Pub pokies vs online pokies is a question I get at barbecues more than any other, usually from someone holding a stubby and a strong opinion. I spent eight years in gaming-room compliance at Queensland clubs and pubs, so I’ve stood next to more machines with a clipboard than I’d like to count. Here’s the honest comparison of RTP (return to player), and why the numbers only tell half the story.
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What RTP do pub and club pokies pay in Australia?
Each state sets a minimum theoretical return for gaming machines, and the figures sit roughly in the 85% to 90% range depending on the state. Venues can run machines above the minimum and many do, but in the rooms I audited, the settings clustered not far above the floor. Crucially, you can’t see a machine’s exact setting from the stool. Most punters think the Lightning Link in the corner is “paying 95”. It very rarely is.
And online pokies?
Studios like Pragmatic Play, NetEnt and Hacksaw publish RTP for their games, typically around 94% to 96.5%. Plenty of titles also come in several versions (say 96.5%, 95.5% and 94%) and the casino picks which one to run. That’s the catch nobody mentions. The same Gates of Olympus can pay back a couple of percent less at one site than another. You can usually check in the game’s info screen, and our best payout casinos page explains how.
| Factor | Pub or club pokies | Online pokies (offshore) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical RTP | Roughly 85% to 92% | Roughly 94% to 96.5% |
| Can you check the exact figure? | Rarely | Usually, in the info panel |
| Spin speed | Slower, with pauses | Fast, turbo and autoplay |
| Local regulation | State regulator, venue staff | None in Australia |
So online wins? Not so fast
Higher RTP per spin, yes. But online you spin much faster. At a pub machine I timed myself at about eight spins a minute with the little pauses. Online, with quick spin on, I hit 20-plus. If you play for an hour at $1 a spin, the expected loss looks something like this:
- Pub machine at 88%, 480 spins: about $58 expected loss.
- Online pokie at 96%, 1,200 spins: about $48 expected loss.
Closer than you’d think. Turn autoplay on and the online number climbs quickly. That’s exactly why I suggest setting a timer rather than a spin count, and why our bankroll rules post is about minutes as much as dollars.
The stuff RTP doesn’t measure
At a club there’s a staff member trained in responsible service of gambling who might tap you on the shoulder, a cashier, a clock on the wall and a closing time. Online there’s none of that unless you set it up. On the other hand, online you get demo modes to try games for free (see free pokies) and far more transparency on the maths. Volatility also changes how any RTP feels, which I get into in pokies volatility explained.
If you only remember one thing: RTP per spin matters less than spins per hour. Slow down and both types of pokies cost you less.
Also, just to bust one myth while I’m here: the land-based Aristocrat hits aren’t available online in the same form. My colleague wrote about that in the Lightning Link online myth.
Do online pokies pay better than pub pokies?
Per spin, online pokies usually have a higher RTP, but faster play means your hourly losses can end up surprisingly similar.
What is the minimum RTP for pokies in Australia?
It is set by each state for land-based machines and sits roughly between 85% and 90%, with venues free to set machines higher.
How can I check a pokie’s RTP?
Online, open the game’s info or paytable screen. At a pub, the exact setting generally isn’t displayed on the machine.
