There are many different types of online pokies, broadly depending on a few factors:
The number of reels the machine has, the number of lines it is possible to win on, whether or not the machine has free spins. Are there bonus features, gamble features or a separate feature screen? Are the jackpots progressive?
To go into more detail, pokies can consist of:
Classic three reel games (basically the online version of vegas-style one-armed bandits. Invariably very simple indeed with few features if any and usually one pay line (though some of the newer ones have 3 or 5 pay lines), the reason to play these machines is bang for your buck. You can win big jackpots off very small credits.
Multi Line Video Slots are very similar to standard land-based Aussie-style pokies. With between 5 and 50 paylines and 3 to 5 reels, they can be played for as little as a cent a line. The extra fun with these though is that they have features, free spins, scatter bonuses and are getting increasingly more complex, skilful and enjoyable.
Progressive pokies are slot machines with linked jackpots. Every time you have a spin on a pokie with a progressive jackpot, a very small amount of the credit goes towards the jackpot. Since the machines are linked across a number of casino operators, the jackpot rises very quickly indeed. Progressive jackpots account for the highest jackpots to be won online. Recently, 6,000,000 Euros were won in a single spin!
Bonus Feature Pokies are the most “fun-to-play” slots. Most UK pub “fruit machines” have features. In most instances, you have to get three of a symbol or climb a number-ladder to get to the feature. Once on the feature, you need to roll a dice or pick a box etc to see what you win. Usually you can gamble as well, opting to play for more money rather than taking the amount you are offered. The key is to know where to stop, or look for the signs that the machine is “on a pay”…