Video poker is not online poker. If you’ve ever played this game, then you know one can easily mistake it with online poker. The two games have many things in common, but they are also very different. There are a few differences between these two games, like payout percentage, variations, and gameplay.

Before getting into details on the differences between these two games, there are a few things we’d like to highlight about these games. First, unlike the regular game, video poker isn’t a table game. The game is played on the machine and doesn’t include a dealer. On the other hand, online poker is a popular table game and consists of a dealer, whether you play at a brick-and-mortar casino or online.

Why Video Poker Is Different From Online Poker?

First, regular poker is played on the table, but the video version is played on the machine, similar to a slot machine.

Secondly, video poker is a highly interactive casino game where the five cards are dealt with by Random Number Generators (RNG). With this game, you need to choose the card you wish to keep and the ones you’d like to discard. The discarded cards will have to be replaced, and your winning chances are determined by the final hand.

On the other hand, with online poker, you should make predetermined wagers and then create the winning hand from the dealt cards. You can fold, raise or call. The highest hand wins the game. Also, it’s fast-paced and requires fewer skills.

The two games have many variations that are entirely different and set them further apart. Besides variations like Omaha and Texas Hold’em, online poker has high and low limit games. With this game, players can expect an extensive range of variations like Aces and Faces, Bonus, Jacks or Better, and others.

Is Poker RTP Same As Video Poker

No, the two games have different return to player percentage (RTP), and their returns are different. With video poker, the house edge ranges between 0.5% and 5%. Some players still believe that if they implement the right strategy when playing this game, they can reduce the house edge further to 0%. Nonetheless, this isn’t true because, like brick-and-mortar casinos, online casino operators need to make money.

Moreover, based on the online variant you’re playing, the games have different house edges. The best games you should play for a lower house edge include Pai Gow, the Caribbean Stud, and Three-card poker. They have a house edge of 5%, 2.5%, and 1.5%.

Video Poker Vs. Online Poker

We’ve created the following table to help you understand the main differences between these games.

Video Poker	Online Poker
A single betting round	Multiple betting rounds as well as decision-making points
No bad beats – players get paid no matter the hand ranking	A player can lose out the winning on other players
Uncomplicated and easy to follow strategies	Besides the usual gameplay strategies, there are extra strategies such as folding, bluffing, raising and calling to be considered
The cost of every game is clear from the beginner after setting the betting amount	With the regular games, the amount you can spend on every game isn’t clear from the beginning
It is pretty clear how much every hand is worth from the beginning and is displayed on the machine	Doesn’t clearly state how much every hand is worth until the game ends. Moreover, the hand you hold might not win the prize.

 

Different in the Hand Rankings

Hand rankings are one of the aspects of video poker that’s also similar to many regular poker games. In essence, the winning hand ranking extends from 1 pair to the royal flush, and they don’t change in any of these games. Technically, based on the game variations, these hand rankings slightly differ. But the royal flush in every game will be a King, Queen, 10, and Ace hand. The same goes for a flush, straight flush, four of a kind, straight, three of a kind, and two pairs.

Which Is Better?

The correct answer to this depends on what you are looking for and your skillset. Online poker requires more skill. Nevertheless, you must know how to play every hand to build a winning combination.

With regular poker, an integral part of playing is trying to predict how other players will play their cards. However, this isn’t necessary with the video version. How you win with video poker solely depends on the card combination, and you get paid based on what’s posted on the paytable.

Essentially, video poker is a mechanized game where players don’t have to worry about manipulating other players, being under pressure, and staying calm. Nevertheless, if you prefer other casino games, which place you in such a position, then you should try out regular games.

Play Online Poker Or Video Poker

We enjoy playing these casino games, and this is something we’ve done on different casino sites. Almost every trusted casino site we’ve tried out offers their players a chance to play both games for free. This gives you a chance to try out these games to see their differences to find one that fits your preferences and gaming style.

Conclusion

There are many differences between these two games. The game you choose to play depends on your personality as a player and precisely what you’re looking for. As mentioned earlier, video poker is fast-paced and requires fewer skills. Even novices with just the basic knowledge of the game can place bets and win.

On the other hand, poker requires more skills and patience. Regular games also need more time to perfect your gaming skills. Players with enough time to practice and learn will have a better chance of winning these games. However, if you don’t have enough time to sit at the tables or practice due to work constraints or family issues, stick to video poker games.

Nonetheless, there is every reason for these two games to co-exist. Many players still enjoy a few rounds of video poker, and most rookies find it a great stepping-stone to regular poker.

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