BobD,

The simple answer is video poker returns more to players than slots so casinos can afford to comp slot players more.

Every casino of which I am aware offers reduced comps for video poker play. Some reward the player with half of the slot amount, some one-third of the slot amount, and some one-sixth the slot amount. There are some casinos that don’t give any comps on certain machines.

The reason for this is most video poker machines return much more to the player than regular slots. With proper play some video poker machines can give the player an edge over the house. Slot machines return anywhere from a high of about 98 or 99 percent to a low in the seventies. The 99 percent slot machines are virtually non-existent today. Video poker machines seldom return less than about 95 percent and regularly pay better than 99 percent. And as mentioned above some video poker games return more than 100 percent.

Also, video poker machines advertise their return percentages right on the machines. Slot machines don’t do this. Now they don’t state it in a percentage such as 99.5 percent return, but they display the pay tables which determine the return. The knowledgeable player can decide for his or her self what level of return they want to play.

Casinos know this so they pay less in comps to video poker players. However, with proper play (you will need to use a strategy table to accomplish this) the video poker player will lose less money than a slot player – even counting the comps. And they have the possibility of making money when playing the proper game with the proper strategy.

Keep in mind that you will win some sessions and lose other session, but in the long run, you will lose less (and possibly even win) playing video poker.

As I mentioned above, to properly play video poker you have to know what you are doing. Frank is finishing a book tentatively being call "All Things Poker" which has a comprehensive section on video poker. It includes scores of video poker games, their returns, variance as well as a playing strategy. I would strongly recommend getting this book when it becomes available next year if you want to be the best you can be at video poker. Until then, you could go to the wizard of odds site. It has strategies for some of the more common games such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild.

Stick said it well but I would add in VP skill (how to play a hand) effects your results. while in slots (except those machines in Stocks book) is pure luck.

Carry that to craps and 6/8 bettors earn less comps than prop bettor for the same dollar amount bet.

Skill again.

Noah

BobD

You mentioned Comps. If you play at any Caesars casinos you can go on their website where it explains their points system ie slots get 1 TR point for $5 wagered, VP get 1 TR point for $10 wagered.

CC Roller

ccroller Ithink all the crap player here are mad . They changed the pay for points from 10.00 to 80.00 The game is played a lot less now. A lot have gone to the big C INSTEAD TO PLAY.
Good Rolling. 😀 😀