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How to win at online 5-reel pokies
Written by: Jasmin Williams | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Kim Birch
In today's online gambling scene, punters are spoilt for choice with a wide range of pokie games. With heaps of features, reels, and rows on offer, there's always something fresh to try your luck on. One popular type that's caught on is the 5-reel pokie, which you'll find at most online casinos.
We'll break down 5-reel pokies and give you the lowdown on how to play them if you're new to the game. Given how common these pokies are, it's worth knowing how to make the most of them when you're having a punt.
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Five-reel pokies are a step up from the classic three-reelers. By chucking in two extra reels, these games have completely changed the game in terms of potential wins and bonus features. Most punters prefer five-reel pokies because they offer more chances to win.
One way to sort pokies is by the number of reels. More reels mean more paylines. Your typical five-reel pokie will have about 20 paylines, but some can go up to 40 or even more.
You'll find pokies with more than five reels too, like seven-reelers. Some even have grids with over 10 rows that pay out using cluster mechanics. There are even 10-reel pokies out there - the innovation in this industry never stops.
When it comes to free casino games, you're spoilt for choice. From ancient myths to sci-fi worlds, there's a theme for everyone. If you've got a favourite theme, chances are there's a pokie for it. Five-reel pokies are games with 5 wheels where you can hit wild symbols and unlock bonus games with the chance to win big jackpots.
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Aussie five-reel pokies: More bonus symbols and bonus rounds
Whether they're old-school or fresh off the press, most pokies operate on the same basic principle.
Five-reel games typically offer more paylines than your classic three-reelers. You'll usually find anywhere from 5 to 40 or more ways to win.
More paylines mean more chances to score, but don't forget to suss out the bonus features too. It's not just about the paylines when you're picking which pokie to have a crack at.
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Let's dive into some top-notch five-reel pokies you can play online. Have a crack at these free games on BETO to get a feel for how they work. We've chucked in a quick rundown of what each pokie offers. Just remember to keep it fun and gamble responsibly.
Why not give these five-reel beauties a spin for free here on BETO?
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More ways to win big with Twin Spin Megaways 5 Reel pokie.
Five-reel pokies are the souped-up cousins of the classic three-reelers. They're packed with more features and typically offer bigger payouts.
These pokies come with a bunch of exciting extras like avalanche reels, Wilds, bonus spins, Multipliers, Jackpots, Respins, and Stacked Wilds. You'll often find special symbols like Wilds and Scatters that can trigger features or boost your winnings.
Don't be fooled into thinking five-reel pokies are limited to just a handful of paylines. Some of these beauties offer over 1,000 ways to win.
Jump in and give some of the top five-reel pokies a burl for free right here on BETO.com.
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Blood Suckers 2 - The new five reel pokie benchmark
Having 5 reels in pokies doesn't mean you need to match 5 symbols for a win. Most pokies only require 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels along an active payline to score a win.
The more matching symbols you land, the bigger your payout. Hitting 5 matching symbols usually nets the highest win for that symbol. This applies to pokies with fixed or flexible paylines, but not to those with heaps of paylines (1,000 or more).
Pokies with loads of paylines can dish out much larger wins because you can score multiple wins in a single spin.
Bloodsuckers 2 pokie boasts a ripper RTP of 96.94%, so give the Bloodsuckers 2 free demo a burl if you're keen.
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Give the free 5 reel pokie demos a burl on BETO with Buffalo King Megaways.
The range of Bonus Features in five-reel pokies can be a bit daunting for first-timers. Most of these pokies come with some pretty complex Bonus Features.
You might find some with Free Spins featuring Stacked Wilds or Sticky Wilds. Others might have Jackpots you can crack by filling all reels with a special symbol during Respins.
It's a good idea to check out the paytable and get your head around how the features work before you start spinning. You can usually find the paytable by clicking the "i" button while you're on the pokie.
If you're after more details, you can always look up the full rules. But for most punters, the info on payouts and features in the paytable is plenty to get started.
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Thunderstruck Wild Lightning 5-reel pokie demo game!
The Thunderstruck Wild Lightning pokie is a top-notch example of a five-reel game with ripper features and theme.
Heaps of these pokies draw inspiration from popular telly shows, flicks, books, and celebs. You'll also find pokies centred on comedy, romance, horror, aliens, ancient cultures, and more.
The themes on these five-reel pokies are ace, and they look bloody brilliant. Even the smaller developers are churning out pokies that look a treat.
Five-reel pokies are far and away the most common type you'll find at the betting shop or online. They pretty much rule the roost, and one of the reasons is they've got 3-reel pokies beat in every way.
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Free game
Big Bass Bonanza 5 reel pokie is a ripper for rookies and veterans alike.
Five-reel pokies offer a fair few perks over their three-reel counterparts. One often overlooked benefit of modern 5-reel pokies is that some feature Progressive Jackpots, giving punters a shot at multi-million dollar wins.
While you might not score wins as often on 5-reel pokies, the payouts tend to be more substantial. The more complex gameplay brings with it the potential for those big wins we all dream about.
There's a wide variety of 5-reel pokies to choose from, so you can pick based on what tickles your fancy - whether that's top-notch graphics or a higher Max Win.
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Most punters reckon the first five-reel pokie was the Liberty Bell, created by Charles Fey back in 1887. If you're ever in Nevada, check out the massive 'Big Irish Luck' five-reeler at Barney's Casino.
Five-reel pokies really took off when online gambling kicked off in the mid-90s. These days, they're everywhere - pick any random pokie and odds are it'll be a five-reeler.
Three-reel pokies are still around, but they're not as popular with Aussie players.
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Master the art of winning on 5-Reel Pokies online
Your winnings on pokies depend on a few things, like how many paylines are active and what symbols you match up. Some pokies let you pick the number of paylines, and it's usually smart to go for more to boost your chances of a win.
You can hit Jackpots by landing special symbols during bonus rounds. Sometimes, you don't even need symbols to line up on a payline to win, thanks to Scatter Pays.
It's worth checking out the payout info before you start spinning. Some pokies dish out way more than others.
On some five-reel pokies, you only need 2 high-value symbols to land a win, not the usual 3. The Rise of Merlin pokie is a good example of this.
If you're after the biggest possible wins, look for Progressive Jackpot pokies. These games take a bit from each bet and add it to the Jackpot, which can grow to millions of dollars.
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Spin Progressive 5-Reel Online Pokies
Let's dive into Progressive Jackpot pokies, specifically the 5-reel variety, and how you can have a crack at them.
When you're spinning the reels on a Progressive Jackpot pokie, you'll spot the different Jackpots and their current values right near the game screen.
Scoring a Progressive Jackpot isn't a walk in the park, but they do offer a decent minimum payout. The Jackpot value keeps climbing as more punters play pokies linked to that particular prize pool. Once someone hits the jackpot, it resets to a set amount and starts growing again.
If you're keen on trying your luck with a 5-reel progressive jackpot pokie, it's worth aiming for the ones with the biggest potential wins.
Mega Moolah is one of the top-paying Progressive Jackpot pokies out there, and it's a five-reeler. So if you're after the biggest Progressive Jackpot payouts, five-reel pokies are your best bet.
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Look, there's no clear-cut answer here – it really comes down to personal preference. Some punters swear by NetEnt, while others reckon newer outfits like Stormcraft Studios are the way to go. That said, you can't go wrong with the big names in pokie development like NetEnt, Play'n GO, and Playtech.
One up-and-comer that's caught our eye is Nolimit City. They're churning out high-volatility pokies with massive potential and some pretty clever features. But honestly, there are so many new developers popping up, it's hard to keep tabs on them all.
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Before spinning the reels, it's crucial to suss out the paytable of any pokie you're keen on. Five-reel pokies often have complex paytables packed with various symbols that can lead to some ripper payouts.
The paytable breaks down all the active paylines and what you'll pocket for different winning combos. It'll show you how many symbols you need to line up and what that'll net you.
You'll spot all the symbols used in the pokie laid out in the paytable. Typically, playing card symbols like kings, queens, aces, and jacks are your lower-paying icons.
The big-money symbols usually tie into the pokie's theme. You'll also find info on Wilds, Scatters, and any other special symbols in the paytable.
Many pokies spell out exact payouts based on your bet size. Others might require a bit of number-crunching. In these cases, you might need to multiply the values in the paytable by your bet per line to work out your potential winnings.
For example, if the paytable shows a win of 5 for three matching symbols, and you've put down a tenner on a pokie with 10 paylines, your win for that combo would be 5. That's because your bet per line is 1 (10 divided by 10), which then gets multiplied by 5.
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Before diving into 5-reel pokies and checking out what the top providers are offering, it's worth getting your head around game volatility or variance.
Three-reel pokies typically dish out wins less often, but when they do, the payouts can be pretty hefty. With five-reel pokies, you'll find all sorts of variance levels, from low to high. High variance pokies might not pay out as frequently, but when they do, the potential winnings are much bigger. Most high variance pokies offer a Max Win that could be thousands of times your initial bet.
Low variance pokies are the flip side of high variance ones. You'll see wins more often, but they won't be as massive. So if you're after frequent wins and don't mind smaller payouts, low variance pokies might be your go. Medium variance pokies sit somewhere between high and low variance.
To find out a pokie's variance, you can usually check the provider's website. The gameplay itself can also give you a clue - keep an eye on how often you're winning to get a feel for the variance.
If you can't spot the variance info anywhere, the Max Win can be a good indicator. If it's thousands of times your stake, chances are you're looking at a high variance pokie.
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BETO Tips to Win at Online 5 Reel Pokies
When it comes to playing pokies, there's no shortage of tips and tricks to improve your odds. But remember, what works for one punter might not work for you. So, give different strategies a go and see what suits you best.
Follow these expert BETO tips to boost your fun and increase your chances of winning.
Without a budget, you risk blowing your dough. Plus, you can't pick the right pokie if you don't know how much you're willing to spend. If you're on a tight budget, go for low variance pokies with high RTP. But if you've got cash to splash, you might fancy high variance pokies with massive potential payouts.
It's smart to stick to pokies with an RTP of 96% or higher, as that's about average. Lower RTP pokies can be worth a spin, but only if they offer huge potential wins, like Fixed or Progressive Jackpots.
Basically, low RTP is okay if the win potential is high, but steer clear of pokies with ridiculously low RTPs like 85%.
Five-reel pokies with bonus rounds like Free Spins and Respins are a top choice. These features can lead to big wins, and pokies with these extras usually have higher Max Wins. So, keep an eye out for pokies with rewarding Bonus Features.
It's not wise to jump straight into playing a pokie with real money without knowing how it works. Give it a spin for free first and try different bet sizes to get a feel for it. Some online casinos offer Free Spins, so take advantage of these to test the waters without risking your own cash.
Betting the maximum amount on a pokie is a bit of a gamble. But if you've got a hefty bankroll and you're after those big wins, it could pay off. Even a 300x or 500x win can be massive if you've placed the max bet. Just keep in mind this strategy isn't for everyone and shouldn't be your go-to every time.
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At BETO, we're all about finding top-notch casinos where you can enjoy the newest pokies, whether you're keen on free play or real money action. If five-reel pokies are your thing, check out the casinos on our site offering Free Spins as part of their welcome bonus.
Stay tuned to our website for the latest on pokies, casino reviews, winning strategies, and insider tips. We'll keep you in the loop with all the essential info you need to know.
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No question about it - 5-reel pokies are definitely worth a spin. They're home to some of the best games out there, easily outshining their 3-reel cousins. With more exciting features and bigger payouts, 5-reel pokies are the way to go. Plus, they often come with cracking themes that'll keep you entertained for hours.
Yeah, five-reel pokies generally offer bigger payouts. The trade-off is you might not win as often, but when you do, it's usually more substantial. With more reels, there's room for heaps more paylines - some pokies even boast over a thousand. Plus, these games are packed with bonus features that can really boost your winnings compared to the simpler three-reel machines. Just keep in mind, the higher potential payouts often mean higher volatility, so manage your bankroll wisely.
Absolutely, there's no shortage of five-reel pokies with top-notch RTPs. The average of 96% is pretty solid. Some standouts include 1429 Uncharted Seas (98.6%), Steam Tower (97.04%), and Blood Suckers (98%). So, finding a five-reel pokie with a decent RTP is a breeze. Even if you come across one with a lower RTP, it often makes up for it with a higher Max Win potential. It's all about weighing up your options as a punter.
Compared to older or simpler pokies, five-reel games might take a bit more getting used to. With their multiple features, new punters might find it tricky to keep up at first. But here's the good news: these pokies offer bigger payouts and more engaging gameplay. So if you're new to the scene, it's definitely worth your while to learn the ropes of five-reel pokies.
Five-reel pokies are the most common type you'll find, but there are plenty with more than five reels out there. Take Megaways pokies for example - they usually rock six reels. Some even go as far as ten reels. But five-reelers seem to have hit the sweet spot for most punters. Their massive popularity speaks for itself, so it's pretty clear that five is the magic number when it comes to reels.
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