Understanding Video Poker Slot Machines

Video poker machines and slot machines are similar, however there are significant differences between the two. Video poker slot machines are both similar and different to classic slot machines. These comparison lie in the way the machines look, the games that are played on them and their functions. It is important to understand the differences between the two types of machines before you begin to play video poker slot machines.

Similarities between Video Poker Slot Machines and Slot Machines

The most obvious similarity between video poker slot machines and classic slots or video slots machines lies in the way they look. Players sit in front of both types of upright machines and operate them with the use of coins. They have either a lever or more commonly, in the modern machines, a button to press in order to begin play. There is also a hopper on both machines for the player to collect any cash or ticket winnings.

Video poker slot machines and slots machines are typically produced by the same IGT company. Both machines are also able to offer progressive jackpot options.

Both video poker slot machines and slot machines are operated with the use of a random number generator (RNG) which ensures that the outcome of all cards dealt or symbols spun are completely random and fair.

Differences between Video Poker Slot Machines and Slot Machines

The main difference between video poker slot machines and slot machines is the game that you play on each. While the machines may look the same, the aim of the games and the way that you play them are significantly different. On video poker slot machines, you play a game that is similar to casino table poker – you are dealt cards that you are required to make the best poker hand possible with. You are then able to swap cards in your hand for new cards which are dealt to you and your winnings are calculated according to the final hand that you hold. On the other hand, slot machines have reels which spin symbols and you spin the wheel in the hope that the necessary symbols will line up in order to provide a winning combination. You cannot affect the outcome of the game on a slot machine, except for the amount of money that you bet and which lines you bet on.

Another major difference between video poker slot machines and slots machines lies in the use of the random number generator. The pay back percentage of a video poker machine can be worked out relatively simply as it is based on the odds of being dealt a particular card from a 52 or a 53 card deck (depending on the variation of video poker that you are playing). On the other hand, the pay back percentage of slot machines is impossible to determine by looking at the machine as these machines pay out a percentage of the amount of money that is put through it.

There are significant differences in the pay out potential of video poker slot machines versus slot machines. Video poker slot machines can pay out from 97%, while slots machines can pay out from 91%. Skill is required in the playing of video poker which can improve the player's odds, while slots machine games are game of pure chance.