Difference Between Online Poker Games and Casino Video Poker

07:59
10 Aug

To the uninitiated, online poker and video poker are one and the same. Using exactly the same hand rankings, one game is played against real people and the other against a machine, but apart from that detail they see no other difference.

Of course we know this is far from reality, but what are the most important differences that a new player should be aware of?

Let’s have a quick look at why these two games are two totally different beasts.

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House Edge

Video poker machines in a casino have an in-built edge to guarantee the house a profit, come what may. Online poker, on the other hand, allows players to outplay their opponents over the long run.

Many argue that there are strategies to win in the long run on the video poker terminals, but this is undeniable in online poker. If you play against players that are worse than you on average then you will have an edge and collect a profit.

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Relaxation

Let’s face it: online poker is not a relaxing pursuit. We might enjoy it but it can be highly stressful at times. Video poker, on the other hand, is a half decent way to pass a few hours with a chance to win a bit that might pay for your night out.

It all depends on what you’re after, but if you’re looking for a game to really get your teeth into then online poker is as good as it will ever get. Apart from a choice like chess, there is very little in the game world to challenge it.

Video poker just doesn’t have that same kind of appeal. But one benefit that it does have over online poker is that the psychological aspect is almost missing completely.

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How Long to Master

Poker is one of those games that takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. Video poker doesn’t really have any strategy that can’t be learned in a day or two.

When you sit down to play with human opponents for the first few times there is no way that you will have any kind of a skill edge. It simply takes time. But on a video poker machine any fool can put together a run of winning sessions almost from the get go. There’s no comparison.

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The Thrill of Competition

Beyond the goal of winning as much money as possible, online poker gives a competitive thrill like no other. It has this feeling of mental combat that can be just as bruising, metaphorically, than physical brawling.

This is perfectly logical because once you strip away any physical discipline all that remains is the aim of defeating your opponents in every decision that comes up. Of course, this dynamic is completely missing from video poker. As mentioned above, if you’re looking for relaxation then video poker might be what you need. If you enjoy the heat of battle and want an opportunity to exercise your competitive instincts then you don’t need to look beyond online poker today.

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Progressive Jackpots

Unless you’re playing in a mid-stakes buy-in tournament then it’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to win life-changing money in an afternoon playing online poker. In a progressive jackpot video poker terminal this is definitely possible.

The idea is that the jackpot builds up slowly over time making a potentially massive payout available to drop at any time. These kinds of prizes are what some Las Vegas casinos thrive on. The slots area in brick-and-mortar casinos are usually one of the busiest places, and it is those punters who are targeted with advertising that a huge jackpot is ready to pay in a machine in that area.

There are even players who will cunningly set themselves up playing a cheap machine that gives them a vantage point over the machine that they’re really interested in. From there they will attempt to time their own push .

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Summary

The choice between either of these games should be an easy one. It’s basically down to whether or not you’re interested in a serious pursuit or just looking for an activity to occupy yourself for a few hours every now and then.

There’s also nothing wrong with playing both depending on how you’re feeling on a particular day. Online poker is a game you can take a long break from to recharge your batteries and it will always be there waiting for you when the urge takes you once again.

Video poker will always be that activity you use to fill in the occasional hour or two. Once you’ve got your strategy down pat there’s no need to start learning again until a new machine grabs your attention.

Obviously here at PokerTube we would definitely recommend you always give online poker a try over any other game that will never be more than a side-gig.