If you’re new to the world of gambling and casino games, you might feel slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available to you when first registering to join an online casino. The questions most new players have are where do you start and what should you play? You’ll probably find that most experts will encourage you to give video poker a go. Here’s why it’s a fantastic starting point and why it’s sure to remain a firm favorite even if (or when) you decide to delve deeper into the many other casino games on offer.
What Is Video Poker?
Video poker is a fast-paced game with simplicity at its core. Based on traditional poker games, it’s most similar to five-card draw poker. The first game of its kind, called “Jacks or Better,” popped up on stand-alone machines on the floor of Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s and the format has remained a gambling staple for both land-based and online casinos ever since. Like all other poker variants, the aim of the game is to wind up with an impressive paying hand, such as a royal flush or three-of-a-kind.
The rules are straightforward. First, you make a bet, after which the game will deal you five cards. From there, you must decide which cards to hold on to and which ones to get rid of (you can drop anything from none to all of them.) Next, you’ll be dealt more cards to complete your hand based on how many you initially discarded. Finally comes the reckoning! Depending on the quality of your final hand, you’ll either receive a winning payout or lose your bet.
Video poker wins require the player to remain in the game from start to finish. The fundamental difference between video poker payouts and the more classic alternatives is that there’s only one betting opportunity. In short, if you choose to place a bet, you’ll be in the game right until the end.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how it’s played, let’s return to the question of why casino gamers love coming back to this type of online poker time and time again. As we explore the finer details behind video poker’s rise in popularity, keep in mind that the game has advanced considerably over the years and there are now several variations to choose from.
It’s Easy To Play
Video poker odds are extremely simplistic in nature, making the game a top choice among beginners who are still getting a feel for online poker before they consider taking part in live games or even poker tournaments. It’s an especially good way to bulk up your knowledge regarding the different winning hands before trying to use this information to your advantage when playing against real opponents in real time.
There Are Many Variations To Choose From
As with most online casino games, there are plenty of variations of video poker, many of which throw in a few unique features to add some extra excitement to the original gameplay. For example, be sure to explore the differences between single-hand and multi-hand poker.
Along with “Jacks or Better,” players can also try their hand at “Deuces Wild,” which follows similar rules but introduces wild cards in place of all four deuces (twos.) So, if a player is dealt a deuce, they’ll have the opportunity to replace it with any other card to improve their hand and their chances of snaring the win.
“Bonus Poker” is yet another popular variant with a strong focus on four-of-a-kind hands, many of which offer more generous payouts. No matter which variation you prefer, video poker odds are reasonable, with a relatively high return to player (RTP) to boot.
These Poker Games Have Relatively Low Volatility
It’s reassuring to know that video poker wins always follow a predictable mode of play and are relatively low-risk when it comes to you staking your hard-earned money. In the majority of games of this nature, the RTP is around 99.54%. Essentially, this means that if you were to spend $100 playing this type of poker, you’d get – on average – close to $99.54 back before your playing session came to an end – unless you managed to win a more sizable amount of course! This RTP is absolutely incredible, especially considering that the average RTP for most poker and slots is closer to 96%.
It’s important to note that low volatility means you can expect regular wins if you play your cards right and get lucky, but the flip side is that big payouts don’t occur often, if at all. If you’re in the mood for big bets and have a choice between poker and slots, you’re going to want the high volatility of slots for those elusive bonuses and jackpot wins. The differences between poker and slots extend beyond volatility, though, so be sure to do additional research before you start playing.
The Action Is Fast-Paced
Once you get the hang of it, you can speed things up and maximize the game’s excitement even more. And thanks to the convenience of mobile gaming, jumping in and out of a game couldn’t be easier. This is why so many advanced players still vote this type of poker as the best online poker game and their ultimate “go-to” when looking to relax and have a bit of fun.
Statistics show that some of the fastest digital poker players can play up to 700 hands in just one hour of gameplay! While this is a pretty incredible feat, it’s best to slow down and take your time when first starting out to avoid any unnecessary losses along the way. The most important skills for new players to master are bankroll management, probability analysis and situational awareness.
It’s a Player-Advantage Game
Did you know that this particular variant of online poker is one of the only online games where a player has a slight advantage over the house? Essentially, players are more likely to snag a win when the house edge is lower. On average, you can expect to win just under half of all your hands in a typical game of video poker, which is a more than fair proposition in any game of chance.
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When looking for the best online casino games, including many variations of live poker, why not consider trying your luck at BetMGM? Along with poker and real online slots, we offer a wide variety of enthralling casino games and long-time player favorites at our online casino.
To explore what titles you can play with BetMGM, register via our convenient mobile portal and start playing today.
