Video Poker vs. Slots: What's the Difference?

People have often asked me to explain the differences in online video poker vs. slots, and this is something that I'm always more than happy to share with them. There are abundant similarities, really, but there are just as many huge differences. All in all, while some people prefer both, there are others who will only play one or the other for the chance to win real money. For me, it's all about the style and type of game that is being offered.

The first thing to note about online video poker vs. slots is that they are both designed to be solitary games played on one's own time and separate from the crowds. Something else that is similar about the two is that it is possible to choose from a wide variety of betting options that will best suit the bankroll. For this, I think pokies are always the best choice because wagers are available from $0.01 to as much as $250, and this suits the low and high rollers alike. With the video poker consoles, though, these betting ranges are often much smaller and stop at about $50 per hand. This is where the similarities end, though.

There are many differences in online video poker vs. slots, too, and these can be game changers for people who want to discover which will inevitably be the most profitable. First of all, it should be considered that pokies are always based solely upon chance and there isn't anything that can be done to influence the outcome of any spin. Personally, this is why I prefer games like Jacks or Better and even Aces and Eights because I get to make some decisions as to what occurs in the end. In fact, there is a sound and solid strategy that can be used that will tell me which are the best cards to hold and which are the best to discard in just about any situation.

The other difference in online video poker vs. slots is that progressive jackpots aren't normally associated with the former but can be found in all kinds of different slot machines. These are essentially a built-up pool that accumulates as people across an entire network make wagers on the same title or group of titles. Then, when the right person clicks 'spin' at just the right time, he or she can win a prize that may be worth tens of millions of dollars depending upon the title! Video poker machines rarely have these jackpots associated with them and, when they do, the prizes are substantially smaller.

All in all, when it comes to online video poker vs. slots, the former is always my best choice. With it, I actually get to make smart, mathematically sound decisions that will help me improve my odds of winning. Of course, with the latter, there's nothing wrong with enjoying it but I often choose to play for fun than with real money. Otherwise, I feel as if I am simply throwing my money away by depending upon Lady Luck to make the calls.