As a Noun: 1. A machine used for gambling. You put in a coin and then pull a lever (on old machines) or press buttons (on new machines) to try and get particular patterns of symbols on a screen in order to win money. Australian English = poker machine, pokies. 2. A place where poker machines can be found, usually a club, such as an RSL (Returned Serviceman's Club), a football club, or a worker's club. English = club. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To gamble on a poker machine; to play a poker machine. Informal Australian English = play the pokies.