Theme first
Choose a theme that makes the session enjoyable without assuming that a dramatic visual means a better mathematical outcome.
Games & Features Guide • Updated 17 July 2026
Online Pokies Game Features Explained: Reels, Wilds, Free Spins and Volatility
Online pokies are easier to compare when the feature language is clear. This guide explains the common terms on a game card or paytable so adults can browse the RICHMAN96 games categories with realistic expectations.
Quick answer: start with the paytable, not the artwork
Artwork tells you whether a game feels like treasure, mythology, fruit, adventure or a classic machine. The paytable tells you what actually matters: how symbols combine, what triggers a feature, what the bet range is, and whether special symbols behave differently. A better browsing habit is to use the theme for entertainment fit, then use the paytable for the rules.
Common online pokies terms in plain English
| Feature | What it usually means | What to check in the specific game |
|---|---|---|
| Reels | The vertical columns that display symbols. Many games use five reels, but layouts can be different. | Reel layout, symbol positions and whether the game uses paylines, ways-to-win or another mechanic. |
| Paylines or ways to win | The rule used to decide how matching symbols create a winning combination. | How many lines or ways are active, whether the bet changes them, and which symbols qualify. |
| Wild | A special symbol that commonly substitutes for regular symbols. | Whether it substitutes for every symbol, expands, stacks, moves or has feature-specific limits. |
| Scatter | A symbol that commonly triggers a bonus or free-spin feature rather than paying only on a line. | How many scatters are needed, where they must land and whether the trigger changes by bet. |
| Free spins | A bonus round with a defined number of spins or a rule for earning more spins. | Any multiplier, expanding wild, retrigger rule, expiry or maximum-win condition. |
| RTP | A theoretical long-run return percentage used to describe a mathematical game model. | Whether the figure is current, which version of the game it applies to and the fact it is not a session guarantee. |
| Volatility | A description of how rewards are generally distributed over time. | Do not treat low, medium or high volatility as a forecast of the next spin or a promise of frequent wins. |
| Jackpot | A prize feature that may be fixed, progressive or linked to a particular trigger. | Eligibility, contribution, maximum limits, trigger conditions and whether the jackpot is available in your region. |
How to assess a game in about 60 seconds
- Read the title and theme, then decide whether the visual style is actually something you enjoy.
- Open the paytable and identify the win mechanic, wild behaviour, scatter trigger and bonus-round rules.
- Check the provider name on the game card and compare it with the broader provider information where available.
- Look for RTP or volatility information, but treat both as descriptive statistics rather than a forecast.
- Test the mobile layout: readable text, responsive controls, stable loading and no confusing pop-ups are part of the experience.
- If a promotion is involved, read the promotion page and bonus terms separately from the game rules.
Three useful ways to compare game styles
Mechanics second
Compare wilds, scatters, free spins and bonus rounds. A game with more features is not automatically easier or more rewarding.
Practical fit third
Check the mobile layout, bet range, rules and provider context. The best fit is the one you understand and can keep within your limits.
RTP and volatility: useful information, often misunderstood
RTP is best understood as a long-run theoretical model, not a promise that a particular player will receive a certain return. Volatility describes the shape of possible reward distribution, not the direction of the next spin. Together, these terms help explain a game, but neither one removes randomness or turns gambling into a predictable income source.
A label can describe a game; it cannot guarantee what happens in the next round.
Mobile and accessibility checks
Many Australian visitors browse on phones, so game quality includes more than the reel animation. Check whether the paytable can be opened without losing your place, whether buttons are large enough to tap, whether text remains readable, and whether the page communicates the next step without pressure. If the experience is confusing on mobile, move back to the main games guide or FAQ before continuing.
More from the RICHMAN96 blog
Read the Independent Review
Assess the broader games, bonus, account and trust information before registering.
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Responsible Gambling InformationKeep game browsing inside adult entertainment limits and find the site's support context.
Online pokies features FAQ
What does a wild symbol do?
A wild commonly substitutes for one or more regular symbols, but the exact behaviour is set by the individual game's paytable. Some wilds expand, stack or move; others have narrower rules.
Is RTP a guarantee for one session?
No. RTP is a theoretical long-run percentage used to describe a game model. It does not predict the result of a single spin or session.
What does volatility mean in a pokies game?
Volatility describes how rewards are generally distributed over time. It is not a prediction of the next result and does not remove the uncertainty of gambling.
18+ Responsible Play Notice
Game features are information, not a reason to chase losses. Set a budget and time limit, never treat RTP or bonus features as guaranteed profit, and seek support if gambling stops feeling like entertainment.