How to Choose Online Pokies That Suit Your Play Style

Online pokies are the most popular type of casino game in Australia, but with thousands of options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

Some pokies are fast and simple. Others are packed with features, free spins, bonus rounds, jackpots, and complex reels. And many players don't realise that picking a pokie that suits your style can make the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and far less stressful.

This guide breaks down how pokies work, the key features to pay attention to, and how to match a game to your personal preferences, risk level, and budget. Whether you're a casual spinner, a bonus hunter, or someone who just wants a fun game on mobile — this is the perfect starting point.

Step 1 — Understand Your Play Style

Before choosing a pokie, the first step is knowing how you like to play. Different players want different things:

1. Casual / Relaxed Players

You just want:

• Simple gameplay
• No complicated features
• Low stress
• Small entertainment sessions
• Predictable spins

Best pokies for you: classic 3-reel, low-volatility, fruit-style pokies.

2. Feature-Hunters

You enjoy:

• Free spins
• Multipliers
• Cascading reels
• Wilds + expanding symbols
• Bonus games

Best pokies for you: modern video pokies, feature-packed games, medium–high volatility titles.

3. High-Risk / High-Thrill Players

You don't mind:

• Bigger swings
• Longer dry patches
• Chasing big bonus rounds

Best pokies for you: high volatility games, Megaways, jackpot-style pokies.

4. Mobile Play-Only Players

You just want:

• Fast loading
• Swipe-friendly interfaces
• Easy navigation on small screens

Best pokies for you: mobile-optimised slots, lighter designs, simple interfaces.

5. Budget-Conscious Players

You want:

• Longer sessions
• Low-cost spins
• Frequent small wins

Best pokies for you: low-volatility pokies, fixed-payline classics, RTP-focused games.

Step 2 — Learn the Key Features That Actually Matter

Choosing the right pokie becomes easy once you understand four core elements:

🎯 RTP – Return to Player

RTP is the percentage a pokie is theoretically expected to return to players over millions of spins.

Typical RTP ranges:

• Low RTP: 88%–94%
• Normal RTP: 95%–96.5%
• High RTP: 96.5%–98%

What RTP means for your style:

• Higher RTP = longer sessions, slower losses
• Lower RTP = bigger swings + more volatile designs
• Casual players should aim for 95%+
• High-thrill players may pick lower RTP games with better bonus modes

⚡ Volatility (Risk Level)

Volatility determines how often and how big you win:

• Low volatility: Frequent small wins. Ideal for beginners & budget players.
• Medium volatility: Balanced. Great for players who want entertainment + bonus fun.
• High volatility: Rare wins. But can hit huge bonuses. Best for thrill-seekers.

📏 Paylines & Ways to Win

Modern pokies use different systems:

• Fixed paylines (e.g., 10, 20, 40 lines)
• 243 ways
• 1024 ways
• Megaways™ (hundreds–thousands of ways)

Which suits your style?

• Beginners → fixed 10–20 paylines
• Mobile players → 243 ways (cleaner layout)
• High-risk players → Megaways

🎁 Bonus Features

Many pokies come with extras:

• Free spins
• Multipliers
• Sticky wilds
• Bonus wheels
• Buy feature (in certain regions)
• Cascading wins
• Expanding reels

Choose games with features you enjoy — they massively affect gameplay.

Step 3 — Pick Based on Your Budget

Your pokie choice should always match your budget. This is where responsible play really matters.

If you have a low budget:

Pick:

• Low-volatility pokies
• Medium RTP (95%+)
• Low minimum bet sizes

These give you longer sessions and less stress.

If you have a relaxed budget:

Pick:

• Medium-volatility pokies
• More features
• Bonus round-focused games

If you're comfortable with swings:

Pick:

• High volatility
• Megaways
• Jackpot-style pokies

But always be aware of:

• Fast losses
• Long "dead spins"
• Emotional pressure

Step 4 — Choose Pokie Themes You Actually Enjoy

Pokies aren't just math — the theme affects your enjoyment too.

Popular Aussie favourites:

• Egyptian treasure pokies
• Irish luck & clover
• Classic fruit machines
• Wild West pokies
• Wolf / wild animal themes
• Asian lucky symbol games
• Adventure & treasure hunting
• Gold mining & outback themes

Pick themes that you connect with — it increases fun and comfort.

Step 5 — Always Check the Game Info Screen

Before playing a new pokie, always check:

• Volatility
• RTP
• Paylines
• Bonus mode details
• Max win potential
• Min/max bet

Most games display this in a simple info menu.

This helps you avoid surprises like:

• Unexpected high volatility
• Low RTP
• Tight bonus odds

Example Scenarios — What Pokie Should YOU Pick?

Scenario A — "I just want relaxing spins."

Pick:

• Low-volatility
• Classic fruit machines
• 95–97% RTP
• Simple layout

Scenario B — "I love free spins and big bonuses."

Pick:

• Feature-heavy video slots
• Medium to high volatility

Scenario C — "I want huge win potential, don't care about swings."

Pick:

• High volatility
• Megaways
• Jackpots

Scenario D — "I'm playing on mobile at lunch break."

Pick:

• 243 ways
• Clear UI
• Fast-loading titles

Responsible Pokie Selection – Staying in Control

While pokies are fun, it's important to stay mindful:

• Set limits
• Don't chase losses
• Take breaks
• Keep gambling separate from essential money
• Play with a clear head

Read our Responsible Gambling page for more information and support resources.

Pokies are unpredictable by design — so enjoy the entertainment, not the results.

Key Takeaways Before You Spin

• Choose pokies based on your style, not random picks
• RTP + volatility = the most important factors
• Features can make a game more exciting — or more complex
• Low volatility = longer sessions
• High volatility = big swings
• Bonus lovers should focus on modern video pokies
• Always play responsibly

FAQ – Choosing the Right Pokie