Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding 2: A bold exploration of grief and redemption awaits
Death Stranding was an unusual proposition when it first launched. A post-apocalyptic courier sim was a hard sell in 2019, and its divisive structure — long cinematics punctuated by laborious treks — meant it didn't land for everyone. But there was an undeniable charm to it, a unique magic that helped it stand apart from the sea of third-person shooters and live-service games of its time, cementing its legacy as a flawed classic.
Six years later, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach continues Sam Porter Bridges's story, this time across a new continent. Like most sequels, it expands on the original's ideas, but it's also bolder, more refined and proudly wears its sincere heart on its sleeve. It's not just one of legendary developer Hideo Kojima's best games; it's a love letter to life, connection, and meaning from a developer who has grown into one of the great elder statesmen of the games industry.
That sentimentality is woven into every pixel, whether through sly glances at the camera or offhand lines loaded with deeper meaning. It's also a faster-paced experience, ditching the slow burn of the original's prologue. If you never played the original, the gist of it is that our weary protagonist has shut himself off from the world after the loss of a loved one, and he eventually embarks on a journey across the Australian continent to heal.
Naturally, things get more complicated — this is a Kojima game, after all — and Sam's journey is fraught with peril and ghosts from the past.
On that front, Death Stranding 2 is a major leap forward, building on the 2021 Death Stranding Director's Cut and layering in even more gameplay depth. At its core, this is still a hiking simulator mixed with puzzle elements, where plotting your path from Point A to B while carrying precious cargo takes planning, patience, and a good pair of boots.
That extends to combat and stealth as well, as these two facets of the game have been significantly improved. While they felt like an afterthought in the original game, the action-packed side of Death Stranding 2 plays like a spiritual successor to Kojima's Metal Gear Solid series, resulting in snappier throwdowns with brigands from the land Down Under, or tense moments when you're holding your breath and sneaking into position so that you can take out BTs with a well-aimed blood-grenade.
Yet the game's finest moments are often its quietest: scenes of Sam alone with the world, pushing forward one determined step at a time.
These stretches of solitude, set to a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Ludvig Forssell and Woodkid, reinforce the game's themes with subtle power. If the first Death Stranding was about connection, this sequel deepens that message while exploring grief, isolation, and healing.
These themes are thoroughly explored through an emotional storyline anchored by stellar performances from Kojima's cast of celebrity buddies. Norman Reedus is once again the world-weary Sam, and while he's as laconic as ever, the returning Fragile — played by the amazing Lea Seydoux — is a ray of sunshine and a perfect counterpart to him. The cast has also expanded, with even more characters brought to life through a combination of famous faces and voice actors helping to propel the story along by rattling off some of the most absurd yet delightful lines you've ever heard.
Special mention has to go to Troy Baker as the villainous Higgs. As Sam's nemesis, he's a scene-stealing force of nature looking to bring about the downfall of humanity once and for all. Rocking a new Crow-inspired look — and a battle-axe guitar — Baker steals the show with a gleefully over-the-top performance and gripping moments of nuanced pain.
Visually, Death Stranding 2 is staggering.
There are moments so surreal and breathtaking that you'll instinctively pause just to absorb them. It's a triumph of design and artistic ambition: brilliantly weird, deeply earnest, and utterly unforgettable. This is a game that urges you to go outside and touch some grass, then dares you to dream about what might lie beyond it. DM
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The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
'Say it to my face': Herschelle Gibbs claps back at criticism
Retired Protea Herschelle Gibbs has clapped back at criticism of his outspoken social media posts as well as controversial past, which includes allegations of doping, match-fing and that 2010 bombshell memoir. The 51-year-old has often taken jabs at the South African cricket team, particularly captain Temba Bavuma. On his X account, Herschelle Gibbs courted controversy when he seemingly poked fun at International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah's praise for the debut of a new four-day series tournament. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Series between England and India recently ended in a draw. 'You guys wanted test cricket to be 4 days', he posted alongside several laughing emojis. His post saw many irked cricket fans – particularly from India – bring up his controversial career, which included allegations of match-fixing and doping. 'Were you born?' Herschelle Gibbs clapped back at one X user. 'Did you even play international cricket?' he asked another. The 51-year-old's roasts became more personal. 'Shame, did your boyfriend leave you for another woman?' he asked one critic. To another, he shamelessly posted: 'Tell your mom to get off the street corners'. Meanwhile, in a video posted by sports betting agency 10Bet, Herschel Gibbs read out a series of 'mean tweets' about it. 'Next time, say it to my face', the caption read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 10bet South Africa (@10betza) In 2010, Herschelle Gibbs released his bombshell autobiography To The Point, detailing his life in the limelight as a Protea player. In it, he detailed his sexcapades with dozens of cricket groupies. One particular 'group sex session' took place at Adelaide Hilton Hotel during the 1997/199 Proteas tour. He wrote: 'It was one fat party from mid-evening to the next afternoon. I enjoyed the company of let's say, more than one woman. 'The girls were really up for it .. You picked a girl up (in the hotel's bar), took her upstairs to your room, and afterwards both of you would go back downstairs and you'd go and chat to someone else. It was a phenomenal night.' Herschelle Gibbs' autobiography 'To The Point'. Of his Australian groupies, he said: 'It was like going shopping. From the first day, women were almost falling into our laps virtually every night. Australian women, I can tell you, are not afraid to speak their minds and make it crystal clear what they're after. Herschelle Gibbs' memoir also touched on his short stint in rehab over alcohol and drug abuse, and a six-month ban over his 2000 match-fixing scandal. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
28-07-2025
- The South African
The 10 Best Online Pokies in Australia for Real Money
I've noticed that many pokie fans don't think much about their game of choice, but since you're here, you've realised that choice matters. Take Gates of Olympus 1000, one of the best Australian online pokies in 2025. High-end visual and sound designs are paired with a high return rate, high base game wins, and multiple extra in-game features, which I'll explain shortly. Playing Gates of Olympus 1000 after a mediocre online slot feels like upgrading from a Kia to a Porsche: the difference is huge. There are thousands of games accessible at online casinos, so I filtered them and played over 400 games to select the 10 best online pokies in Australia for real money to play in 2025. Excited to learn more? Read on! Gates of Olympus 1000 (96.5% RTP) at Ritzo Casino Legacy of Dead (96.58% RTP) at Wild Tokyo Gold Rush With Johnny Cash (96.14% RTP) at All Star Aztec Magic Bonanza (96.11% RTP) at Casino Rocket Vikings go Berzerk Reloaded (96.1% RTP) at Rolling Slots Book of Cats Megaways (97.07% RTP) at CrownSlots A Big Catch – Hold and Win (96.5% RTP) at King Billy Coins of Zeus – Hold and Win (96.18% RTP) at DivaSpin Merge Up (97.25% RTP) at Neospin Templar Tumble (96.26% RTP) at Spins of Glory We'll examine the five best pokies online to help you understand why they rank higher than thousands of other games and what sets them apart. RTP : 96.50% : 96.50% Volatility : High : High Max Win : 15,000x : 15,000x Provider : Pragmatic Play : Pragmatic Play Where to Play: Ritzo Gates of Olympus 1000 is not only the best game in the Games of Olympus series, but one of the best pokies online in Australia overall. Why? The returns are the first thing I would like to mention. With 96.50% RTP and high volatility guaranteeing above-average returns, this is one of the best paying online pokies in Australia. I've never played Gates of Olympus 1000 before, but the design, sounds, and visuals resemble other games in the series. Random multiplier symbols during gameplay dropped pretty frequently to boost my wins. The multipliers can go from a low 2x to up to 1,000x. I got lucky and triggered the bonus round with 15 free spins during the base game. You need at least 3 scatter symbols to earn free spins. But what I especially like about this game is the double chance feature, where, at the cost of a higher wager, the game has twice the chance to hit the bonus round on the next spin. The cascading reels mechanic removes winning symbols, while the remaining ones stay in place, potentially leading to multiple consecutive wins. RTP : 96.58% : 96.58% Volatility : High : High Max Win : 5,000x : 5,000x Provider : Play'n GO : Play'n GO Where to Play: Wild Tokyo Five years on, and Play'n GO's Legacy of Dead remains a smash hit. Egyptian-themed pokies have always had a special appeal to players, me included, and Legacy of Dead is one of the top real money online pokies for Aussies, with a customisable coin range and symbols that will inevitably lead to high payouts. Take the expanding wild scatter. This is for me the game's best symbol, thanks to which I earned additional re-spins, on top of bonus spins. And the best part, the symbol can be re-triggered during the bonus round. High returns are guaranteed if you play long enough, thanks to a solid 96.58% RTP and amped-up volatility. You can customise the coin value, number of coins, and lines, making it super easy to personalise your bet range for low-stakes play or with higher risk bets up to A$100. I suggest you avoid riskier bets. The higher volatility affects the win frequency, with wins coming around every 4-10 spins. Legacy of Dead is fine-tuned to be played on any operating system and device. I played on my iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the game ran without a hitch. I also accessed it through an Android-powered Samsung Galaxy, and apart from the better battery life, the performance was nearly identical to iOS. RTP : 96.14% : 96.14% Volatility : High : High Max Win : 5,624x : 5,624x Provider : BGaming : BGaming Where to Play: All Star I've played this game before, but never with the same attention to detail. This time around, I realised that Gold Rush with Johnny Cash is arguably one of the pokies online for real money, and certainly the top bonus buy game I've recently played. The minimum bet starts at $0.10 and goes up to A$40. I played with up to A$2 maximum per bet, considering the bonus price tag increases relevant to the bet size. I bought 10 bonus spins for A$15 and won just over A$40 by the end of the round. The wilds and high-paying gold carts connected to form the biggest wins, with a few low-paying combinations also hitting. There is also an option to buy re-spins. For A$12, I purchased six gold re-spins. Second time wasn't so lucky with the bonus feature, but the cool thing is that I earned additional re-spins with the 'plus spin' dynamite symbol, which at the end of the round helped me recoup my purchase, with a total win of A$12.40. All in all, Gold Rush With Johnny Cash proved its reputation as one of the best modern online pokies for real money. Wilds, scatters, re-spins, free spins, and a potential major jackpot prize – this game will keep you on the edge of your seat. RTP : 96.11% : 96.11% Volatility : High : High Max Win : 10,200x : 10,200x Provider : BGaming : BGaming Where to Play: Casino Rocket Most online pokies in Australia are crypto-friendly, but Aztec Magic Bonanza might just be the best of the lot. It is certainly the best Bitcoin pokie of the over 400 games I tested, allowing potentially high BTC wins with a beginner-friendly bet range starting from A$0.20, or currency equivalent. First, I'd like to point out that it is, before all else, an excellent mobile pokie. I spent most of my time playing on my smartphone and can't remember the times I got distracted by lags or any malfunctions. The downside is that if you lose internet connection mid-spin, any possible win will be void. The bonus buy and 'bonus chance' features really add to the game's appeal. There are 5 reels and 6 rows and a 'pay anywhere' mechanism, rather than fixed left-to-right paylines. I activated the double bonus chance feature, but it takes patience and costs more than your base bet. Next, I bought 10 spins for A$200, and thanks to the multipliers, which appear only in the bonus game, I snatched A$42 already on the third spin. The 5th spin was even luckier, triggering an A$56 win. By the end of the bonus round, I had won over A$250. RTP : 96.1% : 96.1% Volatility : Medium-High : Medium-High Max Win : 25,000x : 25,000x Provider : Yggdrasil : Yggdrasil Where to Play: Rolling Slots I will admit, I have a weak spot for any pokie inspired by Norse mythology and history. But ranking Yggdrasil's Vikings Go Berzerk as one of the best online real money pokies in Australia was not a personal choice. This game left quite an impression with its balanced returns, huge maximum win, in-game features, and exquisite audiovisuals. I expected nothing less, considering it is part of Ygdrassil's popular Vikings pokie saga, attracting thousands of daily players, whether playing casually or with a bit more appetite. You can set the coin value to a super low of 0.01, equalling about A$0.25 per bet, which makes it super friendly for low-stakes players. The bonus buy feature can be a bit pricey if you play with a bet of A$5 or more. I activated 7 bonus spins for A$300, with a choice to gamble the spins and either win more Berzerk Vikings or lose the 7 spins. I skipped the gamble feature and went straight for the free spins. The bonus free spin round was incredibly profitable, thanks to the sticky wilds that led to wins on nearly every spin. The added wild multipliers in the bonus round further boosted my winnings, resulting in a total of A$701 by the end of the last spin. Vikings can be in one of 4 fighting modes, including Berzerk, which wins every time. The Ragnarok Spin turns all 4 Vikings into Berzerk mode, and then upgrades them to wilds. The Bonus Chest can lead to random prizes during the base game. For the best user experience with online pokies in Australia, it's crucial to choose trusted online casinos. Even if a pokie is excellent, the casino operator must be reliable, offering licensed games and certified gaming software. The availability of pokie bonuses is also a plus. Here are the factors we prioritise when ranking the best pokies. The pokie itself can be generous and offer good returns. Still, it doesn't matter how much you win if you run into persistent withdrawal issues, which can happen at inferior casino sites. Legitimacy is a cornerstone of each review we conduct, and we verify it by checking for licensing details. The license number and company registration number are usually enough to establish it's a legitimate online casino. Online gambling brands in Australia should have a variety of pokies and classify them accordingly to ease the search process. Online pokies can be assorted based on mechanics, theme, returns, volatility, paylines and other factors that give the game a special touch. We won't settle for anything less than a casino that ensures a diverse pokie selection. We always value variety more than sheer numbers, and a pokie with 10,000 slots may not necessarily be as diverse as one with 4,000 games from dozens of providers. Bonuses offer flexibility and are a valuable option for players. Pokie bonuses are unique due to wagering requirements linked directly to winnings from bonus spins. Beyond welcome offers, the best Australian online casinos provide various promotions for pokie enthusiasts, including weekly cash reloads, crypto offers, and loyalty bonuses. We prioritise casinos with a diverse range of pokie promotions catering to regular players. Additionally, we carefully review bonus terms to ensure they are reasonable and fair, particularly for casual players. RTP, paylines, volatility, and hit rate… there are a few important factors to consider to get an idea about a pokie's payout system. The best way to see how the game pays is to play it, but these are important details to distinguish between high- and low-paying pokies. In the end, you will choose based on your budget and preference, but we like to narrow your choice to the best paying online pokies in Australia and call your attention to what matters most to pick high-payout games. The return to player matters if you play long-term and actively. I'll explain the essence of RTP shortly, but for now, all you need to know is that the higher the RTP, the better. Below we list the highest payout online pokies ranked by RTP: Merge Up (97.25% RTP) at Neospin Book of Cats Megaways (97.07% RTP) at CrownSlots Legacy of Dead (96.58% RTP) at Wild Tokyo Gates of Olympus 1000 (96.5% RTP) at Ritzo A Big Catch – Hold and Win (96.5% RTP) at King Billy Templar Tumble (96.26% RTP) at Spins of Glory Coins of Zeus – Hold and Win (96.18% RTP) at DivaSpin Gold Rush – Johnny Cash (96.14% RTP) at All Star Aztec Magic Bonanza (96.11% RTP) at Casino Rocket Vikings go Berzerk Reloaded (96.1% RTP) at Rolling Slots Statistically, the chances of hitting the maximum win are low, but not zero. So long as there is a slight chance to snatch the game's maximum bet multiplier, it's worth a try. Here are the best real money pokies online listed in order of highest to lowest maximum win. Vikings Go Berzerk Reloaded: 25,000x Templar Tumble (96.26%): 17,280x Gates of Olympus 1000: 15,000x Aztec Magic Bonanza: 10,200x Book of Cats Megaways: 10,000x Gold Rush With Johnny Cash: 5,624x Merge Up: 5,000x Legacy of Dead: 5,000x Coins of Zeus – Hold and Win: 3,600x A Big Catch – Hold and Win: 3,254x I can write up a whole guide about the benefits of playing top online pokies, but we'll have to make do with 3 benefits that came off the top of my head: ✅ Instant access to new games : Online casinos have a direct line to the galleries of dozens of partnered software providers, giving them instant access to new releases. When a provider releases a new pokie, the partnered casinos usually present the games within days, even hours. : Online casinos have a direct line to the galleries of dozens of partnered software providers, giving them instant access to new releases. When a provider releases a new pokie, the partnered casinos usually present the games within days, even hours. ✅ Innovative mechanics : Pokies feature various payout systems, including tumbling reels (Temble Tumble), cluster pays, pay-anywhere lines, and cascading reels. There is almost no limit to the way developers can reinvent pokie mechanics, which is why we always recommend exploring new titles. : Pokies feature various payout systems, including tumbling reels (Temble Tumble), cluster pays, pay-anywhere lines, and cascading reels. There is almost no limit to the way developers can reinvent pokie mechanics, which is why we always recommend exploring new titles. ✅ Customisable features: Pokies may be chance-based, but you can customise many features, including the betting limits, coin value, total bet, use auto or turbo spin, or take more control with features you can buy to activate special bonus rounds and valuable symbols. It's easy to set your limits or use the automated spin feature. But what if you're on a losing streak and haven't won for about 10-15 spins? There's no need to get frustrated, because the pokie likely has high volatility and pays less often, but higher wins are formed when winning lines are triggered. The point is, once you understand how pokie mechanics and features work, you can understand why they work like they do. For the RTP value to kick in, you need to make thousands of spins. Theoretically, the higher the RTP value, the better the returns. A pokie with 97.1% RTP, like Book of Cats Megaways, returns A$97.10 for every A$100 wagered, in theory. In reality, you won't get that amount for your first A$100. As you play on, the returns will come in smaller increments. Volatility is a bit tricky because it is not an exact value. It essentially tells you the risk involved with losing or winning every bet, but also indicates the win size. For instance, low volatility pokies pay out more frequently, but the wins are small. High-volatility games pay less often (10-20 spins, on average), but compared to the bet amount, the wins are bigger than in low-volatility pokies. Medium-volatility games are more balanced, but from what I've seen, they lean more toward higher wins. Some pokies like Vikings Go Berzerk Reloaded teeter between two risk values, in this case, medium-high volatility. Top pokies typically feature some sort of bonus. Whether wild multipliers, bonus spins, re-spins, or something completely different, it can lead to prized winning combinations. But the bonus features don't come around often. The feature buy option is an exclusive feature of some pokies, such as Gold Rush With Johnny Cash and Templar Tumble, where you can buy to activate the bonus round. Yes, it costs more, but from what I've seen, especially with Templar Tumble, the buy bonus feature can be a blessing in disguise. Don't have any expectations. Many times, I've not been lucky with bonus features, just enough to know they can hide potentially lucrative payouts. High-value symbols are the game's highest-paying symbols, according to the paytable. But the symbols that can make a real difference are the special symbols, like bonus symbols, gold coins, wilds, and scatters. When three or more scatters land on the reels, they activate free spins. Wild symbols typically substitute for regular-paying symbols, acting like a joker to help create new winning combinations. However, wilds can have additional functions. For instance, sticky wilds remain in position for several consecutive wins, while wild multipliers, as seen in games like Vikings Go Berzerk Reloaded, can significantly increase the payout at the end of the bonus game. Paylines, also known as win ways, are the regular winning combinations that typically pay when 2, 3, or more symbols align on the reels from left to right, as specified in the paytable. The left-to-right payout system was popular for a long time, until new systems emerged like tumbling reels (Templar Tumble), cluster pays, and pay anywhere, as with Aztec Magic Bonanza. When you play pokies with bonuses, you need to keep to the timeline and meet the requirements in time and avoid placing bigger bets than allowed or playing restricted games. When you learn to follow the elementary bonus rules, they can boost your gaming balance. Welcome pokie bonus : The signup deal is available at all casinos, and pokies always qualify for gameplay, just not the ones that are restricted. A matched cash deposit bonus and free spins are almost always included. Ritzo offers up to A$1,500 in cash and 300 bonus spins with no wagering for new members, making it one of the best pokie welcome bonuses right now. : The signup deal is available at all casinos, and pokies always qualify for gameplay, just not the ones that are restricted. A matched cash deposit bonus and free spins are almost always included. Ritzo offers up to A$1,500 in cash and 300 bonus spins with no wagering for new members, making it one of the best pokie welcome bonuses right now. Regular bonus spins : Unlike welcome bonus spins, which are for exclusive users, regular free spin offers are provided every week on one or more weekdays. A qualifying deposit will award a batch of free spins to use on selected pokies. All Star Casino offers up to 66 spins every Monday and a mystery FS prize every day with the Daily Luck Mystery Box. : Unlike welcome bonus spins, which are for exclusive users, regular free spin offers are provided every week on one or more weekdays. A qualifying deposit will award a batch of free spins to use on selected pokies. All Star Casino offers up to 66 spins every Monday and a mystery FS prize every day with the Daily Luck Mystery Box. Regular reloads : Similar to weekly free spins, but you get a cash bonus rather than bonus spins. Casinos often match a qualifying deposit by 30% to 50%. For instance, Neospin advertises a 66% weekend reload bonus up to A$1,000, though a smaller amount can be claimed with a minimum deposit of A$60. : Similar to weekly free spins, but you get a cash bonus rather than bonus spins. Casinos often match a qualifying deposit by 30% to 50%. For instance, Neospin advertises a 66% weekend reload bonus up to A$1,000, though a smaller amount can be claimed with a minimum deposit of A$60. Cashback: Cashback is perhaps the last deal you'll be interested in, but it is probably the most valuable for long-term or active daily gambling. You recoup a percentage of your daily, weekly, or monthly losses. Wild Tokyo's cashback bonus awards between 10% and 20% of your losses up to A$500 every week, based on your level. There are many pokie variations, but these are the most common mechanics you'll encounter: Modern 3-reel pokies are unlike the standard, simple, dull games. Take, for instance, Betsoft's Coins of Zeus – HOLD & WIN, one of our ranked pokies online in Australia, which you can play at DivaSpin. Apart from the stunning graphics and sound effects, it adds bonus symbols, re-spins through the hold and win feature, and four fixed jackpots in-game. Templar Tumble, Gold Rush With Johnny Cash, Merge Up. What do these top online pokies have in common? Apart from being on an exclusive list of the best online real money pokies in Australia, it's the feature buy. You can pay to activate either bonus spins, double the chance for a bonus round, or both. I've played over 1,000 pokies with a bonus buy, and let me tell you, the bonus game doesn't come often. This add-on fixes that, recalibrating the game to activate free spins or another bonus feature by landing the desired bonus symbols. With that said, some gambling experts, like Mike Waters, explain that buying the bonus game is not a smart move at all because the house edge heavily favours the casino. When a pokies game features cluster pays, it means that it pays out when matching symbols appear anywhere on the reels, rather than requiring 2, 3, or more symbols to be aligned from left to right. Some of my favourite Aussie online pokies are Candy Jar Clusters, Aztec Clusters, and Juicy Do Clusters – all available at Wild Tokyo Casino. What I enjoy about cluster pay games is that they often include exciting features like bonus buy options, re-spins, a high hit frequency, and other fun extras that keep the gameplay engaging. Keep in mind, the high volatility in games like Aztec Clusters can lead to wins spaced out over an extended period. Big Time Gaming's invention of Megaways has truly sparked a pokie revolution. Many real money online pokies have borrowed the unpredictable reel multiplier feature, making the gameplay more thrilling with a vast array of potential winning symbol combinations. The number of paylines can range from around 240 to over 100,000, such as in Book of Cats Megaways, where the winning line can be created from an incredible 117,649 possible combinations. Similar to cluster pay pokies, Megaways games are often enhanced with exciting bonus rounds, feature buy options, bonus symbols, expanding wilds, and other high-value symbols that keep the game rewarding. Pokies can be quite fun once you accept that they are based on luck, and most outcomes are beyond your control. However, sometimes we can get a bit carried away. I understand. That said, here are some insights I've gained that have made playing pokies more enjoyable and less costly. ❗ Don't hunt jackpots : If you pay a pokie just to win a jackpot, you've lost already. Rather, choose a fun-to-play jackpot pokie with free spins, scatters, bonus rounds, and a high RTP and try to have fun. Jackpots are always better when they come as a surprise. : If you pay a pokie just to win a jackpot, you've lost already. Rather, choose a fun-to-play jackpot pokie with free spins, scatters, bonus rounds, and a high RTP and try to have fun. Jackpots are always better when they come as a surprise. ❗ Setting a betting range : Some pokies can have extended bet limits per spin, up to A$50, even A$100 or more. But the low betting limit often starts under A$1, and even A$0.50-sized wagers can sometimes land solid payouts. Set your betting range based on your budget and stick to it. : Some pokies can have extended bet limits per spin, up to A$50, even A$100 or more. But the low betting limit often starts under A$1, and even A$0.50-sized wagers can sometimes land solid payouts. Set your betting range based on your budget and stick to it. ❗ Don't chase losses : Losses can be a bitter pill to swallow, and chasing to return lost wagers will make things worse. Instead, bite the bullet and take a few moments to collect your thoughts and decide if it's wise to continue playing at the moment. : Losses can be a bitter pill to swallow, and chasing to return lost wagers will make things worse. Instead, bite the bullet and take a few moments to collect your thoughts and decide if it's wise to continue playing at the moment. ❗ Quit while ahead: That rush of a huge win from one spin, rare as it is, is an unbeatable feeling. But stepping back, you will realise the win itself is enough. Sometimes, the best move is to enjoy those winnings and take a break. Approach online pokies with a mindset of fun, accepting potential losses as part of the game. When your focus is on entertainment, any wins become an added bonus. To save you the hassle, we recommend Pragmatic Play's Gates of Olympus 1000 as one of the best Australian online pokies, available at Ritzo. However, the true enjoyment of pokies comes from firsthand experience. We aim to guide you towards the best selections and help you understand the fundamentals of pokie gameplay. Fortune can strike anytime. Even if you play with a modest A$20-A$40 budget for minimal risk, there can still be big payouts. 18+ Only. Gambling is risky. Bet at your own risk and never spend money that you can't afford to lose. The guide on this site is informative and intended to present you with up-to-date information about the online casino landscape in Australia. Check your local laws before playing. If you think you have a gambling problem, reach out to
The South African
26-07-2025
- The South African
Something on the side? Nando's pokes fun at Astronomer CEO
Nando's has done it again with another hilarious social media post, this time mocking Astronomer CEO Andy Byron who was recently caught cosying up to his alleged mistress during a Coldplay concert. While Nando's originated from South Africa, its Australian counterpart took a page out of its book with a cheeky advert. In an Instagram post, the flame-grilled chicken restaurant ran a promotion that poked fun at Astronomer CEO, Andy Byron. The ad read, 'Little something on the side? Enter Coldplay for a free regular side with any main.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nando's ANZ (@nandosaus) In a clip that broke the internet last week, Byron was caught canoodling with an employee, Kristin Cabot, during a Coldplay concert. Byron is a married man whose wife's name is Megan Kerrigan Byron. Lead singer Chris Martin said of the awkward moment: 'Either they're having an affair or they're very shy.' Meanwhile, Astronomer – the DataOps company Andy Byron worked for – has responded to the social media storm with a cheeky video of their own. In the clip, an unexpected guest – Gwyneth Paltrow, the ex-wife of Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin – made an appearance. In it, she tackled several 'burning questions' about the company and the scandal. Claiming that she had been 'hired on a temporary basis' in a PR post, Paltrow said: 'Astronomer has gotten a lot of questions over the last few days – and they wanted me to answer the most common ones.' The Hollywood actress went on to indirectly answer a few spoof questions about what had happened. 'We'll now be returning to what we do best: delivering game-changing results for our customers,' she added. The video comes after Andy Byron stepped down from his post as Astronomer CEO amid the backlash. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
