RTP Comparison: Online Pokies vs Pub Pokies
The single biggest difference between online pokies and pub pokies is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, and it is not even close. This one factor alone fundamentally changes the economics of playing pokies in each format.
Online pokies typically offer RTPs between 95% and 98%. This means for every AU$100 wagered over the long term, the game returns AU$95 to AU$98 to players and the casino keeps AU$2 to AU$5. Some high-RTP online pokies even exceed 98%, with titles like Blood Suckers at 98% and Mega Joker at 99%. If you want to understand RTP in more depth, read our dedicated guide to how RTP works.
Pub pokies in Australia typically operate with RTPs between 85% and 90%, depending on the state and how the venue has configured the machines. This means the house keeps AU$10 to AU$15 of every AU$100 wagered. That is three to five times more than online pokies take from each dollar you bet.
To put this in perspective: if you wager AU$1,000 in a session, online pokies would statistically cost you AU$20 to AU$50, while pub pokies would cost you AU$100 to AU$150. Over a year of regular play, this difference adds up to thousands of dollars. It is the single most compelling argument in favour of online pokies from a pure value standpoint.
📈 Why Are Pub RTPs So Much Lower?
Online casinos have dramatically lower operating costs than physical venues. A pub needs to cover rent, staff wages, machine maintenance, licensing fees, state gaming taxes, and a cut for the venue itself. Online casinos avoid most of these costs, allowing them to offer much higher RTPs while still maintaining healthy profit margins. The physical infrastructure of running pokies in a pub is expensive, and those costs are passed on to players through lower RTPs.
State-by-State Minimum RTP Requirements
Each Australian state and territory sets its own minimum RTP requirement for pokies machines in pubs and clubs. These are regulatory minimums — venues can theoretically set higher RTPs, but in practice, most operate at or near the minimum because lower RTPs generate more revenue.
| State/Territory | Minimum Pub/Club RTP | Number of Pokies Machines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 85% | ~90,000 | Largest pokies market in Australia |
| Victoria | 87% | ~27,000 | Higher minimum than NSW |
| Queensland | 85% | ~41,000 | Second-largest market |
| South Australia | 87.5% | ~12,000 | Highest minimum RTP among states with pokies |
| Western Australia | N/A | ~2,500 (Crown only) | Pokies only allowed at Crown Perth |
| Tasmania | 85% | ~2,300 | Phase-out planned by 2023 (delayed) |
| ACT | 87% | ~4,000 | Club-based pokies only (no pubs) |
| Northern Territory | 85% | ~1,800 | Smallest regulated market |
Compare these figures to online pokies where RTPs of 95% to 98% are standard. Even South Australia's relatively generous 87.5% minimum is still 7-10 percentage points lower than most online pokies. Over time, those percentage points translate directly into dollars leaving your wallet.
It is also worth noting that these are minimum requirements. The actual RTP of a specific machine at a specific pub can be higher, but independent testing and regulatory reports suggest most machines operate within 1-2 percentage points of the minimum. Venues have a financial incentive to keep RTPs as low as regulations allow.
Cost Per Hour: Online vs Pub Pokies
Understanding the cost per hour of playing pokies helps you budget effectively and appreciate the real financial difference between the two formats. The cost depends on three factors: your average bet size, the spin rate (spins per minute), and the RTP.
Pub Pokies: Typical Cost Per Hour
At a typical pub, the spin rate is approximately 12-20 spins per minute on modern machines. With an average bet of AU$1 per spin, 15 spins per minute, and an 87% RTP (13% house edge), the theoretical cost per hour is: AU$1 x 15 spins x 60 minutes x 13% = approximately AU$117 per hour. At AU$2 per spin, that jumps to AU$234 per hour. At the maximum common bet of AU$5 per spin, you are looking at AU$585 per hour in expected losses.
Online Pokies: Typical Cost Per Hour
Online, players typically play at a slower pace — around 8-12 spins per minute (the speed is self-controlled). With an average bet of AU$1 per spin, 10 spins per minute, and a 96% RTP (4% house edge), the theoretical cost per hour is: AU$1 x 10 spins x 60 minutes x 4% = approximately AU$24 per hour. At AU$2 per spin, that is AU$48 per hour. At AU$5 per spin, it is AU$120 per hour.
| Bet Size | Pub Pokies (87% RTP, 15 spm) | Online Pokies (96% RTP, 10 spm) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU$0.50/spin | AU$59/hour | AU$12/hour | ~5x more expensive at pub |
| AU$1.00/spin | AU$117/hour | AU$24/hour | ~5x more expensive at pub |
| AU$2.00/spin | AU$234/hour | AU$48/hour | ~5x more expensive at pub |
| AU$5.00/spin | AU$585/hour | AU$120/hour | ~5x more expensive at pub |
The pattern is clear: playing pokies at the pub costs approximately 3 to 5 times more per hour than playing online at the same bet size. This calculation alone makes a powerful case for online pokies from a financial perspective. For players who enjoy pokies primarily for entertainment, playing online stretches your entertainment budget significantly further.
💡 Bottom Line
A player spending 4 hours per week on AU$1 pokies at the pub can expect to lose roughly AU$468 per week, or AU$24,336 per year. The same player online would lose approximately AU$96 per week, or AU$4,992 per year. That is a difference of nearly AU$19,000 per year at the same bet level. Check out our complete pokies guide for help finding the highest-RTP online titles.
Game Variety
When it comes to the sheer number and variety of games available, online pokies win by an overwhelming margin.
Pub Pokies
A typical Australian pub has between 10 and 40 pokie machines, with most of them manufactured by Aristocrat or IGT (International Game Technology). While Aristocrat makes excellent machines — titles like Lightning Link, Dragon Link, and Buffalo are genuine classics — the selection at any single venue is limited. You might find a handful of themes to choose from, and the game mechanics tend to follow similar patterns. If your favourite machine is occupied, you either wait or play something else.
Online Pokies
The best Australian online casinos offer 2,000 to 5,000 or more different pokies from dozens of software providers. You have access to every conceivable game type: classic three-reel pokies, five-reel video pokies, Megaways pokies with up to 117,649 ways to win, cluster pay games, cascading wins, progressive jackpots with multimillion-dollar prize pools, bonus buy features, and innovative new mechanics that launch every week. Providers include Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, Play'n GO, NetEnt, Nolimit City, Hacksaw Gaming, Push Gaming, BGaming, and many more.
Online, you can instantly switch between thousands of games without waiting for a machine. You can try a new pokie for free in demo mode before wagering real money. You can filter by provider, theme, feature, or volatility level. The variety is simply incomparable.
Convenience and Accessibility
Each format has its own convenience advantages, and your preference may depend on your lifestyle and habits.
Online Pokies: Play Anywhere, Anytime
Online pokies are accessible 24/7 from any device with an internet connection. You can play on your phone during your lunch break, on your laptop at home, or on a tablet while travelling. There is no need to drive to a venue, find parking, buy overpriced drinks, or deal with a noisy environment. You can start a session with a few taps on your phone and stop just as easily. Deposits via PayID are instant, and you control the pace of your play entirely.
Pub Pokies: The Outing Experience
Playing pokies at the pub is a deliberate outing rather than a casual activity. You need to travel to the venue (which means you cannot play if you have been drinking and need to drive home), and you are limited to the venue's opening hours. However, some players prefer this as a natural limiter — the effort required to visit a venue provides a friction point that can help control the frequency and duration of play.
⚠ Accessibility and Problem Gambling
The convenience of online pokies is a double-edged sword. While it makes recreational play easier, it also removes barriers that can help limit problem gambling. Having 24/7 access to pokies on your phone means there is no natural stopping point, no travel time to reconsider, and no closing time. If you play online, it is especially important to use deposit limits, session time reminders, and other responsible gambling tools to maintain control.
Bonuses and Promotions
This is another area where online pokies have a clear advantage. Pub pokies offer minimal promotional value compared to the generous bonus structures at online casinos.
Online Casino Bonuses
Online casinos compete aggressively for players through generous bonuses. Welcome bonuses of AU$1,000 to AU$5,000 with free spins are standard. Beyond the welcome package, regular players benefit from reload bonuses, free spins promotions, cashback on losses, VIP loyalty programmes, and tournament prize pools. These bonuses effectively subsidise your play, giving you more value for every dollar deposited. Even no deposit bonuses let you play for free with no risk.
Pub Pokies Promotions
Pub and club pokies promotions are minimal by comparison. You might earn loyalty points through a venue membership card that can be redeemed for meals, drinks, or small rewards. Some clubs run member draws where pokie players can win prizes. But these promotions are a fraction of the value offered by online casinos. Australian regulations also restrict how aggressively venues can promote pokies, further limiting the promotional landscape.
Bet Ranges
Both formats offer a range of bet sizes, but the flexibility differs significantly.
Pub pokies in Australia typically have minimum bets of AU$0.01 to AU$0.05 per line, but with multiple paylines, the effective minimum per spin is usually AU$0.50 to AU$1.00. Maximum bets vary but commonly reach AU$5 to AU$10 per spin. Some venues offer machines with higher limits, particularly in dedicated high-roller areas at larger clubs and Crown-style casinos.
Online pokies offer much wider bet ranges. Minimum bets start as low as AU$0.10 or even AU$0.01 per spin, allowing players with small budgets to play comfortably. Maximum bets can reach AU$100, AU$500, or even AU$1,000 per spin on high roller titles. This wider range means online pokies cater to a broader spectrum of players, from micro-stakes casual players to serious high rollers.
The ability to play at very low stakes online is particularly valuable for entertainment-focused players who want to stretch their bankroll. Playing at AU$0.20 per spin online gives you five times as many spins as playing at AU$1.00 per spin at the pub, on top of the RTP advantage.
Pros and Cons of Each
Online Pokies
Pros
- Much higher RTPs (95-98% vs 85-90%)
- Dramatically lower cost per hour
- Thousands of game titles available
- Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
- Play anytime, anywhere on any device
- Lower minimum bet sizes available
- Free demo modes to try before you play
- RTP information readily available
- Wide range of game mechanics (Megaways, clusters, etc.)
Cons
- Solitary experience with no social interaction
- 24/7 accessibility can enable problem gambling
- Requires self-discipline without venue closing times
- Legal grey area in Australia (IGA targets operators)
- Requires internet connection
- No tangible atmosphere or ambience
- Risk of unregulated or dodgy casino sites
Pub Pokies
Pros
- Social and community atmosphere
- Fully legal and regulated in Australia
- Natural stopping points (closing times, travel)
- Tangible experience with real machines
- Can combine with meals, drinks, and events
- Self-exclusion programmes well-established
- Face-to-face responsible gambling support available
Cons
- Much lower RTPs (85-90%)
- 3-5x more expensive per hour of play
- Very limited game variety (10-40 machines)
- No bonuses or meaningful promotions
- Must travel to venue
- Limited bet flexibility
- RTP information often not disclosed
- Alcohol and social pressure can encourage overspending
- Higher spin rate on physical machines
Which Is Better for Different Player Types?
There is no universal answer to the online vs pub debate — it depends on what you value most as a player. Here is our assessment for different player profiles.
The Budget-Conscious Player
Best choice: Online. If stretching your entertainment dollar is a priority, the higher RTPs and lower minimum bets online mean your bankroll lasts dramatically longer. You get more play per dollar and lose less over time.
The Game Enthusiast
Best choice: Online. If you love exploring different pokies themes, mechanics, and features, online casinos offer thousands of titles versus the handful at your local. New games launch weekly, and you can try them in demo mode for free.
The Social Player
Best choice: Pub. If pokies are part of your social life — meeting mates at the club, having a flutter after dinner — the pub atmosphere adds genuine value that online cannot match. Just be mindful of the higher cost.
The Disciplined Player
Best choice: Online. If you are good at setting limits and sticking to them, online pokies give you better value. Use deposit limits and session timers to maintain control.
The Player Needing Structure
Best choice: Pub. If you struggle with self-control, the natural barriers of pub play (travel, closing times, cash limits) can provide helpful structure. The 24/7 availability of online pokies can be counterproductive for players who need external limits.
The Bonus Hunter
Best choice: Online. If maximising value through bonuses, cashback, and promotions is important to you, online casinos offer incomparably better promotional value than any pub loyalty programme.
A Note on Responsible Gambling and Accessibility
We would be remiss not to address the responsible gambling implications of both formats, particularly around accessibility.
Australia has one of the highest per-capita gambling losses in the world, and pokies — both in pubs and online — are the primary contributor. The Productivity Commission has estimated that Australians lose over AU$12 billion per year on pokies, with the vast majority of that coming from pub and club machines. Problem gambling affects an estimated 1-2% of Australian adults, with a further 3-5% experiencing moderate-risk gambling harm.
Online pokies offer better financial value through higher RTPs, but their 24/7 accessibility removes natural barriers to play. There is no closing time, no drive home to reconsider, no physical cash running out. This ease of access can be particularly dangerous for people with gambling vulnerabilities.
Pub pokies are more expensive to play, but the physical environment provides some natural friction: you have to travel there, venues have operating hours, and the social setting means your behaviour is at least somewhat visible to others. However, pubs also serve alcohol, which impairs judgement and can lead to excessive play.
Regardless of which format you prefer, please use responsible gambling tools, set firm limits before you play, and never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. If gambling is causing you or someone you know harm, free help is available.
Frequently Asked Questions: Online Pokies vs Pub Pokies
Online pokies typically have RTPs of 95% to 98%, meaning they return $95-$98 for every $100 wagered over the long term. Pub pokies in Australia have much lower RTPs, generally between 85% and 90%, depending on the state. This means pub pokies keep 10-15% of every dollar wagered compared to just 2-5% for online pokies. Over time, this difference is enormous — you lose money roughly 3-5 times faster on pub pokies compared to online.
Minimum RTP requirements vary by state: New South Wales requires 85% minimum, Victoria requires 87%, Queensland requires 85%, South Australia requires 87.5%, Western Australia does not allow pokies outside Crown Perth, Tasmania requires 85%, ACT requires 87%, and Northern Territory requires 85%. These are minimums — venues can set higher RTPs but rarely do as lower RTPs generate more revenue for the venue.
Based on average play patterns, pub pokies cost approximately AU$120-$600 per hour depending on bet size and speed. Online pokies cost approximately AU$20-$200 per hour at similar bet levels. The cost difference is driven by the lower RTP on pub machines (meaning you lose more per bet) and the typically faster spin rate at pubs. At AU$1 per spin, expect to lose roughly AU$117 per hour at the pub versus AU$24 per hour online.
No, online pokies from reputable providers are not rigged. They use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) that are independently tested and audited by organisations like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI. In fact, online pokies are generally more fair than pub pokies because they offer higher RTPs. The key is to play at licensed casinos that use games from established providers. Visit our homepage for a list of vetted, trustworthy casinos.
Requirements vary by state in Australia. In most states, individual machines are not required to display their specific RTP to players. Some jurisdictions require the theoretical RTP to be available upon request or published in regulatory reports, but this information is not prominently displayed on the machines themselves. This lack of transparency is a significant drawback compared to online pokies, where RTP information is typically available in the game's information section.
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits operators from offering online casino games (including pokies) to Australian residents. However, the law targets operators, not individual players — there is no penalty for Australian residents who access offshore casino sites. Many offshore casinos continue to accept Australian players and offer thousands of online pokies. Pub and club pokies are fully legal and regulated within each state and territory's gambling framework.
Online casinos offer vastly more game variety. A typical pub might have 20-40 pokie machines from one or two manufacturers (usually Aristocrat or IGT). Online casinos routinely offer 2,000 to 5,000+ different pokies from dozens of providers. Online players have access to every game type — classic pokies, video pokies, Megaways, cluster pays, progressive jackpots, and bonus buy features — compared to the limited selection at a pub.
Yes, pub pokies offer a social experience that online pokies cannot replicate. Playing at a pub means you are in a social environment where you can enjoy drinks with friends, watch sport, and share the excitement of wins. However, the social environment can also make it harder to stick to spending limits, particularly when combined with alcohol consumption. Online pokies are a more solitary experience but offer a calmer environment for disciplined play.
The Social Experience
If socialising is an important part of your pokies experience, pub pokies have a genuine advantage that online play cannot replicate.
Playing pokies at the pub or club is a social activity. You are in a communal environment with other players, friends, or regular patrons. You can share the excitement of a big win, commiserate over a losing streak, enjoy a cold beer or a counter meal, and watch the footy on the big screen between sessions. For many Australians, a trip to the club for a flutter on the pokies is as much about the social outing as the gambling itself.
Online pokies are fundamentally a solitary experience. You are playing alone on your device in your own space. While some online casinos offer tournament leaderboards and chat features, they do not come close to replicating the atmosphere of a buzzing pokies room on a Friday night. If you find yourself gravitating to online pokies out of boredom or loneliness, that isolation can sometimes reinforce unhealthy patterns.
However, the flip side is that the social environment of a pub can also work against responsible play. Peer pressure, alcohol consumption, and the ambient excitement can encourage you to play longer or bet more than you intended. At home, you are in a quieter environment where it may be easier to think clearly about your spending decisions.