Bruce Mitchell | Senior Pokies Analyst

G'day, I'm Bruce

After 15 years of analysing Australian pokies, I've seen more spinning reels than a washing machine repair technician. But unlike those poor appliances, I actually enjoy watching things go round and round—especially when I can help players understand what's really happening behind those flashy screens.

My journey into the world of pokies started at the University of Melbourne, where I completed my degree in Applied Mathematics. While my classmates went off to become actuaries and statisticians (riveting stuff, I'm sure), I became fascinated with the mathematical models behind gaming machines. There was something compelling about dissecting the algorithms that determine everything from spin outcomes to bonus frequencies.

What started as academic curiosity quickly became a mission. I realised that most players were spinning blindly, with no understanding of concepts like RTP, volatility, or hit frequency. Meanwhile, gaming companies had armies of mathematicians designing these machines. I wanted to level the playing field—or at least explain what the playing field actually looks like.

What I Actually Do

My work at Aussie Pokie involves three main areas that keep me busier than a one-armed bandit at a Returned Services League club:

📊 RTP Analysis

I verify return-to-player percentages across hundreds of pokies, cross-referencing developer claims with regulatory filings and independent testing lab results. When a game claims 96% RTP, I make sure that's not just marketing speak.

🎰 Game Mathematics

Every pokie has a mathematical model that determines everything from symbol distribution to bonus trigger rates. I break down these models so players understand what they're actually playing—not just what the theme suggests.

✍️ Honest Reviews

I've tested more pokies than I can count, and I'm not afraid to call out games that offer poor value. My reviews focus on what matters: RTP, volatility, maximum wins, and whether the game is actually enjoyable to play.

My Philosophy on Pokies

Let me be straight with you: the house always wins in the long run. That's not pessimism—it's mathematics. Every pokie is designed to return less than 100% of wagers over time. Understanding this is the foundation of responsible play.

But here's the thing that keeps me doing this work: knowledge is power. When you understand that a 95% RTP game is significantly worse than a 97% RTP game over thousands of spins, you can make better choices. When you know that high volatility games mean longer dry spells between wins, you can manage your bankroll accordingly.

I'm not here to tell you that you'll win big or that I have secret strategies. Anyone promising that is selling snake oil. What I offer is clarity—a clear-eyed view of how these games work so you can enjoy them responsibly as entertainment, not as an income source.

"The best pokie player isn't the one who wins the most—it's the one who understands exactly what they're playing and sets limits that make the experience enjoyable regardless of the outcome."

— Bruce Mitchell

A Bit About Me

When I'm not crunching numbers on the latest Aristocrat release, you'll find me in my home office in Melbourne, probably arguing with my two cats about who owns the desk chair. Spoiler: they do.

I'm 43 years old, married to my incredibly patient wife Karen (who has heard more about scatter symbols than any non-analyst should ever have to), and father to two kids who think dad has a very weird job. They're not wrong.

Outside of pokies analysis, I'm an amateur photographer, terrible golfer, and surprisingly decent home cook. I also volunteer with the Responsible Gambling Council of Victoria, because I believe everyone in this industry has a duty to promote safe play.

15+ Years Experience

500+ Games Analysed

200+ Articles Written

43 Years Young