How to Know When a Pokie Machine Will Pay Out

Isabella Miller | 🕒 4 minutes read
how to know when a pokie machine will pay out

Introduction

Online pokie machines are a popular form of entertainment in online casinos and physical casinos alike. But, have you ever wondered how these machines work? And, more importantly, if you can predict when a pokie machine will pay out?

In this blog post we will be diving into that very question, through exploring the inner workings of pokie machines, we will provide you with some tips and tricks to know when they’re about to pay.

First of all, how does a pokie machine work?

Online slot machines operate using a Random Number Generator or RNG, to understand how the machines work, you need to understand these algorithms. We’ve got another post about how they work in depth, we’d recommend reading that here*(link to post about how online slot machines work) if you’re interested.

RNGs are mathematical algorithms that generate random numbers. This is how the machine decides when it will pay out and what symbols will appear on the reels. Each online casino will have an independently certified organisation validate that their RNGs are in fact completely random. So you know your online gaming is fair.

Even though these machines operate completely randomly, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to increase your chances of winning on a pokie machine.

How to increase your odds of winning

There are two key factors to understand in order to ensure you have the best chances of winning online pokies.

Paytable

While you technically can’t predict when a pokie machine will pay out, you can determine the likelihood of winning. You can do this by checking the paytable, this is a table created by the developer that shows the winning combinations for each symbol and the payout for each combination.

It’s important to note that the higher the payout, the less likely it is that you will win. So, if you want to increase your chances of winning, look for pokie machines with lower payouts.

Volatility

Another key factor that can influence your chance of winning is volatility. Volatility in slot machines refers to their ratio of paying out to the amount paid out.

Simply, high-volatility machines pay out less often but have the potential for bigger payouts, while low-volatility machines pay out more often but have smaller payouts.

If you are looking for a big win, it’s best to choose a high-volatility machine. But, if you want the best chance of winning, choose a low-volatility machine.

Are some machines more likely to pay out than others?

Certain online slot machines are in fact more likely to pay out than others – by knowing which machines they are, you can have much greater success.

What causes this is a particular characteristic of the machines known as the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. Machines with a higher RTP percentage tend to pay back a higher proportion of the wager to the players over time. Therefore, choosing a machine with a higher RTP can increase your chances of winning.

Similarly, as we discussed earlier, each slot machine has its own volatility level. Low-volatility machines spit out smaller wins more frequently, whereas high-volatility machines offer larger wins but less frequently.

The combination of these two factors can lead to certain machines paying out much more frequently than others. These are the machines you want to play to have the best chance of coming out on top.

Are online slot machines more likely to pay out than their physical counterparts?

This is a common question among gamers, as the comparison between online slot machines and their real-life counterparts – in terms of payouts – is contested.

Online slot machines usually have a higher Return to Player (RTP) percentage compared to physical machines, primarily due to lower overhead costs. As this allows them to offer a higher payout ratio. Additionally, online platforms typically provide a wider range of games than physical casinos offer. This means there is a larger variety of RTPs and volatility levels, enabling players to choose games that have the best chances of winning.

However, it’s crucial to remember that both online and physical machines use random number generator systems, guaranteeing game fairness and unpredictability in outcomes. Meaning, while the payout percentages may differ, the element of chance remains constant in both forms of gaming.

So, is there a way to find out when a machine will pay out?

Let’s summarise what we’ve discussed and create a strategy you can follow for the best results.

We know that the payout frequency of slot machines, whether online or physical, is determined by two main factors: Return to Player (RTP) percentage and volatility.

Machines with a higher RTP offer a larger proportion of the wager back to the players over time, while the volatility determines the size and frequency of the wins.

From this, we can create a step-by-step guide for picking the machine most likely to pay out:

  1. Identify your risk tolerance: If you can handle more risk for the chance at bigger wins, choose high-volatility machines. If you prefer smaller, more frequent wins, opt for low-volatility machines.
  2. Consider the RTP: Look for machines with higher RTP percentages to increase your chances of winning in the long run.
  3. Choose the right platform: Online slot machines usually offer a higher RTP than their physical counterparts due to lower overhead costs.
  4. Check the pay table: Make sure you understand the pay table of any game you choose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the secret to maximising your chances at slot machines doesn’t lie in predicting when a machine will pay out, but rather in understanding the machine’s RTP and volatility.

By researching the RTP and volatility of a machine, opting for online platforms, and understanding the pay table, you can give yourself the best chance of scoring that payout.

Remember, while the allure of a huge payout is enticing, gambling should primarily be an enjoyable activity. Always play responsibly and within your financial means.

Isabella Miller
Hello, I’m Isabella Miller the main author of the site pokiesonline.co.nz. I have a vast experience of playing pokie games at casinos around the world, and I would like to share my insights and experience with every enthusiastic kiwi out there! Over 15 years of experience with casinos around the world (especially in New Zealand), you are getting my personal best insights into the exiting world of pokies and casino games. I will be your tour guide into playing the best games, getting the best tips and even what bonuses should you look at while playing online casinos. Enjoy your time with our site, Isabella.