Online Slots vs. Video Poker: Which One Should You Play?

We all have our favorites (often against better judgment), but what this question usually refers to is which one is more profitable.

Obviously, both slots and video poker are casino games, which means you’re gambling, and when you’re gambling - there are no guarantees of profit. 

But we also gamble for fun, and most people are not above enjoying engaging mechanics, striking visuals, or attached benefits in a casino. 

So, having this in mind, which one should you play: slots or video poker? Let’s see how they both score against key criteria!

Skill

Slots are the most played casino games precisely because they are easy to play. They do not require any strategy or skill to have a chance at winning, which means anyone can do it. 

All you have to do is place your bet and hit the spin button. That’s what makes them so attractive to beginners. 

Although some will argue this point, there is no effective slot strategy that will give you any tangible advantage in the long run.

Video poker, on the other hand, requires skill. You have to learn the rules and then practice to decide which cards to hold and which to discard on the deal for the best possible poker hand. Additionally, there are many strategies in video poker that, if played correctly, can make a difference in the long run. 

Payback

The average RTP value in online slots is between 94% and 97% across the board. It refers to the percentage of wagered money you can get back as winnings over a period of time. While slots can churn out massive payouts, the fast-paced gameplay where each spin costs money can lead to losing your entire bankroll in a very short amount of time. You should also factor in volatility and payout frequency to determine the risks involved. 

Video poker is, however, among the only games where a casino doesn’t necessarily have to have the advantage. Depending on the variant, with a low house edge, lucrative paytable, and optimal strategy played well, the player can get an advantage with a chance to win big. Additionally, the player can have some control over the outcome because they get to make decisions over the choice of cards held and discarded. For example, using the optimal strategy on a fullpay Jacks or Better has an RTP of 99.54%. 

Variety

There are undoubtedly many more slot games than video poker released regularly. It is not unusual for casinos nowadays to offer thousands of slots of all types and genres. While some will say that slots are all the same, that may have been true until recently, contemporary slots are filled with innovative features vastly different than their classic counterparts. Megaways and gamification brought new and more exciting ways to win on slots.

Video poker does not lack variety - there are over a hundred variations - and offers more significant differences between variants. However, innovation and advancements are still behind slot games in general. 

Bonuses

Most online and land-based casinos favor slots when it comes to comp points, reward credits, incentives, and bonuses. 

Welcome bonuses are typically attached to certain slots, and even if they can be used on other types of games, the wagering requirements contribution is larger on slots compared to video poker.

What’s your experience like when it comes to slots vs. video poker? Tell us more in the comments!