Welcome to the Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina Lopez, roams the globe in pursuit of stories.
For the past month, Valentina has been galavanting around Australia, soaking up (but not tiring out on) all that the Land Down Under has to offer.
So far, she’s:
- Savored the eucalyptus-scented air of the Blue Mountains
- Skipped kangaroo peer-pressure and instead visited a flying fox colony
- Took a Toohey’s brewery tour because why not
- Tried Australia’s best pokie sites along the way
Online Pokie Sites I Tried in Australia
- Neospin – Elite jackpot selection + cashback
- Skycrown – The place for state of the art pokies from all providers
- Casinonic – My bonus buy paradise (results pending)
Spoiler: I’m gonna go way deeper into these pokie site reviews below.
I was on my second $20 mojito at Sydney’s Jade Rabbit.
This so-called casual cocktail bar found at Sydney’s Star Casino, with formal prices not fit for a budget traveler like me, had me wishing for an emergency street Fosters from 7-11.
At least it got me chatting to some local “punters.”
They assured me a $20 mojito is the equivalent of diddly squat, especially compared to the dollar damage you can do with an hour of dead spins and cracked aces on the casino floor.
Fair dinkum, mates.
In fact, they told me I’m better off betting from home, so I asked them to recommend where – and they suggested the following 3 pokie sites I noted above.
And what better way to smooth out the jet lag, really?
I was an online casino reviewer and AC weekend warrior long before I got my first passport stamp.
So why not cut out some virtual chips and see what I can do?
After all, giving the middle finger to the next morning’s rain by spinning through some of the best local pokie sites while my hangover loosened its death grip sounded epic.
That said, allow me to delve deeper into my travels first, with a report on my trip through Australia, because it’s been one of the most unique trips I’ve ever been on.
I’ll be the first to admit it: as a Jersey Girl I’m more Newark than Cape May County.
That’s why I wanted to force-feed myself some nature to balance out the city. The Blue Mountains was just what the doctor ordered. The sandstone cliffs, lush forests, and unique wildlife is an all-you-can-eat buffet of the outdoors.
And when you’re this far away from home everything is new and exciting.
Even the color of the damn birds.
In fact, with arguably the most unique nature around, it’s crazy that Aussies are the biggest gamblers per capita in the world.
That’s not to say you’ll find a Vegas or a Macau down under, though.
They all about that internet action.
In fact, it’s that internet action that got me through a couple slow nights at my lonely rural hotel, an admittedly random aside to my adventure of stunning lookouts and waterfalls.
Who needs adrenaline playing pokies when you can nap? A photo I took in Adelaide
I set up accounts on all three of my Aussie pokie recommendations, deposited a decent chunk of change depending on the bonus offers, and worked my way through the sites.
Let’s get into what happened.
First up is Neospin.
First AU Online Casino I Tried: Neospin
- Games I played: Wolf Treasure, Spin 4 Dead, Snoop Dogg Dollars
- Hours spent testing: 1.25
- Bonus I claimed: AU$10,000 welcome package
- How I did: Lost $100
This one was recommended to me by Dave, whose superior Aussie linguistic skills (“they’ve got fuck heaps of pokies, mate”) coaxed this American onto the site.
The invoice for my $100 loss is in the mail, Dave-o.
Of course, his proclamation was right on the money. With 3000 slots (sorry, pokies) to choose from I really didn’t know where to start.
They’ve got a huge new games menu, some cool crash games, and a nice list of bonus buys slots right up top.
Just like I like it.
That was enough to get me to deposit $100 of Bitcoin and take advantage of their massive 100% up $10,000 deposit bonus, which is “heaps” larger than most.
And just like that my money was doubled, without a shot fired.
What caught my eye right away though was a pulsating thumbnail for a new slot called Snoop Dogg Dollars.
With my mind on my money and my money on my mind, I started playing.
What I liked:
It ain’t no fun if the homies can’t win some
I love a pokie site where you don’t have to click around to find your game.
This is one of those few sites that have a massive selection of games that allows you to seamlessly sift through them, whether it’s through the search button or clicking on the provider buttons at the bottom.
Of course, I would’ve preferred not to have to scroll to the bottom to find my favorite providers, but that’s just a small knick in the armor of an otherwise shiny slot experience.
Another thing, and I’ve probably said this before, but I’m not a big jackpot player.
I generally prefer low volatility pokies, but at Neospin you’ll be clicking ‘see more’ forever to get through their list of jackpot slots: a huge plus for glory seeking slot jockeys.
Those new 3×3 grid silver coin jackpot pokies are pretty damn tempting too.
What I didn’t like:
To me cricket is just an insect
Shout out to Dave for finding me a great pokie site while in Australia, but for me the sportsbook at Neospin looked like something made up by AI.
You know, when it looks kind of real, and it feels kind of real, but then they’ve got like 11 fingers or something?
By AI though I guess I mean “Aussie Intelligence,” because there were teams and even leagues that I’d never heard of that made me yearn for a Dallas Cowboys logo.
That’s saying a lot.
I mean, the Thailand FA Cup?
It felt strange wandering into a sportsbook lobby and having stuff like this at center stage.
Of course, this is really just splitting hairs, and I know you Aussies out there will rake me over the coals for not getting your sportsball tastes but…
I’m the Jersey Gypsy, what did you expect?
Check out Neospin for yourself
Next Up – Skycrown
- Games tested: Catdiana, Piggy Power, 15 Coins: Grand Platinum
- Hours spent testing: 3
- Bonus claimed: AU$300 + 100 free spins
- How I did: Down $300
I’d love to say that Dave’s right hand man, a guy named Lachlan, balanced out the profanity with a touching lyrical ballad about the innovative resilience of pokie pioneers Skycrown.
But no.
Something was slurred. A table was pounded. A friendly insult was exchanged, and Skycrown was declared the best pokie site in Australia.
I did the same again: a quick $100 BTC deposit to grab their 100% bonus.
Playing with house money is always good when trying a new site, and it allowed me to play some games I never would’ve tried before like the jackpot game 15 Coins: Grand Platinum.
By the way: lit Lachlan might be onto something.
There are over 7000 pokies at Skycrown, so I ended up spending the better part of the evening spinning the reels here.
In fact, call me the Comeback Kid because I ended up back at the cashier a couple times.
What I liked:
Collections makes finding the perfect slot for you a breeze
Having been put off by the sportsbook lobby at Neospin, I decided to click a menu button right away and start sorting my pokies to see what Skycrown had up their sleeve.
The “Collections” section is something I’ve never seen before.
This is one of the few places I’ve seen pokies sorted by slot functions like expanding wilds, cascading reels, stacked wilds, and much more.
This is epic for veteran slot players like me: players who really know what they really like.
For the more casual player they’ve also got an insane amount of easily sortable categories on a superficial level: love, food, music, magic, sci-fi, crime… basically anything you can imagine.
My only complaint? It was hard to know where to begin.
With so many options, this might have been the first pokie site to ever give me FOMO, or a kind of slot menu regret like ordering the soup when you should’ve got the burger.
What I didn’t like:
Free cash is for losers, quite literally
I’ll be honest, I really loved this pokie site and it’s a testament to the quality of an online casino when you have to go dumpster diving into the Terms and Conditions to find faults.
I’ll let ‘er rip all the same.
Skycrown is a promo-heavy casino, which is great to maximize value and minimize trips to the cashier, but I don’t like the small print on their weekly cashback promos.
All looks good on the surface. A 10x rollover is pretty decent, and a $7.50 AUD max bet is higher than most, but that’s where the fun stops.
First, the promo isn’t valid for crypto players like myself.
Second, it only applies to weekly net losses of $150 or more, which might be beyond the budget scope of most casual players.
Finally, anybody who has a higher withdrawal to deposit ratio doesn’t qualify either.
Again, these are champagne problems and by no means a deal breaker for most players. If you’ve got a higher withdrawal to deposit ratio, you probably won’t need cashback anyway.
Find your favorite online pokie at Skycrown now
Last on My List – Casinonic
- Games tested: Lady Wolf of Moon, Power of Sun Svarog, Juicy Crush, Lucky Penny
- Hours spent testing: 1.5
- Bonus claimed: AU$5,000 sign-up bonus
- How I did: Eked out a small $57 profit
This last pokie site was a funny one.
The bartender said he played here, and we spent more time arguing about the pronunciation (Casino-nick? Cazzy-NON-nic?) than anything.
A good sign that maybe the $20 mojitos weren’t watered down after all?
I was hoping the online pokies list wasn’t watered down either, and given there were “only” about 1500 games here this seemed like a reasonable proposition.
The first thing that stood out for me was that this is a pure casino, no sportsbook or poker nonsense to distract from the one-armed bandits.
Also, the fact they match your first 10 deposits on the site is a really encouraging sign.
But is this really a good thing or not?
I locked and loaded another Benjamin’s worth of Bitcoin and went for it.
What I liked:
Bonus buy: the fastest way to blow $100 or hero-up in minutes
What I loved right away about Casinonic is their provider bar strung right across the top of their pokies list.
For long-time slots players like me I found some familiar faces like IGT, Betsoft, and Yggdrasil right away which all but guarantees a quality, safe gambling experience.
Of course though, after playing it safe at my first pokie sites I decided this was the time to click into the bonus buys section and push the excitement a little.
This is one of the best bonus buy sections I’ve seen, though it would be nice to see a Drops & Wins promo here.
That said, even though they don’t have the huge numbers of the Drops & Wins promo, there’s an Australian equivalent called Rush Races which award up to $350 as a reward for consistent slot play.
They’ve also got a nice selection of progressive jackpots that offer potential wins north of $100k AUD.
I also managed a $57 profit here after a 212x got me off on the right foot bonus buying. Though I put some back, it’s always a victory to cash no matter how small.
What I didn’t like:
I was definitely in no rush here
I mentioned the Rush Race before, which on the surface is a pretty decent promo considering it’s one of the few Aussie-specific pokie promos in the business.
That said, compared to the Drops & Wins promos on other pokie sites this feels like chump change: the reward for outdueling every degenerate from Devonport to Darwin is only $350.
That’s a tall task, and even if you get there the 50x rollover is gonna put up a massive wall.
Racking up $17,500 in slot play within the three day bonus window seems about as likely as a kangaroo jumping out of the screen and making you a vegemite sandwich – while Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman give you the four-hand treatment.
Fingers crossed.
Go for your four-hand massage at Casinonic yourself
My Verdict: Comparing My Three Recommended Australian Pokie Sites
Again, if you’ve gotten this far you’ll know I can’t make any grand proclamations about what is the absolute, 100%, slam dunk best Australian pokie site out there.
After all, I just got some tips in a bar and ran with it.
That said, all three of my recommendations are clearly top tier, and the deciding factor for you might depend on the following designations:
Best for Jackpot Pokies: Neospin
I said it before: I probably developed a musculoskeletal disorder of the right hand trying to click through the huge list of jackpot pokies at Neospin.
While it’s not my cup of tea, there was plenty of temptation here with titles like Immortal Rider, Mad Hit Wild Ace, Wild Bingo, Clown Coins, and Pirate’s Legacy.
I would’ve liked to see some progressive jackpot numbers hovering over the pokie thumbnails, but in a way these are click-baity and could be done without.
I’ll also shout out their massive new games menu as well.
There’s nothing I like more than having new games refreshed, seeing seasonal games, or even being dropped something I never even knew existed previously.
Best Pokie Variety by a Mile: Skycrown
Say what you want about slot variety, and I know most people could never play this amount in a lifetime, but 7000 pokies is an insane number that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Of course, these aren’t your grandmother’s online slots either – whatever the hell those were.
At Skycrown I’m talking about state of the art titles by all the top providers.
This includes their unique Collections section which makes sorting their enormous catalog a breeze to sift through.
The fact I was able to sort them by function, whether I’m looking for cascading reels games or stacked wilds or whatever, was a huge benefit to a long time slot player like myself.
One of the few online slot sites that leaves no stone unturned.
Decent Pokies, but an Obvious Bronze Metal: Casinonic
Look, I ain’t gonna hate on Casinonic because a few short years ago this would’ve been considered an award-worthy Aussie pokie site.
The fact that this is third though is really just a testament to the first two I tried.
For me, it’s more of a niche pokie site that offers some great sections: bonus buy and jackpots in particular.
It also lacks other sections like a sportsbook, poker room, and bingo hall that would round it out into a serious online gambling juggernaut.
I would sign up here primarily if I was looking to get a lot of free play via bonuses: getting a 50% match on your first 10 deposits is virtually unheard of, and more than makes up for their hard-to-earn Aussie slot promo.
Diving Into the Data: How These Online Pokie Sites Compare
While I’ve shared my personal experiences with these online pokie sites in Australia, it’s also useful to look at the hard data behind them.
After finishing up my gameplay, I dug deeper into each pokie site to evaluate how they performed in key areas like game selection and bonus offers.
I wanted to see if the numbers aligned with my impressions of each platform.
Let’s see how the numbers fell.
Game Selection Comparison
As you’ll no doubt know if you read the article, Skycrown took its throne here with over 7,000 online pokies.
Neospin came second with over 3000, while Casinonic came in last place with about 1500, regardless of their massive bonus buy section.
As for table games, even though that’s not my main focus here, it should be noted that Casinonic has 33 titles while Neospin has 36 options.
Skycrown won out again here, with 109 table games in total.
As for live dealer games, Casinonic had 26 options, Neospin had 30, and Skycrown netted the hat trick with 60 solid live dealer games.
A clean sweep for Skycrown here.
Bonuses and Promotions Comparison
Examining the bonuses offered by each of these pokie sites turned out to be quite revealing.
Initially, I thought Casinonic may have had the upper hand given it covers the first 10 deposits. This is fantastic to keep your bankroll plump for as long as possible, but keep in mind they’re 50% matches (as opposed to 100%) and have a slightly higher rollover.
Neospin, on the other hand, gives you an all-or-nothing, swing for the fences, massive chunk of change up to $10,000 right off the top.
This looks like the optimal bonus for higher limit players, though since it’s just on your first deposit it might not give you the legs of the other bonuses.
Skycrown, our best pokie site, finds a great sweet spot here by giving users 100% up to $300 on the first deposit, and rounding it out with four more bonuses totalling up to $4,000.
Ultimately, only Skycrown and Neospin offer free spins as part of their bonuses, so this could be an easy tie-breaker if you were thinking of Casinonic.
Customer Support Comparison
I was lucky enough not to have any problems playing on any of these pokie sites.
In fact, the only major interaction I had with them was sending my docs to Casinonic to eventually cash out my small $57 profit.
It was smooth… seamless, even.
This is definitely a massive plus for our 3rd place casino which could even push it up a spot in the podium for some players. Getting docs approved and being cashed out quickly for me is everything at pokie sites.
As far as the other sites go, I chatted to reps in the live chat of both Neospin and Skycrown and found friendly, informed service – no obvious chat bots or long waits in the queue.
New to Australian Pokie Sites? Here’s My Advice
I’m no stranger to online gambling, but if I were I would definitely keep a few things in mind before I ever clicked my mouse on a casino cashier button.
Things are often not as smooth as it would be on a night out at the Star in Sydney.
Here’s three rules to follow to get you up to speed.
Know What You Want to Play Beforehand
Online casino sites can be as overwhelming as stepping onto a casino floor for the first time.
With games everywhere, most Australian pokie sites don’t do much to guide you.
Before diving in, decide what you want to play. Whether it’s something general like roulette or blackjack, or a specific pokie game, having a plan will save you time.
Most sites have search functions and categories that are much easier to use if you know what you’re looking for.
Have Your Documentation Ready
Generally, pokie sites don’t require much personal information to get up and running (even less if you deposit with crypto), but you’ll need to have some basics handy.
Besides your address and phone number, cashing out usually requires a digital copy of your ID and a proof of residency.
Having your docs ready will speed up the cashout process, so do it right away.
Make sure you don’t cut out the borders of your document from the photo frame – that’s a sure way to get your docs rejected and have to submit again.
Set Limits
It’s easy to lose track of time while gambling, and that usually means losing track of money as well.
When I first played at Skycrown, I only intended to play for about an hour, but before I knew it three hours had passed
While it was fun, I see how it can get out of hand.
Decide on limits before you start, whether it’s a maximum amount to lose or a set amount of time.
In fact, before you even click on a pokie make sure you go into your profile and set the limits right away. That way, you’ll protect yourself from any excessive temptation.
Basic Info About Online Casinos in Australia
Again, if this is your first dip into the world of online pokie sites, there are a few other things you should know before you start.
Signing Up Is Easy
Registration at Australian pokie sites is straightforward and takes just a couple of minutes, maybe even less.
Oftentimes you can be logged in after just submitting a username and your email address.
However, cashing out may require a few things first. Number one, check your email and verify your email address cuz there’s no way in hell they’ll cash you out unless it’s verified.
Also, click through to the ‘Documentation’ section in your account, make note of what documents they’ll require to cash out, and try to send it to them ASAP.
Banking Options Can Be Confusing
Online casinos accept a wide range of payment methods, from Visa and MasterCard to cryptocurrencies. While having options is great, the varying limits, withdrawal times, and fees can be overwhelming.
I used Bitcoin because it’s simple for travelers like myself, but my bar buddies in Sydney said they love going with Apple Pay or direct bank transfers.
My advice? Stick to what you know but make sure you browse the cashier section first so you’re not hit with any surprise fees.
Some pokie sites tack on a 3% charge (or more) for credit cards, so make sure you study up.
There Shall Be Bonuses Galore (but Read the Fine Print)
Online pokie casinos offer plenty of bonuses, from welcome offers to reload promotions like free spins and cashback.
Welcome bonuses often match your deposit, sometimes up to 150%. While these offers can extend your bankroll, wagering requirements (aka rollover requirements) force you to play the money a certain amount of times before cashing out.
For example, a $1,000 bonus with a 40x requirement means $40,000 must be wagered before you can withdraw.
Check the fine print for expiry dates, wagering rules, and restrictions before committing.
They Have All Your Favorite Games – and Then Some
Every game you’ve played in a brick-and-mortar casino, and maybe even in the school yard as a kid (hello, Casino War) can probably be found online.
I explored three Australian casino sites and was amazed at the variety: thousands of pokies, countless table games, and unique specialty options like Aviator.
Whether you prefer classic three-reel slots or modern innovations, you’ll never run out of choices.
My Final Thoughts About Online Pokie Sites
As someone who’s spent plenty of time at Atlantic City casinos and played a fair bit online, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the Australian online pokie scene.
While on vacation I expected to miss the buzz of a live casino, after all, that’s usually what I do while abroad, but after a brief adjustment period, the excitement of spinning the reels online was just as satisfying.
Is online gambling flawless though? Not quite.
The platforms can be confusing at first, a spotty Wi-Fi connection can interrupt your flow, and the easy accessibility could pose risks for problem gamblers.
But for seasoned players who know their limits, these sites offer a compelling alternative to the traditional casino.
The variety and convenience of Australian online casinos really stand out.
With so many options available, Aussie players have access to some truly world-class offerings.
FAQs About Pokie Sites in Australia
I did a quick look through Google to see what people were asking about when it comes to pokie sites in Australia.
I’ve tried to answer these questions as well as I can, but if you have anything else more specific then don’t be afraid to get in touch with me!
What is the best online pokie site in Australia?
The best online pokie site in Australia depends on personal preferences, but sites like Skycrown and Neospin are highly rated for pokie variety, reputation, bonuses, and ease of use.
Which pokies pay the most in Australia?
In Australia, pokies with high RTP (Return to Player) percentages, such as “Mega Joker” and “Blood Suckers,” tend to pay out the most over time.
How to pick a winning pokie machine?
To pick a winning pokie machine, look for high RTP rates, lower volatility for frequent payouts, and games that align with your budget and play style.
Are there any legal online pokies in Australia?
Yes, legal online pokies are available in Australia through licensed offshore casino sites. Domestic operators are restricted, but players can access these platforms legally.
What are the best free spins promotions in Australia?
The best free spins promotions in Australia often come from sites like Neospin and Skycrown, offering spins as part of welcome packages or regular player bonuses.
Are Online Pokies Sites Safe?
Yes, online pokies sites can be safe as long as you choose reputable platforms that are licensed and regulated by recognized authorities.
Trusted sites like Neospin, Casinonic, and Skycrown employ industry-standard security measures, including SSL encryption, to protect your personal and financial information.
To ensure safety, always verify that the site operates under a legitimate gaming license from jurisdictions like Malta, Gibraltar, or Curacao.
Reputable platforms also undergo independent audits by organizations like eCOGRA to guarantee fair gameplay and randomness in pokies.
It’s equally important to use secure payment methods, such as credit cards, PayID, or cryptocurrencies, which provide added layers of protection.
Reading user reviews and checking forums can also help identify trustworthy sites. By sticking to well-established platforms with positive feedback and clear terms and conditions, you can enjoy a safe and secure online pokie experience.
Can I Play Online Pokies in Australia on My Mobile?
Yes, you can play online pokies in Australia on your mobile, and most modern online casinos are optimized for mobile gameplay.
Leading sites like Skycrown have responsive designs that work seamlessly on smartphones and tablets, allowing you to enjoy the same high-quality experience as on a desktop.
Many platforms also offer downloadable apps for iOS and Android, making access even more convenient.
Mobile casinos allow you to spin the reels, access bonuses, deposit or withdraw funds, and even contact customer support—all from the palm of your hand.
Games are designed to adapt to smaller screens, ensuring that the interface remains user-friendly.
Which Payment Methods Do Online Pokie Sites Accept?
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard): Instant deposits, 2–5 day withdrawals.
- PayID: Quick and secure bank transfers via email/phone.
- POLi Payments: Direct bank transfers, deposit-only.
- Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum): Fast, private, low-fee transactions.
- eWallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal): Secure, fast, but may exclude bonuses.
- Bank Transfers: Reliable, slower (2–7 days).
- Prepaid Cards (Paysafecard): Anonymous deposits, no withdrawals.
How Can I Play Free Online Pokies in Australia?
Playing free online pokies in Australia is a great way to enjoy the thrill of slots without risking real money.
Most reputable online casinos offer a demo or free-play mode for their pokie games. To access these, simply visit the site, choose a game, and select the free-play option.
This allows you to experience the gameplay, test strategies, or just enjoy the fun without making a deposit.
Some online casino apps also include free pokies as part of their offerings, often without requiring an account.
Keep in mind, however, that while playing free pokies is entertaining and risk-free, you cannot win real money in these modes.
For that, you’ll need to switch to the real-money version when you’re ready.
Me? I’ll be ready, and I’ll catch you on my next stop.
Got a suggestion for where Valentina should travel next, or what she should do on her adventures? Reach out to her at [email protected] — she’s always looking for something new to try!
