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Why Play Video Poker

S. Stoynova (editor) |

6 Compelling Reasons to Try Video Poker

Like all casino games, video poker has both advantages and disadvantages but it is fair to say the former greatly outnumber the latter in this case. This relatively straightforward game has a number of unique characteristics that considerably increase its appeal in the eyes of savvy players looking for better odds and lower house edges. While video poker is often intimidating from the perspective of rookie gamblers, it is well worth mastering given the numerous benefits it offers.

Video poker is suitable for players from all walks of life, especially those keen on improving their winning chances by implementing optimal strategy. It has a relatively simple structure but this simplicity does not come at the expense of a high house edge as is usually the tendency with simple casino games.

Quite the contrary, video poker offers some of the highest payback rates out there but its advantages hardly end here. The game allows for greater flexibility and more decision-making, not to mention it is broadly available in numerous online variations, allowing you to play from the comfort of your surroundings whenever you feel like it. We discuss all these merits and more in the following article.

Great Payouts

Video Poker Full HouseVideo poker is largely regarded as one of the best casino games in terms of long-term payout percentages. Many variations use the so-called Jacks or Better payout structure, meaning that players get paid when they have at least a pair of Jacks or better. In some cases, the name of the variation is indicative of the lowest winning combination but not necessarily always so. Unlike regular peer-to-peer poker, here you play against the software rather than against fellow gamblers. This not only spares you from dealing with unnecessary distractions but also enables you to win with a decent hand without having to compete against others.

It is worth mentioning the long-term payout percentage strictly depends on the paytable of the respective video poker variation. Thus, it is essential to consider it beforehand to ensure the game of your choice offers decent winning odds. The best video poker games are those that offer full-pay paytables. The paytables also differ from one variation to another. Some video poker variants yield an expected return that exceeds 100 percent, but such games are extremely rare and mighty difficult to find, especially online.

The game is capable of producing huge payouts and this is the primary reason for its massive popularity among players. The most popular variation Jacks or Better has an expected return of 99.54%.

Low House Advantage

It is no secret that all casino games have a built-in statistical advantage against players. Casinos would not offer them had it been otherwise. However, some games put players at a smaller disadvantage, offering them better chances of winning. In general, games that require strategy and knowledge have better winning odds. Video poker serves as a perfect example as it combines strategy and luck.

The game has a very low house edge to begin with, but players can reduce it even further by applying a reliable strategy. Video poker is often confused with another popular casino game, slots, whose outcomes are based entirely on luck. However, players should bear in mind that the two games operate on a different principle and yield different house edges, respectively.

Most video poker variations have house edges of less than 1%.

It Is a Strategy Game

Video Poker MachineOne of coolest aspects about video poker is that players can impact the outcomes by following a correct strategy. It offers the perfect middle ground between skill and luck and this is precisely what makes it so appealing to players. Video poker allows you to put your knowledge to the test and impact the final outcome by using strategy. It enables you to develop your skills and win some money while enjoying an exciting casino game. You can master various efficient strategies that differ based on their level of difficulty. This makes them suitable for all types of players, regardless of their experience level, risk tolerance, and style.

Even though it is impossible to predict the values of the upcoming cards with absolute certainty as the game is randomly generated, players can still influence the final outcome of a round by using a strategy. Statistically speaking, if they always stick to their strategy, they can significantly increase their chances of winning and profit in the long term. Moreover, players also have the opportunity to win big by playing video poker variations with progressive jackpots.

Fun and Enjoyable Gameplay

Fun and Enjoyable Game of Video PokerVideo poker is an interesting game whose rules are fairly easy to grasp. Its betting structure and gameplay are also quite straightforward, which enables players to fully enjoy the game and have fun. This game has become a major source of entertainment for thousands of gamblers as it has proven to be extremely fun and exciting. It has also a number of interesting variations, allowing fans of the video poker genre to diversify their gaming experience. Another major reason for the enormous popularity of video poker results from the fact players can put their skills to the test and impact the final outcome rather than just click a button and wait for the result.

Numerous Variations

Video poker is available in a number of variations, some of which enable you to bet on and play multiple hands at the same time. There is no shortage of options to explore, including player-favorites like Deuces Wild, Loose Deuces, Aces and Eights, Joker Poker, and Double Bonus Poker, to mention a few. Even the most basic variation Jacks or Better has its own sub-variations. This huge diversity makes it possible to keep things fresh and experience the game in a whole new light.

Before trying a particular version, players should always double check its paytable and the rules to make sure it offers a decent payout percentage and low house edge.

Easy To Find

Video Poker Selection at CasinoVideo poker enjoys a tremendous popularity, so much so that it is presently available at most, if not all online and landbased casinos. You can even encounter it in non-gaming venues like truck stops, diners, bars, and supermarkets. Online casinos give players a greater flexibility by providing them with a choice from various single-hand and multi-hand variants where they can bet on up to a hundred hands simultaneously. You can even practice and improve your knowledge without risking your hard-earned money by playing the demo versions of the game.

Conclusion

Video Poker is one of the most popular gambling games and as such, can be found in many brick-and-mortar and online casinos. It is a game of both skill and chance, allowing players to improve their odds of winning by applying a reliable strategy. Video poker appeared for the first time in the 1970s, along with another popular casino game – video slots. Because of this, comparisons between the two are often drawn. However, it should be noted that they operate in a very different way. Video poker has a number of advantages, including a low house edge and a high theoretical return, which definitely makes it worth trying.

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