If you’re a frequent visitor of online casino venues, chances are you’ll come across both video poker and slot games. At one point, you’ll find yourself deciding between video poker vs. slots.
These two types of casino games are excellent examples of how different the gambling experience can be, even when the playing rules and odds are more or less similar.
Video poker is a card game that is typically played against a machine rather than against other players. Its popularity has grown in recent years as it offers a fast-paced gambling experience.
Slots, on the other hand, are the classic casino game that most people think of when they visit an online casino or a brick-and-mortar venue. These games are easy to play and can be quite lucrative, making them a favourite among gamblers.
So, which one should you choose – video poker or slot machines? We’ve compiled a list of the key differences between the two games to help you reach your verdict.
What Is Video Poker?
Video poker is a fixed-odds game that is based on five-card draw poker. In this game, players are dealt five cards and then have the opportunity to discard any number of them and draw new cards in an attempt to improve their hands.
There are many variants, but some of the top poker machine games you can play are Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, and Double Bonus.
What Are Slots?
Fruities are based on simple slot machine mechanics. Players need to match up symbols across the spinning reels in order to win money. Reels contain symbols that spin and then stop randomly across the pay lines upon placing a bet. These games can be pretty fast-paced and offer players a lot of thrill and potential for big wins.
Online venues provide free slots or demo versions of the games so that players can practice and see whether they are interested in playing for cash. They provide numerous bonuses, free spins, and tournaments to appeal to newcomers.
Video Poker vs. Slots: The Main Differences
There are several key differences between video poker games and slot machines. First, video poker is a strategic game, as players need to make decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard for the best chance of winning. This makes the game much more interesting for players who enjoy devising tactics and mulling over their next move.
Slots, on the other hand, are pure luck. Due to the RNG software that online casinos use and the mechanics of the machine itself, slot players have no control over which symbols will appear on the reels. Unlike poker, slot machine games have players simply wait and hope that they line up in a winning combination. This can be stimulating for those who enjoy the thrill of gambling and adrenaline boost but may not be as satisfying for players who prefer a strategic game.
Another major difference between the two types of casino games is the amount of money that can be won. In video poker, it’s possible to win large sums of money if you get lucky and hit a royal flush or another high-paying hand. However, the likelihood of hitting these hands is pretty low, so most players will only win small amounts of money.
Speaking of slots vs. video poker, the former tend to have much higher odds. They can offer players the chance to win fairly large sums if they hit the jackpot. Progressive jackpots, for example, offer you the highest payouts of any game in the casino. Even though you can cash out winnings of 1,000x your stake, progressives come with the longest odds.
Why Play Slots
There are a few key advantages to playing good old fruit machines. For one, slot machines are much simpler to play than video poker. They require no strategy or skill, making them perfect for novice players.
In addition, slot poker games offer much higher payouts than video poker, making them a more lucrative option for gambling enthusiasts. As we already mentioned, progressive jackpots can grow to exorbitant sums, making slots an exhilarating and rewarding game.
Finally, many online casinos offer a variety of slot games, providing players with plenty of options and themes to choose from. Overall, there are several reasons slots are preferred over video poker, making them the ideal choice for players who want an engaging and accessible gaming experience.
Why Play Video Poker
Winning at video poker requires players to check the game’s Return to Player percentage. RTP is the percentage of money that a player can expect to get back from the game in the long run. In most video poker games, this percentage is typically around a whopping 99%. That means that the house edge in video poker games is most often less than 1%, making it a way more lucrative option for players.
In slots, the RTP is much lower, usually around 90% or less, especially in brick-and-mortar casinos. In turn, the house edge can go up to 10%, which is a significant difference. That’s why any video poker professional will tell you that playing video poker is a much better option if you’re looking to win considerable sums.
Another significant advantage of playing video poker over slots is that it’s a more strategic game. Since each hand is dealt individually, it’s possible to make decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard. This allows players to be in control of the outcome, so they are less likely to lose money during longer periods than they would while playing slots.
Finally, when we compare poker and slot games, the former offers a range of betting amounts, allowing players to bet anywhere from one penny to £10 or more per hand. Moreover, some video poker variants offer bonus rounds that can provide players with additional opportunities to win money. These rounds are typically based on luck rather than strategy, making them accessible to all players.
Odds of Winning at Video Poker and Slots – A Comparison
When it comes to the chances of winning, video poker is the champion. While the odds of hitting a royal flush, for example, are around one in 649,740 hands, the odds of hitting the jackpot in slots are between 50 million and more than 100 million to one.
Comparing video poker odds vs. slots chances, it’s clear that players are much more likely to win big in video poker than on a fruit machine. However, the payouts in video poker are typically much lower than in slots, so players should consider this when deciding which game to play.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between video poker and slots, it isn’t always a clear-cut decision. Both games have their unique benefits and drawbacks that you need to take into account before opting for one or the other.
If you get your kicks out of arbitrary rewards, then slots are probably the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in a thinking man’s game where you can leverage strategy to improve your odds, then video poker is your game. Ultimately, the choice between video poker vs. slots comes down to personal preference and what kind of thrill you’re pursuing in a gaming experience.
