Pokies are the quintessential casino game that has been around since the time of the one-armed bandit. As the game has evolved and become more refined, slot machines have changed a great deal to offer more features, bonus rounds, animation and massive payouts.
Ever since award-winning game developers collaborated with blockbuster movie makers, 3D pokies now feature video clips, realistic artwork and mind-blowing action with every spin of the reels.
Playing pokies for real cash has never been more exciting with its high entertainment value and the chance to win a life-changing sum of money all in one place.
What are 3D pokies?
While the term “3D pokies” may have you reaching for your glasses, this term simply refers to a high animation slot game where video clips, graphics and themes are taken to the next level.
When casino game software developers successfully claim the relevant license and create a video slot based on a movie from a major franchise, for instance, the pokie will feature images of the actors, snippets showing portions of the film and sound effects. You will be swept back to the time you watched the movie at the cinema!
The storyline will also remain true to the movie where the good guys earn you massive prizes and the bad guys activate explosive bonus rounds. These features will either help or harm your status in the game. The mega wins line up when you successfully land symbols featuring the hero and the game celebrates your win with a soundtrack that gets your heart racing.
3D pokies aren’t only movie-themed though. With the range of casino games on offer, casino players can enjoy games that take you on a journey through ancient Egypt, scare you to death with vampires, and send you on a quest with dragons, dwarfs and wizards. There really is something for everyone and by checking out our guide to the best 3D pokies, you can be sure you are on the path to success.
Getting to know the lingo
Every casino game has its own terminology which can take a bit of time to get used to. Here are a few of the more popular terms you will hear as you check out some of the award-winning slot games on offer.
What are reels and rows?
All online pokies are played in the format of a grid that consists of 3 or more reels that land symbols in rows. While the reels run vertically, the rows are set up horizontally.
By lining up the symbols in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal pattern, the pokie pays out in accordance with the paytable that can be found in the information section of the slot.
What are paylines?
Paylines indicate the active section of the pokie that the symbols need to land within, to qualify for a payout. A number of the more popular pokies allows you to choose how many paylines are activated as each payline requires its own stake.
By activating every payline, you can then win no matter where the symbols land as long as they meet the requirements specified by the paytable.
What does it mean when the slot claims to pay 243 ways?
These games are the alternative to the paylines mentioned above and instead, work on the principle that, should a player land all 5 symbols across all the rows, you will be paid out 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 243 ways.
Of course, games that include bonus rounds and multipliers add even more to the payout which makes it even more profitable.
What are the benefits of playing online pokies?
Online slots, and 3D pokies in particular, really up the ante when it comes to free spins, bonus rounds and multipliers. When the reels serve up bonuses that multiply your winnings, offer you the chance to spin a wheel of fortune or to spin the reels again without using your own money, your winnings can start to add up.
Pokies are one of the most popular casino games amongst Australians and offer a return to player (RTP) of 96% or more on average. This means that over time, you will receive approximately 96 cents to every $1 spent as you spin and win.
How do I find the best 3D pokies?
When you create an account with a reputable online casino operator, you can rest assured that you will have a wide range of top-quality games available for you to play and win.
By looking out for award-winning casino game software developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Evolution Gaming and BetSoft it will be easy to spot casino games that play well and pay out as they should.
Top 3D pokies
Here are a few of our favourite 3D pokies for you to check out:
Blood Eternal by BetSoft
This 2017 may be an oldie, but it is still a goodie as you conquer vampires with ornate crosses, holy water, gargoyles and a castle. The 6 reel, 5 row game features 30 fixed paylines and has an RTP of just over 95%.
Jack and the Beanstalk by NetENT
A fairytale-based 3D pokie, Jack will have you spinning your way to massive wins as you unlock free spins, walking wilds, multipliers and a treasure collection. With an RTP of 96.28%, this high volatility game will keep you coming back for more.
Dragonz by Microgaming
These cute baby dragons may seem a little too adorable to make any real impact but this 3D pokie has plenty of bonus features up its sleeve. When flaming, stashed, frosty and winning Wilds make an appearance, you can unlock your choice of free spins in an extravaganza of magical entertainment that offers you an RTP of 96.46%.
How do I play 3D pokies?
The very first steps to playing the pokies is to create an account with a reputable online casino. Once you have purchased some casino credit, you are only moments away from playing 3D pokies for real money.
Depending on the pokie, your bet will be decided by the minimum bet needed for each round, multiplied by the number of paylines activated (where adjustable), times the value of each coin. The great thing about pokies is that your coin value can be adjusted which means that it is entirely up to you as to how you spend your bankroll.
Once you have set your bet, all that is left to do is click the button to set the reels spinning. The reels will come to rest automatically and, should you land a winning combination, the pokie will let you know with animations and sound effects as your winnings get tallied and added to your total.
Check out our casino game reviews to find a 3D pokie that suits your tastes and then create an account at one of our recommended online casinos to play games for real money and win. You will be so glad that you did.
Top 3D Pokies FAQs
What are 3D pokies?
More than just your average online pokie, 3D pokies take themes, images, video clips, and soundtracks to a whole new level.
Is playing 3D pokies worth the money?
Yes! Thanks to great bonus features, varying betting options, and many different paylines, you could win big on a single spin of the reels.
What are the best 3D pokies?
There are thousands of games to choose from but there are a few great options. Take your pick of the best casino games by top software providers such as NetEnt and Microgaming.