Pokies Glossary: Game, Bonus & Casino Terms
Updated
Not sure whether a cashout cap is the same as a maximum win, or what 30x wagering actually counts? This pokies glossary explains the words you will see in game information panels, casino cashiers and bonus conditions. Use the alphabetical shortcuts to find a definition, then follow the linked guides for examples.
Game features and promotions vary. The definition helps you understand a term; the specific paytable or offer conditions explain how it applies to the game or coupon you choose.
A–C: pokies terms
- Account currency
- The currency used for your casino balance, bets and transactions. A dollar sign alone does not establish whether the amount is NZD, AUD or USD. See the NZ dollar guide.
- Autoplay
- A setting that starts a series of spins automatically. Every paid spin still uses your balance. Availability and stopping controls depend on the game.
- Bankroll
- The money set aside for a playing session. It should be an amount you can afford to lose, separate from essential spending.
- Bonus balance
- Promotional credit held under a casino’s bonus conditions. It may be restricted until wagering and other requirements are met. It is not necessarily withdrawable cash.
- Bonus buy
- A paid option that starts a game feature directly. Its displayed cost may be many times the normal spin stake. Check the rules before selecting it.
- Bonus code
- A coupon entered to activate a particular promotion. A code does not replace the offer’s eligibility, deposit, game and withdrawal conditions.
- Bonus round
- An extra feature within a game, such as free spins, a pick-and-reveal round or a hold-and-spin feature. It is different from an account welcome bonus.
- Cash balance
- The part of an account labelled as cash or real money. A displayed cash balance can still be subject to pending transactions, verification or applicable bonus restrictions.
- Cashback
- A promotion returning a stated portion of qualifying spending or losses. The calculation period, exclusions and whether it pays cash or bonus credit matter.
- Cashout limit
- A maximum amount that can be withdrawn under a particular promotion or rule. It differs from a payment method’s transaction limit and a game’s maximum win.
- Cascading reels
- Winning symbols disappear and replacement symbols fall into the gaps. Further wins may follow during the same game sequence according to its rules. Also called tumbles or avalanches.
- Coin value
- The money value assigned to one game coin or credit. The total spin stake can include several coins and paylines, so read the total bet.
D–H: pokies terms
- Demo play
- Play using virtual credits with no cash value. Demo winnings cannot be withdrawn. Try the free pokies demos to learn the controls.
- Deposit match
- A bonus calculated as a percentage of a qualifying deposit, up to a cap. A 100% match on $20 adds $20 in bonus credit, subject to the terms. Read the deposit match guide.
- Expanding wild
- A wild symbol that grows to cover additional positions, often an entire reel. The paytable explains when it expands and what it substitutes for.
- Fixed jackpot
- A jackpot prize that has a set value or stake-based value under the game rules, rather than growing through contributions from qualifying bets.
- Free spins won while playing (game feature)
- Free spins you win while playing a pokie, usually by landing the required scatter symbols or triggering another feature. These spins play at the feature’s specified stake without a separate normal spin charge. The game’s paytable explains how they are triggered, any multipliers and whether more spins can be won.
- Free spins awarded as a casino bonus
- Spins awarded through a casino promotion, such as a welcome offer, no deposit bonus or existing-player reward. They are not triggered by a winning combination during normal play. The offer specifies the games, spin value, expiry and any wagering or cashout restrictions on winnings. See free spins bonuses.
- Gamble feature
- An optional extra bet using a win already awarded, such as a card-colour gamble. Losing the extra bet can remove the amount you risked.
- Hit frequency
- How often a game produces a winning result under its definition. A counted win may be smaller than the total stake, so frequent hits do not necessarily mean profit.
- House edge
- The theoretical share of stakes retained by a game over the long run. For a game with 96% theoretical RTP, the corresponding house edge is 4%.
I–P: pokies terms
- Jackpot
- A special prize awarded when the required game conditions are met. Check the rules for eligibility, stake requirements and whether a bonus restricts jackpot play.
- KYC / identity verification
- Checks used to confirm account details and identity. An operator may request documents before processing a withdrawal; use its official secure submission process.
- Line bet
- The stake assigned to each active payline. In a game using line-based staking, total bet normally depends on both the line bet and number of active lines.
- Maximum bet
- The highest stake allowed by a game or promotion. A bonus may impose a lower maximum than the game permits, including restrictions on paid features.
- Maximum win
- The largest payout allowed by the game rules, often expressed as a multiple of the total stake. It is a limit, not a likely result or payout promise.
- Multiplier
- A factor applied to a specified win or feature value. A 3x multiplier triples the amount it applies to; the rules determine which wins qualify.
- No deposit bonus
- A promotion that can be claimed without an initial qualifying deposit. Verification, wagering, eligibility and withdrawal requirements may still apply. Read the no deposit guide.
- Payline
- A defined path of symbol positions used to assess winning combinations. Some games use adjustable lines, others fixed lines. The paytable shows the required direction and symbols.
- Paytable
- The game’s reference for symbol payouts, features, qualifying combinations and important limits. Open the information or help panel before choosing a stake.
- Pending withdrawal
- A withdrawal request awaiting review or processing. It does not mean the receiving bank or wallet has received the funds. Check the stated processing stages.
- Progressive jackpot
- A prize pool that grows through contributions from qualifying play, sometimes across linked games or casinos. A win normally resets it to a starting amount under the rules.
R–S: pokies terms
- Random number generator (RNG)
- The system used to generate random game results. On a properly implemented random game, previous losing spins do not make a future win due.
- Reels
- The columns of symbol positions shown in a pokie. Modern video games can use different reel counts, heights and layouts. The animation presents the game result.
- Respin
- An additional spin of some or all reel positions. It may be awarded as a feature or offered for a price; check which positions remain held.
- Return to player (RTP)
- The theoretical proportion of total stakes returned as prizes over a very large number of plays. A 96% RTP does not promise $96 back from a $100 session. Explore the RTP calculator.
- Scatter
- A special symbol that can award a payout or trigger a feature without following a standard payline. The required count and positions vary by game.
- Session
- A period of playing. Session results can vary widely from theoretical averages; setting a time or spending limit does not change the game’s odds.
- Stacked symbols
- Groups of the same symbol occupying consecutive positions on a reel. Their appearance does not guarantee a winning combination on the other reels.
- Stake / total bet
- The full amount charged for a paid spin or round. Check this figure rather than relying on a single coin or line value.
- Sticky wild
- A wild symbol that stays in place for a stated number of spins or until a feature ends. Its duration and substitution rules depend on the game.
T–Z: pokies terms
- Turnover
- The cumulative value of bets placed. Betting $1 on 100 spins produces $100 turnover, even if the same balance is reused through wins. Turnover is not profit.
- Variance / volatility
- Terms used to describe variation in results and the distribution of payouts. Higher volatility generally means larger swings; a rating does not predict your next result.
- Wagering contribution
- The percentage of a qualifying bet that counts towards a bonus target. At 10% contribution, a $10 eligible bet adds $1 towards that target.
- Wagering requirement
- The amount of qualifying betting needed under a bonus. A 30x requirement on a $20 bonus is $600; 30x a $20 deposit plus $20 bonus is $1,200. Always check the calculation base.
- Ways to win
- A system paying combinations across qualifying reel positions instead of defined paylines. The direction, minimum reel count and exclusions are set by the game rules.
- Wild
- A symbol that substitutes for specified other symbols to form winning combinations. Wilds commonly have exceptions, so do not assume they replace scatters or jackpot symbols.
- Withdrawal
- A request to move eligible funds from a casino account to an accepted payment method. Review identity checks, limits, currency and fees in the banking guide.
Put the definitions into practice
Start with the total bet, account currency and paytable. If a promotion is active, check its calculation base, eligible games, maximum stake, expiry and withdrawal cap before using it. These details answer different questions, so a generous headline alone does not describe the full offer.
Our pokies guides cover the basics, while the no download guide and mobile hub explain browser and device play. Use demo games to learn controls with virtual credits. A demo result is not evidence of what a real-money session will return.
Compare casino welcome offers
For the operator details behind each promotion, read the casino reviews and bonus guides. Confirm the exact coupon conditions before depositing.
Fair Go Casino
100% up to $200, redeemable five times. General wagering 30x deposit plus bonus. Eligibility and current coupon terms apply.
Ozwin Casino
General minimum deposit $20; standard wagering 35x deposit plus bonus. Eligibility and current coupon terms apply.
Ripper Casino
Minimum deposit $30; 30x wagering. Maximum cashout 20x the bonus. Eligibility and current coupon terms apply.
Uptown Pokies
NZ package headline. Check individual deposit stages and spin allocations in the cashier. Eligibility and current coupon terms apply.
The amounts follow the operators’ displayed dollar values. Confirm account currency and the exact coupon conditions before depositing. Multi-stage package totals are different from the bonus on a single deposit. Our casino reviews hub explains the individual casinos in more detail.
Set a spending limit you can afford to lose and stop when you reach it. The responsible gambling guide lists tools and support if playing stops being enjoyable.
Pokies glossary FAQs
Is RTP the amount I get back in one session?
No. RTP is a theoretical long-run percentage across a very large number of plays. Your own session can return much more or much less, including losing the full amount staked.
What is the difference between RTP and volatility?
RTP describes the theoretical share of stakes returned over the long run. Volatility describes how payouts vary. Two games can have the same RTP and very different patterns of wins and losses.
Are free spins in a game the same as a free spins bonus?
They are two different meanings. Feature free spins are won while playing a pokie, usually by triggering the required symbols, and follow the game’s paytable. Promotional free spins are awarded by a casino bonus, with separate conditions such as eligible games, spin value, expiry and wagering on winnings.
Does a high hit frequency mean I will make a profit?
No. A winning result counted as a hit can pay less than the spin stake. Hit frequency does not show whether your session will finish ahead.
What does 30x wagering mean?
It means qualifying bets must reach 30 times the amount defined by the offer. That may be the bonus alone or the deposit plus bonus. Game contribution, maximum stake and deadlines can also apply.
Is the maximum win the same as a bonus cashout cap?
No. A maximum win limits a game’s payout. A bonus cashout cap limits what can be withdrawn under a promotion, even when the game permits a larger prize.
Does a long losing run make the next spin more likely to win?
No. On a properly implemented random game, a losing run does not make a win due. Increasing your stake to recover a loss does not change that.
Where should I check a term that differs from this glossary?
Use the specific game’s paytable for game mechanics and the selected promotion’s terms for bonus conditions. Ask the operator’s official support to clarify a conflict before depositing or playing.
