You will hear one word all the time when you walk into an Australian pub. “Pokies” is that word. People in other parts of the world call them slot machines. But in Australia and New Zealand, “pokies” is the most common term you will always hear.
What made this unusual name stick? It mixes history, slang, and the culture of the area. Let’s figure out why people call pokies “pokies” instead of “slots”.
The Linguistic Roots: A Very Aussie Habit
People in Australia like to shorten words. We make “afternoon” into “arvo.” We say “servo” instead of “service station.” The same thing happened to gambling machines.
The name “pokie” is a short form of “poker machines.” Even though today’s machines look like slots, the first ones were very different.
| Term | Original Word | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Pokies | Poker Machines | Australia / New Zealand |
| Slots | Slot Machines | USA / Canada |
| Fruit Machines | Fruit-themed Slots | United Kingdom |
| One-Armed Bandits | Lever-operated Slots | Universal (Older) |
The Historical Connection to Video Poker
Back in the early 1900s, the very first machines in Australian clubs were card-based ones, and they only played a very simple version of poker.
- Players were shown five cards on the screen.
- The objective was to form a winning hand.
- It is quite natural that people started calling them “poker machines”.
- As slang changed, instead of “poker”, it became “pokie”.
And when the reel-style slot machines appeared, the term remained. Australians didn’t even think of changing it. Any machine with a screen and a payout was a “pokie” for them.
Evolution of the Machine
The machines we see today are far more complex. However, the name remains a cultural staple.
Early 1900s
- Mechanical drums featured playing card symbols.
- The machines were found mainly in private clubs.
- The “poker” association was very strong.
The 1950s Boom
- Aristocrat released the “Clubman” machine.
- NSW legalised poker machines in 1956.
- The term “pokies” entered common street talk.
The Digital Age
- Modern machines use Random Number Generators (RNG).
- They feature themes ranging from ancient Egypt to movies.
- Despite the lack of cards, the name “pokies” is locked in.
Why the Name “Pokie” Refuses to Die
Language is partly about identity. By using the word “pokies”, you are kind of showing that you are from around here.
- Cultural Shorthand: Saying “pokies” is just quicker and more convenient than saying “slot machine”.
- Pub Culture: Pokies are the heart of the Australian pub scene.
- Consistency: The government rules and the media in AU have adopted the term officially.
Comparing Slots and Pokies
| Feature | Australian Pokies | American Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Local Pubs and Clubs | Massive Casinos |
| Payment | Primarily Digital/Card | Ticket-in, Ticket-out |
| Accessibility | Highly accessible in the suburbs | Restricted to specific zones |
| The “Gamble” Feature | Very common in AU models | Less frequent in US models |
Common Myths About Pokies Every Player Should Know
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Machines “owe” a player a win after a series of losses. | Spins are independent events and outcomes are random. |
| It is advisable not to use a player card as it will reduce your chances of winning. | Cards are just a way to accumulate loyalty points, they have nothing to do with the probabilities of winning. |
| Payouts depend on the time of day. | Random Number Generators (RNGs) are 24/7 identical. |
1. When were pokies first legalised?
New South Wales was the first state to legalise them in 1956. Other states followed much later.
2. Are pokies different from fruit machines?
They are functionally similar. Fruit machines are the term used in the UK due to the early symbols used.
3. Do pokies still feature poker cards?
Some do, but most modern pokies use diverse themes. The name is now used for all gaming machines.
4. Is the term used in New Zealand?
Yes, New Zealanders also use the word pokies. It is a shared piece of Trans-Tasman slang.
5. What was the very first pokie?
The earliest versions were mechanical card machines. They appeared in the late 19th century in various forms.
