Spin City
Funny thing, eh? English has more regional quirks than a bag of All Blacks jerseys! Every English-speaking spot has its own slang, and we Kiwis are no different. We reckon it’s normal to call a sausage a snag and slot machines pokies, but the rest of the world’s left scratching their heads.
So, here’s the lowdown! This article is our way of clueing you in on one of our many speech oddities. Wherever you’re from, you’ll know to say pokies when you’re in New Zealand. Otherwise, you might be wandering around like a lost sheep!
People love to abbreviate stuff, right? It’s just easier. Aussies say, “G’day!” instead of “Good day!” and Americans go with, “Nah mean?” instead of “You know what I mean?” Fun, eh?
Same deal with pokies. The word comes from “poker machine.” Back in the day, those poker machines looked more like slots than what we think of as video poker today. So, everyone got a bit muddled. Ads from the early 1900s called them “pokies,” and the name stuck like a possum to a tree. Now, we use it for both slots and video poker.
Sure, we know slots and video poker are different games with their own rules, but most Kiwis just lump them all together as pokies. Even seasoned players who know the difference still use the same term.
There’s another theory, too, though it’s not as popular. In the old days, you’d feed coins into these machines. When you won, coins would spill out. Some reckon the name “pokies” came from all the finger-poking to get those coins.
While “pokie” has hit the internet gambling scene, online gambling in New Zealand and Australia is still unregulated, except for offshore casinos. So, most Kiwis are familiar with “slots” from playing on these sites.
Different English-speaking places have their own names for the same game. Americans say “slot machine,” Brits call them “fruit machines,” and Scots say “puggy.” It’s like a game of Spot the Difference!
Pokies are a hit in every corner of the English-speaking world. The only way to get everyone saying pokies is to have more people play at Kiwi casinos. They’ll see it’s just a better name, right? Why go with boring old “slots” when you can say pokies?
Pokies have a huge fan base here in New Zealand and across the ditch in Australia. They’re not just in casinos; you’ll find them in local pubs, too. There are a whopping 197,000 pokies in Australia alone. In New Zealand, you can find them in land-based casinos in cities like Hamilton, Christchurch, and Auckland.
Despite the quirky name, pokies have a special place in the hearts of Kiwi players. So, heaps of legit online casinos are catering to us, and more will likely follow.
Alright, let’s dive deeper into why we Kiwis are so attached to the term pokies. It’s more than just a name; it’s a part of our culture. When you walk into a pub in New Zealand, the familiar clinking and whirring of pokies is a common sound. It’s like a backdrop to our social life. Whether you’re having a pint with mates or just passing time, the pokies are there.
The pokies culture in New Zealand is also tied to the way we socialise. Unlike in some places where gambling might be more of a high-stakes affair, here, it’s often a laid-back, casual activity. You’ll see people of all ages having a go at the pokies, just as a bit of fun. It’s a way to unwind, have a laugh, and maybe, just maybe, hit the jackpot.
One of the reasons pokies are so beloved in New Zealand is that they’re more than just a game; they’re a social activity. Whether you’re at a pub or an online casino, pokies bring people together. It’s about the thrill of the game, the anticipation of a win, and the camaraderie that comes with it.
In many small towns, the local pub with its pokies is a community hub. People gather there to catch up, share stories, and have a bit of fun. The pokies are just part of the experience, a shared activity that brings people closer. And even in the online world, playing pokies can be a social event, with players chatting and sharing their experiences.
So, there you have it! A deep dive into why we Kiwis call slots pokies. Next time you’re in New Zealand, don’t forget to use the term pokies. It’s just one of the many ways to sound like a local and get into the Kiwi spirit. And who knows, you might just hit the jackpot and have a great story to tell!
Pokies are the online or electronic gaming machines that people lovingly refer to in casinos, pubs, and clubs. These games have reached a height where players get fascinated by the bright-colored graphics, entertaining themes, and Prize-linked potential gains coming out of these games. Their simplicity and ease of access have made such games appealing to […]
Baccarat began as an exclusive pastime for European nobility, yet in today’s casinos it is one of the most approachable table games. The rules are straightforward, the pace is brisk, and the game carries a lower house edge than many alternatives. Because of that blend of mystique and simplicity, newcomers are often surprised at how […]
In New Zealand, roulette is loved by Kiwis for one simple reason: it is a game that has nothing to do with math and strategy is involved. It involves excitement and unpredictability and this is what gives Kiwis an adrenaline rush. The game was said to be invented by Blaise Pascal in the 17th century […]
