Part V: Regional & Cultural · Asia-Pacific Regional Terms

4.1 Pokies (Poker Machines)

Australia — Gaming/Terminology

“Pokies” is the Australian colloquial term for electronic gaming machines (EGMs), known as slot machines in the United States and fruit machines in the United Kingdom. Pokies are the dominant form of casino gaming in Australia, found not only in casinos but also in pubs and clubs across most states. Australia has one of the highest concentrations of gaming machines per capita in the world. Casino-style pokies in Australia are regulated by state and territory gaming authorities and feature higher bet limits and jackpots than those in pubs and clubs.

In practice

Australia’s “pokies culture” is unique globally — the machines are ubiquitous in pubs and social clubs, generating significant social and political controversy. New South Wales alone has over 90,000 EGMs in non-casino venues.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.