Month: February 2018

If you are a player of online poker in the UK then it is likely you have heard about video poker. Many people play slot games online, and video poker is essentially like a slot game and a poker game combined. If you regularly play poker games online, then video poker can have some appeal. Many online casinos in the UK are now offering video poker as well as many different slot games and poker games, but there is still a debate over poker vs slots and which is more profitable in the long term.

Poker Vs Slots

When it comes to weighing up the differences between poker and slot games, the first major difference that most people focus on, is the skill involved in each game. Success in poker is based on skill, players must learn many aspects of the game including knowing hand rankings, be able to calculate probability, and master the art of bluffing. Slots on the other hand take very little skill, and all players really need to know with most slot games is how to press a button and adjust their bet sizes.

What About Video Poker?

Video poker combines both poker and slot principles, it does require some skill but less than a regular poker game. There is no way to deny however, that video poker requires a lot more skill than slot games. Although they are both casino games with a house edge, video poker allows players a much higher chance at beating the house. The house advantage on slot games means that players will ultimately always lose eventually.

In video poker, players can choose the cards that they hold and discard, giving much more control over the outcome of the game. Some players have spent years studying the game to ensure consistent returns, this highlights the difference between video and poker and slots. It is impossible for players to master slot games and guarantee consistent returns. Many argue that the only way to make money with slots, is to know when to walk away, and keep playing sessions relevantly short.

How Do Slot Machines Operate?

Slot machines operate using a random number generator (RNG), this means that the outcome of each spin is not determined by the previous spin, or any other spins that come before or after it. RNGs are used in all casino slots and work by randomly generating a number that will determine where the reel will stop. All RNGs are programmed in a way to give the house advantage however, meaning in the long term, you will lose to them.

What Are The Benefits Of Playing Slot Games Online?

Although slots are programmed heavily to benefit the house, many still favour slots over other casino games. Slots are very attractive to casual players due to their lack of skill and ability to win big from short term play. Because slot games use RNGs, a player that has never touched a slot machine before can win as much as six or seven figure jackpot by simply pressing a button. Jackpots are very uncommon in video poker games.

Different Types Of Slot Games

There are a number of different kinds of slot games online, the main types are:

1. Three Reel Slot – This is the most basic form of slot, sometimes referred to as ‘fruit machines’. These slots only have one pay line and usually require players to match 3 or 4 symbols to win.
2. Video Slots – These slots have multiple pay lines and have five reels, players can win by matching the winning symbols over different pay lines. Video slots also often include bonus games, jackpots, and free spins features.
3. 3D Slots – These are similar to video slots but are more interactive, often with themes and characters that interact with the player.

What Are The Benefits Of Playing Poker Games Online?

The main benefit to playing poker games instead of slots is the opportunity for improvement in your play. Good poker players win more than bad poker players due to practice and the mastering of certain skills that poker requires. This is the same in video poker, although video poker is similar in appearance to slot games, players can improve their skills to beat the house. In the long term a video poker player is far more likely to make a profit than a slots player.

Different Types Of Poker Games Online

There are a number of different kinds of online poker games, these are the main types:

1. Texas Hold ’em – Probably the most popular, the game requires multiple players to compete for the best hand and bet against each other from the two cards in their hand and the community cards on the table. Hands are ranked and the highest ranked hand wins.
2. Video Poker – Video poker usually follows the principles of standard poker hands but only requires one player, and is played against a computer. The game is very different to traditional types of poker however and games are usually very quick.
3. Omaha – Omaha Poker is similar to Texas Hold’em but players are dealt four cards each and must make the best hand using only two of the cards and the community cards on the table.

Summary

Video poker and other types of poker games are generally more reliable for long term players that want to make a profit. Due to the high house advantage that slot games have, slots are generally more suited to casual players or those looking for a fast and fun way to gamble.