Classic Pokies
One of the biggest casino game groups at online casinos in Australia is pokies. Classic pokies have been around for decades and made the move to online form once the online casino came to be. These games harken back to the early pokies, matching them in terms of theme, look and design.
Despite video pokies making up the majority of the pokies we see online, classic pokies also have their place. In fact, there are many providers that continue to create and release new classic pokies, keeping up the tradition of these older, slightly simpler games. In our guide, we take a look at some of these pokies, how to make the most of them and tips to utilise them more effectively.
Top Classic Pokies at Australian Casinos
- Lucky Diamonds –
- Mega Joker – NetEnt
What are Classic Pokies?
In contrast to video pokies, classic pokies are rather simple. They often follow the traditional pokie design and sometimes only have a 3×3 grid rather than the more common 5×5 in video pokies. Alongside that, they don’t have as many paylines. Some only have the one, just like the original pokies did, while others will have anywhere from 5 to 10.
Depending on the casino, you’ll be able to search specifically for these pokies using filters like classic, fruit or retro. This is because these games often retain the look and design of the old pkies, keeping the fruit theme across all their symbols as well. Due to their simpler design, these pokies are great for beginners or casual players who just want a simple gaming session.
In addition to this, classic pokies often have low payouts. They do typically have jackpots attached, but these are not life-changing. Rather, these games focus on simplicity and nostalgia, giving some stress-free fun. They’re also easy to use, as there aren’t a multitude of additional bonus features in place. As such, the learning curve is minimal; simply spin and see if you can win.
Features of Online Classic Pokies at Aussie Online Casinos
Despite classic pokies not being quite so feature-laden as video pokies, they still have some features available. Yes, they tend to be simpler, but there are still in-game mechanics to consider, especially if you plan to play on them regularly. Here are some of the top features to look out for.
Wilds
Despite having very simple game mechanics, some classic pokies still have wilds as part of the gameplay. These symbols can replace any other symbol, helping to make matches when the symbols land on the payline. These are typically found in classic pokies that have larger grid formats rather than the super traditional 3×3 ones.
Jackpot
Though not very large, all classic pokies still have a jackpot. Rather than a progressive one that grows, this is fixed and based on the amount that you use as your bet. If you can trigger the jackpot by landing the right combination of symbols (i.e. the highest paying symbols along the payline), you’ll get the top payout. This is typically something between 2000x and 10,000x your bet. So, the bigger your bets, the larger the potential jackpot.
Recognisable symbols
While not a game mechanic, one of the things that makes a classic pokie stand out is the symbols. Typically, these games will have cherries, bars, sevens and bells, as these are the iconic symbols from the original games. Some of these will even activate additional paylines when landed or even trigger other special bonuses within the game.
Tips for Playing Classic Pokies at Australian Online Casinos
Especially if you are a beginner, there are some things to consider when playing a classic pokie. Choosing the right game can make all the difference, which is why understanding what a classic pokie has to offer and making the most of it is the best way forward.
- Return to Player rate: understanding this is very important when it comes to playing any casino game, not just classic pokies. Also known as RTP, this is the theoretical return you can expect to get back if you play the game over an extended period of time. The higher the RTP, the better your chances are of winning. With this in mind, we recommend playing classic pokies that have an RTP of 96% or more. Top Aussie casinos will display game RTPs clearly, making it easy for you to find out what each has to offer.
- Volatility: also known as variance, this relates to the size and frequency of a win. Low volatility pokies pay out only small amounts, but this will be very regular and sometimes can be almost every spin. High volatility means that the pokie won’t pay out very often, but when a win does land, it will be big. With these considerations, you need to think about what your bankroll can handle. Small, regular wins keep things ticking over, but irregular large wins can make up for a loss over time, as long as the bankroll can stretch that far.
- Casino bonuses: typically, classic pokies are not subject to free spins as these tend to be aligned with the more complex video pokies. But, if you do get a casino bonus, such as a match deposit bonus, then this can be used to play classic pokies very effectively. Make the most of such bonuses, as they can boost your bankroll and give you the chance to play for longer, potentially unlocking some of the bigger wins later on.
Playing Classic Pokies Online
Classic pokies are some of the simpler casino games at Australian casinos, but this doesn’t make them any less fun to play. These games have similar themes and layouts, but still manage to offer surprises with a few added bonuses in some of the games.
Understanding the game itself, the in-game bonuses and how to choose the best classic pokie to play are essential if you’re to have fun when playing online. Make sure you pick a game you enjoy, and ensure that you understand how it works before you start to play.
