Last updated: 05-07-2026
This glossary covers the terms that actually matter when you're playing at Lucky Mate — or any online casino in Australia. Click any term to expand the definition. Examples use Australian dollars. If you're searching for "what is RTP pokies Australia" or trying to understand why your bonus winnings disappeared, the answer is here. Start with the section that covers your question; you don't need to read in order.
Core casino terms
Bonus Round
A triggered feature within a pokie that offers a different gameplay mode — usually free spins, a pick-and-click game, or a hold mechanic. Bonus rounds are activated by landing a specific symbol combination (commonly 3+ scatter symbols). They don't guarantee a profit; they increase volatility within the session. Some bonus rounds can be purchased directly via the Bonus Buy feature — though this is restricted in certain jurisdictions and carries a significant premium over waiting for the natural trigger.
Free Spins
Spins on a pokie that cost nothing from your real-money balance. They can come from a casino promotion or from triggering the in-game bonus round. Promotional free spins almost always carry a wagering requirement on any winnings — typically 30x–50x. Example: you win A$20 from 20 free spins with a 35x wager requirement, meaning you need to bet A$700 total before those winnings become withdrawable. The spin value per promotional free spin is usually A$0.10–A$0.20 regardless of your normal bet size.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino holds over the player, expressed as a percentage of each bet. It is the inverse of RTP. A game with 96% RTP has a 4% house edge — meaning for every A$100 wagered over a long run, the casino expects to retain A$4. House edge is a long-term statistical average, not a per-session guarantee. In the short run, variance means outcomes differ significantly from the theoretical edge.
Jackpot
A large fixed or accumulating prize pool. Fixed jackpots pay a set amount (e.g., A$10,000) every time the winning combination lands. Progressive jackpots grow with every bet placed across all players on that network — they start at a seed amount and can reach millions before they're won. Winning a progressive jackpot is extremely rare; the contribution to the jackpot pool slightly reduces the base-game RTP, meaning you're paying for a chance at the large prize through marginally lower regular returns.
Payline
A line across the reels on which a winning symbol combination must land to pay out. Classic pokies use fixed paylines (e.g., 20 or 25). Modern formats like Megaways replace fixed paylines with ways-to-win mechanics where thousands of combinations can pay simultaneously. Fixed paylines cannot be reduced to lower your bet; adjustable paylines let you choose how many to activate, though playing fewer lines reduces your chances of hitting a winning combination on an inactive line.
RTP (Return to Player)
The percentage of all wagered money a pokie is designed to pay back to players over millions of spins. RTP 96% means the game returns A$96 for every A$100 wagered — in theory, across an enormous sample size. Your individual session result will differ significantly. A high RTP does not mean frequent wins; a 96% RTP high-volatility pokie can go 200+ spins without a meaningful payout. RTP is set by the game provider, not the casino, and is verified by independent testing labs. You can usually find each game's RTP in its help or info section.
Scatter Symbol
A symbol that pays or triggers a feature regardless of its position on the reels — it does not need to land on a payline. Landing 3+ scatter symbols typically triggers the free spins bonus round. Unlike wild symbols, scatters don't substitute for other symbols; their job is exclusively to activate features. Some games use the scatter as both a bonus trigger and a direct payer (the payout multiplies your total bet, not a line bet).
Volatility (Variance)
How a pokie distributes its wins over time. Low volatility: smaller wins come frequently — suitable if you want to play longer sessions on a limited bankroll. High volatility: wins are rare but larger when they hit — suitable if you're chasing a big payout and can absorb extended dry spells. Very high volatility pokies (Money Train 2, Razor Returns) can go 300+ spins without a significant win; they also carry the largest max-win multipliers (up to 50,000x). Volatility is not published as a precise number — most providers label it Low / Medium / High / Very High.
Wild Symbol
A symbol that substitutes for most other symbols to complete a winning combination — like a joker in a card game. Types include expanding wilds (expand to cover an entire reel), sticky wilds (remain in place for multiple spins), and multiplier wilds (multiply the payout of any win they contribute to). Wilds do not substitute for scatter symbols. Their presence in the base game or bonus round is one of the key drivers of a pokie's win potential.
Bonus and promotion terms
Bonus Code / Promo Code
An alphanumeric code that activates a specific promotion — usually entered during registration or at the deposit stage. If a code is not entered at the correct step, the bonus typically cannot be applied retroactively. Codes expire; using an expired code returns an error without activating anything. If Lucky Mate offers bonus codes, they appear on the promotions page or in email communications — check the bonus page for any current codes before depositing.
Cashback
A refund of a percentage of your losses over a defined period — usually weekly. Example: 10% cashback on A$500 in losses returns A$50. Cashback may be credited as real money (immediately withdrawable) or as a bonus requiring wagering. Confirm which applies before relying on it as a risk-management tool. Cashback calculated on net losses (deposits minus withdrawals minus winnings) is more favourable to the player than cashback on gross wager volume.
Expiry Date
Bonuses and free spins expire after a set number of days — commonly 7–30 days from the date of activation. If the wagering requirement is not completed before expiry, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. The clock starts when the bonus is credited, not when you first bet with it. Check the terms on the bonus page for Lucky Mate's specific expiry windows.
Game Contribution (to Wagering)
The percentage of each bet that counts toward clearing a wagering requirement. Pokies typically contribute 100% — A$1 bet = A$1 toward the requirement. Table games (blackjack, roulette) often contribute 10% — you'd need to bet A$10 to clear A$1 of wagering. Live casino games commonly contribute 5% or 0%. This is why most bonus terms say "pokies only" for wagering purposes: the contribution percentages make table games extremely inefficient for clearing bonuses.
Match Bonus
A bonus where the casino matches your deposit by a set percentage up to a maximum. A 100% match up to A$200 means: deposit A$200, receive A$200 bonus — total balance A$400. A 200% match up to A$500 means: deposit A$250, receive A$500 bonus — total balance A$750. The bonus portion is subject to wagering requirements before any of it can be withdrawn. At Lucky Mate's 45x requirement: A$200 bonus × 45 = A$9,000 in total bets required.
Max Bet Rule
A restriction on how much you can bet per spin or hand while a bonus is active. At Lucky Mate, the max bet during bonus play is A$7.50 per spin. Exceeding this limit — even once — can void the entire bonus and any winnings accumulated from it. This applies across all games, not just pokies. The rule exists to prevent players from completing wagering requirements in a single high-stakes bet. It is enforced retrospectively: the casino reviews bet history when you request a withdrawal.
No Deposit Bonus
A bonus credited without requiring a deposit — usually a small amount of bonus cash or a set number of free spins, given on registration or verification. No deposit bonuses almost always carry higher wagering requirements than deposit bonuses (40x–60x is common vs 30x–45x for deposit bonuses) and impose a maximum withdrawal cap on any winnings (e.g., A$50 max cashout regardless of what you win). Check the bonus page for whether Lucky Mate currently offers one.
Reload Bonus
A recurring deposit bonus offered to existing players — typically weekly or on specific days. Usually smaller than a welcome bonus (50%–100% match vs the welcome offer's 100%–200%). Like all deposit bonuses, it carries a wagering requirement. Reload bonuses are designed to reward ongoing players; the value is in the frequency if the wagering terms are manageable.
Sticky Bonus (Non-cashable Bonus)
A bonus that cannot be withdrawn — only the winnings generated from it can be cashed out. Example: A$100 sticky bonus + A$100 deposit. You wager through the requirement and end up with A$250 in your account. When you withdraw, the A$100 bonus is automatically removed and you receive A$150. Players often miss this and are surprised when A$100 disappears at withdrawal time. If the terms say "non-cashable" or "non-withdrawable bonus," it's a sticky bonus.
Wagering Requirement (Playthrough Requirement)
The total amount you must bet before bonus winnings can be withdrawn. At Lucky Mate, the casino bonus wagering requirement is 45x. Calculation: A$100 bonus × 45 = A$4,500 in total bets required before any of the bonus converts to withdrawable cash. If the requirement applies to bonus + deposit combined: A$100 deposit + A$100 bonus = A$200 × 45 = A$9,000 required. Always check whether the multiplier applies to bonus only or bonus + deposit — this is the single most important number in any bonus offer.
Welcome Bonus
The promotional offer available to new players on their first deposit (sometimes across their first several deposits). Typically a match bonus plus free spins. The headline number (e.g., "200% up to A$2,000") is the maximum possible bonus, not what most players receive. The actual bonus depends on how much you deposit. Welcome bonuses are one-time offers — once claimed, they cannot be claimed again. Full current terms are on the bonus page.
Author's tip from Isabella Valli, Head of iGaming Compliance & User Safety: "The max bet rule (A$7.50 per spin at Lucky Mate) is enforced at withdrawal, not in real time — the system won't stop you mid-session. That's what makes it dangerous. Set your own bet size limit below A$7.50 while any bonus is active, and don't rely on the casino to flag it for you."
Payment and banking terms
AML (Anti-Money Laundering)
Regulatory obligations requiring casinos to verify that funds used for gambling come from legitimate sources. AML checks can be triggered at any time — particularly at withdrawal, at high deposit volumes, or if betting patterns appear unusual. When AML is triggered, the casino may request a Source of Funds declaration (bank statements, payslips, or tax returns). Failing to provide documentation within the requested timeframe can result in account suspension and funds being held pending review.
Chargeback
A reversal of a card payment initiated through your bank rather than the merchant. Chargebacks are explicitly prohibited in casino terms and conditions. Initiating one while funds have been used for gambling can result in permanent account closure, forfeiture of any remaining balance, and being flagged across operator networks. If you have a genuine dispute about a transaction, contact Lucky Mate support first before involving your bank.
Cryptocurrency Withdrawal
Withdrawals processed via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Typically the fastest method at Lucky Mate — under 1 hour in most cases after KYC is complete. Advantages: bypasses Australian bank blocks on offshore gambling transactions, fast processing. Disadvantages: the AUD value of your withdrawal depends on the exchange rate at the time of conversion, which can move significantly. Network (gas) fees apply. Crypto withdrawals count toward the same monthly A$15,000 cap as all other methods.
E-wallet
A digital payment intermediary — PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity — that sits between your bank and the casino. Deposits via e-wallet are typically instant; withdrawals faster than bank transfer. Important for Australian players: some e-wallets (notably Skrill and Neteller) are excluded from welcome bonus eligibility at many casinos. Always check payment method exclusions before depositing if you intend to claim a bonus. See the payments page for Lucky Mate's specific method list.
KYC (Know Your Customer)
The identity verification process required by all licensed casinos before processing withdrawals. Standard KYC documents: government-issued photo ID (passport or driver's licence) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within 90 days). Source of Funds may also be requested. KYC is typically triggered before the first withdrawal — but can be requested at any time. At Lucky Mate, player reports indicate KYC delays during the first withdrawal are the primary friction point; submit documents proactively rather than waiting to be asked.
Minimum Withdrawal
The smallest amount you can withdraw in a single transaction. Exists to prevent the casino from processing hundreds of tiny withdrawals at high administrative cost. If your withdrawable balance is below the minimum, you must either continue playing until it reaches the threshold or accept that you cannot withdraw until it does. Check the payments page for Lucky Mate's current minimums by method.
PayID (Instant Bank Transfer)
An Australian payment system that routes transfers using a phone number, email address, or ABN linked to a bank account — instead of BSB and account number. PayID transfers between participating Australian banks settle in seconds. For AU casino players, it is the most practical alternative when credit/debit card deposits are blocked by the issuing bank, which happens frequently with offshore gambling merchants. PayID is the top recommended deposit and withdrawal method for Australian players at Lucky Mate.
Pending Period
The window between requesting a withdrawal and it being processed. During this time the casino reviews the withdrawal for KYC and AML compliance, checks that wagering requirements are met, and queues the payment. Pending periods range from a few hours to several business days. Some casinos allow withdrawal cancellation during the pending period — meaning you can reverse a withdrawal and play with the funds again. This is a design element casinos use to their advantage; avoid cancelling withdrawals.
Withdrawal Limit
The maximum amount you can withdraw per day, week, or month. At Lucky Mate, the monthly withdrawal cap is A$15,000 across all methods combined. If you win significantly more than this, the remainder is paid out in subsequent months — which is why high-rollers specifically look at monthly caps when choosing a casino. Daily and weekly limits, if they exist, are lower than the monthly figure. Check the payments page for current limits.
Responsible gambling terms
Cool-off Period
A temporary pause on your gambling activity — typically 24 hours to 6 weeks — without permanently closing your account. During a cool-off, you cannot deposit or place bets, but your account remains open. It is a less permanent option than self-exclusion, suited to players who want a break rather than a full exit. Set one through your account settings or by contacting Lucky Mate support.
Deposit Limit
A self-imposed cap on how much you can deposit per day, week, or month. Set through your account settings. Increases to a deposit limit typically take 24–48 hours to come into effect (to prevent impulsive decisions), while decreases apply immediately. Using deposit limits is one of the most effective responsible gambling tools available — it removes the ability to chase losses beyond a predetermined budget. Set one before you start playing, not after a losing session.
Problem Gambling
Gambling that causes harm — financial, relationship, mental health, or occupational. Warning signs include chasing losses, betting more than you can afford to lose, gambling to relieve stress, and concealing gambling from family. In Australia, free and confidential support is available 24/7 through Gambling Help Online at 1800 858 858. Lucky Mate operates under Curaçao eGaming and provides responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, self-exclusion, and cool-off periods. Use them if you need them.
Reality Check
A pop-up reminder that appears at set time intervals during a session — every 30, 60, or 90 minutes — showing how long you've been playing and your net position (wins minus losses). It pauses the session briefly and requires you to actively dismiss it. The function is to counter the distorted sense of time that occurs during extended gambling sessions. It does not limit your play; it only creates a moment of awareness.
Self-exclusion
A formal request to be banned from gambling at a specific operator or across multiple platforms for a set period (6 months to 5 years) or permanently. At Lucky Mate, request self-exclusion through support. In Australia, GAMBAN is a third-party software solution that blocks gambling sites across your devices — it covers thousands of gambling domains and is available at gamban.com. Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) can also facilitate self-exclusion across multiple operators. Self-exclusion is a serious commitment; honour it.
Author's tip from Isabella Valli, Head of iGaming Compliance & User Safety: "Self-exclusion from Lucky Mate alone won't stop access to other casinos. If you need a real break, install GAMBAN — it works at the device level and covers thousands of gambling sites simultaneously. One step, much more effective than operator-by-operator exclusion requests."
Pokie mechanics terms
Buy Bonus (Feature Buy)
A mechanic that lets you pay a premium (typically 50x–200x your bet) to trigger the bonus round immediately, bypassing the base game. Not available in all jurisdictions — the UKGC prohibits it, and some AU-facing operators restrict it on certain games. Where available, it guarantees entry to the bonus but does not guarantee a profitable outcome; the bonus round still runs on standard RNG. Bonus buy is designed for players who find base-game grinding frustrating; the cost premium is significant.
Cascading Reels (Avalanche / Tumble)
After a win, the winning symbols disappear and new symbols fall (or tumble) into their places — potentially creating another win from a single spin. Multiple consecutive wins from one paid spin are called a cascade chain. This mechanic is common in cluster-pays pokies (Jammin' Jars, Gates of Olympus) and increases session variance since a single spin can chain multiple wins. Progressive multipliers often attach to cascade mechanics, growing with each consecutive win.
Cluster Pays
A win mechanic where symbols pay based on forming adjacent clusters rather than landing on traditional paylines. A cluster of 5+ matching symbols touching horizontally or vertically triggers a payout. The larger the cluster, the higher the multiplier. Used in games like Jammin' Jars 2, Sweet Bonanza, and Fruit Party. Cluster pays grids are typically 6×6 or 7×7 rather than the standard 5-reel setup, and often combine with cascading reels.
Hold and Win
A bonus mechanic where coin or gem symbols land and are held in position while the remaining reels respin. Each new coin landing resets the respin count back to 3. The round ends when no new coins land or the board is filled. Prizes include fixed coin values plus jackpot symbols (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand). Used in Aristocrat's Lightning Link and Dragon Link series — both staples of Australian pub and club pokies, now available in their online equivalents.
Max Win
The highest possible payout from a single game round, expressed as a multiplier of the bet (e.g., 5,000x or 50,000x). Example: A$1 bet × 50,000x = A$50,000 maximum payout. Games cap their max win to manage risk; any theoretical win above the cap is reduced to the cap value. Very high volatility games (Money Train 2, Razor Returns, Big Bamboo) tend to have the highest max win multipliers but also the longest potential dry spells between significant wins.
Megaways
A patented reel mechanic developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG) that changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin, creating up to 117,649 ways to win. The more symbols on each reel, the more ways to win on that spin — and the number varies randomly. Megaways games include Bonanza, Extra Chilli, and dozens of licensed versions from other providers (Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Relax Gaming). The mechanic produces high volatility by design: small wins come from low-symbol-count spins; larger wins from max-symbol configurations.
Multiplier
A value that multiplies a win by a set factor. Types: win multiplier (multiplies the payout of a specific winning combination), progressive multiplier (grows during cascades or free spins — e.g., starts at 1x, increases by 1 with each cascade), and bet multiplier (max win expressed as a multiple of the total bet). Progressive multipliers during free spins are responsible for the largest possible wins in games like Gates of Olympus 1000 and Jammin' Jars 2 — a late-round multiplier reaching 100x+ on a full-board win produces the headline numbers.
Live casino terms
En Prison / La Partage
French roulette rules that halve the house edge on even-money bets. La Partage: if the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money stake (red/black, odd/even) rather than the full amount. En Prison: your even-money bet is "imprisoned" on zero and rides the next spin — if it wins, you get the stake back; if it loses, it's gone. Both rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% (European) to 1.35%. Available in French Roulette live tables where offered.
Live Dealer
A real human dealer running a casino game (blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker) filmed in a studio and streamed in real time. You place bets through an interface; the dealer physically handles cards, spins the wheel, or operates the game. Major studios include Evolution Gaming (the dominant provider), Pragmatic Play Live, and Ezugi. RTP in live casino games is determined by the rules of the game, not by an RNG — making them more transparent in terms of theoretical odds than pokies.
RNG vs Live
RNG (Random Number Generator) games are fully software-driven — outcomes are determined by an algorithm certified by independent testing labs (eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI). Live dealer games use physical equipment (cards, roulette wheel) with results determined by real-world physics. Both are fair when operated by a licensed provider. RNG games are faster, run 24/7 without staffing constraints, and allow demo mode. Live games offer social interaction and the transparency of watching physical outcomes — but require a reliable internet connection and minimum bet sizes are generally higher.
Side Bet
An optional additional bet placed alongside the main game bet in blackjack or baccarat. Examples: Perfect Pairs (betting that your first two cards are a pair), 21+3 (betting that your two cards and the dealer's upcard form a poker hand). Side bets carry significantly higher house edges than the base game — Perfect Pairs can run 4%–8% house edge versus the base game's 0.5% with optimal strategy. They are designed for entertainment, not value. Avoid them if minimising the house edge is a priority.
Squeeze
A theatrical technique used in live blackjack and baccarat where the dealer slowly bends and reveals a card rather than flipping it instantly. Primarily a tension-building device for high-stakes tables — it slows the round deliberately and is offered as an immersive feature. It has no effect on the outcome of the hand; the card value is determined before the reveal. Evolution Gaming's live baccarat tables are known for offering squeeze mode.
Author's tip from Isabella Valli, Head of iGaming Compliance & User Safety: "If you're playing live blackjack to get value from its near-99.5% RTP, never take a side bet. Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and similar add-ons have house edges of 4%–8% — they undo the RTP advantage of the base game in a few hands. Treat them as entertainment and budget accordingly, or skip them entirely."
| Game | RTP range | House edge | Strategy affects outcome? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokies | 94%–99% | 1%–6% | No | RTP varies per title; check in-game info panel |
| Blackjack (optimal strategy) | 99.5%–99.7% | 0.3%–0.5% | Yes — significantly | RTP assumes basic strategy is played correctly throughout |
| European Roulette | 97.3% | 2.7% | No | Single zero; always prefer over American |
| American Roulette | 94.74% | 5.26% | No | Double zero; nearly double the house edge of European |
| Video Poker (Jacks or Better) | 99.54% | 0.46% | Yes | Full-pay 9/6 machine with optimal hold strategy |
| Baccarat | 98.94% | 1.06% (Banker) | No | Always bet Banker; Tie bet has 14.4% house edge |
| Live games (general) | 97%–99.5% | 0.5%–3% | Depends on game | Game show variants (Lightning Roulette) carry higher house edge |
- Use the bonus page to check current wagering requirements and expiry terms before any deposit
- Check RTP in the game's help/info panel — it's required to be displayed for all certified pokies
- If you're unsure whether a term applies to your current bonus, contact live chat before betting
- For responsible gambling support: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7)
For more on specific pokies and their mechanics, visit the pokies page. Bonus terms explained with worked examples are on the bonus page. New to Lucky Mate — registration takes under three minutes.
