Why Do New Zealanders Refer to Slot Machines as 'Pokies'?

Visitors to New Zealand who weren’t born or bred there might find themselves surprised by some unique expressions. Although the language is English, Kiwi vernacular brings its own charm, especially when it comes to casino lingo, capturing the interest of curious gamers.

Some of the most amusing expressions can be overheard in New Zealand’s half a dozen land-based casinos located in places like Auckland and Hamilton. If you explore Kiwi realms or venture onto gaming sites targeting their local audience, you're likely to encounter the term 'pokie,' or its variations like 'online pokies' and 'pokie machines.' Here’s a deep dive into this quirky lexicon to get you ready for a Kiwi casino visit. New Zealand What's the Origin of the Term 'Pokie'?

Much like their American or Canadian counterparts, New Zealanders enjoy abbreviating words. This habit is evident in the evolution of 'pokie,' a diminutive form of 'poker machine.' Interestingly, in New Zealand and Australia, it’s a common reference for all types of gaming machines, not just those reserved for poker enthusiasts. This trend of shortening words is a widespread trait throughout the English-speaking world.

This naturally raises a question about the relation to poker. Slot machines, inherently distinct from poker, were nonetheless grouped under the 'pokie' label. Historical visuals that persist online exhibit an unmistakable resemblance between early poker machines and slots, which justified their collective naming. It's akin to how people sometimes mix up similar dishes like kebab and shawarma.

Slot machines were already nicknamed pokies in early 1900s advertisements in the region. Over time, this term caught on across New Zealand and Australia. Another less prevalent theory speculates that the term arose because players would 'poke' at these machines to claim their winnings, further embedding the term in local vernacular. slot machines Use of 'Pokies' in Other English-Speaking Regions

In the realm of online gaming, 'pokie' is prevalent on sites that cater to Kiwi and Australian audiences. However, no Australian or New Zealand online casinos hold domestic licenses; instead, they operate under jurisdictions like Europe or Curaçao. This setup allows Kiwis to engage in online gambling without any legal barriers, setting a unique legal landscape compared to other nations.

The movement towards legalized gambling, including slots and pokies, is gaining traction in other English-speaking countries like the USA and Canada, where it wasn’t as widespread. Different regions still hold onto their unique names for these machines.

In Britain, such games are known as 'fruit machines,' while in the States you'll hear 'slot machines,' and in Canada, just 'the slots'. English folks might use 'fruitie' as shorthand, fitting in perfectly with what we've learned about 'pokies.' More puzzling perhaps is the Scots who call them 'puggies.'

No matter where you’re from, pokies and online pokies likely hold a place in your community. They’re a staple in New Zealand, found in clubs, pubs, and big cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Hamilton, home to numerous pokies. online casinos While local online casinos are non-existent, Kiwis have the liberty to bet on offshore platforms, crafting an interesting situation where they aren't restricted by law when it comes to online gaming, a freedom not seen everywhere globally.

Just to clarify, 'Kiwis' refers to New Zealanders, and 'NZ' is the abbreviated form for New Zealand. As you might have guessed, abbreviations are quite the norm here. For those curious about top-notch online casinos available for Kiwi players, here's some insight.

Online pokies in New Zealand

Even as online gambling thrives.

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