step: how to play online pokies
1) Choose a pokie that fits your mood and budget
If you’re new, pick a game with:
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clear rules (simple paytable)
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a wide bet range (low minimum stake)
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a theme you actually enjoy (you’ll play longer and make fewer impulse bet jumps)
2) Open the paytable first
Before betting, check:
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top-paying symbols
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how free spins and bonuses trigger
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special features (multipliers, expanding wilds, cascading reels, etc.)
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whether wins pay left-to-right (most do)
This takes 20 seconds and prevents most beginner mistakes.
3) Set your stake (bet size)
Your total bet might be controlled by:
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coin value / denomination
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bet per line (in paylines games)
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number of paylines (if adjustable)
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a single total bet slider (common in ways-to-win games)
Beginner-friendly tip: choose a stake that lets you play at least 80–150 spins comfortably in one session.
4) Select paylines (if the game allows it)
More paylines can mean:
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more chances for small wins
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higher total cost per spin
If the game doesn’t let you change paylines, your stake control is usually just “total bet.”
5) Spin (and use Auto-Spin carefully)
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Spin plays one round.
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Auto-Spin runs multiple spins automatically.
If you use Auto-Spin, set limits if available (number of spins, stop on win, stop on loss). It helps you stay in control and avoid overspending without noticing.
6) Understand the bonus when it triggers
When free spins or a bonus starts, quickly note:
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Are there multipliers?
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Can free spins retrigger?
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Do wilds become sticky or expanding?
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Is there a special rule in the feature?
This matters because some games pay most of their potential through the bonus round. If you’re comparing promos, check our casino rewards offer for the latest bonuses and reward-style deals.
RTP and volatility (what they mean in real life)
RTP (Return to Player)
RTP is a long-term theoretical percentage of bets returned to players over a very large number of spins. It’s useful for comparing games, but it’s not a guarantee of short-session results.
Volatility (variance)
Volatility describes how “swingy” a game feels:
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Low volatility: smaller wins more often (usually steadier sessions)
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High volatility: wins are rarer, but can be larger (often through bonus features)
If you prefer longer sessions and frequent hits, start with low/medium volatility. If you’re okay with dry spells and want bigger spikes, try higher volatility.
Common online pokie features (quick glossary)
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Free spins: spins where you don’t pay per spin (winnings may have their own rules in some promos)
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Multipliers: boosts applied to wins (2x, 3x, etc.)
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Respins: partial respins during features
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Cascading/tumbling reels: winning symbols disappear and new ones fall in for extra chances
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Jackpots: fixed jackpots or progressive jackpots that grow over time (game-dependent)
Beginner tips that actually help (no “systems”)
Start in demo mode if available
Demo mode is the easiest way to learn:
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how bonuses trigger
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how the game feels (volatility)
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whether you enjoy the pace and mechanics
Use a simple bankroll approach
Pick a session budget first, then choose a stake that matches your intended playtime.
A practical rule is to set a bet that gives you around 100 spins with your budget, then adjust if you want a shorter or longer session.
Don’t raise your bet because you feel “due”
Pokies are random. If you increase your stake, do it because it fits your budget — not because the game feels cold.
Be careful with casino bonuses
Bonuses can be valuable, but terms decide whether they’re worth it. Before you opt in, check:
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wagering requirement
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maximum bet while wagering
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eligible games (some promos exclude certain pokies)
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time limits/expiry
If the terms are unclear, skip it.
How to choose a good online pokie (quick checklist)
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The rules are easy to understand in the paytable
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The bet range fits your bankroll
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RTP/volatility information is available (or the provider is transparent)
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The game runs smoothly on your device
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You enjoy the theme and bonus style (you’ll play more responsibly when you actually like the game)
Responsible play
Online pokies are entertainment. The best way to keep them fun is to set limits:
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decide your session budget and stop when it’s gone
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take breaks (especially after big wins or frustrating runs)
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never chase losses
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if you’re not enjoying it anymore, pause and come back another time
FAQ: How to play online pokies
Are online pokies skill-based?
Most results are based on chance. Your “edge” comes from smart choices: picking games you understand, setting a stake you can afford, and managing your time and budget.
Do scatters need a payline?
Not always — many games allow scatters anywhere. But the paytable will always tell you the exact rule.
Is higher RTP always better?
Higher RTP can help when comparing games, but volatility and bonus design affect how a session feels. Short-term outcomes can vary widely either way.
What’s the safest way to start playing for real money?
Start with small stakes, choose a simple game, set a limit, and only claim bonuses when the terms make sense.
