Video Poker Online vs. in a Casino: Benefits and Drawbacks

Video poker, much like other casino classics, predates its online iteration. It was already a firm favourite in land-based casinos across the globe before the internet really took off. However, it's also found immense success on the top online casino sites in the UK.

There are plenty of perks to playing video poker online. That said, some players still prefer the tangible experience of a traditional casino. Here, we'll delve into the main advantages and disadvantages of the online version compared to a classic video poker machine you'd find on the high street.

Video Poker: Online Casino vs. The Real Deal in the UK

Let's first get to grips with the differences between hitting the original video poker game and playing it at a UK online casino:

• Video poker in a casino: This is the original setup. You'll play on a dedicated machine, typically fed with coins or casino chips. You’ll usually find these machines nestled amongst the slots and other games in a bustling casino hall. Players interact with the game via a screen and a set of classic, analogue buttons.
• Video poker online: The online version lets you play directly through a web browser or via dedicated desktop or mobile apps. You can find these on the best UK casino sites, with various iterations of the game available. All the action unfolds on your screen. Many online variants also come with handy bonuses and special offers for players.

Why UK Players Love Online Video Poker

Here are a few solid reasons why online video poker has become such a hit with players in the UK:

Convenience is Key

Hopping on to play video poker online is significantly more convenient than trekking to a physical casino. You just need to navigate to a website or fire up an app to get stuck into your favourite game. This means you can play whenever and wherever suits you, day or night.

Also, depending on the city or country you live in, going to a casino may be out of the question. Many times, there is no casino near your home — or that type of business is just forbidden where you live.

Diversity

Normally, online casinos can offer a greater quantity and variety of games compared to brick-and-mortar casinos. After all, an online platform is not limited by space as much as a traditional place.

The best casino sites can offer dozens of options for different variants of video poker: Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, and much more. In some cases, there is more than one game available for each version. So, you can always find the best online casino game to play.

Low minimum bets

Online casinos are also more flexible with the value of bets. A classic video poker machine may be limited to one or more betting options. However, an online game can be easily programmed to accept many different types of bets — and even different currencies.

One of the benefits it brings to players is the possibility to bet low values. In many cases, you can bet less than $1.00 on each video poker round.

Deals and promotions

Another advantage of online casinos is the bonuses and promotions they usually offer to users. Competition among sites is high. And promotions certainly help them attract new players — as well as retain the older ones.

It is common to find welcome offers, no-deposit bonuses, free spins, and other benefits on casino sites. For players, this means more playtime and more chances to win. All of this while spending the same amount of money or even less.

Free games available

Another advantage of online casinos is having the opportunity of playing video poker for free. Many sites offer demo versions of video poker. You will get a fictitious balance, then you will be able to play as many rounds as you want to try the game without any expenses.

Free versions do not allow you to win real money. But they are a good option for you to have fun and better understand the rules of video poker. It is also an alternative to getting to know different versions of the game.

The cons of a Video Poker online casino

Despite all those advantages, some aspects will always weigh against a video poker online casino. Below are the main disadvantages it has when compared to a brick-and-mortar casino.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of a traditional casino fascinates many people. The best casino rooms have engaging decor and lighting, as well as face-to-face service all-round. Not to mention access to other services, such as restaurants, bars, and performances.

Many people prefer to trade all of this for the convenience of being able to play at home or during their daily commutes. So it really depends on your personal preference.

No social interaction

For those who like to be among other people, playing video poker in a brick-and-mortar casino can also be very interesting. Social interaction can make the experience more enjoyable, especially because you will be among other players, having fun and cheering for each other.