Casino players new to video poker often ask whether the game is rigged or not. After all, nobody wants to invest time and money into a game that they’re destined to lose.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth behind video poker and its fairness, and we’ll also provide tips on how to find legitimate casinos for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Is video poker rigged? Let’s find out.
The House Edge Explained
The house edge is the percentage of each bet that the casino makes as a profit in the long run. It’s a statistical average that applies over a long period of time and many games. This means that, while players may experience short-term wins, the odds are always in favor of the casino in the long run.
For example, a popular video poker variant like Jacks or Better has a house edge of around 0.46% when played optimally. So, for every $100 wagered on the game, the casino will make an average profit of $0.46. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that every player will lose; it’s simply a measure of the casino’s advantage over time.
All video poker variants are different, and the house edge can vary greatly depending on the rules and the way you play the games.
How to Avoid Rigged Video Poker Games
Sadly, there are some rigged video poker games. Rogue casinos run these to separate you from your bankroll as quickly as possible.
The best way to avoid rigged video poker games is to play at reputable and legitimate online casinos. These casinos undergo rigorous testing and are regulated by respected gaming authorities to ensure that their games are fair and random. Here’s how to find a trustworthy online casino:
- Look for Licensing Information: Legitimate online casinos will display their licensing information, usually at the bottom of their homepage. Look for licenses from respected jurisdictions such as the Malta Gaming Authority, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, or the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.
- Check for Third-Party Auditing: Reputable casinos will have their games tested for fairness by independent auditing companies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI. These audits ensure that the casino’s games are random and not rigged.
- Read Online Reviews: Take the time to read reviews from other players and industry experts. This will give you an idea of the casino’s reputation and the overall player experience.
- Look for a Wide Selection of Games: A casino that offers a large selection of games from well-known software providers is more likely to be legitimate. This is because reputable software companies only partner with trustworthy casinos.
- Examine the Casino’s Security Measures: Legitimate online casinos use advanced encryption technology like SSL certificates and more to protect your personal and financial information. Look for SSL certificates or other security measures on the casino’s website.
So, is Video Poker rigged or not?
While most video poker games are not rigged, it’s important to remember that the house always has an edge. By understanding the concept of the house edge and playing at legitimate online casinos, you can enjoy a fair and fun gaming experience.
So, do your research, find a reputable casino, and enjoy the excitement of video poker with the knowledge that you’re playing a fair game. Are video poker machines rigged? Kind of, but not to cheat you.