Video Poker vs Slots: Which Game Gives You the Edge?

Read Time:4 Minute, 14 Second

At first glance, video poker and slot machines might look almost identical, as both are fast-paced and easy to play. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that these two Betpanda official casino favorites couldn’t be more different.

While slots are all about luck and entertainment, video poker adds a layer of strategy that can influence your results. So, which one should you choose? Let’s compare them and find out where you’ll get the best value for your money.

The Basics: How They Work

Slots are simple and entirely chance-based. You set your bet, hit Spin, and wait for the reels to stop. Each spin triggers a random number generator (RNG)that determines the outcome. If matching symbols land on an active payline, you win.

Video poker, on the other hand, is a digital version of five-card draw poker. You’re dealt five cards and must decide which ones to keep or discard. The goal is to form a strong poker hand — like a royal flush or full house — for a payout. Unlike slots, you can use a strategy to improve your odds.

Key Differences Between Slots and Video Poker

1. Luck vs. Strategy

Slots are purely luck-based. You press a button, and the RNG decides your fate. That’s it. Video poker, however, gives you control. Your choices affect the outcome, making it a more skill-oriented game.

To succeed, you need to understand poker hand rankings and basic strategy. Knowing when to hold or discard cards can boost your long-term payback. That’s why many players who like using logic prefer video poker, while those looking for simple, relaxing gameplay often stick with slots.

2. Jackpot Potential

If you’re chasing life-changing wins, slots take the crown. Progressive jackpot slots can pay out millions, while video poker’s top payouts rarely go beyond 4,000 coins for a royal flush. A few video poker machines feature jackpots, but they’re nowhere near as massive as slot progressives like Mega Moolah or Divine Fortune.

3. Payback and Long-Term Returns

When it comes to consistent payouts, video poker usually offers better odds. Top variations like:

Deuces Wild: 100.76% RTP
Joker Poker: 100.64% RTP
Double Bonus: 100.17% RTP
Jacks or Better: 99.54% RTP

In comparison, even high-paying slots like Mega Joker(99%) or Jackpot 6000(98.8%) fall slightly short.

The real advantage? You can easily check a video poker machine’s RTP before you play. With slots, those numbers are often hidden.

4. Potential for Long-Term Wins

Slots are designed with a house edge that guarantees the casino profits over time. No slot, no matter how generous, offers over 100% RTP.

Video poker, however, gives skilled players the chance to achieve positive expected value(+EV). With perfect strategy and casino rewards, experienced players can earn a small profit in the long run. For example:

Joker Poker: +$6.40 per 1,000 hands

Deuces Wild: +$7.60 per 1,000 hands

While it takes effort, it’s one of the few casino games where skill truly matters.

5. Variety and Gameplay Experience

Slots dominate online casinos in terms of quantity and style. You’ll find thousands of titles themed around everything from mythology to movies, packed with flashy graphics and bonus rounds.

Video poker doesn’t offer the same visual excitement, but it makes up for it with variations that require different strategies, like Double Bonus, Jacks or Better, and Deuces Wild. Each version brings a unique twist, keeping the experience fresh.

6. Betting Requirements

To unlock the biggest payouts in video poker, you need to bet the maximum (usually five coins). For example, a royal flush pays 4,000 coins with a max bet, but only 1,000 with four coins.

Slots, however, give you the same odds regardless of your wager, except in progressive games, where you might need to bet max to qualify for the jackpot.

Similarities Between the Two

Despite their differences, slots and video poker share some common ground:

Both use RNGs to ensure every spin or hand is completely random.
Both offer flexible bet sizes, letting you adjust your stake based on your budget.
Both can have varying paybacks, depending on the paytable or casino. For instance, Jacks or Better can range from 97% to 99.5% RTP depending on the version you play.

Final Verdict: Which One’s Better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your playing style. If you enjoy strategy, want more control over your results, and prefer steady returns, video poker is your best bet. But if you play for fun, enjoy vibrant themes, and dream of hitting that life-changing jackpot, slots are the way to go.

Both have their charms. One rewards patience and skill, the other celebrates pure luck. In the end, the “better” game is simply the one that makes you enjoy your time at the casino.