Are you planning a trip to Australia and wondering what the locals call slot machines? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will explore what Australians call these popular gambling machines and provide some background on why they may have different names.
Firstly, it’s important to note that slot machines are a common sight in Australia’s casinos and pubs. They are often referred to as ‘pokies,’ which is short for ‘poker machines.’
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This name is thought to have originated from the early days of the machines when they were based on five-card draw poker. Though the modern-day pokie games have evolved beyond their poker roots, the name has stuck.
But why do Australians use this term specifically? It’s likely due to the country’s love for slang words and abbreviations.
Aussies are known for shortening words or phrases whenever possible, turning ‘afternoon’ into ‘arvo’ or ‘barbecue’ into ‘barbie.’ The term ‘pokies’ fits right in with this trend.
In addition to pokies, there are a few other names that Australians may use to refer to slot machines. One of these is ‘fruit machine,’ which is a term borrowed from British English.
This name comes from the fruit symbols that were commonly used on early slot machines – think cherries, lemons, and watermelons. Though this name isn’t as commonly used as ‘pokies,’ you may still hear it from time to time.
Another term that you might encounter in Australia is ‘one-armed bandit.’ This nickname refers to the lever that players pull on older-style slot machines – it looks like an arm sticking out of the side of the machine. The word ‘bandit’ adds a bit of danger or excitement to the experience of playing these games.
Now that we’ve covered some of the different names for slot machines in Australia let’s talk about how they work. In general, pokies are games of chance that involve spinning reels with various symbols on them. When the reels stop spinning, the symbols line up in different combinations, and players can win prizes based on the payout structure of the game.
Many pokies also have special features like wild symbols, scatter symbols or bonus rounds that can increase a player’s chances of winning big. They may also offer different bet sizes to cater to a wide range of players.
In conclusion, Australians call slot machines ‘pokies,’ a term likely derived from their love of slang and abbreviations. Other names you may hear include ‘fruit machines’ and ‘one-armed bandits.’
Whatever you call them, these popular gambling games are a fixture in Australia’s casinos and pubs. If you’re planning a trip down under, be sure to try your luck on some pokies – who knows, you just might win big!
