Video Poker vs. Slots: What Is Better?

1. Video Poker vs. Slots: RTP Comparison

Real-money slots have an average RTP of 96.00%, with higher paying games exceeding 98.00%. Most slot games have a fixed RTP, but several factors can affect it. The most common features are those that offer large prizes, such as jackpots.

The RTP for slots is better than many other gambling options, but even the highest-paying slot machines struggle to compete with video poker games. With the right strategy and a player-friendly pay table, the RTP on some video poker machines can exceed 100%.

Also, unlike most slot games, the amount you wager can change your RTP in video poker. For the best return, you need to bet the maximum on every hand for many variants of the game.

Overall, video poker has a much higher return than most casino games, including slots, but only with optimal strategy. This is a key difference, as every mistake you make while playing drops this percentage. And since I touched on strategy already, let’s talk about that next.

2. Slots vs. Video Poker: Strategy

Slots do not require much strategy. You should follow basic gambling rules, such as sticking to your bankroll and wagering responsibly, but the results are beyond your control.

Once you set your stake and start spinning the reels, you are at the mercy of the RNG running the game. Some slot minigames and features require minimal strategic thinking and planning, but these are uncommon.

The lack of strategy needed for slots is a major reason they are so attractive to new gamblers. For experienced gamblers, though, the lack of strategy can make slots boring.

Video poker, conversely, relies heavily on your strategy. Your decisions about how much to bet and which cards to keep can dramatically change the RTP. The game’s pay table also plays a major factor, and choosing the right machine is a key part of any winning strategy.

Overall, video poker is for people who want to have some control over the outcomes, while slots are more suited for players who just want to have some fun.

3. Video Poker vs. Slots: Variety

Video poker has a lot of advantages over slots, but the latter takes the cake when it comes to game variety.

Most casinos offer hundreds, if not thousands, of slot games for players to choose from. The variety is staggering, here are just the biggest categories of slots:

• • Classic slots
  • Video slots
  • Jackpot slots
  • Hold and win games
  • Themed slots

Video poker options, for comparison, are typically limited to a dozen or so machines at most casinos. The most common style is Jacks or Better, with other common titles including Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker.

To add variety, some casinos offer multi-hand versions of their video poker machines.

Red Dog Casino, for instance, is one of the best video poker casinos on the market today. It offers a robust video poker section that includes 28 titles. Even this large selection is dwarfed by the casino’s 1,300+ slot titles.

4. Slots vs. Video Poker: Promotions

Another win for slots is the number of promotions that favor slot players. Most welcome bonuses, especially the ones that include free spins, are designed to be used on slot games. Video poker bonuses are few and far between.

This point is hammered home even more when you examine bonus contribution tables. Slots typically contribute 100% toward your rollover requirements. Video poker, if eligible for bonus funds, usually contributes only 10%.

Video poker players are typically better off relying on VIP reward programs. These programs are not specifically designed for video poker, but they often offer cashable comp points that can be redeemed to fund your bankroll.

Still, you usually get a fraction of the value compared to slots action. It all comes from the low RTP for video poker. It’s one of the few games where you can beat the casino, especially with extra value from promotion, so most gambling sites and venues are very careful.

In comparison, slots are very profitable for the house. On the bright side, the promotions available for them reduce the actual house edge you’re playing with.

5. Video Poker vs. Slots: Max Prizes

The maximum prize for video poker games is usually awarded for a natural royal flush. To maximize your payment, you need to bet the max., usually five coins, and have a player-friendly pay table.

Video poker machines have maximum bet and maximum prize limits. Slots are trickier. The maximum prize varies from game to game, as does the method for winning it.

On the bright side, the top payouts for jackpot slots far exceed your average video poker game. Progressive games that attract players worldwide can offer prizes worth millions of dollars. Even smaller jackpot slots have better payouts than video poker.

A 9/6, or “full-pay,” Jacks or Better game, for instance, has a maximum payout of 4,000 coins for a royal flush at maximum stakes. The best progressive jackpots often hit six, if not seven figures.

Large jackpots are another way that slots can offset their relatively low RTP. However, you should read the rules carefully to ensure you are eligible for the jackpot prize. Some slots require minimum bets to qualify for jackpots or only offer their biggest prizes in minigames and special features.