Do you know what are 'pokies'?
Here's some Australian English for you...
'Pokies' is the popular Australian term for 'poker machines', otherwise known as 'slot machines' in other English-speaking countries. These are gaming machines, previously requiring a lever be pulled down but now totally electronic.
They're also collquially known as 'one-arm bandits' or 'the slaps' (thank you Amanda Boyce for that one!) 🎰
Other Aussie nicknames for them include 'the reverse ATM' and 'the pensioner's piano'.
'The pokies' are a common feature in pubs, clubs and casinos throughout most of Australia (in Western Australia, they're only at Burswood Casino in Perth). They're usually in a separate area from the bars and dining areas. Like many other gaming environments, the ambience of these areas is designed to keep people in, so the machines are bright and gaudy but the overall illumination is otherwise sombre with no natural light.
Australia saw its first pokies introduced in 1956 in New South Wales (NSW), the only state to legally have them until the 1990s. At one time, 25% of the world's slot machines were found in NSW. Many 'leagues clubs' (community-focused social clubs affiliated with Rugby League football teams) and 'RSL clubs' (the Returned & Services League is Australia's primary military veterans' association), particularly in NSW, devote much floorspace for the pokies. Not surprisingly, they're a huge revenue earner.
So popular were the pokies that before they were allowed in pubs and clubs in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia in the early 1990s, people in those states would regularly go on 'pokie tours' – organised trips to towns immediately over the border in NSW just to have a 'slap on the pokies' (play the poker machines).
Even though 'pokies' is short for 'poker machines', most Aussies call the actual machines 'pokie machines', with each machine often having a lurid name such as 'Blue Rhino', 'Bull Rush' , 'Panda Magic', 'Dragon Link' – yes, many of the names have direct links to East Asian symbols of luck and fortune as the gambling industry knows very well that Chinese people (in particular) are very big into gambling and are very lucrative customers. The pokie machines also constantly make noises, especially to announce a win so that everyone can know. Oh, and careful with which machine you pick to have a slap on as some of the regulars have their favourite(s) and can be very territorial.
Many aficionados believe they can improve their chances of winning on poker machines using various strategies, but this is a myth. No strategy or timing will change the outcome of a spin. Some will claim that a certain pokie machine is 'due for a win' (so full of coins that it has no other option than to pay out), but this is never the case – each spin is random and past results have no effect on future outcomes.
Something you hear often in Australia is 'pokie addiction'. There are constant awareness campaigns in Australia to tackle this widespread problem, as well as a network of support groups for those seeking help.
I'd like to add that I in no way condone playing the pokies. Best put your money to better use!
Don't gamble your luck away. To make sure your message is getting across to your Australian audience in the most effective way, best have your text and copy checked by me. Drop me a line at info@nicknasev.com and let's have a slap at it!
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