Video Poker Myths
| Debunking Widespread Video Poker Misconceptions
Casino games have given rise to various misconceptions over the years, and video poker is no exception. Unlike seasoned players, rookies often fall prey to false beliefs as they lack experience and a proper understanding of the popular strategy-based game. What is worse, fostering such myths ultimately ends up costing them their bankrolls. Broadening your knowledge of video poker strategy and probabilities is the surest (and only) way to beat this game, maximize your profits, and improve your long-term chances of winning.
Similarly, the only way to dispel the numerous myths surrounding video poker is to replace them with logic and adequate comprehension of how its odds work. To help you on your way toward achieving this, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the most widespread misconceptions about video poker. Hopefully, you will stop waiting for “due” games to reward you with a payout after you finish reading this.
Video Poker Machines Are Fixed
One of the biggest myths rookie players foster is that the outcomes in video poker are predetermined in some way. However, this is not the case as all video poker games run on Random Number Generators (RNGs). To better understand how video poker works, you must familiarize yourself with RNGs and the vital role they play in producing unbiased results. An RNG relies on complex algorithms to shuffle and draw the cards in a completely random and unpredictable manner.
Moreover, video poker games are regularly audited by independent testing houses to ensure they are always producing fair and random outcomes. The RNG technology is fully reliable in this respect and all licensed online casinos implement it. It helps preserve the integrity of the games and makes it impossible for players to predict which cards will be dealt next. In turn, this ensures all cards have equal chances of appearing after the initial draw.
High-Denomination Machines Are the Best
Some players are convinced that high-denomination games pay more compared to low-denomination ones. The reason why this myth has appeared in the first place is that some players tend to forget that high-denomination machines require betting more money per hand, hence the higher payouts on winning rounds. Thus, two video poker games will have a similar payback percentage if they share the same paytables regardless of their coin denomination. It is the paytable and not the coin denomination that determines how much money a given variation pays.
Video Poker Machines Inevitably Become “Due”
Another popular myth many players believe in is that if a video poker game hasn’t dealt a Royal Flush in a while, this winning combination will inevitably occur in the near future. However, nothing could be further from the truth as sadly, there is no such thing as “due” machines in video poker. Statistically speaking, it is calculated that the Royal Flush occurs approximately once every 40,000 hands. However, video poker relies on random number generation to ensure an unpredictable and fully arbitrary dealing of the cards, so there is the possibility of getting a Royal Flush twice in a row or not getting it at all even after 80,000 rounds of play.
Many players wrongly believe a game will not produce a Royal Flush for quite some time if someone has just scored this powerful card combination. In reality, getting it shortly afterward is within the realm of possibility despite the short odds. When it comes to video poker, there is no such thing as “cold” or “hot” machines. Even if it feels as if players are on a winning or losing streak, these streaks are completely coincidental. As already explained, the Random Number Generator does not take into account what winning combinations have already occurred and when. The cards are shuffled randomly after every single hand you play.
Online Video Poker Offers Worse Payout Percentages
This belief first gained traction in the early days of iGaming when many players viewed online casino games with distrust and suspicion. The good news is this myth is completely ungrounded as all modern online casinos rely on cutting-edge technologies and often offer better odds in an attempt to outcompete their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Reputable online gambling operators have a reputation to preserve and are all licensed by established regulatory bodies that monitor for fair practices. Therefore, players can rest assured online video poker is just as safe to play as its landbased counterpart. More importantly, it gives them the same odds of winning.
Another important thing many players fail to understand is that online casinos have lower overhead costs and expenses, i.e. they can afford to offer better playing conditions and bonuses. It is true that many online casinos also offer video poker variants that are not as beneficial to players, but such games can be also found in brick-and-mortar casinos.
Betting Less Minimizes the Number of Bad Deals
Despite the fact betting the maximum number of coins (five) is always recommended, some players are convinced that betting less somehow reduces their chances of losing. However, this is not the case as the size of one’s bet does not influence the combination of the cards dealt by the RNG. While betting the maximum number of coins does not guarantee you will always get the best cards, it is still the optimal way to play in the long term as it significantly reduces the house edge. In the same sense, inserting fewer coins does not prevent you from losing less or getting non-paying combinations.
Playing Faster to Win the Game Quicker
As strange as it may sound, some players believe the speed they play at has something to do with their chances of winning. However, this is not the case when it comes to video poker. In fact, the quicker you play, the more money you end up spending. Moreover, if you play faster, you will not be able to fully enjoy the game and make optimal decisions. The myths regarding this matter were most likely created by casinos themselves to encourage players to spend their funds quicker.
Video Poker Cannot Be Won
Even though video poker strategies have proven to be very effective, there are still players who believe that the game cannot be beaten due to its virtual nature. Such players rely on luck and base their decisions on gut feeling and hunches. However, video poker is where chance meets skill and the idea the game is unbeatable is simply ludicrous.
With a reliable strategy and enough skill, it is possible to make a profit in the long term. Moreover, video poker has a moderately low house edge which is also good for players. With that said, it is essential to have a reliable money management system if you wish to retain your winnings.
Conclusion
Video poker is one of the most widespread games available at online and landbased casinos. The electronic nature of the game has greatly contributed to the emergence of various myths and false stories throughout the years. It has given rise to many questions regarding its fairness, winning combinations, and way of playing. However, these stories are largely misconceptions and players should not fall for them. It is always a good idea to get familiar with them in order to know which statements are simply made up and untrue.
| Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Visa Card | YES | YES |
 | Mastercard | YES | NO |
 | InstaDebit | YES | YES |
 | PayPal | YES | YES |
 | Skrill | YES | YES |
 | PaySafeCard | YES | NO |
 | Citadel | YES | YES |
 | Neteller | YES | YES |
 | Sofort | YES | YES |
 | PayForIt | YES | NO |