Should You Even Care About Video Poker RTP?

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When it comes to selecting video poker games, one of the most important concepts is return to player, otherwise known as RTP. With these games, serious gamblers want to know how much they stand to win in the long term, decreasing the chances of them losing a large sum of money. However, how crucial is RTP and how much do you need to care about it as a gambler? Let’s take a closer look, below.

What Is Video Poker RTP?

Video poker RTP is how much a game has been programmed to pay in the long term and is the theoretical percentage of winnings that the player will be paid back from the game based on the theoretical lifetime that the game is player. The statistical variances in the RTP percentages means that the returns based on staking can vary over game sessions in both directions.

The casino game is usually played on a console similar in size to a slot machine. With more and more poker video games moving online, does this mean players will care more about video poker RTP?

Top software providers are all offering video poker online, making the game convenient for more people, and accessible from the comfort of your own home. Some games even allow you to try out the latest video poker online for free as you get to grips with the rules, making this the best time for you to hit your royal flushes! What’s more, online poker games are fun and easy to play and for the majority of them you don’t even have to download software.

There are a variety of different online video poker sites for you to choose from as a UK player, with some offering big jackpots and high volatility, with others offering smaller prizes and lower variance. The newer poker games tend to have the big bonus jackpots.

Is RTP Overrated?

Video poker games presents exciting possibilities for the players, especially when considering that there are some games that offer over 100 percent RTP. Some games even offer you the chance to earn profits, including Joker Wild, Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus. However, not all casinos are willing to provide you with these profitable opportunities, and the chances of you finding 100%+ RTP video poker in a casino is highly unlikely.

If you can’t find any of the games offering 100+ RTP, then you can look out for other variations that will still offer over 99.5% RTP. However, what happens if you focus on RTP? The problem you will have is that you won’t probably earn anything that close to the stated figure.

Other Factors To Consider

When playing video poker, you should consider factors beyond just the payout percentages and you decide to play. Before you sit down to a machine or begin play online, take the qualifying hands, volatility and availability of strategy into consideration. The variations of poker differ on what they pay for, so look into the game you’re playing before you start, as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild are all different.

In addition to qualifying hands, you should consider volatility, as some video poker games feature multiple bonus payouts. The games will seem attractive on the outset, because they enable you to have more chances to win beyond a royal flush. However, these bonus payouts increase the volatility.

In order to boost your chances of winning, you need to study strategy, even though video poker strategy doesn’t cone in just one form. Each variation features its own nuances, which you must get to grips with to improve your odds. Games, including Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker all feature extensive strategy resources. By utilizing search engines, such as Google, you will discover a wide range of learning tools.

As you can see, there are multiple factors you need to consider when playing video poker and your chances of winning bit. With tips and strategies in place to help you increase your winnings, should you even care about RTP? Many video poker players would say no as you are unlikely to come close to winning the stated figure, but if you choose to, then there are many tools and even trainers out there to help you enhance your chances.

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Peter Brown