Which Has Better Payouts, Video Poker Or Slot Games?

In online casinos, video poker and slot games hold prominent spots. However, when it comes to determining which one offers better payouts, the lines often blur. Learn about the depths of video-type poker and slot games in terms of payouts here.

House Edge: The Math Behind The Reels

A factor determining payouts in casino games is the house edge – the statistical advantage that the casino has over the player. Generally, slot games have a higher house edge, often between 2% and 15%, depending on the machine and online casino.

In stark contrast, video-type poker games can have lower house edges, sometimes less than 1%, proportional to the player’s knowledge of poker strategy. This lower house edge implies better overall return possibilities for the player.

Jackpot Potential: The Allure of the Big Win

At this point, video-type poker seems to take the lead. However, you must consider jackpot potential. Progressive slot games can offer astronomical jackpot amounts, which can often reach millions in value if they haven’t been won for a while.

The chance to win life-changing amounts from relatively small bets is a powerful attraction of slot games, albeit a chance-based one. Although this poker can also offer payouts for high-ranking hands, these rarely match the potential returns from slot game jackpots.

Skill vs Luck: Determining Your Game

Choosing between the two also depends on a player’s preference for game types. This poker allows players to make strategic decisions, directly impacting the game’s outcome. With knowledge of poker hand ranking and strategic gameplay, players can significantly influence their winning chances.

On the other hand, slot games rely solely on the spin’s outcome. For players who prefer games of pure chance and those who enjoy the thrill of chasing massive progressive jackpots, slot games may be more appealing.

Payout Percentages: Reading the RTP

Return To Player (RTP) is the percentage of wagered money that a slot machine will pay back to the player over time. Most online slot games have an RTP between 92% and 98%. Video-type poker games, however, often have higher RTPs.

Skillful Play or Lucky Day?

The payout prospects in video poker and slot games depend on factors like house edge, RTP, jackpot size, and the players’ skill or luck. Video-type poker, with lower house edges and high RTPs, indeed offers attractive return possibilities, especially for skilled and strategic players.

Conversely, for players who prefer games of chance and the lure of big jackpots, slot games could be the way to go. Ultimately, choosing between poker and slot games should align with a player’s preferences and gaming style, ensuring a rewarding online casino experience.

The Many Features Modern Slot Games Have

Slot machines today have evolved into high-tech games packed with features that amplify the thrill and rewards. From multiple reels and paylines to intricate bonus rounds, wilds, scatters, multipliers, and more, modern slot games provide a captivating gaming experience. Here are some slot features that enhance engagement and opportunities in contemporary slot games.

Multi-Reel & Multi-Payline Slots: Boosting Winning Opportunities

Modern slots have moved far beyond the traditional three-reel format. Five-reel games are now standard, with some games even offering six or seven reels. These extra reels not only enhance game complexity but also lead to a greater number of paylines, and, consequently, more opportunities to win.

Furthermore, many contemporary slots offer variable payline options, letting players choose how many lines to activate. Some even feature 243 or 1024 “ways to win” systems, where payouts are for adjacent symbols, regardless of the line they fall on.

Wild Symbols and Scatters: Adding a Twist to the Game

Wild symbols and scatter symbols add a different dynamic to modern slot games. The wild symbols act as substitutes for other symbols on the reels, helping form winning combinations. They may also come with multipliers, duplicating, or expanding capabilities, providing players with added chances to win.

Scatter symbols, on the other hand, are often associated with unlocking special game features. Usually, landing a certain number of scatters triggers bonus rounds, free spins, or access to other rewarding features of the game.

Bonus Games: Stepping Beyond Standard Spins

The advent of bonus games has helped slot machines stand out. These are mini-games within the slots and are typically triggered by hitting a specific combination of symbols. Bonus games vary widely from one slot to another and can include free spins, click-and-pick games, wheel of fortune spins, or even skill-based arcade-style rounds. These provide players with an opportunity to win more prizes and serve as an enjoyable diversion from standard slots.

Progressive Jackpots: Chasing Life-Changing Wins

Another feature of modern slot games is the presence of progressive jackpots. As players wager, a portion of each bet goes into a communal jackpot pool. This jackpot continues to grow until one lucky player lands the winning combination, often leading to massive prizes. Progressive jackpots offer a unique thrill and the potential for enormous returns from relatively small bets.

Gamble Features: Doubling Down on Wins

Lastly, modern slots now include gamble slot features, which offer players the opportunity to double or even quadruple their winnings. Upon landing a win, players are given a chance to gamble their prize on an outcome of a coin flip or card draw, with the potential to significantly amplify their winnings. However, caution is advised as a wrong guess could lead to losing the win.