Are Pokies the Same as Slot Machines?

Undoubtedly, online gaming blurs geographical borders, and many terms describe the same game or its elements. To this end, the Fruity King NZ team put together an informative page describing as many terms for pokies/slot machines as possible to make your life less confusing when reading anything to do with pokies. 

Pokies, Slots – It All Depends Where You Live

Just as blackjack is called 21, slots are also called pokies, and there are plenty of different terms at online and land-based casinos for pokies machines. For instance, slots are the most popular term in America to describe a pokies machine or game. Some internet casinos have embraced the terminology, using the same name to categorise their machines.

What term a casino uses to describe its pokies machine ultimately depends on what country you are playing from. Below you can find a list of the most famous names for one of the most popular games ever. 

Fruit Machines And AWPs

• In the United Kingdom, many players call pokies or slots fruit machines because it is thought that the standard machines generally use fruit symbols. However, this is only partially correct as, on further research into the history of fruity machines, we discovered that players could win gum when certain sets of fruit symbols appeared on the reels (Bell-Fruit Gum made all the gum prizes).  
• The initials AWPs stand for Amusements With Prizes which, when you consider the gum prizes, it is understandable that in modern times (although the rewards are different), the names fruit machine and AWPs are still in use. Players can still find fruit machines (AWPs) in various pubs and clubs dotted throughout the UK.
• The type of games played on fruit machines (or AWPs) can also be found online and are usually referred to as “classics”, although other online casino sites still call them “fruit machines and AWPs”. 

Pokies And Poker Machines

• Another name for the slot machine widely used throughout Australia and New Zealand is pokies or sometimes poker machines. However, the term poker machines can be somewhat confusing for those looking for video poker (the card game). As a rule of thumb, if an online casino advertises video poker, it is the card game; the site might also offer video pokies (some sites simply call them video slots).  In some quarters, it is thought that the term pokies was created as too many people were becoming confused when video poker arrived on our screens. 

Other Names For The Same Type of Game

• Pokies 
• Slots
• Poker Machines
• Gaming Machines
• Fruit Machines
• Fruities
• Pub Fruities
• Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM)
• Puggy
• AWP Machine (Amusement With Prizes) 
• One-Armed Bandits

Tragamonedas is used throughout Spain and translates to coin swallowers. In Italy, Mangiasoldi translates to the machine that eats money.

The Different Types of Pokies Explained

As pokies are one of the most popular types of casino games, there are many different types to entice you to play. The many varied types of pokies available ensure that you will never be spoiled for choice, as there will be one that suits your style of play and your bankroll. 

Below we have listed the different types of pokies which are available at most high-end online casinos. 

Three Reel Pokies or Classic Pokies

• The classic or three-reel pokies are usually how people new to online casinos begin their gaming experience. These games were the most prominent in the early days of online casinos. They would use the original game mechanics where a lever you pulled after putting in your token would spin three pokies images (usually fruit). 

Video Pokies

• Video pokies machines are also known as the classic five-reel pokies machine. Found at land-based casinos and online sites, it was the first digital option in land-based casinos. The five reel pokies are the forerunner of the current pokies systems. 

Six and Seven Reel Pokies

• The six and seven-reel types of online pokies were a breakthrough compared to the traditional reels. Although they have the same layout, these versions allow players to create longer matches. When this more effective reel option is coupled with wild symbols or re-spin options, the outcome can be exciting and profitable. 

Interactive Pokies

• Most interactive pokies machines follow multi-pay line structures, and multiple reels are available, which sets them apart from other pokies. Games are usually created as an adventure in which the different reel combinations further the storylines or outcomes. As the storyline is different for each player, interactive pokies machines provide a truly unique and immersive experience.  Other immersive play can be experienced when VR (Virtual Reality) is used. The nature of VR is to make you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action. You can walk about, drink at the bar and interact with other players and casino staff. Of course, to be able to play at a VR casino, you would have to wear the headset and be in a comfortable environment. 

Progressive Jackpot Pokies

• When describing the different types of pokies machines, any list would only be complete by mentioning progressive pokies machines. These games take a tiny portion of each bet and put them towards the jackpot, which means that the more people who play, the bigger and quicker the jackpot will grow. Progressive pokies can offer some genuinely life-changing cash prizes, especially on machines linked throughout the world. Once one lucky player has won the jackpot then, it starts to grow again until it is won.

In Summary

Other than the different names, there are no differences between pokies and slots, making them 100% the same. As mentioned earlier, it depends on where you are playing from, which determines the name given to pokies machines. Online gambling information sites will also use different terminology depending on where the team of writers originate.