Video Poker Myths
| Updated: Debunking Widespread Video Poker Misconceptions
Casino games have given rise to various misconceptions over the years, and video poker is no exception. Unlike seasoned players, rookies often fall prey to false beliefs because they lack experience and a proper understanding of this popular strategy-based game. What’s worse, fostering such myths often costs them their bankrolls. Broadening your knowledge of video poker strategy and probabilities is the surest (and only) way to beat the game, maximize your profits, and improve your long-term chances of winning.
Similarly, the only way to dispel the numerous myths surrounding video poker is to replace them with logic and a proper understanding of how its odds work. To help you on your way to achieving this, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the most widespread misconceptions about video poker. Hopefully, after reading it, you will stop waiting for “due” games to reward you with a payout.
Video Poker Machines Are Fixed
One of the biggest myths rookie players believe is that the outcomes in video poker are predetermined. However, this is not the case, as all video poker games run on Random Number Generators (RNGs). To better understand how video poker works, you must familiarize yourself with RNGs and the vital role they play in producing unbiased results. An RNG relies on complex algorithms to shuffle and draw the cards in a completely random and unpredictable manner.
Moreover, video poker games are regularly audited by independent testing houses to ensure they always produce fair and random outcomes. RNG technology is fully reliable in this respect, and all licensed online casinos implement it. It preserves the integrity of the games and makes it impossible for players to predict which cards will be dealt next. In turn, this ensures all cards have an equal chance of appearing after the initial draw.
High-Denomination Machines Are the Best
Some players are convinced that high-denomination games pay out more than low-denomination ones. This myth exists because many people overlook the fact that high-denomination machines require larger wagers per hand, which naturally lead to bigger payouts when you win. Thus, two video poker games will have similar payback percentages if they share identical paytables, regardless of their coin denomination. It is the paytable, not the coin denomination, that determines how much a given variation pays.
Video Poker Machines Inevitably Become “Due”
Another popular myth is that if a video poker game hasn’t dealt a Royal Flush in a while, the combination is ‘due’ and will appear soon. Nothing could be further from the truth; there is no such thing as a “due” machine in video poker. On average, a Royal Flush appears roughly once every 40,000 hands. Because video poker relies on random number generation, you could theoretically hit two Royal Flushes in a row—or fail to see one even after 80,000 hands.
Many players assume a game will not produce another Royal Flush soon after someone has just hit one. In reality, landing the same hand shortly afterward is entirely possible, even though the odds are long. When it comes to video poker, there are no “cold” or “hot” machines. Even if you feel you are on a winning or losing streak, these streaks are purely coincidental. As explained, the Random Number Generator does not consider past outcomes—the cards are reshuffled randomly after every hand you play.
Online Video Poker Offers Worse Payout Percentages
This belief first gained traction in the early days of iGaming, when many players regarded online casino games with distrust and suspicion. The good news is that this myth is completely unfounded. Modern online casinos rely on cutting-edge technology and often offer better odds to outcompete their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Reputable online gambling operators have brands to protect and are licensed by well-established regulatory bodies that enforce fair practices. Therefore, players can rest assured that online video poker is just as safe to play as its land-based counterpart. More importantly, it offers the same odds of winning.
What many players overlook is that online casinos have lower overhead costs, which allows them to offer better playing conditions and more generous bonuses. It is true that some online casinos feature video poker variants that are less favorable to players, but such games can also be found in brick-and-mortar venues.
Betting Less Minimizes the Number of Bad Deals
Despite the fact betting the maximum number of coins (five) is always recommended, some players believe that wagering less somehow reduces their chances of losing. This is not the case because the size of one’s bet does not influence the combination of cards dealt by the RNG. While betting the maximum number of coins does not guarantee premium hands, it is still the optimal approach in the long run because it significantly lowers the house edge. Conversely, inserting fewer coins will not save you from losses or prevent non-paying combinations.
Playing Faster to Win the Game Quicker
As strange as it may sound, some players believe the speed at which they play affects their chances of winning. This simply is not true. In fact, the faster you play, the more money you are likely to spend. Playing quickly also prevents you from fully enjoying the game and from making optimal decisions. Myths on this subject were most likely propagated by casinos to encourage players to cycle their bankrolls more quickly.
Video Poker Cannot Be Won
Even though video poker strategies have proven to be highly effective, some players still believe the game cannot be beaten because of its virtual nature. These players rely solely on luck, basing their decisions on gut feelings and hunches. In reality, video poker is where chance meets skill, and the idea that the game is unbeatable is simply ludicrous.
With a sound strategy and sufficient skill, it is possible to make a profit in the long term. Additionally, video poker features a relatively low house edge, which further benefits players. That said, it is essential to employ a solid money-management system if you wish to preserve your winnings.
Conclusion
Video poker is one of the most widespread games available at both online and land-based casinos. The electronic nature of the game has, over the years, given rise to various myths and tall tales. This has sparked many questions about its fairness, winning combinations, and optimal play. However, most of these stories are mere misconceptions, and players should not fall for them. Familiarizing yourself with these myths will help you recognize which claims are unfounded.