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

Video poker, much like other casino games we enjoy in South Africa, has a history that predates its online iteration. It was already a massive hit in physical casinos across the globe long before the internet took hold. Today, it's also a huge success on top online casino game sites right here in Mzansi.

There are plenty of perks to playing video poker online. That said, some players still prefer the good old traditional casino feel. Here, we'll break down the main advantages and disadvantages of playing online versus hitting up a classic video poker machine at a land-based casino.

Real-Life Casino vs. Online Video Poker: What's the Difference?

First off, let's get a clear picture of how the original video poker experience stacks up against playing at a South African online casino:

• Video poker in a casino: Think of the classic setup – a dedicated machine, often found amongst the slot machines. You'd pop in coins or casino chips to play. The cards appear on a screen, and you make your choices using those good old physical buttons.
• Video poker online: This version is accessible via your web browser or through dedicated desktop or mobile apps. You can find it on the best online casino sites in South Africa, with a variety of game types. All the action unfolds right on your screen. Plus, many online platforms offer sweet bonuses and promotions for players.

Why Play Video Poker Online in South Africa?

Here are some of the key reasons why online video poker has become so lekker popular in Mzansi:

Convenience

Playing video poker online is seriously more convenient than trekking to a physical casino. You just need to hop onto a website or open an app to get straight to the game you fancy. This means you can play whenever and wherever you like, at any time of the day.

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.