Key Insights
Quick Answer:
Best X for Y: Best way to choose machines intelligently: Understand casino categories
Best time to do X: Best time to evaluate machine type: Before sitting down
Biggest mistake: Assuming all video poker machines are treated equally
Pro tip: Categories shape expectations, not payouts
Why Casinos Use Machine Categories
Casino floors are managed systems.
Categories help casinos:
- organise large numbers of machines
- guide player movement
- match games to player preferences
Categorisation is about structure, not randomness.
Category One: Denomination-Based Machines
One of the most common ways casinos group machines is by denomination.
Low-Denomination Video Poker
Low-denomination machines:
- attract casual players
- support longer sessions
- appear less intimidating
These machines often sit in high-traffic areas.
High-Denomination Video Poker
High-denomination machines:
- target experienced players
- involve higher variance
- are placed in quieter areas
They receive less foot traffic but higher average wagers.
Category Two: Game Variant Groupings
Casinos also group machines by variant.
Common groupings include:
- Jacks or Better
- Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
- Double Bonus variations
Grouping simplifies choice and speeds up player decisions.
Category Three: Skill-Based Versus Entertainment Games
Not all video poker is marketed the same way.
Skill-Focused Video Poker
Skill-focused machines:
- emphasise strategy
- attract analytical players
- often have clearer paytables
Entertainment-Focused Hybrids
Entertainment-focused machines:
- include bonus features
- blur the line with slots
- prioritise excitement over optimisation
Categories shape how players approach the game.
Category Four: Multi-Game And Multi-Hand Machines
Some machines offer flexibility.
Multi-game machines:
- allow variant switching
- reduce commitment
- encourage experimentation
Multi-hand machines:
- increase action per decision
- increase variance exposure
- appeal to experienced players
These machines are often grouped together.
Category Five: Progressive And Feature-Based Machines
Progressive video poker forms its own category.
These machines:
- link jackpots across multiple units
- display large progressive meters
- draw attention through potential payouts
They are often placed where visibility is highest.
Why Categorisation Influences Player Behaviour
Categories affect expectations.
Players may assume:
- higher denomination means better odds
- grouped machines are equivalent
- progressives are always worth playing
These assumptions are psychological, not mathematical.
How Casinos Balance Profitability Across Categories
Each category carries different risk.
Casinos balance:
- house edge
- play volume
- average bet size
Categorisation allows casinos to spread profitability evenly across the floor.
How Players Can Use Categories To Their Advantage
Categories provide clues.
Smart Use Of Categorisation
Players can:
- identify areas likely to contain better paytables
- avoid impulse-driven categories
- focus on machines aligned with goals
Categories guide navigation, not decision-making.
Online Video Poker And Machine Categories
Online platforms categorise games differently.
Online categories often include:
- RTP filters
- volatility labels
- variant grouping
This transparency reduces confusion for careful players.
Accepting That Categories Are A Design Tool
Categories are not deception.
They are organisation.
Understanding this helps players:
- recognise influence
- ignore assumptions
- focus on paytables and strategy
Awareness restores control.
FAQs On Video Poker Machine Categories
Do Categories Affect RTP?
No. Paytables determine RTP.
Are Some Categories Better Than Others?
Some are more player-friendly, but paytables decide value.
Do Casinos Move Machines Between Categories?
Yes. Placement and grouping change over time.
Are Progressive Machines Always Separate?
Usually, due to jackpot visibility.
Should Beginners Stick To Certain Categories?
Yes. Low-denomination, non-progressive machines are often better for learning.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how casinos categorize video poker machines, the next step is learning why video poker appeals so strongly to mathematically oriented gamblers.
Next Article: Why Video Poker Appeals to Mathematically Oriented Gamblers (Article #39)
Next Steps
If you want tracking context, read: How to Track Your Video Poker Performance Over Time (Article #30)
If you want psychology foundations, read: The Psychology of Decision-Making in Video Poker (Article #31)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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