Online Pokies for Real Money: Best Pokies USA

If you visit any casino site online, you’ll find that the majority of their games are online pokies. That’s because online pokies are the easiest, the most popular and, of course, the most fun to play!

Players love pokies for the nostalgic feeling they get when they play them. And it’s no wonder - we all love the feeling of pulling the handle, watching the spinning reels, and listening as the coins drop. It’s impossible to picture a casino without imagining the colourful machines lined up in a row.

Since online pokies are the most popular casino game in the world, it’s no wonder the mobile casino market is flooded with them. This can make choosing a good online pokie a bit daunting, especially if you’re new to gambling online. On this page we’ll outline what to look for when choosing the best online pokies, and how to pick the right casino to play at.

What are Different Types of Pokies Online?

The online casino market is incredibly competitive, so we see new and exciting pokie games pop up on a daily basis. Since there are so many pokies online, it’s no surprise there are different game categories, too. Here are some of the most common categories of online pokies you’ll find:

Classic Pokies

Spinning reels. Lines of fruit. Special symbols. Classic pokies online are designed to remind you of old-school casino slot machines. Since they have a familiar game play, these pokies are great for beginners looking to try out games. They’re easy to learn and not intimidating.

Video Pokies

If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, but still easy to learn, check out video pokies. These electronic slot machines have more reels and better graphics and sound quality. They all have more bonus features and often larger jackpots.

3D Pokies

With these pokies you can think of them as a level above traditional video pokies. These games have cinematic quality and 3D graphics in addition to the jackpots and bonuses we love.

Fixed-Jackpot Pokies

These slots have a fixed prize that doesn’t change. Depending on the game, the prize could be as high as six figures in some cases.

Progressive Jackpot Pokies

If you want to add a little thrill to your gaming, progressive jackpot pokies might be for you. With these pokies, the prize pool keeps increasing with each spin until the jackpot is randomly triggered. In some cases these games can be worth millions of dollars.

How do you Play Pokies Online?

Playing pokies online is really very simple. First you need to find an online casino site to play at. Then you simply sign up for an account, make a deposit with your chosen casino banking method, and start playing. Many casinos offer players a lucrative welcome bonus that often includes a free spins bonus. It’s a great way to try out a casino game at a lower risk to your wallet.

Playing Pokies Online for Free vs. Real Money

Playing pokies online for free can help you hone your skills and get a feel for a game before you risk any of your hard-earned cash. Before you start playing with real money, try a few spins of a game in demo mode. Most casinos or game developers will allow players to try out online pokies at least a few times before asking you to pay. Some casinos even offer a no deposit bonus - that means you could win some real money on the casino’s dime.

Play Pokies on Mobile Apps and Sites

Online casinos would lose a bit of their appeal if we were all forced to play at our desktop machines all the time. Nowadays, as long as you have an Internet connection, you can play pokies on your phone. Playing pokies online on your mobile phone is an excellent way to take your gaming on the go. Whether you’re in a queue at the bank, in a waiting room or on the bus, playing pokies on your mobile phone is a great way to alleviate boredom or kill time.

Most current online casinos have mobile-optimised websites that look just as good on a small screen as they do on a large one. Online pokies are designed this way, too. In some instances, casinos may even have a downloadable app for your chosen mobile device. With the app, you can access your account, save your favourite games, get notifications about new bonuses and promos, and more.

Online Pokies: Get Real Money Bonuses

The online casino industry is incredibly competitive, so it’s no surprise that individual casinos bend over backwards to offer new players outstanding bonuses, loyalty programs and rewards perks. Here are a few of our favourite bonuses to keep an eye out for when you’re deciding which casino to play at.

Welcome Bonus 

The welcome bonus is usually the flashiest bonus on the site. You’ll usually find all the details on the casino’s homepage. These usually consisted of a deposit bonus plus free spins. In most cases the casino will match your initial deposit in bonus funds up to a certain amount. We’ve seen welcome bonuses as high as a couple thousand dollars. Just keep in mind the terms and conditions, as most casinos will have wagering requirements you need to fulfil in order to withdraw any winnings from bonus cash.

Free Spins Bonus

Free spins bonuses usually accompany the welcome bonus. In most cases this bonus gives you free spins toward a specific game, but other casinos will give you a range of games to choose from. Again, be mindful of wagering requirements, but this bonus is great if you’re looking to try out a specific online pokies game.

Cashback Bonus

This is a little consolation prize that some casinos offer players on their losses. In most cases it’s a percentage and you need to play within a certain timeframe to qualify. It may also be For example; get 10% cash back on Sundays. It may also be attached to a casino’s VIP program. Still, it’s nice to feel like a Sportsbook even if you walk away unsuccessful from time-to-time. 

Loyalty Programs

If you’re a points collector, you’ll love the VIP loyalty programs that the leading casinos offer. These programs are meant to keep existing players happy by offering them the chance to collect points for prizes. The more you play, the more points you collect and the more you qualify for. We’ve seen loyalty perks ranging from gift cards and electronics, all the way to VIP concerts and exclusive trips.

Updated Bonuses List

Casinos these days are constantly coming up with ways to outdo each other when it comes to the best bonuses. Visit our casino bonus page for essential information on bonuses, loyalty programs, bet limits and terms and conditions. Get the latest on casino bonuses in 2022.

How do Online Pokies Work?

If you’re new to online pokies, you might wonder exactly how these games work. After all, in a brick and mortar casino you simply insert your coin and pull the handle. Online they work a bit differently but the general concept is the same.

Random Number Generator

The Random Number Generator - or RNG - exists to keep online pokies fair. The RNG ensures people only win by chance. It’s a computer algorithm that randomises every spin result. This means that the outcome of your next spin is not affected by previous wins or losses.

Return to Player Value

The RNG ensures that the games are random, but each different pokies game has its own return to player value - or RTP - to be mindful of as well. The odds of winning at online pokies is better if you pay attention to this percentage. Choose a game with a higher RTP value for a better chance.

Bonus Rounds

Sophisticated online pokies always have sneaky bonuses like scatters, wilds, multipliers and bonus rounds. These are often listed in the payable, so make sure you check that out before you play so you know what to watch for.

Symbols

In order to activate bonus rounds, you need to be on the lookout for the right pokies symbols. You can still find cherries and lemons in lots of games, but most modern online pokies have a variety of new icons that trigger various in-game elements. Look for scatter symbols, wilds, multipliers and more.

Paytable

The paytable for online pokies shows players how much each of the game’s symbols is worth. By studying the game’s paytable in advance, you’ll know which symbols and bonus rounds to look for.

Bet Size

Pokies today let you choose a bet size from as little as $0.01 up to $30 or more. Remember, this bet is per payline, not per spin. So you have to be careful, otherwise you may find your bankroll has depleted faster than expected. In order to trigger bonus rounds, many pokies games require you to bet the maximum, but that’s not always the case.

The Best Software Providers for Pokies Online

Software providers have spent years designing the best online pokies for your enjoyment. Choosing the best software in this industry can be complicated, because some brands are very well-known, while others produce a quality product but they’re new to the market. At Odds Shark we particularly like pokies games from big names like IGT and BetSoft.