© Image by Aidan Howe from Pixabay
Over the past few years, online gambling has seen a significant increase in popularity, particularly in countries like New Zealand. While traditional brick-and-mortar casinos remain a popular pastime, more and more players are opting for the convenience and accessibility of online pokies. The rise of online pokies can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the ease of access and the greater selection of games available online.
Compared to gambling in a land-based casino, online pokies offer a number of advantages. For one, players can enjoy their favourite games from the comfort of their own home, without having to travel to a casino or deal with crowds of people. Additionally, online casinos typically offer a wider selection of pokies, with many different themes and variations to choose from. This means that players can find games that suit their preferences, from classic three-reel pokies to modern video pokies with advanced graphics and bonus features.
The selection of online pokies is truly impressive, with thousands of games available at the click of a button. Many online casinos also offer exclusive pokies that cannot be found in land-based casinos. These pokies are often developed by top software providers, who use cutting-edge technology to create immersive and engaging games. From movie-themed pokies to progressive jackpot pokies with huge payouts, there is something for everyone in the world of online pokies. However, this selection can feel overwhelming to new players, who struggle to understand just what they should look for to find the best online pokies. So, here are our top 5 things to look for.
1. Return to Player
RTP, or Return to Player, is an important factor to consider when choosing an online pokie to play. This metric represents the percentage of money that a pokie will pay back to players over time. For example, a pokie with an RTP of 96% will pay back $96 for every $100 wagered on the game. The remaining $4 represents the house edge, which is the casino's profit margin.A high RTP means that the pokie is more likely to pay out winnings to players in the long run. It's important to note, however, that RTP is calculated over a long period of time and is not a guarantee of short-term results. In other words, a pokie with an RTP of 96% may pay out less than its expected return over a short session, but over a longer period of time, it should come close to its advertised RTP.
When choosing an online pokie to play, it's a good idea to look for pokies with a high RTP. This gives you a better chance of winning in the long run and can help you maximise your bankroll. However, it's important to note that RTP should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a pokie to play. By considering a range of factors, you can find the best online pokies that offer a balance of high RTP and enjoyable gameplay.
2. Bonus Features
Bonus features are one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of playing online pokies. These features are designed to add extra excitement and engagement to the gameplay, while also giving players the chance to win additional prizes. Bonus features can come in many different forms, including free spins, multipliers, wild symbols, and mini games.One of the main reasons why bonus features are important when choosing an online pokie to play is because they can significantly increase your chances of enjoyment for less money. For example, a free spins bonus round can give you the chance to spin the reels for free, without using any of your own money. During this bonus round, you may also have access to special features like stacked or expanding wilds, which can increase your chances of winning.
Another reason why bonus features are important is because they can make the gameplay experience more engaging. Bonus features can add variety and excitement to the game and can break up the monotony of spinning. Many bonus features are also themed around the game's storyline or theme, which can make the game more immersive and entertaining.
When choosing an online pokie to play, it's a good idea to look for games with a variety of bonus features. These features can help you maximise your winnings and make the game more enjoyable overall. Some online pokies also offer progressive jackpots, which can be won through special bonus rounds or randomly triggered events. By choosing a game with a range of exciting bonus features, you can enhance your overall gaming experience and increase your chances of winning big.
3. Volatility
Volatility, also known as variance, is another important factor to consider when choosing an online pokie to play. Volatility refers to the level of risk associated with a particular game, and how often it pays out winnings. There are three main types of volatility: low, medium, and high. Low volatility pokies tend to pay out small, frequent wins, while high volatility pokies pay out larger, less frequent wins. Medium volatility pokies fall somewhere in between, offering a balance of small and large wins.When choosing an online pokie to play, it's important to consider the volatility of the game. If you have a limited bankroll, a low volatility pokie may be the best option, as it will give you more frequent wins and help you maintain your bankroll. On the other hand, if you're willing to take more risks in the hopes of winning big, a high volatility pokie may be a better choice.
One important thing to note is that the volatility of a pokie does not affect the RTP of the game. However, it can impact the overall gaming experience and your chances of winning big. It's important to choose a pokie with a volatility level that matches your style of playing and bankroll, as this will help you enjoy the game and increase your chances of winning. By understanding the level of risk associated with a particular game, you can choose a pokie that fits with your style and gives you the best chance of winning. Whether you prefer low, medium, or high volatility games, there are plenty of online pokies available that offer a range of options to suit every player.
4. Graphics and Sound Effects
Graphics and sound effects are important aspects of online pokies that can greatly impact the overall gaming experience. High-quality graphics and sound effects can enhance the theme and storyline of the game, immersing the player in the world of the pokie and making the gameplay more engaging.When choosing an online pokie to play, it's important to consider the quality of the graphics and sound effects. A pokie with crisp, clear graphics and immersive sound effects can create a more enjoyable and entertaining gaming experience. In addition, a well-designed pokie can also make it easier for the player to understand the rules and mechanics of the game. Another reason why graphics and sound effects are important when choosing an online pokie to play is because they can impact the player's mood and emotions while playing. For example, a pokie with upbeat music and colourful graphics can create a more positive and exciting atmosphere, while a pokie with dark and ominous themes can create a sense of suspense and anticipation.
Additionally, high-quality graphics and sound effects can also impact the player's perception of the game's fairness and legitimacy. A well-designed pokie can create a sense of trust and transparency, while a poorly designed pokie can create suspicion and distrust.
5. Themes and Storylines
Themes and storylines are important aspects of online pokies that can greatly enhance the gaming experience. Similarly to graphics and sound effects at large, a pokie's theme and storyline can create a sense of immersion and engagement, transporting the player to a different world and making the gameplay more entertaining. When choosing an online pokie to play, it's important to consider the theme and storyline of the game. Some players may prefer pokies with traditional themes, such as fruit or classic slot machines, while others may prefer pokies with more modern themes, such as movies, TV shows, or video games.One popular trend in online pokies is the use of series or franchises. Many pokie developers have partnered with popular movies, TV shows, and video games to create pokies based on familiar characters and storylines. This allows players to recognize and connect with familiar characters, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the game. In addition to enhancing the overall gaming experience, themes and storylines can also impact the gameplay and features of the pokie. For example, a pokie based on a TV show or movie may include bonus rounds or features that are related to the storyline or characters of the show. This can make the gameplay more engaging and add an extra level of excitement to the game, particularly when players will recognise their favourite characters or references.
Furthermore, a well-designed theme and storyline can also make it easier for players to understand the rules and mechanics of the game. By creating a clear and consistent theme, players can more easily navigate the game and understand the various features and symbols.
