In the casino industry, you’ll frequently encounter terms like “loose pokies,” “tight pokies,” “hot pokies,” and “cold pokies.”
The reality is different: all pokie machines operate under strict regulatory oversight. Each machine’s software and hardware undergo testing by independent laboratories and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance. The fact is that no machine is genuinely “looser” or “tighter” than another of the same type.
When choosing a pokie machine, focus on verifiable aspects like RTP (Return to Player) percentages and volatility ratings rather than promotional terminology.
In this review
What does it mean by loose pokies?
Often, casinos call a machine loose to suggest that you will be more likely to score on this one. It doesn’t mean the machine is programmed to pay out more than it takes in.
Otherwise, you’d see them quickly wheeling it out of the casino. If it has any meaning, it will be that there is quite a high theoretical RTP close to but not above 100% but also high volatility, meaning fewer but larger payouts.
In practice, a game like this will likely be marketed at less risk-averse punters who like to chase big wins. Pokies designers will use the volatility to give the game occasional big payout spikes, and some people will be lucky enough to get one quite early on, so they are ‘up’ quickly.
Of course, the distribution of these wins is random, and player behaviour is unpredictable. A winner might cash out immediately, but an RTP below 100 generally means the casino will eventually earn its money back.
What does it mean by tight pokies?
Tight pokies, on the other hand, are like progressive pokies, which would reward you a Mega win of, say, $1,000,000 in one spin, but the chances of hitting the jackpot on progressive pokies are similar to winning in the lottery.
The casinos promote them and their vast jackpots to attract players, but for every player that hits the jackpot, 1,000,000 players lose all their bankroll.
Which pokies are loose?
Old pokies machines tend to be looser than the new ones. The reason behind this rule is simple: most players visiting the “New Pokies” section of the casino are regular players, loyal customers who are checking the new game. The casinos are aware of that.
They know that new pokies are what the regular players are looking for, and it’s doubtful for them to abandon the casino after a few bad sessions on the “exciting- one of a kind- special-new” pokies machine and take advantage of that.
So, what should you look for when wanting to play loose pokies? Always look for old pokies machines, which are looser than the exciting ones with unique graphics and effects.
The reason is that the casinos like to post their payout up to 97%/-98%/-99%/. But that doesn’t mean that all people pay 99%, though still there are one or few that do have that payout.
The highest chances to find those pokies are between the no-more-noticed ones that no one plays now.
How do you find loose pokies?
Well, many myths are involved in finding the loose poker machines at the casino. Some will say you should see them near the land casino entrance, or such machines are placed at the end of the line, in the middle, and so on.
But all these are rumours spread by players, and there are specific guidelines that you can follow to find loose pokies and avoid the tight ones, like finding the popular pokies machines that have more players, timing the machine, not playing for too long, and more of such kind tips to follow.
So, what about online casinos? Online, the situation is a bit simpler since many game developers publish the expected return on their machines, and you need to look out for the paytables when playing. You have now understood loose pokies and time to play and enjoy.
What machines should I play online?
Below, find the pokies by three software brands and their official payout rate.
1. Cosmic Quest Pokies
- RTP: 98.5%
- Software: Rival
Cosmic Quest is a 5-reel, 20-line game. The minimum bet you require is 0.01 per spin and goes up to $ 50.
The high payout is due to the high Free spins feature and the expanding Wilds. If you land three or more Jackpot Jetpack icons, you will get 10,25 or 50 free spins. All free spins wins are doubled.
This game is provided by Rival software, which produces superb pokies with high payouts and medium/high volatility, the perfect combination to generate nice winnings.
2. Good Girl Bad Girl Pokies
- RTP: 97.8%
- Software BetSoft
Good Girl Bad Girl is one of the best online pokies, as you can control the game’s volatility. You can pick the Good mode, and you have more frequent payouts of a lower nature, and on the Bad mode, you get high volatility pokies with fewer payouts but higher chances to win big.
Bet Soft is a well-known gaming software brand that brings you this pokie to enjoy. They are also popular in 3D pokies, as their games feature extensive graphics, animations, video effects, and sounds. You can appreciate the arcade-like look and various bonus features in some of their pokies, which offer six bonuses.
3. Lucky 6
- RTP: 95.7%
- Software RTG
Lucky 6 video pokies by RTG is six reels and ten paylines pokies game played by coin value as low as $0.01 up to $0.50. The coin value is multiplied by ten available bet lines, which you can change using up and down arrows. The pokies game comes with bonus games, wilds and colourful graphics.
The pot of gold is the highest-paying icon, paying up to 5,000 credits per pay line.
RTG is by far the most popular poker developer on the US market. This software brand develops classic 5-reel, 6-reel, and 3-D pokies with over 200 machines.
4. Break the bank
- RTP: 98%
- Software Microgaming
Break Da Bank is one of the most popular series of online pokies. It started with the original Break Da Bank, followed by Break Da Bank Again video pokies and, finally, the Mega Spin version.
Break the Bank Again Mega Spin is a 5-reel, 9-line video pokie. However, instead of spinning one set of reels, you will be spinning 4 reel sets simultaneously. The minimum bet per spin is $/€ 0.04, and the maximum is $/€ 90.
5. Hot Link Pokies
- RTP: 97.5%
- Software: Microgaming
Developed by Microgaming, this 1024 win ways pokies has one unique feature: after the spin ends, you can choose to respin any reel you like independently for a certain number of coins. That’s cool, especially when you have the 2 scatter bonus symbols waiting.
The centre of this game is the Hot Ink Tattoo shop, and all the symbols are taken from that scene: tattooed girls, common tattoos, and so forth. The logo is the wild symbol, and you have the Tattoo Bonus symbol, which activates the bonus game, and the Pieces symbol, which triggers the free spins.
Besides the re-spins feature, the Hot Ink slot offers two bonus features: The Pick Me bonus game and free spins. You must pick three images from the portfolios to win coins in the Pick Me bonus, called Surprisingly Tattoo.
The maximum win here is 122,500 coins. If the symbols match, you will also get 10 free spins.
Then you have the free spins triggered by 3 or more Pieces. Here, you will be given 20 spins with an x2 multiplier. The max win here is 100,000.
6. Extreme Heat
- RTP 97.5%
- Software: Microgaming
Extreme Heat Pokie machine is part of Microgaming’s Retro Reels series. This is a 5-reel, 30 paylines video pokie with a unique Re-spin feature.
Retro Reels is one of Microgaming’s most successful pokie machine lines. Combining cutting-edge technology with classic, familiar designs and symbols certainly has its charm.
Extreme Heat offers only one bonus feature, which is the free spins. However, if you get there, the reward can be quite substantial.
You must get 3 or more Flaming Free Spins symbols anywhere on the reels to trigger the free spins. For 3 symbols, you will get 10 spins. 4 will give you 15 spins, and 5 will be worth 20 free spins. During the bonus rounds, all winnings are multiplied.
This is the best part of this pokies machine, in my opinion. This means you can respond to one of the reels at the end of each spin.
Before clicking the Re-spin button, consider the cost and whether it’s worth it. If you use this feature wisely, you can generate nice winnings.
Other loose pokies like Doo Wop Daddy O Pokies, At the Copa Pokies, Sugar Pop Pokies, Gold Rush Pokies, After Night Falls Pokies and Safari Slam are available online.
Conclusion
Choosing loose pokies to play can significantly enhance your gaming experience by offering more frequent wins and longer playtime. While no pokie machine can guarantee consistent payouts, selecting games known for higher return-to-player (RTP) rates and favourable volatility can improve your chances of getting better value for your money.
Always remember that pokies are designed for entertainment, so playing responsibly, setting limits, and enjoying the excitement of the game should remain your top priorities. When approached wisely, loose pokies can make your sessions more engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding.