If you’ve ever visited Australia or New Zealand, you might have noticed that the locals refer to slot machines as “pokies”. But why is that
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Where does this term come from In this article, we will explore the origins of the word “pokies” and how it became popular in these countries.
Origins of the Word Pokies
The term “pokies” is short for “poker machines”. Back in the day, slot machines were often called “one-armed bandits” or “fruit machines”, depending on their design and features. However, when video slots started to appear in casinos and bars, they were more advanced than their mechanical counterparts and offered a wider range of games.
In particular, many video slots were based on poker games, such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Players could choose which cards to hold and discard in order to form winning combinations. These machines quickly became popular among gamblers everywhere, including Australia and New Zealand.
However, since they were not strictly poker games but rather electronic versions of them, they needed a new name. That’s how the term “poker machine” came about – it was a way to distinguish them from traditional table games like blackjack or roulette.
The Evolution of Pokies
Over time, the term “pokies” became more widespread in Australia and New Zealand. It was used not only to describe video slots but also other types of gambling machines that didn’t necessarily involve poker. For example:
- Fruit machines: these are slot machines that display fruit symbols on their reels instead of card suits or numbers. They originated in the UK but are also popular in Australia.
- Pachinko machines: these are Japanese gambling devices that resemble pinball machines but have a vertical playing field.
Players use a ball to try to hit certain Targets and win prizes.
- Video lottery terminals (VLTs): these are electronic gaming machines that offer a variety of games, including slots, video poker, and keno. They are often found in casinos and bars.
All of these machines are commonly referred to as “pokies” in Australia and New Zealand. The term has become so ingrained in the local language that it’s now part of their cultural identity.
Pokies in Australia
Australia is known for having one of the highest rates of gambling in the world. According to recent statistics, over 80% of adults in the country engage in some form of gambling activity each year. Pokies are by far the most popular form of gambling, accounting for about two-thirds of all revenue generated by the industry.
There are over 200,000 poker machines in Australia, which is more than any other country except for the United States. They can be found not only in casinos but also in pubs, clubs, and other public places. In fact, some areas have more pokies per capita than others – for example, New South Wales has about one machine for every 100 people.
The popularity of pokies is often attributed to their accessibility and simplicity. Unlike table games or sports betting, they don’t require any special skills or knowledge – anyone can play them with just a few coins or notes. They also offer instant gratification – players can see if they’ve won or lost within seconds.
Pokies in New Zealand
New Zealand also has a strong gambling culture, although it’s not as widespread as Australia’s. Pokies are still the most popular form of gambling in the country, accounting for about 40% of all revenue. They are mostly found in casinos and bars, although there are also a few standalone gaming venues that specialize in pokies.
In New Zealand, pokies are regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Operators must have a license to offer them and must comply with strict rules regarding payouts, advertising, and harm prevention. For example, they must display warning signs about problem gambling and offer assistance to players who show signs of addiction.
The DIA also conducts regular audits to ensure that pokies are fair and random. They use a system called “return to player” (RTP) to measure the average amount of money that players can expect to win back over time. The RTP for pokies in New Zealand is usually between 85% and 95%, depending on the machine and its settings.
Conclusion
The term “pokies” has become synonymous with slot machines in Australia and New Zealand. Its origins can be traced back to the early days of video slots, when they were based on poker games but needed a new name. Today, pokies are an integral part of these countries’ gambling culture, offering simple yet addictive entertainment for millions of people.
