Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Casino Game for Low House Edge: Video poker
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Play: When using correct strategy on full pay machines
- Biggest mistake: Assuming high RTP applies no matter how you play
- Pro tip: RTP in video poker is earned through decisions, not guaranteed by the game
What RTP Really Means in Casino Games
RTP, or Return-to-Player, represents:
- the percentage of money returned to players over time
- calculated across millions of plays
- not a short-term guarantee
An RTP of 99% means:
- for every $100 wagered
- about $99 is returned over the long run
Short sessions can vary wildly. RTP only shows up over volume.
How Video Poker RTP Is Calculated
Video poker RTP is based on:
- hand probabilities
- payout values from the paytable
- correct decision-making
Unlike slots, video poker RTP assumes optimal play. If players deviate from strategy, RTP drops—sometimes sharply.
Why Slots Usually Have Lower RTP
Slot machines:
- lock outcomes at the spin
- offer no decision-making
- rely entirely on RNG
The casino controls:
- reel structure
- symbol frequency
- bonus mechanics
Players cannot influence results, so RTP is fixed and often lower.
Why Video Poker Is Different
Video poker:
- deals random cards
- lets players choose which cards to hold
- applies RNG only to replacement cards
This creates a system where:
- outcomes are random
- but which outcomes you realize depends on your choices
That’s the core reason RTP is higher.
Skill Reduces the House Edge
In most casino games:
- skill has no effect
- house edge is fixed
In video poker:
- skill reduces mistakes
- fewer mistakes = higher return
Small errors don’t feel costly—but over thousands of hands, they add up.
Full Pay Machines Unlock Higher RTP
High RTP only applies on full pay machines.
On short pay machines:
- payouts are reduced
- RTP drops
- strategy alone can’t save you
This is why machine selection matters as much as strategy.
Why Video Poker Rewards Discipline
Video poker punishes:
- impatience
- emotional play
- sloppy decisions
And rewards:
- consistency
- patience
- focus
Players who treat video poker like a slot game give back most of the RTP advantage.
Comparing RTP Across Casino Games
Typical RTP ranges:
- Slots: 92%–96%
- Roulette (American): ~94.7%
- Blackjack (basic strategy): ~99.5%
- Video poker (optimal play): up to ~99%+
Video poker sits near the top—but only when played correctly.
Why Casinos Still Offer High RTP Video Poker
Casinos offer video poker because:
- many players don’t play optimally
- short pay machines reduce edge
- variance still favors the house short-term
High RTP doesn’t mean high casino risk—it means skilled players benefit more.
Why High RTP Doesn’t Mean Easy Wins
Important clarification:
- higher RTP ≠ guaranteed profit
- variance still exists
- losing streaks still happen
Video poker improves expected value. It doesn’t remove risk.
How Volatility Fits Into RTP
Two games can:
- have similar RTP
- feel very different
High-volatility games:
- rely on rare big hands
- have longer losing streaks
Low-volatility games:
- pay smaller wins more often
RTP doesn’t describe emotional experience—volatility does.
Common Misunderstandings About RTP
Some common myths:
- “High RTP means I’ll win tonight”
- “RTP protects me from losses”
- “Any video poker game has high RTP”
None of these are true.
Why Strategy Charts Matter for RTP
Strategy charts:
- assume full pay tables
- prioritize hands mathematically
- eliminate guesswork
Ignoring them lowers RTP—even on good machines.
Online vs Casino RTP Differences
Online video poker:
- often lists RTP clearly
- easier to find full pay games
Casino floors:
- vary widely
- require manual paytable checks
Knowing how to verify RTP protects you in both environments.
Who Actually Benefits From High RTP?
High RTP benefits players who:
- play slowly
- follow strategy
- choose good machines
- manage bankroll responsibly
Everyone else gives the advantage back.
FAQs on Video Poker RTP
Is Video Poker the Highest RTP Casino Game?
One of the highest—when played correctly.
Does RTP Apply Per Session?
No. RTP applies over the long run.
Can Beginners Access High RTP?
Yes, but only if they learn basic strategy.
Do Online Games Have Better RTP?
Often, but you still need to verify paytables.
Does Betting Max Coins Increase RTP?
Only for top payouts like royal flushes.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand why video poker offers higher RTP, the next step is learning how randomness works behind the scenes.
Next Article: How Random Number Generators Determine Video Poker Hands (article #7)
Next Steps
If you want machine selection, read: The Meaning of “Full Pay” vs “Short Pay” Machines (article #5)
If you want RNG mechanics, read: How Random Number Generators Determine Video Poker Hands (article #7)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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