Most of the material found comparing online playing of video poker vs
slots payback would usually support video poker as the better option, taken
the source material is from an expert on probability and online casino gaming.
However, "thinking outside the box" when playing slot games online can lead to
interesting and surprising conclusions.
The argument in favor of playing video poker vs. slots , is based on
"long term" results, that when basic video poker is played properly, it will
proffer better returns on monies gambled than your average online slot. Video
poker requires a higher level of skill than online slots, and international
competition between all casinos results in a promotion of games with much higher
returns than most slot games. Online casinos offer better returns on video poker
vs slots payback, as people generally do not play poker especially well, thus
enabling the online casino to make a greater profit from "human error"!
There is a way to get the maximum return from a video poker return, although
one must remember that it may still be less than 100%, which means the online
casino is winning - as is the case with the online slots, Roulette etc. The
distinction here is that in the video poker game this margin may be very small ie: 1.00%. An average player can get a return (long term) of roughly 97%, (even
when making errors) when playing a "good" game i.e.: Full Pay Jacks or better.
If a player uses a proper playing strategy in this version of video poker, that
return can be increased to 99, 54%. A casino margin of 0.50% (comparable to
Blackjack) is thus achieved which is much less than that of a basic slot game (3
to 5% margin)
In the game of video poker, a Royal Flush occurs on average 1 to every 40 000
hands and a Straight Flush occurs on average 1 to every 9000 hands. To actually
get the best possible return from online video poker, the player must get both
at some stage in the game. The likelihood of dealing and getting a Royal Flush
in your first video poker hand is possible - this is a random game and it is
dependant on the number of hands you play and the period of time video poker is
played i.e. 1500 hands of video poker - 2 to 3 hours of online gaming. A Royal
or Straight Flush contributes a hefty 2,5% to the overall +99% return of the
Full Pay Jacks or better video poker game. Since most players do not receive
such a hand in the course of playing video poker as a result of averages in a
random game - the casinos? margin increases to +3% i.e. online slots payback.
It is more difficult to determine what a "good" online slots payback game or
machine is, as there is no real quantifiable tool as with online video poker.
Video Poker vs Slots Payback
For example: (long term) return of 97% with a 3% casino margin,
slots payback requiring 3 quarters per spin.
Video poker game: 5 quarters / hand
Both slots and video poker - 400 spins or hands / hour
Therefore: 400 spins on a slot machine at $0.75/spin = $ 300/hour
400 hands of video poker = $ 500/hour
Casino margin = 3% on each game
Therefore:
Expected Loss on slots machine = $ 12/hour
Expected Loss on video poker = $ 15/hour
Assuming the proper playing strategy is used.
So...assuming, you are planning to play online video poker regularly, planning
to (and have the ability to!!) finance unavoidable losing streaks that are part
of video poker and are prepared to study the proper playing tactics.... online
video poker will offer better returns long term. SO.... video poker vs slots
payback? ... Video Poker ....!.
However, many people with a spare $ 50, see gaming as entertainment,
relaxation, fun, and would rather play online slots games than video poker.
Also, some slot machines - with no progressive slots, pay proportionately,
allowing that $ 100 to get the player hours of playing time, which could
actually see the player getting a return - unlike going to a movie or sporting
event!
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