Pokies are generally some of the most popular casino games. This is true not just in Australia but also in other parts of the world where they are known by a different name – slot machines. These games are fun and exciting while being very easy to grasp even if you have never tried them before.
Things got even better with the arrival and subsequent growth in the popularity of mobile gambling. Online pokies were already a hit with Australian players. Mobile gaming took the experience a notch higher allowing players to tap into a convenient gambling experience. Mobile pokies are now, unsurprisingly, among the leading iGaming verticals in the country.
Are Mobile Pokies Legal in Australia?
In 2001, the Howard Government passed the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA). This was in response to the boom in iGaming activities in the country. The act grants online gamers immunity from persecution for participating in any gambling activity. As such, it is safe to say that mobile pokies are legal and you will not get into trouble for playing them. Players can thus choose from either local or international gambling sites. However, this is often at their own risk. That is why it is important to choose a reputable operator.
The act also requires that the mobile pokies operators take responsibility for the businesses. That means they need to commit to regulation, liability and paying taxes. Operators who do not abide by these laws are thus in violation of some of the terms of the Interactive Gambling Act.
Getting Started with Mobile Pokies in Australia
For most avid online gamblers, getting started with mobile pokies is a very straightforward process. Creating an account and depositing funds have been made much easier and more intuitive. Still, we have to acknowledge that everyone will have an easy time picking a great site or platform for their mobile pokies cravings.
There are lots of great pokies sites and operators catering to Australian players. For people who are new to this, finding a casino that tickles your fancy can be rather troublesome. Not anymore. All that you need to do is to pay attention to some key aspects. You can then weigh these against your needs and expectations to help you decide on a site. These aspects are:
Free vs Real Money Gambling
While so many people enjoy the perks that come with playing with real money, lots of players also still prefer free pokies games for mobile. In most cases, these are usually just casual players who want to enjoy some stress-free reel-spinning experiences. For some, these free mobile pokies are a great way of testing out the games and mobile casinos. Many of the free players eventually switch to real money gambling once they are comfortable with what’s on offer. Whichever camp you fall in, there are lots of great sites you can pick between.
The Look & Feel
This is a rather subjective aspect since people are drawn to different things. Still, when it comes to mobile pokies, you may need to be a little picky. The best sites will be those that utilize the latest technologies (such as HTML5) to deliver fluid mobile-first experiences. Optimizing the games and sites to work across different devices is very important in the world of mobile gambling. The site you pick should be able to deliver a consistent experience regardless of the device you are using.
The Games
We always prefer quality over quality but, thankfully, we have come across sites that compete on both fronts. Having a lot of great games to choose from makes the experience more enjoyable. Sites or apps that feature titles from leading casino game developers deserve special recognition. This is where you can find a range of titles including progressive jackpots with mind-blowing cash prizes.
There are, of course, many other things that will determine one's choice of a mobile pokies app or site. Such factors as payment methods, customer support and bonuses or promotions also play a big role. Just make sure you are comfortable with what is being offered in this regard. Gaming companies compete fiercely when it comes to these aspects. Finding a casino that offers you a decent and wholesome package of these features is no longer as hard as it used to be.
Where to Play
To get you started with your mobile pokies journey you may need a few pointers. For that, here are a few of the online casinos that we have tried out on mobile: 7 Spins, Red Dog, Kahuna, Fair Go, 21 Dukes.
These stand out for several reasons but there is always the option of doing a bit of research on forums and review sites.
The Future of Mobile Pokies in Australia
Technological advancements aside, the biggest issue that might face the mobile pokies sector soon is legislation. Some of the legislation fronted by Australian lawmakers could present a hurdle of sorts. Hopefully, take a different turn. Recent legislative measures that favor online gambling have proven to be very fruitful and that is perhaps what Australia needs going forward. It could not only spur competition which will result in better products but also make the sector safer.
