The Aussies and Kiwis refer to slots as “pokies.” Players from other countries might need clarification on joining Australian or New Zealand online casinos. Land-based casinos in Australia and New Zealand also use the term for slots and even video slots.

So, where did the term pokies come from? And why is it that only these two countries use this term? Well, Aussies are known for coming up with unique words that are shorter versions of the actual word. For instance, they say g’day instead of a good day. Therefore, it is likely the term “pokies” is a short form for video slot or poker machines.

In reality, “pokies” does not say anything about slots. It doesn’t even refer to the games. But, if you take a trip down Australian gambling memory lane, you might find an explanation. If you usually play online pokies in Australia, this piece will fascinate you. Let’s dig in!

Video poker was the first gambling machine to become trendy in Australian pubs and casinos. Also, since the Aussies shorten terms, it is believed that pokies is a short form of poker machines.

However, slots arrived in Australia after a short while and became a hit in the same places where poker machines were popular. Surprisingly, the Australian gambling enthusiasts did not work out a different name! Instead, video slots were put under the same category because it was another mechanical game related to gambling.

For that reason, although the games are totally different, Australians refer to them as pokies. The term refers to just about any casino-based machine game with reels. It is critical to note that the earlier versions of poker machines also had reels.

What’s The Difference Between Video Slots and Pokies?

Although Australians and New Zealanders put video poker and pokies in the same category, you’ll notice the difference when you start playing. In essence, the proof is in the playing!

Here are the main differences between the two game types:

Gaming rules: The two games have different gaming rules. For instance, slots seek out a combination of symbols from right to left to determine the winner. On the other hand, poker has different rules.
Skills: Slots are more popular because players don’t need any skill to win, as the game relies wholly on chance. Conversely, players can affect video poker games’ outcomes.
Gameplay: Video poker has two rounds, beginning with five cards on the screen. The game does not have paylines to reward. As a result, the wagering options and approaches in video poker are different than in slots where you bet on each payline. In poker, you bet per round.

Which is Better?

The answer to this question is subjective, right? Nonetheless, video poker seems like the better option because it uses the same rules concerning rewards. Additionally, your chances of getting a strong hand are similar to those in standard poker. This explains why the rewards for video poker hands are way bigger.