Poker machines (pokies): features and interface
1) What is Pokies in a practical sense
Pokies are electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in pubs/clubs/casinos in Australia. In fact, these are video slots on the office with local settings: denominations (1c/2c/5c, etc.), betting/speed limits, link jackpots and player accounting systems (loyalty cards, pre-commitment).
2) Constructive: what modules do you see on the machine
Screen (s): main reel area, top display (jackpots/animations), service message bar.
Keypad/touch: Spin/Play, Bet, Lines, Max Bet, Collect/Cashout, Help/Info, sometimes - Volume, Gamble.
Cash acceptance/TITO: bill validator, Ticket-In/Ticket-Out ticket slot (printout of winnings).
Card reader: loyalty card/preset limits.
Light and sound: "lockup" signal for a large win, employee call indication (Call Attendant).
Other: ticket printer, sometimes USB charging, 1 Line/All Lines mechanical keys on old panels.
3) Basic counters and indicators on the screen
Credit/Balance - current loans (usually in loans; "Denom" shows the price of the loan).
Denomination (Denom) - cost of 1 credit (e.g. 1c = 0. 01 AUD). Changing the denom changes the value of the bet.
Bet/Total Bet - bet per spin (total: cash × credits × lines/ways).
Lines/Ways - the number of active lines or path mode (243/1024, etc.).
Win - win for the last spin (often with animation and counter).
Jackpot Meter - progressive counters: Grand/Major/Minor/Mini levels with current values.
Message Bar - service texts: "Insufficient Credits," "Call Attendant," bonus tips.
Feature Counters - counters during freespins/ri-spins (remaining spins, multipliers, collected symbols).
4) Key control buttons
Spin/Play - start spin. Some of the panels have Turbo/Quick (can be disabled regulatory).
Bet/Bet One/Bet Up/Down - Bet Step.
Lines/Ways - selection of the number of lines (in "ways" is usually fixed).
Max Bet - instantly set the maximum bet for the current money/lines.
Change Denom/Game - choice of denomination and/or game in multi-game packages.
Collect/Cashout - withdraw the balance of loans (TITO ticket).
Help/Info/Paytable - rules, paytable, description of bonuses and jackpots.
Gamble (if any) - risk game after winning; increases dispersion, RTP does not change.
Call/Service (sometimes on the panel) - call an employee when blocking/error/handpay.
5) Menus and rule screens: what is mandatory to open
1. Paytable - cost of combinations, wild/scatter, lines/ways.
2. Feature Rules - bonus triggers (how many scatter, how re-spin/hold-and-spin work, multipliers, symbol collection).
3. Jackpot Rules - levels, basic (reset) values, how the chance is calculated (fix/contribution from the bet).
4. Denom & Bet Table - card bets on denoms and lines: minimum/maximum, steps.
5. Responsible Play Notices - speed/bet limits, timeout and limit hints.
6) Denominations and multi-game packages
Multi-Denom: Credit Value Selection (1c/2c/5c/10c/$ 1). Higher denom → larger step, faster risk.
Multi-Game: in one office there is a set of games/skins with different mechanics, but a common interface.
Practice: first fix the whole budget and the desired spin distance, then select the denom/lines under it (usually "all lines at the minimum speed" for a more even profile).
7) Jackpots: Types and how UI shows them
Local Progressive - accumulates on one machine/hall.
Linked Progressive (Link) - a common pool for a number of offices; in UI - separate bands Grand/Major/Minor/Mini with real-time growth.
Reset Value - starting amount after winning (displayed on the scoreboard/in the rules).
Pool contribution - part of the bet goes to the jackpot; this feels like a tougher base in a regular game.
Lockup - with a large win, the screen "freezes" with animation; sometimes handpay (employee confirmation) is required.
8) Game mechanics and how they are visualized
Hold & Spin/Lock-n-Re-spin - separate cells with medallion characters; counter of "remaining respins," summation of prizes, Mini/Major/Grand on the screen.
Free Games - "Spins Left" panel, drum multipliers/general, wild-fixation (sticky), extensions (expanding).
Multipliers - multiplier string x2/x3/... on screen or over reels.
Collector/Meter - scales for collecting characters; during filling - upgrade of features/add. backs.
Gamble - a separate screen (red/black/suit); limit according to the rules of the game.
9) Speed, limits and lock messages
Spin Rate Caps - state/operator-level spin rate limitation.
Max Bet Caps is the upper limit of the bet.
Reality Check - periodic pop-ups ("You play N minutes").
Tilt/Error - service codes (printer without paper, validator error); the machine is locked before the employee arrives.
Pre-commitment/Player Card - voluntary limits tied to the card (deposit/time/bet).
10) What can't be seen directly
RTP: the exact percentage is usually not shown on the screen; this is the set configuration according to regulation.
Volatility/Hit Rate: Felt by the frequency and size of winnings, but not displayed as a number.
Conclusion: make estimates according to the rules/mechanics (paytable, frequency of features according to the description), distance and own accounting.
11) Three typical scenarios and how to customize the UI "for yourself"
A. Smooth session (longer time)
Denom is minimal, all lines.
Bet on ~ 250-400 spins of your budget.
Without gamble and turbo.
Purpose: frequent mini-payments, drawdown control.
B. Jackpot/Big Features Hunt
Link/hold-and-spin games.
Bankroll for a long distance (≥400 -600 bets).
Hard stop loss, without raising the money "on emotions."
Keep an eye on Feature Counters and Jackpot Meter: these are indicators of mode status, not warranty.
C. Short "sample"
Low denom, moderate rate, 10-15 minutes.
Time/amount limit in advance.
Exit via Collect/Cashout - do not leave credits on the machine.
12) Checklist before start
1. Check out Denom and the betting card - avoid the occasional game on inflated denom.
2. Turn on all lines (if the goal is evenness) or fix the understandable Total Bet size.
3. Open Help/Paytable/Feature Rules - understand the triggers and how the bonus/jackpot is awarded.
4. Set a budget/stop loss/timer before the game starts.
5. Make sure the loyalty card is inserted (if saving points/cashback).
6. Check that the printer/validator is active (no error messages), otherwise the cache out will be delayed.
7. Decide in advance: do you use Gamble or not (and how many steps maximum).
13) Frequent errors
Playing on the wrong denom (the rate is many times higher than the planned one).
Disconnected lines during "ways" waiting (error reading the interface of old panels).
Pressing Max Bet by inertia.
Ignore Help/Rules - incorrect expectations for the frequency of features.
Forgotten care credits - always Collect/Cashout and pick up the ticket.
Unlimited Gamble after the average win → a sharp increase in variance.
14) Mini-FAQ
Can I see RTP on the screen? Not usually; focus on rules, mechanics and your own distance.
Why "all the lines"? Increases the frequency of hits and smoothes drawdowns, RTP does not change.
Is the link jackpot affecting the game's base? Yes, part of the bet goes to the pool; ordinary backs feel "tougher."
Feature buy on pokies? Almost never found offline; it's an online mechanic.
15) The bottom line
The Poki interface is transparent if you know the "dictionary": Denom, Credit, Total Bet, Lines/Ways, Win, Jackpot Meter, Help/Paytable, Collect. Proper setting of denome and lines, reading bonus rules and cash-out discipline are more important than "sensations." Use checklists, plan your spin distance and don't rely on visuals - they're just a shell of the game's math.
Pokies are electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in pubs/clubs/casinos in Australia. In fact, these are video slots on the office with local settings: denominations (1c/2c/5c, etc.), betting/speed limits, link jackpots and player accounting systems (loyalty cards, pre-commitment).
2) Constructive: what modules do you see on the machine
Screen (s): main reel area, top display (jackpots/animations), service message bar.
Keypad/touch: Spin/Play, Bet, Lines, Max Bet, Collect/Cashout, Help/Info, sometimes - Volume, Gamble.
Cash acceptance/TITO: bill validator, Ticket-In/Ticket-Out ticket slot (printout of winnings).
Card reader: loyalty card/preset limits.
Light and sound: "lockup" signal for a large win, employee call indication (Call Attendant).
Other: ticket printer, sometimes USB charging, 1 Line/All Lines mechanical keys on old panels.
3) Basic counters and indicators on the screen
Credit/Balance - current loans (usually in loans; "Denom" shows the price of the loan).
Denomination (Denom) - cost of 1 credit (e.g. 1c = 0. 01 AUD). Changing the denom changes the value of the bet.
Bet/Total Bet - bet per spin (total: cash × credits × lines/ways).
Lines/Ways - the number of active lines or path mode (243/1024, etc.).
Win - win for the last spin (often with animation and counter).
Jackpot Meter - progressive counters: Grand/Major/Minor/Mini levels with current values.
Message Bar - service texts: "Insufficient Credits," "Call Attendant," bonus tips.
Feature Counters - counters during freespins/ri-spins (remaining spins, multipliers, collected symbols).
4) Key control buttons
Spin/Play - start spin. Some of the panels have Turbo/Quick (can be disabled regulatory).
Bet/Bet One/Bet Up/Down - Bet Step.
Lines/Ways - selection of the number of lines (in "ways" is usually fixed).
Max Bet - instantly set the maximum bet for the current money/lines.
Change Denom/Game - choice of denomination and/or game in multi-game packages.
Collect/Cashout - withdraw the balance of loans (TITO ticket).
Help/Info/Paytable - rules, paytable, description of bonuses and jackpots.
Gamble (if any) - risk game after winning; increases dispersion, RTP does not change.
Call/Service (sometimes on the panel) - call an employee when blocking/error/handpay.
5) Menus and rule screens: what is mandatory to open
1. Paytable - cost of combinations, wild/scatter, lines/ways.
2. Feature Rules - bonus triggers (how many scatter, how re-spin/hold-and-spin work, multipliers, symbol collection).
3. Jackpot Rules - levels, basic (reset) values, how the chance is calculated (fix/contribution from the bet).
4. Denom & Bet Table - card bets on denoms and lines: minimum/maximum, steps.
5. Responsible Play Notices - speed/bet limits, timeout and limit hints.
6) Denominations and multi-game packages
Multi-Denom: Credit Value Selection (1c/2c/5c/10c/$ 1). Higher denom → larger step, faster risk.
Multi-Game: in one office there is a set of games/skins with different mechanics, but a common interface.
Practice: first fix the whole budget and the desired spin distance, then select the denom/lines under it (usually "all lines at the minimum speed" for a more even profile).
7) Jackpots: Types and how UI shows them
Local Progressive - accumulates on one machine/hall.
Linked Progressive (Link) - a common pool for a number of offices; in UI - separate bands Grand/Major/Minor/Mini with real-time growth.
Reset Value - starting amount after winning (displayed on the scoreboard/in the rules).
Pool contribution - part of the bet goes to the jackpot; this feels like a tougher base in a regular game.
Lockup - with a large win, the screen "freezes" with animation; sometimes handpay (employee confirmation) is required.
8) Game mechanics and how they are visualized
Hold & Spin/Lock-n-Re-spin - separate cells with medallion characters; counter of "remaining respins," summation of prizes, Mini/Major/Grand on the screen.
Free Games - "Spins Left" panel, drum multipliers/general, wild-fixation (sticky), extensions (expanding).
Multipliers - multiplier string x2/x3/... on screen or over reels.
Collector/Meter - scales for collecting characters; during filling - upgrade of features/add. backs.
Gamble - a separate screen (red/black/suit); limit according to the rules of the game.
9) Speed, limits and lock messages
Spin Rate Caps - state/operator-level spin rate limitation.
Max Bet Caps is the upper limit of the bet.
Reality Check - periodic pop-ups ("You play N minutes").
Tilt/Error - service codes (printer without paper, validator error); the machine is locked before the employee arrives.
Pre-commitment/Player Card - voluntary limits tied to the card (deposit/time/bet).
10) What can't be seen directly
RTP: the exact percentage is usually not shown on the screen; this is the set configuration according to regulation.
Volatility/Hit Rate: Felt by the frequency and size of winnings, but not displayed as a number.
Conclusion: make estimates according to the rules/mechanics (paytable, frequency of features according to the description), distance and own accounting.
11) Three typical scenarios and how to customize the UI "for yourself"
A. Smooth session (longer time)
Denom is minimal, all lines.
Bet on ~ 250-400 spins of your budget.
Without gamble and turbo.
Purpose: frequent mini-payments, drawdown control.
B. Jackpot/Big Features Hunt
Link/hold-and-spin games.
Bankroll for a long distance (≥400 -600 bets).
Hard stop loss, without raising the money "on emotions."
Keep an eye on Feature Counters and Jackpot Meter: these are indicators of mode status, not warranty.
C. Short "sample"
Low denom, moderate rate, 10-15 minutes.
Time/amount limit in advance.
Exit via Collect/Cashout - do not leave credits on the machine.
12) Checklist before start
1. Check out Denom and the betting card - avoid the occasional game on inflated denom.
2. Turn on all lines (if the goal is evenness) or fix the understandable Total Bet size.
3. Open Help/Paytable/Feature Rules - understand the triggers and how the bonus/jackpot is awarded.
4. Set a budget/stop loss/timer before the game starts.
5. Make sure the loyalty card is inserted (if saving points/cashback).
6. Check that the printer/validator is active (no error messages), otherwise the cache out will be delayed.
7. Decide in advance: do you use Gamble or not (and how many steps maximum).
13) Frequent errors
Playing on the wrong denom (the rate is many times higher than the planned one).
Disconnected lines during "ways" waiting (error reading the interface of old panels).
Pressing Max Bet by inertia.
Ignore Help/Rules - incorrect expectations for the frequency of features.
Forgotten care credits - always Collect/Cashout and pick up the ticket.
Unlimited Gamble after the average win → a sharp increase in variance.
14) Mini-FAQ
Can I see RTP on the screen? Not usually; focus on rules, mechanics and your own distance.
Why "all the lines"? Increases the frequency of hits and smoothes drawdowns, RTP does not change.
Is the link jackpot affecting the game's base? Yes, part of the bet goes to the pool; ordinary backs feel "tougher."
Feature buy on pokies? Almost never found offline; it's an online mechanic.
15) The bottom line
The Poki interface is transparent if you know the "dictionary": Denom, Credit, Total Bet, Lines/Ways, Win, Jackpot Meter, Help/Paytable, Collect. Proper setting of denome and lines, reading bonus rules and cash-out discipline are more important than "sensations." Use checklists, plan your spin distance and don't rely on visuals - they're just a shell of the game's math.
