Slot Game Slang Names Around the World

Pokie

Origin: Australia

Australians are responsible for the Pokie nickname. In an Australian accent, it is delivered with typical, cheeky abruptness and is notably catchy and easy to say.

The term is derived from the word "poker," referring to the card game, and the suffix "-ie" which is commonly used to form diminutives in Australian English - see "Pommie", "freshie", and "biggie" as other words to receive similar treatment.

The exact reason why slots are referred to as Pokies is unclear, but several theories exist. One possible reason is that video poker was more popular than video slots among the Australian public of a different generation.

Another explanation might be the comparable nature in appearance.

Despite being quite different in gameplay, slot machines and video poker machines take on a similar physical form in a brick-and-mortar casino. Each standard model has buttons, flashing lights, and an electronic screen.

But in all likelihood, the Pokie title might be down to the classic Aussie turn of phrase.

One-Armed Bandits

Origin: USA

Picture it - the legendary whistling melody from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly sounds as you enter the gambling establishment. It's just you and the machine, one-on-one. An old-fashioned shoot-out between fortune and gambling technology.

There are many reasons why the One Armed Bandit nickname suits a slot, but the main one lies in its physical make-up - particularly the traditional, old-school slots with levers attached to them, with the lever representing the arm.

Despite its negative connotation, the term "One-Armed Bandit" has become deeply ingrained in popular culture and is still commonly used today.

Today, slot machines no longer require a lever to operate and have evolved into electronic machines with buttons. However, the term has remained, serving as a reminder of the origins of these popular games.

Fruit Machines

Origin: UK

Forget vitamins. It's more like Vita-spins from the Fruit Machine, which also goes by the name of "Fruity" across the United Kingdom.

The reason they are called Fruit Machines is simple. It refers to the symbols used on these machines' reels, which often included fruits such as cherries, lemons, and plums.

The concept of using fruit symbols on slot machines originated from the early days of gambling when prizes were paid out in chewing gum and sweets. The symbols on the reels represented the flavors of the candies that could be won.

Despite technological advancements over the years, slots continue to use fruit symbols to this day.

Tiger Machine

Origin: China

Whenever there is a moment to thank your lucky stripes, it's when playing a slot - or a Tiger Machine, as it is known in Mandarin.

Why Tiger, you might ask? It all comes down to the Chinese belief in the power of tigers. In Chinese culture, these striped orange predators are seen as symbols of strength, courage, and good luck. Naming a slot machine after a tiger is believed to bring good luck to the players.

In ancient times, tigers were seen as protectors of people and their homes, and it was believed that wearing tiger skin or using tiger imagery would bring good fortune.

Along with technological improvements, the growth of slot machines has given rise to a vibrant lexicon of colloquialisms to characterize them. These monikers, which range from "Pokie" in Australia to "One-Armed Bandit" in America and "Fruit Machine" in the UK, each represent distinct historical settings and cultural influences. China's "Tiger Machine" even calls upon the tiger's might and good fortune. Even though slot machine mechanisms have evolved, these colloquial terms still have beauty and appeal. To explore modern versions of these games, check out our online casino reviews for the best platforms to try your luck.