Is Video Poker the Same as Poker?
No, video poker is not the same as poker. If you played video poker, you may mistake it to be the same as poker. This is because there are some distinct similarities, but the casino game games are very much different. There are several differences between the two games, such as the gameplay, variations, and payout percentage.
Before we get into details on how video poker is not the same as poker, we have a few things we want to remind you about both games. Video poker is not a table game. It is played on a machine, and unlike poker, it is not played with a dealer. Poker, on the other hand, is a table game, and whether you play online or at a land-based casino, you will play with a dealer. Below we take a look at all the obvious differences between video poker and online poker.
Why is Video Poker not the Same as Poker?
For starters, regular poker games are played on a table. Video poker is on a machine that somewhat resembles a slot machine.
Video poker is an interactive game where the RNG will deal you five cards. You have to select which cards you want to keep and which you would like to discard. Your discarded cards will be replaced, and you will win according to the final hand you have.
With poker, you will make pre-determined bets then you will have to create a winning hand from the cards you are dealt. You can call, raise, or fold. The highest winning hand in the game will win. Regular poker is not as fast-paced as video games, and a lot more skill is required in these games.
Both these games have variations which are completely different and set them apart. Regular poker games have low and high limit games apart from variations such as Texas Holdem and Omaha. With video poker, there is a wide variety of variations such as Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Aces and Faces, and many others.
Is Video Poker’s RTP the Same as Poker
No, the return to player in video poker is not the same as in poker. Video poker has a house edge of 0.5%, and it can go up to 5%. There are many players who think that with the right strategy, you can get the game to 0% house edge. Obviously, this is not true as similar to land-based casinos, internet casinos have to make money somehow.
On the other hand, depending on the poker variation you are playing, the game will have a different house edge. The top three poker games to play that have a favorable house edge include three card poker, Caribbean Stud, and Pai Gow poker. Three card poker has an edge of 1,5%, Pai Gow poker has a 2.5% edge, and Caribbean stud has a 5% edge.
Video Poker vs. Poker
To understand the difference between both games easier, we have created a table with the main differences.
| Video Poker | Online Poker |
|---|---|
| There are no bad beats. You will get paid out regardless of your hand ranking | You can lose out on winning to another player |
| There is only one betting round. | Poker has several betting rounds and decision-making points |
| The strategies are easy to follow and uncomplicated | Apart from gameplay strategies, there are other strategies such as calling, raising, bluffing, and folding to be considered |
| The cost of playing each video poker game is made clear from the offset as you set the betting amount | Poker games are not clear from the onset how much you could spend on each game. |
| Video poker is clear on how much each hand is worth from the get-go as it is displayed on the machine | Unlike video poker, regular poker games don’t tell you how much each hand is worth until the very end. Also, the hand you hold may not even win a prize. |
Differences in Hand Rankings
This one of the elements of video poker that is the same as many online poker games. The winning hand ranking go from one pair to a royal flush, and they do not change in any of the casino games. Of course, depending on the variations of the game, these rankings will differ slightly. But a royal flush in each game will always be an Ace, 10, Jack, Queen, and King hand. The same applies for two pairs, three of a kind, straight, four of a kind, straight flush, and a flush.
Which Game Is Better?
This will depend in your skillset and what you are looking for in casino games. Video poker requires less skill than regular poker games. However, you need to know how to play each hand to create the best winning hand.
With poker, part of playing is trying and predicting what other players are playing their cards. With video poker, this not necessary. How you win will depend solely on your card combination, and you will be paid out according to the payable.
Video poker is a computerized casino game where you don’t have to worry about staying cool, being under pressure, or manipulating other players. However, if you prefer games that place you in such a position you should play poker games instead.
Play Video Poker or Poker Online
We enjoy playing both games and have done so at many different casinos online. Most of the casinos that we have reviewed allow players to try out both games for free. This will allow you to test the water with both casino games to see how different they are and which one you prefer. Below we have hand-picked two of the most popular casinos that offer video poker and online poker games. The best part is that they offer some of the best bonuses found online.
