Here at the online casino Pokiesurf, we make it our mission to serve our players and potential customers. That means that we provide the best gambling experience, as well as share our expert knowledge of the online casino market. Today, we have prepared a thorough guide for all Australian punters, going in-depth about online pokies for real money. Best games, bonuses and other helpful tips for all the players. Buckle up and let’s get started, as we are jumping right into action.
It’s no secret that every player has their own opinions on the specifics of what can be called “the best” pokie. We have compiled a list of the top performing and popular real money pokies, with player recommendations and all the necessary information you need to know about the games before you start playing.
Get a look at the top-performing slots of this year so far! This time our team has provided an exciting new list of games, based on the recent player reviews and popularity in the Australian casino segment. Surprisingly, we found a few new names popping up more frequently than we expected. A new wave of casino gambling is incoming? Maybe! But for now, let’s check out our options.
Name of the game |
Software provider |
RTP |
Special features |
Who the game is for |
Mighty Wild: Jaguar |
Wazdan |
96.14% |
Bonus Bet, Buy Feature, Hold and Win, Fixed Jackpots, Multiplier, Wilds, Sticky Symbols, Double Game. |
Because of the option to choose between 3 different chance levels, the game is suitable for any kind of player. |
Hot Slot: 777 Gold Crown |
Wazdan |
96.14% |
Bonus Bet, Fixed Jackpots, Double Game, Scatter Symbols. |
The simplicity of the slot and its features are suitable for beginner players and lovers of classic gameplay. |
3 Pyramids of gold |
Octoplay |
95.76% |
Bonus Bet, Free Spins, Buy Feature, Bonus Symbols, Expanding symbols, Multiplier, Respins, Scatter Symbols, Wilds With Multipliers, Stack, Energy. |
The variety of available special features may overwhelm people new to the game, so we recommend it for players, looking for new and exciting gameplay. |
Cash of Egypt |
Ela Games |
95.4% |
Bonus Game, Bonus symbols, Multiplier, Multiway, Random Wilds, Wild Symbols. |
Easy to operate, yet a very exciting slot with over 1024 ways to win is excellent for beginners and high-rollers, looking to get the best bang for their buck. |
Flame Fruits Frenzy |
Ela Games |
94.1% |
Double Game. |
Classic slot, that would be a perfect pick for fruit enthusiasts and beginners. |
Flame & Fortune: Hold & Win |
Octoplay |
92.78% |
Bonus symbols, Hold and Win, Pot Collection, Stack, Energy, Wild Symbols. |
Well-rounded fantasy game with just enough features to make it interesting, but not overwhelm the player. Great fit for any player. |
The Sword and The Grail |
Play’n Go |
94.5% |
Free Spins, Multiplier, Scatter symbols, Energy, Wild Symbols. |
Visually stunning slot, that unfortunately is not suitable for casual players and aims more towards high rollers. |
Noble Crown |
Ela Games |
94.03% |
Expanding Symbols, Fixed Jackpots, Double game, Scatter Symbols, Wild Symbols. |
A nice fruit slot that caters to all sorts of players. The Ouble game adds a necessary edge if you want to get more exciting gameplay. |
Coin Win: Hold The Spin |
Gamzix |
95% |
Bonus Game, Bonus symbols, Fixed Jackpots, Gamble, Hold and Win, Double game, RTP range, Wild Symbols. |
Fruit slot with a twist! Non-standard grid and mechanics, unusual for this kind of slot are certainly entertaining, but unfortunately not beginner-friendly. |
Hot Chilli Bells |
BGaming |
97% |
Additive symbol, Bonus Game, Bonus symbols, Buy Feature, Expanding Symbols, Free Spins, Hold and Win, Multiplier, Random multiplier, Respins, Scatter symbols, Sticky Symbols, Wild Symbols. |
This game is loaded with all the different kinds of mechanics and twists, making the gameplay a neverending hurricane of excitement. Maybe this game is not particularly suited for newbies, but the bet range certainly allows for some leeway in terms of available player funds. |
You may be asking yourself why we only recommend games based on popularity and the answer is relatively simple. In today’s casino industry, games are popping up left and right seemingly every day. The mere fact that a game doesn’t get lost in the shuffle means that there’s something worth checking out. Consider it a sort of peer review.
Be honest – how many hours are you spending on your phone? We’re not trying to shame you, trust, our writers probably spend way more time on their phones than you do. What we’re alluding to is the fact that the time a regular person spends on their phone has increased dramatically over the last decade.
Phones are everything now. You talk to friends on your phone, you play and relax on your phone and for many people, their work has also shifted to being on their phone.
So the casino industry moved on to adapting the games and websites specifically for phone users, too. In fact, almost all modern pokies have already come out adapted for mobile play. The most popular older pokies also have been modified to fit into the realm of mobile gaming. There’s maybe under 1% of pokies that are not available for mobile use.
So, this just comes down to individual casinos having specific mobile versions for their websites. Here we will talk about some ways you can access your favourite games from your mobile device.
So, there are only two ways you can access casinos from your phone. It’s either through their app or a mobile version of their website. Frankly speaking, both options are valid and have their own upsides and downsides.
Let’s talk Apps First. The main downside of installing a casino app is wasting space on your smartphone or a tablet with an application that can be avoided. But other than that, there are little to no downsides. You get easy and fast access to all the games you could think of through the same account you’d be using on your pc. All you need to do is find the app on the casino website or in the app store and install it.
With mobile websites, the main downside is the lengthy process of actually accessing the site through your browser, as well as a higher dependency on internet connection. So let’s be real – there are no major downsides, same with apps. Using the mobile web version of the casino you will get the same experience, as on PC and won’t waste space on your device. So really – this is up to you to choose.
Casino games at Land-based casinos look shady enough, am I right? And these games you can touch and feel, observe the dealer and watch the cards. You can’t even do that with online gambling! It’s no wonder many people are intimidated by the idea of online gambling – it’s simply scary.
But in a rather counter-intuitive fashion, online games are arguably more safe and well-balanced than their real-life counterparts. How? Well, because most of the games are automated. There’s no human error and no card tricks. Of course, these algorithms can be manipulated, but with a nice and licensed casino (like Pokiesurf and yes this is a self-promo) you won’t have to worry about that.
So, let us start with the basics. You probably already know a thing or two about pokies. Everyone at least heard of them one-hand bandits, aye? You know, like the slot machines from the movies? The reels spin and form a combination that determines how much you win. Except, online pokies are a bit more advanced, with all kinds of bonuses attached to the symbol combinations adding a new level of excitement to the gameplay. But you actually don’t need any special knowledge to play these games. The gameplay loop will do everything for you, all you need to do is press “spin”.
Just as we said, online pokies nowadays have moved on so far from their predecessors that it’s honestly a little insane. What used to be a simple mechanism with 3 reels and one payline nowadays evolved to having over 100,000 paylines across a virtually endless number of reels. To better understand the art form of pokies, we have prepared a little infographic with all the different pokies types that exist, so you won’t have to worry about stepping into a game you’re not sure about.
You may have noticed that we didn’t mention 3D pokies or Branded pokies, and that’s because while they are very different from the rest of the games stylistically – there’s not much to add about them when it comes to mechanics. Same for the slots with a number of reels larger than 5 – they are virtually the same as 5 reelers, but with more reels. However, we will talk in detail about some special features that do make a difference.
The types of pokies are definitely important, but the features are what make the game. Pokies are defined by their bonus features and special mechanics, so learning what each feature adds to the game is necessary to make preemptive decisions about choosing the right pokie to play. So, let’s not wait any further and get into it!
These are the main features that you will see in most pokies games nowadays. Of course, this doesn’t cover the full extent of available bonuses, as some games have game-specific variations of these features or even specific mechanics that are only employed with these slots. Can’t know everything, unfortunately. But what we’ve already learned here is enough for a starter.
Now, if you read anything about pokies, you’ve probably seen a whole lot of abbreviations and terms that people just throw your way and expect you to know them. Most gambling services rely on the fact that their players are more likely to know what these terms mean. But that’s just a little uncool towards the new players, only starting out in the biz. Here at Pokiesurf we’re aiming to be accessible and helpful to all the players.
Let’s start with RNGs. This is the most important part of the slot, the Random Number generator. RNGs generate a string of numbers, each having a specific symbol attached to it. This string of numbers is transformed into what you see on the screen after you make a spin! RNGs can be manipulated, but this only ever happens when the casino itself is fraudulent. We’ll talk about the ways to avoid further down the line.
RTP is the percentage of money returned to players on average. Basically, If the RTP of the game is 95% it means that players usually win back around 95% of the money they bet. This doesn’t mean you will get exactly that amount of money back, but the higher the RTP the bigger your chance to win. Another parameter often talked about alongside RTP is Volatility. High volatility means the punters will get rare, but big wins and low volatility are the exact opposite of small, frequent wins.
Now, there’s no knowing the present, without knowing the past. So, if you ever wondered how the pokies became so popular in Australia – here’s your chance to learn. The history of Pokie machines starts in 1894 in San Francisco, with the first ever slot machine named “Liberty Bell”, however the slot machines we are familiar with right now first appeared in Chicago, with the invention of the first-ever electronic slot machine in 1963, which received the name of “Money Honey”. It’s unclear when the first slots came to Australia, but many people point towards the early 1900s. But the first ever legal pokies machine started operating in New South Wales in 1956. Back then, the machines would often be put in the same spaces that were holding poker games and therefore received the name “Poker Machines” or, shortly – Pokies. Australians were always keen to play and gamble and this trajectory doesn’t change now either. Gambling is considered a part of the national heritage and is legal, as long as you follow the rules.
If you’re still not familiar with the major software developers for casino websites – you’re missing out. Knowing these companies not only allows you to know more about the pokies and manage your expectations for certain titles. But also allows you to judge the casino website, based on the providers they collaborate with. Best software providers are really thorough about choosing who to collaborate with, so seeing big names on the casino website indicates a certain level of trust for the company. Below you can find a comprehensive list of all the major software providers that you should look out for.
Talk about history! Microgaming started it all, when they produced the first ever online slot back in 1998 – the Cash Splash. That monumental development paved the way for every other slot game since. And Microgaming is never stopping upping its game, still continuously producing industry-shaking new games. Now they’ve stepped into the VR market, creating their first VR roulette, so you can immerse yourself into the game even more.
Ever stumbled upon the now iconic character in the world of online pokies – Riche Wilde? Tome of Madness, Book of Ra and such? Well, this spry fellow is the product of Play’n Go creative genius! Play’n Go has a lot of great tiles under its belt, all of the highest quality possible. It’s no wonder they managed to sweep not only the Best Casino Supplier of the Year in 2019 but also The Best Mobile Provider the same year.
Wanna stay local even online? Then choose the authentically Aussie developers! Aristocrat was actually founded in Sydney. They first started as a slot machine supplier to actual land-based casinos back in the 1950s! And now, with almost a century of experience, they are still on that grind to provide you with the best casino gaming possible.
NetEnt is the company you go for when you’re in for the win. Their games usually sport insane RTP levels, some even reaching 98-99% RTP. This, coupled with their impeccable game designs and mechanics makes their slots one of the most popular in the industry. You probably played their most popular titles like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest or Divine Fortune.
Pokies online have taken over the gambling world like a storm. Nowadays most people choose to play online, instead of venturing to a real casino. There’s just so much about online gambling, that’s more convenient than going to the casino. And pokies are the top choice amongst online games for a reason, too. Of course, land-based casinos provide you with a great experience, with the ambience and the aesthetics, but let’s be real – online is just better. Let’s look at the facts:
Online pokies are a great way to relax, de-stress and enjoy your evening, with the additional benefit of potentially winning some money. While land-based casinos are fun, they should not be your everyday go-to.
Ah, we see – we’ve got you hooked, don’t we? Don’t worry, if you want to start as fast as possible – we’ll help. There is some undisclosed information you need to learn before starting your gambling adventures like learning about the casino safety measures or the basics of casino registration.
Choosing a good casino is honestly half of the whole deal. This will directly affect your enjoyment of the games and most importantly, the safety of your personal and banking information. Below are some of the things to pay attention to.
The way the casino cares about its customers is indicative of the casino’s inner workings as a whole. You can reach out to customer support just to test it out or read some internet reviews (take those with a grain of salt, really).
Casinos must be licensed to legally operate. If there’s no information about the casino’s licensing there’s a high chance it operates illegally, which puts you and your many in grave danger. Additionally, we would recommend looking for licensing agencies' approval like eCOGRA, iTech labs and Gamcare. These audit agencies greenlight the casinos with fair RNGs and implementation of responsible gambling practices.
Encryption is necessary to prevent the loss of your personal and payment information. It ensures that any and all data you provide isn’t going to be bought or sold to other companies or even scammers for profit.
Never play at a website, whose Terms and Conditions aren’t clear to you. We know that reading the fine print is boring and all, but you need to understand that your safety is on the line here.
The sign up process is a bit scary, especially for newcomers. After all, you’re offering your personal information and payment details to strangers on the internet. And that’s not what we were taught to do! But don’t worry, all these measures exist only to make your time playing safe and ensure the casino is acting in accordance with the laws and regulations. But nonetheless, let us guide you through the process here.
Easy, right? We hope our small explanation helped even a little to ease your nerves. We totally understand the nature of your concerns and are there to help. If you have any questions about the registration process – do not hesitate to reach our customer support team.
Best Casinos in Australia use a wide range of options to enable their players to make a deposit. There’s everything from Visa cards to crypto – you should expect anything. And while variety is always good, there comes a point, where it becomes overwhelming. But don’t sweat too much about it – we’re here to give you the full rundown.
Payment option |
Pros |
Cons |
Best suited for |
Visa and Mastercard |
Widely accepted. Already available to most people. Highly secure. |
Rather slow transaction time, ranging from 3-7 days on average. Additional charges from the bank for some transactions. |
People who value convenience and safety above all else. |
PayID |
Instant Transfers. High level of security as you won’t share any of your banking information at any point. |
May not be available at some casinos or even at some banks. |
Punters prioritise the transaction speed and whose banks accept PayID. |
E-wallets (PayPal, Neteller, Skrill and more) |
Instant Deposits and Withdrawals. No sharing of your personal information. Easy management of your finances. |
Possible fees, when moving your money to a bank account. Need to first register and create your digital wallet. |
Another great choice for people, who prefer speedy transactions. |
Bank Transfers |
Accepted at all Casinos. The safest transfer method by far. Hue choice of banking options at casinos. |
Very slow withdrawals, of up to 7 business days. Additional fees. |
If your main concern is the safety of your funds – you found your choice. |
Cryptocurrency |
Extra level of anonymity. Instant withdrawals. Special bonuses for crypto gamblers in Australian casinos. |
Hard to get started. Crypto is a fluid currency, so the value might change at any moment. |
Tech-savvy players should definitely look into crypto as an option. |
Honestly, the best we can recommend is to stick to what you already know, but also try and browse through the available options to see whether there’s anything you’d also like to try out. Oh, and also check for any fees. Nobody wants to get hit with additional spending out of nowhere.
There are so many bonuses offered to players at casinos. As casino representatives – we get it, y'all want to keep the people coming back. Bonuses are here only to encourage play and nothing else. But it doesn’t mean you as a player can’t benefit from them.
It’s all in the name – Welcome Bonus is the offer, given to all new players, that gives them an extra boost for the start of their journey. It’s usually divided into 3-4 separate bonuses that work across the first few deposits the player makes. At Pokiesurf it works like this:
This means that for the first 4 deposits you make you will receive a little ‘gift’ from a casino that you can use for your games. Why is a gift in quotes? Keep reading to learn more…
Deposit bonuses are a large group of a lot of different bonuses that you can only acquire from making a deposit. It can be a reload bonus, daily bonus or any other offer that needs you to make your payment first.
Free spins were already mentioned before, but let’s get more in-depth about them. Free spins are spins that are added on top of your deposit and allow you to take additional spins in a selected number of games.
So, there we finally reach the part, where we talk about bonuses not being gifts. Basically speaking, almost all bonuses have wagering attached to them. The wagering requirement is a set of rules that allow you to withdraw the money you won while using the bonus. Usually, wagering is equal to the bonus amount x the wager number. So, say, you deposited 50 bucks and used a 50% bonus with a x30 wagering. That means that the bonus amount is 25 bucks. And you will need to deposit and play with 750 bucks to withdraw the money from the bonus.
This might seem a bit unfair, but really, it’s doable. You don’t have to spend the money all at once. Just when the bonus is still active. And you’ll win more money that way, anyway. This measure is here to ensure nobody commits fraud, using the bonuses.
“Gambling” and “responsible” aren’t the words you usually see together. There’s a stigma about gambling always being a bad addiction, leaving no room for any productive discussion. You can gamble responsibly, and, actually – you should! But what does responsible gambling really entail? It means that your gambling is controlled and doesn’t harm your wallet or your mind, as well as doesn’t affect your day-to-day life and relationships.
Gambling can be addictive and while we talk so nicely about all the features and knick-knacks – you need to know when to stop and what to do when you realise that you can't do it. Here are some of the resources that might help:
All we can say – take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
We’re no strangers to gambling ourselves. Being in the industry for a while, you learn a thing or two about how it functions. You let go of your rose-tinted glasses, no longer thinking there's a way to outsmart the RNGs, stop blaming casinos for being scammy and just lead your gambling life like you want to. Here we have some advice for people who are just starting out, just to save you some time figuring it all out.
Gambling in Australia has rather lax laws, compared to some other countries. Technically, online gambling is not allowed in Australia… If you play on Australian websites. But any offshore casinos are absolutely okay to play at. There are no legal repercussions for gamblers, you are allowed to play however you want. You won’t be asked to pay taxes on your winnings either. So, from the legal standpoint – you’re fine.