You are probably aware that video poker and slots are two of the most popular types of casino games these days.
Which of these ways of wagering should you try? The truth is that there are good reasons for playing both, so what are the main factors to take into account when deciding?
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The Same Fast and Convenient Approach
Both video poker and slots have a similar set up, designed to let you start playing quickly and without any fuss. All you need to do is choose the size of your stake and then hit the play or deal button to get started.
There is no need to read a long set of rules to understand what is going on. However, it makes sense to take a quick look at the main rules, as they vary a little between games. For example, in slots you may have different bonus rounds, while video poker variants sometimes add in extra features like jackpots.
You can play slots or video poker at any time without any fuss, as they are computer-generated and always ready to go. There is no need to wait around for a dealer or for other players to join. This makes both of them highly convenient.
More Decisions to Be Made on Video Poker
When you play an online slot machine, the only decision you usually need to make is how much to wager. This is great for some players, who just want to get started. But others might prefer to play more of an active part in determining the outcome of the game.
With video poker, you will often be given a chance to decide which cards to hold and which to change. This means that you can put your poker knowledge to good use in trying to create a winning hand. It still doesn’t mean that you need to use any complex strategies, but you will feel more in control of the outcome.
With both these types of casino game, the main strategy you need to implement is a solid bankroll strategy. This means that you choose the level of your stake wisely each time, to ensure that you can keep on playing for as long as you want to.
A Clearer Paytable
You will see a paytable on both video poker games and slots. With video poker, it is usually shown on the main page, while with slots you need to click on the paytable button to get taken there.
The reason for this difference is that the video poker paytable is a lot simpler. It is really just a list of the strongest possible poker hands and the amount that you would win on each of them. This makes it very easy to understand.
With slots, the paytable is more complex, as it covers a range of paying symbols and will usually have special symbols like wilds and scatters too. Many of these games also have bonus features, and while they are triggered automatically you probably want to understand them and how much you could win on them.
A Lot of Variety in Both Types of Game
No matter which of these casino options you choose, there is a lot of variety to look for. Casinos typically offer hundreds of slots with themes that run from monsters and wizards to famous TV characters and adventures around the world.
Video poker variety comes in the form of a range of different titles, such as Jack or Better and Joker Poker, which add in their own unique rules. For instance, in Joker Poker the joker is wild and can also give you a special payout when paired with a face card.
The Payouts and RTP
The amount you can win is another important factor when choosing a game to play. Both slots and video poker games tend to offer decent prizes, with jackpots often up for grabs as the biggest prize of all.
Another factor that is worth bearing in mind is the return to player (RTP). This gives you an indication of how much you can hope to win. Video poker games are usually among the titles with the highest RTPs. While slots have varying RTPs, they are typically lower than what you see with video poker.
If you wish to start playing video poker, you can find out here a good provider of video poker games.
Summary
Video poker and slots both offer a great way of playing some fun games that are easy to pick up. If you are looking for a fast way of betting online, they are both worth checking. They have a lot in common and there is a good chance that if you enjoy one kind then you also like the other.
However, we have seen that there are certainly a few areas in which video poker edges ahead of slots in terms of things like a clearer paytable and the ability you have to influence the outcome.
