Gambling in Australia is prevalent and highly regulated by states and federal authorities. As one of the most popular gambling nations, Aussies love different forms of casino games across online and land-based platforms. An estimated 38% of adults indulge in gambling at least once every week. They play games ranging from greyhound racing, lotteries, keno, online casino games, table games, and poker machines.
Particularly for casino games, pokies, and roulette are two games that top the list for Australians. Roulette is classified as a table game alongside poker and blackjack, while pokies are a different genre. Although miles apart, each genre has distinct features and gameplay, making it unique and popular among Aussies. For players who enjoy both, there are often shared similarities and the possibility of cross-game success. Can the honed skills and strategy developed from playing roulette benefit such players when playing pokies? This article explores the shared similarities, differences, and possibilities of players enjoying a higher chance of success in the world of pokies.
Understanding Roulette – Gameplay and Requirements
Roulette is often mistaken as a complicated game, thanks to colorful roulette wheels and appealing grandeur. Whether online or offline, the first impression of the black and red colored rotating wheel feels as though one needs a long time to understand how it works. Instead, the gameplay is so simple that you only need to predict where the ball will land before the wheel stops. While roulette is often classified as a table game that requires skills and strategy, a more significant proportion of the outcome is determined by luck.
A typical roulette wheel consists of 37 or 38 pockets, depending on the game type. Each is numbered, and alternates between black and red colors with either a single (European) or double green (US) pocket numbered zero. Understanding the difference between both variants is crucial when searching for the best online casino payouts. The European version is often easier to play and offers higher payouts and lower house edge. The average profit margin the house will make on your bet is lower at 2.7%. For the American version, it is 5.26%, plus the double zero further reduces the chances of winning.
Understanding Pokies – Gameplay and Requirements
Pokies is the Australian terminology for slots. These are the most popular games in any online casino for many reasons. While they are straightforward to play, pokies offer something different as you select from the thousands of available options. The gameplay is the same in that the outcomes are entirely random. Pokies, unlike roulette, use a random number generator (RNG), explaining why you do not need any skill to play.
Online pokies feature unique themes, amazing sounds, symbols, and bonuses. Contemporary titles integrate gamification elements such that the games offer more fun than just spinning and waiting for the outcome. Today, dozens of themed slots are adapted from movies, pop culture, and games. Some of the most popular pokies played by Aussies include Fruit Million, Beats Band, Wolf Treasure, and Big Wild Buffalo.
The Intersection Between Roulette and Pokies
At first glance, there is no connection between roulette and pokies. The gameplay is different, and the rules are not the same. However, one thing they have in common is the players’ objective, which is to win, and to do so, you need certain skills. Below are some roulette skills that will help improve your chance of succeeding when playing pokies.
Understanding Probability and Embracing Variance
Probability is the likelihood of something happening, synonymous with pokies and roulette. For the latter, the objective is simply to bet on the number where the ball will end up. Usually, there are many options, and the chances differ greatly. For instance, the probability of the ball landing on a single number is slim. Hence, the payout is usually substantial. However, betting options like red or black, and column bets pay lower because the chances that it will happen are high.
Likewise, pokies operate on a similar principle in that wins are unpredictable. The probability of landing a winning combination is completely random, so players can go on several losing streaks. Typical roulette players are accustomed to this experience and will not be caught unaware, even when playing pokies for the first time.
Bankroll Management
Another skill that is shared between roulette and pokies is bankroll management. Especially when playing with real money, this is one skill that every player must master to avoid losing large sums. Bankroll management has many components such as setting deposit and bet limits. It is crucial always to set aside a daily, weekly, or monthly budget and ensure you stick to it. Likewise, stick to a particular bet amount regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
Both roulette and pokies are games where outcomes are determined in quick successions when playing online. It only takes a few seconds for the ball to stop on the roulette wheel. Likewise, you can have as many spins in just a few minutes. So, you want to be careful how much you bet and ensure you do not exceed your set budget.
Emotional Control and Discipline
Every successful player understands the significance of these traits. Discipline and emotional control are what distinguish successful players from problem gamblers. They know when to stop and not chase wins or losses. Roulette will test your patience, and you may need to adjust your betting strategy and options to increase your chances of winning.
Likewise, pokies can be fast-paced such that you get carried away by their immersive nature. Its engaging sound effects and symbols make it easy to continue spinning without recognizing how much you have lost. Hence, experienced roulette players who have tasted wins and losses are better equipped not to get carried away in the euphoria of modern pokies.
Final Thoughts
Pokies and roulette are entirely different genres of casino games. However, they share similarities that provide a stepping stone for players to succeed in both games. Experienced roulette players understand the importance of patience, accepting losses, bankroll management, and emotional maturity. These skills are handy when playing pokies, which tend to be fast-paced and based on random outcomes.