Introduction
Online pokies have become a favourite pastime for many Aussies, offering exciting gameplay, big jackpots, and the convenience of playing from anywhere. With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which games are worth your time. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best online pokies available to Australian players, ranging from classic slots to modern video pokies with engaging features.
Starburst – A Fan Favourite
One of the most popular pokies worldwide, Starburst by NetEnt, is also a top choice for Australian players. Its simple yet visually stunning gameplay makes it a hit among both beginners and experienced players. The game features:
- 5 reels and 10 paylines
- Expanding wilds that re-trigger free spins
- An RTP of 96.1%
The star attraction is the wild feature, where Starburst symbols expand to fill the reels, offering up to three re-spins and the potential for big wins. It’s a low volatility game, meaning you’ll enjoy frequent but smaller payouts—ideal for casual play.
Big Red – A Classic Aussie Pokie
A homegrown favourite, Big Red by Aristocrat is a game that captures the essence of the Australian outback. With kangaroos, dingoes, and crocodiles on the reels, this 5-reel pokie is simple but packed with chances to win. Key features include:
- A 5×3 reel setup with 5 paylines
- Wild kangaroo symbols that trigger free spins
- An RTP of around 97%
What makes Big Red appealing to Aussie players is its straightforward gameplay combined with the chance to win free spins by landing wild symbols. Its medium volatility ensures that there’s a good balance between frequent small wins and occasional bigger payouts.
Bonanza Megaways – Thousands of Ways to Win
For players looking for more action-packed gameplay, Bonanza Megaways by Big Time Gaming is a top pick. The Megaways mechanic is a game-changer, offering up to 117,649 ways to win with each spin. Its features include:
- 6 reels with varying symbol sizes
- Cascading reels, where winning symbols are replaced by new ones for consecutive wins
- Free spins with unlimited win multipliers
- An RTP of 96%
Bonanza Megaways is a high-volatility pokie, which means you’ll need a bit of patience, but when you hit the right combination, the payouts can be enormous. The free spins round with increasing multipliers adds even more excitement, making it a must-try for serious pokies fans.
Mega Moolah – The Progressive Jackpot King
If you’re chasing life-changing wins, Mega Moolah by Microgaming is the jackpot pokie to try. Known as the “Millionaire Maker,” this progressive jackpot game has created multiple million-dollar winners. The game features:
- 5 reels and 25 paylines
- A fun jungle theme with wild and scatter symbols
- Four progressive jackpots, including the Mega Jackpot which starts at AUD$1 million
- An RTP of 88.12% (due to the progressive jackpot)
While the RTP is lower than most pokies, the allure of the massive progressive jackpots more than makes up for it. The bonus wheel feature is where you’ll get a shot at winning one of the four jackpots, with the Mega Jackpot being the biggest prize.
Gonzo’s Quest – A Treasure Hunt Adventure
Another fan favourite, Gonzo’s Quest by NetEnt, takes players on an adventurous treasure hunt in search of El Dorado. The game’s innovative mechanics and immersive graphics make it a standout in the pokies world. Its features include:
- 5 reels and 20 paylines
- Avalanche reels, where symbols fall into place and disappear with each win
- Increasing win multipliers for consecutive avalanches
- An RTP of 95.97%
The Avalanche feature combined with multipliers that can go as high as 15x during the free spins round gives Gonzo’s Quest an edge over traditional pokies. It’s a medium volatility game, offering a good mix of frequent smaller wins with the potential for bigger payouts during the bonus rounds.
Wolf Gold – A Wild Experience
Wolf Gold by Pragmatic Play is a visually appealing pokie with a wildlife theme set in the American wilderness. It’s known for its straightforward gameplay and lucrative bonus rounds, including the popular money respin feature. The game offers:
- 5 reels and 25 paylines
- Free spins with giant symbols
- A money respin feature with jackpots
- An RTP of 96.01%
The money respin feature is triggered when you collect six or more money symbols, offering you a chance to win one of the three fixed jackpots. The game’s medium volatility provides a balanced experience with regular wins and the possibility of hitting big during the bonus rounds.
Book of Dead – A High-Stakes Adventure
If you enjoy pokies with high volatility and big win potential, Book of Dead by Play’n GO is one you shouldn’t miss. Set in ancient Egypt, this game offers thrilling gameplay with its expanding symbols feature. Key features include:
- 5 reels and 10 paylines
- Free spins with expanding symbols for bigger wins
- An RTP of 96.21%
Book of Dead is known for its high-risk, high-reward gameplay, where the free spins round can result in massive payouts if the right symbols expand. It’s a great choice for players looking to take a chance on larger prizes.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer simple, low-volatility pokies like Starburst or high-stakes jackpot games like Mega Moolah, there’s a wide variety of online pokies available to Australian players. Each game offers unique features and themes to suit different tastes, so take the time to explore these top picks and find the one that’s right for you. Remember to always gamble responsibly and set limits to ensure you enjoy your online pokies experience to the fullest.
