You’ve undoubtedly heard or seen the phrase “pokie” tossed about if you’ve ever traveled to Ireland or merely visited an online casino site from that region. You might have been left wondering what this word means but in Ireland, “pokies” is just another word for slot machines.
“Pokies”- Where Did the Term Originate From?
Although there is no record of when the name was initially used, it has now become the conventional term for slot games in Ireland. The games are always referred to as pokies in advertisements for casinos and bars.
The nickname “pokie” is derived from the word “pok” in “poker machine.” Given that Irish love to shorten everything, it appears to be the reason why the long “poker machine” is abbreviated to “pokie.”
But, while being more akin to slot machines than video poker games, why were these devices ever referred to as “poker machines?” It’s impossible to say for sure, since it’s one of those things that appears to have ‘always been.’
Theories About Pokies
One theory claims that in the earlier years of Irish casinos, one of the first attractions was a ‘poker machine,’ or what is now known as video poker in other parts of the world.
However, when slot machines grew more popular and were placed adjacent to these devices, it became easy to refer to all of the gambling machines in the room as “pokies.” The word has certainly stayed and has even made its way into online gaming, where all online slots and video poker games are referred to as pokies.
Online free pokies, as well as casual pokies seen in Irish bars and clubs, are the most well-known with Irish gamers.
Is There A Difference Between Pokies and Slots?
One would imagine that anything with a completely new name would be at least slightly different. Is there anything distinctive about pokies? There is another idea that explains the term’s origin.
Previously, all slots were operated with coins. You’d drop the coins in, and if you won, coins would fall out for you to collect. Some claim that the word “pokies” originated from individuals poking their fingers at the terminals in an attempt to cause them to leak coins at random.
Presently, however, there is no distinction between pokies and what the rest of the world refers to as slots. It’s simply a different term for the same item.
If you enter a casino in Ireland and ask for the greatest pokies, you’ll be sent to the video slots area. However, if you use the phrase ‘slots’, they will show you no confusion and direct you to the same site.
Terms Used Across The Globe
Mankind has always wanted to come up with diverse names for online gambling machines for a variety of reasons, except for cards, which have the same name everywhere in the world. Besides just being called ‘pokies’ and ‘slots,’ these gambling machines are known by several other names around the world.
Slot machines are widely termed ‘fruit machines’ in the United Kingdom. The gaming machine was known as a ‘puggy’ in Scotland. Some people even refer to slot machines as one-armed thugs. It is named after those who adore the lovely ancient scandal.
Trendy in Ireland
Ireland is well-known for its gambling venues. Pokies are the most common form of gambling in this country, and many may swiftly suggest it if you are coming and want to experience the casino scene out there.
Pokies not only have a unique moniker, but they also hold a unique position in the hearts of UK casino gamers. Slots are as popular in Ireland and UK as they are anywhere else in the world. It’s virtually a national hobby for Irish and Brits to spend all their time at the slots.
Types of Pokies
When it comes to the various types of pokies that are available, the range is fantastic. Land-based casinos have hundreds of gaming machines from the industry’s top developers. You’ll discover a mix of oldies and recent releases, so you can pick and choose. In addition, many of these games provide the chance to win huge jackpots.
Internet casinos are also commercially successful. Players from UK have access to a plethora of online casinos, many of which provide thousands of different pokies. For those who have had enough of what land-based venues have to offer, these sites provide an ideal opportunity to discover new games and play them from the comfort of their own homes.
In order to locate the finest online slot games with enormous rewards and striking jackpots, you should always read through the entire collection of online slots review assessed by various specialists.
Continuing To Be Known As ‘Pokies’
As the casino business grew, so did the number of video slots. These games might have easily been renamed by Irish, but they did not. They continued to use the name pokies for all types of slots, from traditional three-reelers to the latest video slots with various bonuses and dozens of combinations, either because they were lazy or simply liked the original phrase better.
Though, whatever one chooses, the most essential thing to remember is to always seek out legitimate parlors and steer clear of illicit gambling networks.
Epilogue
There is no big difference between the two, but it is quite evident that pokie games or slot machines in UK and Ireland are now the sensational online casino games. The sole distinction between slots and pokies is the destination. People that travel to Ireland from other areas of the world will not have any gambling issues, since everyone understands when they ask to play slots, but if Irish go hunting for pokies in Las Vegas, they may get a perplexed expression. Just keep in mind that wherever you visit, choose your words wisely!
