In recent years, a trend has been developing within virtual casinos in Australia: the proliferation of the classic and well-known pokies, or slot machines. These popular games have gradually won over users, who flock in large numbers to try their luck and beat the system to win money while having fun.
In line with this trend, virtual casinos have taken advantage of this surge in popularity to introduce more titles and reinvent existing games. As a result, the market is flooded with pokies, and it is up to us to choose the one that best fits our needs, preferences, and budget.
It is important to evaluate all these aspects to make a decision that aligns with what we are truly looking for. There are thousands of slot machines on the market, but very few meet all our needs. Here, we will review the most common recommendations for 2024, to help make the best decision on where to invest our time and money.
Top 10 Australian Pokies in 2024
Below, we will evaluate the best pokies in Australia for 2024:
Blood Suckers
Developed by NetEnt, this vampire-themed game is a traditional 5-reel, 3-row video slot played with 25 bet lines and different betting values. It can be played with cash or coins, which can be exchanged at any time by the user through Game Settings.
One could say it is a pioneer in this genre, having been in the market for over a decade. However, it consistently ranks among the top favorites for users, who continue to play this classic despite the release of its sequel, Blood Suckers 2, several years ago.
It has a high RTP (97.99%) but low volatility. This means that while wins may be frequent, they are generally smaller amounts. Another significant advantage is that all winnings from free spins are tripled, which can be highly beneficial for the player if luck is on their side.
Immortal Romance
Another tale of love mixed with gothic and vampire elements, Immortal Romance is a powerful pokie released by Games Global in 2011 that has stood the test of time due to its high quality and unmatched soundtrack.
It has 4 free spin features that operate with their own mechanics, and a solid RTP of 96.86%, which is above average. However, it is a slot with fairly high volatility, with winning combinations occurring on average every 3.2 spins and a hit rate of around 30%.
With 243 paylines spread across 5 reels and 3 rows, and the possibility of winning combinations with 3, 4, or 5 matching symbols and/or wilds, as well as an autoplay mode (allowing up to 100 automatic spins), it remains an attractive pokie that continues to draw new users despite being in the market for years.
Wolf Gold
This slot machine was developed by Pragmatic Play (one of the leading companies in the market) and features a theme closely related to nature and wild animals.
Like many other pokies, it has a classic 5-reel, 3-row slot format with 25 paylines from left to right. It has an average RTP of 96%, but its biggest draw is its progressive jackpot, which offers substantial earnings for those who hit it.
Overall, the game’s positives outweigh its negatives. It offers a wide range of betting options and is visually appealing, so it’s no surprise that it consistently appears on lists of favorite games year after year.
Gonzo’s Quest
Inspired by the quest for the lost city of El Dorado, Gonzo’s Quest takes us on the journey of a Spanish conquistador in search of the mythical city’s riches. The game features 5 reels, 3 rows, and 20 fixed paylines, along with multiplier spins up to 15x and potential maximum winnings of 37,500x per free spin!
It has been in the market since 2011, and much of its success lies not only in its technical features and winning potential but also in its options to set both win and loss limits. This represents a significant advantage for players who want to avoid spending more than they are allowed.
With an RTP of 95.97% (slightly below average) and medium-high volatility, statistically, there are better chances of winning with free spins than with regular play. Still, it remains one of the most popular online slot machines.
Sweet Bonanza
As one of the most acclaimed games from Pragmatic Play, Sweet Bonanza arrives with a bright, colorful theme filled with cotton candy, cakes, and all kinds of sweets. It boasts a high RTP rate (96.49%) and a massive 21,175x maximum win multiplier, inviting players to turn their coins into candy and hit the jackpot.
Sweet Bonanza was developed using HTML5 technology, and its developer has optimized it to be played on all devices, including tablets, computers, and mobile phones. Its colorful design stands out on small screens, and the mobile version works exceptionally well.
This game is highly recommended for anyone who isn’t afraid of a sugar overload and enjoys straightforward, uncomplicated games.
Mega Joker
A classic slot machine reminiscent of the old school, featuring fruits, stars, and the lucky number 7. This Novomatic classic has 5 reels and 40 paylines, and the app’s audio tracks make you feel like you’re in a physical casino!
It has an average RTP of around 96%, but internally offers several additional ways to win. It includes a unique betting feature that allows players to double their winnings if they guess the color of the next card correctly after every win.
Ideal for nostalgic players who miss the old slot machines, seasoned professionals who have well-crafted strategies to maximize their winnings, and casino enthusiasts in general.
Jack Hammer 2
This popular game, produced by NetEnt, is a clear example of why comics will never go out of style. Players follow the adventures of Jack Hammer, our hero who comes to save the day with wilds, sticky wins, and free spins.
With an RTP significantly higher than the average for pokies in Australia (97.07%), it boasts several advantages that attract more and more users. Wilds that can provide regular winnings, doubled payouts during free spins, and maximum bets of up to $300 AUD are this slot machine’s main selling points.
However, there are a few areas for improvement. Its low volatility results in lower payouts, which can be disappointing for some players. Additionally, the minimum bet is $0.50 AUD, one of the highest on the market, which can deter players with a more moderate budget. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent option for playing and having fun.
The Dog House Megaways
This pack of dogs comes running with a ton of paylines in their jaws! This famous pokie features 6 reels and an impressive 117,649 paylines, a real madness that is only available in this game developed by Pragmatic Play.
This second part of the Dog House game series comes with an RTP of 96.55% and high volatility, with maximum winnings capped at 12,000x your bet. Ideal for dog lovers, those new to the world of pokies, and anyone looking for a fun time filled with surprises and wild spins.
Steamtower
This heroic 3D adventure takes us on a quest with a brave knight to rescue a damsel in distress from the clutches of a fearsome dragon while simultaneously pursuing a great treasure. A true adventure in every sense, featuring an RTP of 97.04% and medium volatility, making this journey an unforgettable experience for all the brave souls who join our hero in action.
While this feature is active, players receive additional free spins, and with a wide range of bets, the chances of winning are even greater. The maximum prize exceeds $300,000 AUD, so facing that formidable dragon is certainly worth it!
There’s little to improve, perhaps only the lack of other bonus features besides free spins. However, the overall experience is highly rewarding, and it remains a favorite among players in 2024.
Reel Rush
The second fruit-themed pokie on the list, Reel Rush features 5 reels, 5 rows, and up to 3,125 ways to win—a simple concept but no less significant than the rest. Developed by NetEnt, this game offers a fantastic retro gaming experience, with locked and unlocked reels during base game rounds and bonuses instead of fixed paylines.
Its RTP is 96.96%, and it has medium volatility, but it often comes with a large number of free spins and additional spins, allowing players to thoroughly enjoy their time with this pokie.
Reputation of Australian Pokies in 2024
Many players tend to question the legality of pokies, especially when luck is not on their side, and they face heavy losses. However, to reassure the player community, it’s almost guaranteed that all slot machines in major virtual casinos operate through a system known as the Random Number Generator (RNG), which uses random algorithms to ensure the unpredictability of results. This mechanism is constantly monitored by regulatory bodies overseeing betting sites, and except for very rare technical errors, it is almost impossible for the results to be manipulated.
That said, we can only recommend giving virtual slot machines a try at least once in a lifetime, and in 2024, Australian pokies are an excellent option for this experience.
Safety and Security
In terms of security, Australian pokies pass the test with flying colors. The best slot sites are regulated by widely recognized gaming authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Curacao Commission. These licenses ensure that the site operates fairly, that deposited funds are secure, and that, in the worst-case scenario, there is an authority responsible for safeguarding the players’ gaming experience.
Additionally, more pokies are now using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption technology, which protects both players’ financial and personal information from any cyber threats or fraud.
The combination of legal compliance (with licenses and regulations from authorities) and technical protection (SSL) creates a golden duo to ensure that users have the best experience and that their only concern is to have fun and win.
Payment Methods
In general, almost all pokie sites offer the same payment methods based on their technical capabilities. Some platforms, for example, have not yet updated their systems to execute deposits/withdrawals via cryptocurrencies.
Overall, the most common deposit methods that can be found on almost all platforms include:
- E-wallets
- Cryptocurrencies
- Bank Transfer
- Prepaid Cards
It is also important to note that withdrawal methods are usually the same as those used for deposits, providing users with more convenience when making their transactions. Processing times can range from 2 to 48 hours, depending on several factors, particularly each platform’s ability to process financial data.
Software Developers for Pokies
The success of pokies is always closely linked to the quality of the software used by their developers. In Australia, virtual casino slot machines are created by large and well-known companies in the market, offering quality, innovation, state-of-the-art graphics, and the aforementioned personal data protection.
Some of the standout developers include:
- Microgaming: An industry pioneer known for its wide range of pokies with high-quality graphics and attractive bonuses.
- NetEnt: The creator of the aforementioned Gonzo’s Quest, this developer invests a lot of time and dedication into wowing us with eye-catching graphics and unique features.
- Playtech: A developer known for offering a wide variety of pokies, from classic slots to games based on popular movies and TV shows.
- Betsoft: Widely recognized for its 3D and creative games, and a favorite among the best betting sites.
- IGT (International Game Technology): Renowned for its classic and modern games, developing games for both physical casinos and online betting sites.
Pros & Cons of Australian Online Pokies
Pros:
- Wide variety of games.
- Generous bonuses and promotions.
- Guaranteed fun and security.
- RTP% above average in most cases.
Cons:
- Risk of gambling addiction.
- Variable withdrawal times.
- Winnings heavily depend on the games’ volatility and RTP rate.