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

Video poker, a beloved casino game, actually predates its online counterpart. It was already a massive hit in land-based casinos worldwide long before the internet became mainstream. Now, it's also a runaway success at the leading online casino game sites in the Philippines.

Playing video poker online offers plenty of perks. However, some players still swear by the traditional casino atmosphere. Let's dive into the main advantages and disadvantages of the online version compared to a classic physical video poker machine.

Video Poker: Online vs. Land-Based Casino Experience

First off, let's get clear on the differences between the original video poker game and the version you'll find in a Philippine online casino:

• Video poker in a casino: The classic video poker experience is on a machine you play using coins or casino chips. Usually, these machines are found in bustling casino halls, right alongside slots and other games. You see the cards on a screen and make your moves by hitting physical, old-school buttons.
• Video poker online: You can play the online version right in your web browser or via dedicated desktop or mobile apps. These games are available on top casino sites in the Philippines, with loads of different variants to choose from. Everything happens on your screen! Plus, many online versions sweeten the deal with player bonuses and other cool perks.

Why Play Video Poker Online in the Philippines?

Here are some of the key reasons why online video poker has become so popular among Filipino players:

Convenience Anywhere, Anytime

Playing video poker online is seriously more convenient than heading to a physical casino. All you need is to hop onto a website or open an app to jump right into your favorite game. This means you can play wherever you are, at any hour of the day or night, perfect for the busy Filipino lifestyle.

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.