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

Video poker, much like other casino mainstays, predates its online iteration. It was a smash hit in physical casinos worldwide long before the internet became a household staple. Nowadays, it's also found massive success on top online casino game sites across Canada.

Playing video poker online comes with a host of advantages. However, some players still favour the authentic thrill of a traditional casino. Here, we'll break down the main upsides and downsides of the online version when stacked against a classic video poker machine.

Video Poker: Online vs. In-Person Casino Differences

To start, let's get a clear picture of the distinctions between the original land-based video poker game and its counterpart found in aCanadian online casino:

• Video poker in a physical casino: The classic video poker experience happens on a dedicated machine, typically fed with coins or casino chips. You'll usually find these machines nestled amongst the slots and other games on the casino floor. Players interact with the game via a screen and a set of old-school, physical buttons.
• Video poker online in Canada: This digital version is accessible through a web browser or dedicated desktop and mobile apps. You can find it featured onCanada's best casino sites, offering a vast array of game variations. All gameplay unfolds on your device's screen, and many online variants come with enticingwelcome bonuses and special offers for players.

Why Canadian Players Love Online Video Poker

Numerous factors contribute to the surge in popularity for online video poker among Canadians:

Unbeatable Convenience

Hopping online to play video poker is leagues more convenient than trekking to a physical casino. Simply log into your favourite website or open the app, and you're ready to go. This means you can get in on the action anytime, anywhere, right here in Canada.

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.