Video Poker vs Online Poker: What’s The Difference?

Poker is a form of gambling that can be played in real life and online too. When it comes to playing poker online, there are two main variations; video poker and traditional online poker. Although there are similarities between them, there are also some big differences which you can learn about below.

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Gameplay

Generally speaking, both video poker and online poker play in the same way, requiring you to make hand combinations to win. Now, traditional online poker generally resembles the poker tables you’ll find at an online casino. What’s more, whether you’re playing live casino poker with real dealers or playing traditional poker tournaments, you’ll be playing with other people, and both versions will have a dedicated chat function, allowing you to talk with other players. These online poker games will also require you to decide which actions to take, such as folding or taking additional cards when playing.

Video poker differs here. The game is played alone without other people and is fully computerised. Video poker is much more simple and doesn’t allow you to fold. According to Casinostoplay.com, you click a button to deal cards and are required to select which cards you want to hold. You then hit another button to draw, and any available wins are determined and paid out. From there, a new game can begin.

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Visuals and Design

Depending on the title, online poker games tend to feature lifelike visuals and animations, with most games taking place on actual poker tables. Traditional online poker games also tend to use lifelike sounds, helping to deepen your immersion when playing. In comparison, video poker uses rudimentary, blocky visuals, like what you’d find in arcade games. The sounds are also reminiscent of arcade games too.

While the lifelike visuals in traditional online poker may be gorgeous to look at, they can certainly put a strain on your computer, laptop or smartphone, particularly if it isn’t a powerful device. When it comes to video poker, although the visuals are a big downgrade from traditional online poker, the games will certainly run better on your device.

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Variations

When it comes to variations, both online poker and video poker have dozens of them. With online poker, you’ll be able to find numerous poker variations of live poker games, including Casino Hold’em and Hi-Lo, among others. Websites that offer online poker tournaments also tend to provide multiple poker variations, although the selection may be slightly smaller than what’s available with live casino games.

Generally speaking, there are numerous variations of video poker games available at online casinos, all of which follow different rules. However, some video poker games have multiple variations of games within their single title. For example, games such as IGT’s Game King and Ten Play Draw Poker both allow you to play several games within it, including Jacks Or Better, Bonus Poker, Joker Poker, Deuces Wild Poker. The main difference between the two titles is that in Game King, you’ll be required to play with one hand combination, while in Ten Play Draw Poker, you’ll be required to play with ten.

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What’s Better For You?

Now you know how both traditional online poker and video poker works, you can work out what’s better for you. Generally speaking, most online casinos offer a combination of video poker and live poker, and websites that specialise in poker tournaments offer some great traditional online poker games.

All online poker is fun to play, whether you decide to play traditional or video poker games. Just make sure when you are playing that you’re doing so at a licensed online casino and that you enjoy yourself!