Top 4 Differences Between Slots and Video Poker
3 minutes
Posted by: Ivan
Slots and video poker games are among the most popular casino games both in land-based venues and online casinos.
For many casual gamblers, these two types of casino games are the same thing.
However, while they are similar in many regards, there are also many differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the top four differences between slots and video poker.
Video Poker Involves More Strategy
The biggest and most apparent difference between video poker and slots is that video poker involves some degree of strategy while slot games don’t require any strategy to play.
Simply put, slot games are entirely based on luck, while video poker combines both skill-based and luck elements.
When you play slot games, be it classic titles or some fresh releases like the Eye of Cleopatra slot, the only strategies you can use are those pertaining to different bankroll management tactics.
Other than that, you can’t influence the gameplay and outcome of a slot game in any way. Even slot games with a stop button don’t differ from games that don’t include this feature.
In contrast, you need to have a good understanding of probability when playing video poker.
As you’re actually choosing which cards you want to hold and which you want to discard, you’re directly affecting your winning chances and play an active role in determining the outcome of your bet.
Of course, the video poker card deck is still randomly shuffled, and there’s no way to tell which card is coming up next. However, as some decision-making is involved, video poker is considerably more challenging and strategy-oriented.
Slots Are Easier and More Relaxing
In line with the previous difference, slot games are generally more relaxing to play. As they don’t require any strategy, slot machines are a perfect choice if you just want to relax and let your mind wander.
While some slot machines, such as the Chicken Chase slot, may have a bit more complex features, all of them are inherently the same. You just spin the reels and wait for the outcome.
Focusing on this difference makes it easy to pick the more suitable game depending on your gambling mood and preferences.
If you want to think and figure out the best decisions for every round you play, video poker can be a more exciting and brain-stimulating game.
On the other hand, if your goal is simply to chill out and not think about anything, slots are a much better pick.
(Progressive) Slots Are More Rewarding
Besides being simple and easy to learn, one of the main reasons slot games are so popular is that they can offer some impressive payouts.
For example, the main payout for the Royal Flush hand is 4000 coins in most video poker variations.
Additionally, some video poker games may offer some extra jackpots that potentially be more rewarding than this.
By comparison, slot games, especially progressive jackpot ones, can pay out life-changing amounts. Progressive jackpot slots are known to pay out tens of millions of dollars, sums that no video poker game can come close to.
Another difference between the two in this regard is that slot games generally offer more comps and are better for bonus wagering.
This is especially important when playing online and claiming online casino bonuses.
More specifically, while slots often fully contribute to wagering requirements, video poker games usually contribute only a fraction of your bets towards clearing the wagering requirements.
Video Poker Offers Better Payback Percentages
When talking about casino games, it’s inevitable to go over the games’ house edge to best understand the payouts you can expect over time.
In this sense, the house edge is the advantage the casino has in a specific game that helps ensure its profitability in the long run.
Looking at the house edge of slot games, it’s lower than what you can expect with most other casino games. Player-friendly slots, especially online ones, have a house edge of just two to four percent.
That said, even though slots offer great return to player percentages, video poker games are a better choice in this regard.
Many video poker games can have a house edge in the negative, meaning that you have the edge over the casino. In other words, you have a better chance of stable long-term profits with video poker.
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