Posted by Pokies have always held a special kind of magic. Since their invention in the late 19th century, pokies have become the undisputed queens of gambling — both in physical venues and online casinos. But along with their rise, a long list of popular beliefs has emerged. Some are harmless fun, others dangerously misleading.
Here’s a look at the biggest myths surrounding slot machines, with a clear perspective on their history, how they really work, and why these myths continue to exist.
A bit of history: The One-Armed Bandit is born
The first-ever slot machine dates back to 1894. It was called the Liberty Bell and was created by Charles Fey in San Francisco. It featured three mechanical reels and a lever on the side — which earned it the nickname one-armed bandit. The name perfectly captured the mixed feelings of players: drawn in by the thrill of winning, but often walking away with lighter pockets.
Today, over 70% of casino revenue comes from pokies, whether you’re in Las Vegas or spinning the reels at online casinos in New Zealand. Their appeal is massive — fuelled by flashing lights, catchy sounds and a fair few myths.
The machine is due for a win
This one’s a classic. Many players believe that if a pokie hasn’t paid out in a while, it must be getting ready to drop a big win.
The truth? Slot machines use a Random Number Generator (RNG). Each spin is completely independent of the last. There’s no memory, no hidden logic. A machine could pay two jackpots back-to-back, or absolutely nothing for hours. The RNG doesn’t care about what happened before.
Casinos can control wins remotely
Some players believe casinos can “turn off the tap” if you’re on a lucky streak.
In reality, casinos use games from licensed software providers. The results are generated independently, and the Return to Player (RTP) percentage is built into the game during development. Casinos can’t manipulate individual sessions. Everything is audited for fairness.
You’ll win more at certain times of day
It’s common to hear that pokies pay out more in the evening or on weekends.
Not true. Again, the RNG runs 24/7, unaffected by time or foot traffic. If someone hits a jackpot at 2 a.m., it’s pure luck — not because they picked a lucky hour. Timing has nothing to do with outcome.
Stopping the reels at the right time affects the result
Some modern pokies let you stop the reels manually, giving the illusion of control.
But the outcome is already decided the moment you hit Spin. Stopping the reels sooner doesn’t change anything. It’s just a psychological trick that makes you feel more involved — a bit of clever game design.
Hot and cold machines
Another fan favourite: the idea that some machines are hot (paying often) and others cold (barely paying at all).
The truth? While some players may win more often on certain machines, it doesn’t mean the machine is in a lucky cycle. Wins are random. There are no preset payout patterns. This myth comes from our natural desire to find patterns — even when none exist.
The Brain vs. the Machine
Pokies are designed to trigger dopamine in your brain. Every sound, every animation, every near-win is carefully programmed to make you feel like you almost hit the jackpot.
Even losing spins can feel like wins. For example, if you bet $10 and win $5, the game still celebrates. That keeps players engaged by creating a false sense of success. It’s smart psychology — and it works.
Cultural beliefs and lucky rituals
In New Zealand, just like in many other countries, players often develop rituals: tapping the screen, betting specific amounts, sticking to one machine, or trusting their gut. These habits give players a sense of control in a game of pure chance.
In some parts of the world, spiritual practices are even tied to gambling: lucky charms, offerings, or playing on lucky dates.
The business behind pokies
Whether it’s in a local pub or an online real-money casino, every pokie is programmed with a specific RTP. But even with a high RTP, the house always wins in the long run. If you wager $1,000 on a machine with a 96% RTP, you’re expected to get back $960 on average. The remaining $40 is the casino’s profit. That may seem small, but across thousands of players, it adds up to massive revenue — especially for trusted and long-running platforms like Jackpot City and Zodiac Casino. Both offer a wide range of pokies, generous welcome bonuses, and a solid reputation among Kiwi players.
Popular pokies in New Zealand: Mega Moolah and more
Some pokies have reached legendary status, and Mega Moolah is one of them. Known for its progressive jackpot that has made players millionaires overnight, it’s a go-to game at many New Zealand casinos. Other fan favourites include games like Book of Dead, Thunderstruck II, and 9 Masks of Fire — all of which offer immersive themes and exciting bonus features.
Conclusion: Playing means understanding
Slot machines are games of pure luck. No myth, trick, or strategy can beat the system long-term. But by understanding how they work, recognising the illusions, and spotting the psychological traps, you can enjoy a more conscious, responsible — and maybe even luckier — gaming experience.
Key takeaway: Have fun, set your limits, and don’t believe everything you hear about pokies. Sometimes, the truth is more fascinating than the myth.
