Pokies remain the most popular form of gambling in Australia, with roughly 200,000 machines spread across pubs, clubs and casinos nationwide. Yet many players spin the reels without ever studying the paytable, the screen that explains exactly what each symbol is worth and how winning combinations form. Learning to read that information properly can sharpen your decisions and stretch your bankroll further. For more details, visit MyEmpire app.
A paytable is essentially the rulebook for a single game. It lists every symbol, its payout values at different match counts, and any special features such as wilds, scatters or bonus triggers. The layout varies between developers, but the underlying logic stays consistent. Once you understand that logic, you can assess any new release within a minute or two.
Understanding Symbol Values and Paylines
Every pokies screen groups symbols into two broad tiers: low-value icons and high-value icons. Low-value symbols are usually playing card ranks such as 9, 10, J, Q, K and A. They pay smaller amounts but appear more often. High-value symbols are themed images, and landing five of a kind can return many times your stake.
Paylines determine which symbol positions combine to form a win. A classic three-reel machine might use a single payline, while modern five-reel video pokies can carry 243, 1,024 or even 117,649 “ways to win.” In ways-to-win formats, symbols simply need to appear on consecutive reels from left to right, regardless of their vertical position. That difference matters because it changes how frequently you can expect a return.
Paytables display values in one of two ways: as a multiplier of your bet or as an actual credit amount. Australian players should always confirm the denomination and bet level before spinning, since a payout of “500 coins” means very different things on a 1 cent machine versus a 5 dollar machine. Stick to AUD values you can clearly see on screen.
Wild symbols substitute for most other icons to complete a line. Some wilds also carry their own payout when they appear in a winning combination. Scatters are different: they usually pay anywhere on the reels rather than on a set line, and three or more often trigger free spins or a bonus round.
Reading RTP, Volatility and Bonus Features
The return to player percentage, or RTP, tells you the theoretical share of all wagered money returned to players over millions of spins. Most Australian-accessible pokies sit between 94% and 97%, though some licensed venues operate machines with lower settings closer to 85%. A higher RTP generally means better long-term value, but it says nothing about a single session.
Volatility describes how payouts are distributed. Low-volatility games pay smaller amounts frequently, which suits players who want longer sessions. High-volatility games pay rarely but can deliver large sums, appealing to those chasing big wins. The paytable often hints at this through the size of the top prizes relative to the smaller ones.
Bonus features are usually summarised in a separate tab or panel. Look for details on free spin counts, expanding wilds, multipliers and any pick-me round. Knowing how many scatters trigger the feature, and whether it can be retriggered, helps you judge whether a game rewards patience.
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| RTP | Percentage returned to players over time |
| Volatility | Frequency versus size of payouts |
| Wild | Substitutes for other symbols |
| Scatter | Pays anywhere, often triggers bonuses |
| Payline | Fixed path where symbols must align |
Practical Tips for Australian Players
Before placing a single bet, open the paytable and note the top three symbol payouts, the scatter trigger requirement and the RTP if it is listed. This takes under a minute and prevents surprises later. Set a budget in AUD and treat every spin as entertainment rather than income.
Remember that pokies outcomes are determined by random number generators, so past results never predict future spins. Reading the paytable will not change the odds, but it does help you choose games that match your preferred style of play and understand exactly what you are risking on each spin.
