Slots vs. Video Poker: Similarities and Differences

Slots are some of the most popular and most beloved games at online and land-based casinos. They are easy, simple, entirely based around luck, and have a stellar reputation, all of which is great for new players. However, anyone who has visited a land-based casino has noticed a similarity between slots, and one other game.

Video poker is an electronic game, similar to slot games. The basic premise relies on players spinning a reel, and instead of hoping for a pay line sequence on the reel, they are hoping to get a winning hand in poker. That is right, we are talking about video poker. But, what makes video poker similar to online slots? And what are the differences between the two?

Slots vs. Video Poker: Similarities

Slots are an electronic game that revolves around a player spinning a wheel, and hoping for the best outcome. The same can be applied to video poker. Anyone who wants to try NZ online pokies at Christchurch Casino understands the basic premise of the game. More importantly, anyone who has played the game understands that it is largely luck-based.

In much the same vein, video poker is a relatively luck-based game, whose mechanics are similar to online slots. The player sits at an electronic machine, or on their own personal device, and spins a reel. The hope is that they will eventually hit a sequence that is a winning hand in poker. The quality of the hand makes a difference in the payout, of course. 

So, one of the primary similarities between the two games is their gameplay. However, what is that gameplay based on? Well, at least online, both slots and video poker rely on the Random Number Generator; a software that randomly shoots out numbers. These random numbers are tied to random outcomes, that you can expect to see on the reel, once you’ve spun. 

Slots vs. Video Poker: Differences

The most obvious difference between slots and video poker is the symbols you will see on the reel. In slots, you can have a whole grid, comprised of multiple rows and columns. In video poker, there is only one row, with five fields, just like you would expect to see in poker. In a similar vein, the symbols in slots vary from game to game. In video poker, the symbols are the main cards from a standard 52-card deck. 

Another major difference between slots and video poker is the grand prize of the game. Among the more popular slot options online are progressive jackpot slots. Video poker, has no such option. So, if you are a fan of chasing the jackpot specifically, then video poker may not be the game for you. However, it is worth noting that chasing the jackpot is often not a viable strategy in slot games.

Finally, video poker games tend to have a lower house edge, simply because of the different payout options. Slots feature different pay lines, however, you still need to hit a pay line to win. On the other hand, in video poker, all you have to do is get a winning poker hand, even if that is two of a kind. Of course, the payout will be lower in that case.