Pokies have become part of everyday life for Australians. 80 percent of adults have gambled at least once. Interestingly, for every pub or club in the country there are several pokies. According to Australian Gambling Statistics, the continent has about 20 percent of the total number of pokies in the world.
Global digitalisation has increased gamblers' interest in online pokies. And mobile apps have made it easier to access the entertainment. The changing gambling habits of Australians are confirmed by statistics: more than 76 per cent of online bets are now made via smartphones and tablets.
The history of pokies in Australia dates back to 1956, when the New South Wales state government legalised gambling. But their roots go back even further, to the end of the 19th century. The first mechanical pokie (Liberty Bell) was created in the USA by inventor Charles Fay in 1894.
Australia quickly adopted the novelty. And within a few decades, one-armed bandits became part of the local population's leisure time. In the 1980s, the digital revolution in the gambling industry began. Developers began to use new technologies, releasing computerised versions of mechanical devices. At the same time, progressive jackpots appeared, which attracted even more players. In the late 1990s, pokies spread across the country.
The famous "Queen of the Nile" and other classic games have come to symbolise Australian pokies, and providers like Aristocrat have become world-leading brands. Today's models are not just one-armed bandits, but technological developments with sophisticated graphics and multi-layered gameplay.
The simple and straightforward rules of the game are what attracts most Australians. With every bet, you get the impression that victory is close at hand. Bright graphics, pleasant music and the tension of the moment stimulate the release of the pleasure hormone. In pursuit of a new dose of dopamine, the user returns to online pokies again and again.
A large range of bets should not be discounted. Those who are not used to taking risks can choose an amount between 0.1 and 5 AUD. With such a game, the fear of losing disappears, and small wins give a sense of victory. Pokies are a way for many Australians to relax and spend time in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
