Navigating an online casino’s different game choices can be confusing for players, especially newbies. This is especially true when distinguishing between video poker and slots at first sight. We experienced this when we started reviewing online casinos and games. It also happened to many in the past when land-based casinos were a novelty. Gamblers got confused between casino poker machines and slots. Are video poker and slots so different? Do they share similarities? Is it true that one is clearly better? Which one? Video poker vs slots, well, both games offer different gaming experiences and have loyal enthusiasts in every corner of the globe. Both are as visually astonishing as their prizes. Do you want more? Let’s dive into the topic right now!
What is Video Poker?
Video poker is a popular casino game that merges elements of traditional poker and slot machines. It requires skill, as players must make decisions that can affect the game’s outcome.
Video poker players place a bet and then receive five cards. Players’ mission is to create a hand (combination of cards) with chances to win. They define this hand by discarding and holding cards. Traditional poker involves different betting rounds, but video poker only requires you to bet once. The game reveals your last hand and pays out according to the paytable.
The paytable is a critical component in video poker games because it establishes the payout for each winning hand. Reviewing the paytable before playing is vital to understanding the potential winnings. Different video poker variants may have different paytables.
Another critical component of video poker is the Random Number Generator (RNG), a computer program that determines each deal’s outcome randomly. It ensures that each hand is independent, random, and fair.
How to play Video Poker?
First, let’s all know there are different versions of video poker, so the mechanics can vary. The following are the general rules for playing the game, and we review them shortly only to clarify the level of interaction and decision-making players have while playing against a machine.
Placing a bet
You have to bet by directly setting the amount or deciding the number of credits or coins to wager. Remember, you only bet once at the beginning of every game.
Dealing
Then, tap or click the “deal” button to obtain five cards from a regular fifty-two-card deck. Wild cards or jokers could be present based on the version you play.
Holding and discarding
Now, it is time to analyze your hand and decide which cards you want to hold by tapping them. The cards you did not mark are the ones you want to discard. Now, you must wonder, “Hold and discard based on what?”. The answer is there are different combinations (hands) that can make you a winner. They all have different values. Therefore, there are higher or lower chances of beating the rival (machine). Here, we introduce them hierarchically, from the highest rank and chance to win to the lowest.
- Royal Flush. Having A, K, Q, J, and 10 in the same suit is a common hand looked for players due to its high chances of winning.
- Straight Flush. It means having a combination of five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Four of a kind. You have four cards of the same rank.
- Full House. This combination involves three cards of the same rank (three of a kind) and a pair.
- A hand of five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
- A hand including five consecutive cards that belong to different suits.
- Three of a kind. You have three cards of the same rank.
- Two pair. Two sets of pairs.
- Pair of jacks or better. A hand that includes two jacks, kings, queens, or aces.
As you can see, when playing video poker, you have a lot of possibilities to analyze and make decisions. The higher the hand ranking, the greater the winnings you get. Each video poker game has a paytable that establishes the payouts for every type of hand.
Drawing
Now, tap or click the “draw” button to get new cards from the deck. They will replace the number of cards you discarded.
Revealing the result
The final five-card hand is compared against the game’s paytable. The machine determines the payouts based on traditional poker hand rankings (flushes, straights, pairs, etc.).
What are slots?
Slots or slot machines are gambling games that consist of spinning reels with various symbols. Players place bets and spin the reels, aiming to match symbols across paylines to win prizes. Slots are based on chance, with outcomes determined by random number generators (RNGs). They often feature themes, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots to enhance player engagement.
To read what progressive jackpots are.
The critical components of slots are:
Slots can have three or more reels that spin. Each one has different symbols.
- They are very diverse based on the slot theme (movies, TV shows, music, sports, fantasy, mythology, history, etc.). You will find fruits, bars, sevens, and bells among the most traditional icons.
- These are the lines across the reels where symbols must align to create a winning combination. Modern video slots can have multiple paylines.
- Players can play slots without betting, but to win a prize, placing a bet is a necessary step before spinning the reels. Players can usually choose the number of paylines to bet on and the amount per line.
- RNG (Random Number Generator). A Random Number Generator (software) determines the outcomes of slot machine spins. It defines the location of the symbols on every reel and ensures that each spin is independent and random, providing fair and unpredictable results.
How to play slots?
Before playing slots, ensure you have access to and understand the following information.
Understand the game’s layout
Once you choose your slot machine, explore its design. As mentioned before, there are different types of slots and a massive variety of themes.
Reels and paylines
Know the number of reels and paylines. Modern video slots usually have five reels, while paylines range from one to several hundred.
Symbols
Check the paytable to understand the symbols and their values. The paytable shows which combinations yield winnings and what special symbols like wilds and scatters do.
Now it is playtime! Playing slot machines is straightforward and involves a few basic steps.
Betting. Define your bet and place it. How much are you going to bet per payline? How many playlines do you want to activate? Betting on more paylines increases your chances of winning and your total bet amount.
Spinning the reels
You must only press, tap, or click the spin button to set the reels in motion. Some slot machines include an auto-play feature that allows you to set a predetermined number of spins to occur automatically. If this is the case, use the feature.
Checking for wins
When the reels stop, the machine automatically checks for winning combinations based on the paytable. If you land a winning combination, the machine will credit your balance with the corresponding payout.
That’s it! Simplicity is the main feature of this popular casino game. To understand how this simplicity has made slots the favorite game of millions globally, you can read Why we love slots?. There can be extra features or rounds based on the type of slot you play. For instance, many slot games offer free spins or bonus rounds. They can be triggered by landing certain symbols or combinations, providing additional winning opportunities. Other slots include extra interactive bonus games that require player interaction. Read our full slot guide for more information.
Video poker vs slots comparison
Now we are ready to compare video poker vs slots!
Gameplay mechanics
Let’s start with the basics: the nature of both games. Video poker involves an element of skill. Players are dealt a hand of five cards and must decide which to hold or discard to form the best possible poker hand. Meanwhile, slots are purely based on luck. Players spin reels with the hope of matching symbols on paylines. No skill or decision-making impacts the outcome.
Game variability
Here, there is a similarity. Currently, players can find variations of the original games, each with its rules and paytables. For instance, you can play video poker variations such as Joker Poker, Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, etc. Slots offer many variations, thousands of themes, and choices, from classic three-reel slots to complex video slots with multiple paylines and bonus features.
Games’ bonus features
Some video poker variations may include bonus rounds, but these are generally limited. The primary focus is on the poker hand. Slots often feature a variety of bonus rounds, free spins, multipliers, and interactive elements that enhance gameplay. The slot machines clearly win this round of video poker vs slots.
Betting options
Video poker typically allows players to choose the number of credits (bet) per hand, usually up to five credits, influencing potential payouts. Slots offer a wide range of betting options per line and a number of paylines, allowing for flexible wager amounts.
Players’ level of participation
A difference pops up here: video poker players make more decisions besides their bet amount. The game involves different possibilities (hands); therefore, a strategy is convenient for maximizing returns. The cards you hold or discard significantly affect the outcome. Many slot players share strategies on the Internet, but mostly for betting. How much to bet per line and number of paylines, how frequently, which games to play for higher returns, etc. However, the nature of the game does not allow room for players’ strategy. You only have to spin the reels through a button. Each spin is independent and random, with no influence from player actions.
Random Number Generator (RNG) use
In video poker, RNG determines the initial deal and subsequent draws. The randomness is akin to shuffling a deck of cards. In slots, RNG defines the outcome of each spin. The result is entirely random, ensuring each spin is independent.
House edge
In the context of gambling games, the house edge is the mathematical advantage that the casino has over the players. It represents the percentage of each bet the casino expects to retain as profit over the long run. This concept is essential for online casinos to exist because it ensures they make money over time, regardless of short-term fluctuations. Knowing the house edge of every game is also essential for players to calculate their real chances of winning.
Generally, video poker offers a lower house edge, mainly when players use optimal strategy. Some video poker games can have a house edge as low as 0.5%. Depending on the machine, slots typically have a higher house edge, ranging from 2% to 10% or more.
Payout structure
In video poker, payouts are based on standard poker hand rankings. Specific pay tables define the payout for every hand. In slots, payouts are based on symbol combinations. Different machines have varied payout tables, with the potential for large progressive jackpots.
Payout frequency
Video poker offers consistent payouts for various hands, which can lead to frequent smaller wins. In slots, payout frequency varies widely. Some slots are designed to pay out smaller amounts more frequently, while others may offer larger payouts less often.
Players preferences
Video poker appeals to players who enjoy strategy and skill-based games with a clear understanding of odds and pay tables. Slots attract players who prefer fast-paced, visually stimulating games with the potential for significant, random payouts.
Video poker vs slots, table of comparison
| Parameter | Video Poker | Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay mechanics | Skill and strategy required to form the best possible poker hand. | Purely based on luck. No skill or decision-making impacts the outcome. |
| Game variability | Different variations available, each with its rules and paytables. | A vast number of variations, thousands of themes, and choices. |
| Games’ bonus features | Primary focused on the poker hand. However, some variations include bonus rounds. | Often featuring bonus rounds, free spins, multipliers, and interactive elements that enhance gameplay. |
| Betting options | Players choose the number of credits (bet) per hand, influencing potential payouts. | Wide range of betting options per line and number of paylines. |
| Players’ level of participation | Players make decisions for betting and playing. A strategy is required to maximize returns. | Bet can be strategized, not the game itself. Players can’t influence the outcome, and they can use auto-play mode. |
| Random Number Generator (RNG) use | RNG determines the initial deal and subsequent draws. | RNG ensures each spin is random and independent. |
| House edge | Lower house edge. From 0.5% and up. | Higher house edge, often ranging from 2% to 10% or more. |
| Payout structure | Payouts are based on standard poker hand rankings. | Payouts are based on symbol combinations. Different machines have varied payout tables. |
| Payout frequency | Consistent payouts for various hands, frequent smaller wins. | Some games pay out smaller amounts more frequently, while others offer larger payouts less often. |
| Players preferences | Strategy and skill-based games. | Visually stimulating games with the potential for large, random payouts. |
Conclusion
Video poker vs slots, both games are exciting sources of entertainment and thrilling prizes if you decide to bet on them. Slots, their catchy animations, bells and whistles, and the simplicity of their rules attract millions worldwide. At the same time, video poker mechanics can be more challenging. One is clearly better! Yes, based on your profile, objectives, preferences as a gambling player, or even on the mood you are in at a specific moment, one will be clearly better for you. The video poker is better for the skilled players, who wants to show off their poker skills and have fun. On the other hand, slots can make you a million with just a few spins. You don’t need skill. Just luck.
There is a good news. You don’t have to pick one or the other. You can enjoy the best of both gaming experiences. Spin the reels of slots from time to time and feel how your blood pumps strongly while waiting for the exciting outcome. Play video poker and experience the fantastic pride of beating the house through your strategy. Understanding the differences and similarities between them is a good way to dive into them. Experience them directly, and choose the one that best suits you! Here you can visit some of the best online casinos in the US. Good luck! And win big!