Video Poker vs Video Lottery Terminals
| Updated: Broad-Stroke Differences between Video Poker and VLTs
When it comes to fixed-odds gaming machines, there is greater diversity than you might think. This market has been expanding rapidly and is projected to grow even further in the years to come. Unfortunately, many players still struggle to differentiate between certain types of gaming equipment and often confuse video poker cabinets with video lottery terminals (VLTs). These two types of machines share some similarities at first glance, but the differences are far more pronounced.
Payouts are awarded on different principles, and some video lottery terminals are not operated via random number generators (RNGs), as is always the case with video poker machines. Payback percentages also differ, with VLTs offering invariably poorer odds of winning than video poker. Chance is the deciding factor with video lottery terminals, whereas video poker players can sway the odds in their favor through strategy and informed decision-making. So which is better? Continue reading to find out.
Video Poker Overview
The huge popularity of video poker can be at least partially attributed to the type of machine it is played on. Standard video poker machines run on Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure the cards are always dealt randomly. The RNG reshuffles the cards after every single round so that each card has an equal chance of coming up next. The RNG follows no patterns and ensures unpredictability.
Once players receive the five cards comprising their starting hand, they can replace some of them to try to form a winning combination. These discards are removed from play and the replacements are dealt from the remaining deck. The round then ends and the cards are reshuffled again by the RNG. This feature is what makes video poker a strategy game, as players can make informed decisions based on the composition of their starting hand and the cards left in the deck. Random Number Generators are used by all licensed and regulated casinos to ensure fair play. Video poker would not be a beatable game without the RNG.
Video Lottery Terminals Overview
Some video lottery terminals provide a choice of multiple games, including video poker, video slots, and keno. These machines generally belong to the Class II category of games and require a different type of authorization and license. They are also regulated differently. What sets them apart from conventional video poker machines is that VLTs are usually interconnected. They share a common computer system, which allows the respective gaming regulator to supervise their operation easily. The number of winners is often predetermined, similarly to sweepstakes, meaning that VLTs are programmed to pay out according to a preset pattern.
Some terminals operate via RNGs, but more often than not, they do not. The outcomes are based on a fixed pool. As their name suggests, most VLTs function similarly to standard lottery draws and sweepstakes. When you start playing, the machine selects a positive or negative outcome from a preset pool. This pool allows for a certain number of wins and losses and is reset after a given period.
Differences between Video Poker and Video Lottery Terminals
To determine which machines are more beneficial, it is best to compare both types. The most noticeable difference between video poker machines and video lottery terminals is that VLTs do not allow you to influence their outcome through strategy. Here, you rely solely on luck, as winners are selected randomly regardless of skill or knowledge.
All dealt hands are programmed in advance to either win or lose, and your playing decisions have no influence over the outcome. As you can perhaps tell, this puts off many video poker enthusiasts, as it removes the fun of trying to improve one’s hand. Video lottery terminals are identical to slot machines in this respect. Unlike slots, however, they are operated via a central computer system.
Another significant difference is that video lottery terminals are often linked, whereas video poker machines operate independently of one another. When you play a standard video poker machine, you may hit a winning combination like the Royal Flush several times, or you may not get it at all, regardless of how much time you spend on that machine. This is because the RNG does not follow a pattern and always deals the cards randomly.
Speaking of the RNG, it is another aspect that sets the two types of machines apart. Many video lottery terminals do not rely on random number generation for their outcomes. Instead, they allow for a fixed number of winners selected in advance. There is always going to be a winner, but it is impossible to figure out who and when. It all depends on whether you are lucky enough to ‘draw the winning ticket’. Bear in mind that your odds of winning are extremely low with VLTs and never change.
Further Thoughts
Taking into account the information above, we can conclude that video lottery terminals are not as advantageous as standard video poker machines. Thus, it is best to avoid them, as your skill and strategy will not make a difference. Distinguishing between the two types of machines can be quite difficult, as they look similar. One thing you can do is check the gambling regulations regarding VLTs in your jurisdiction.
It should be noted that VLTs are not legal in all countries. If they are prohibited where you live, there is no need to worry about encountering them. If not, you should look for several indicators to spot them. For instance, if the machine has a button that reads “Automatic Hold”, it is most likely a video lottery terminal. If you are unable to replace cards from your starting hand, this is also a sign you are playing a VLT.
Conclusion
Video lottery terminals offer games whose outcomes are usually predetermined, so it is best to avoid them whenever you spot them. It is important to look into this matter carefully to ensure you are aware of the main differences between video lottery terminals and video poker machines. What makes video poker a great game is the fact that you can play strategically and improve your odds. Playing video poker on VLTs deprives you of this opportunity.