Video poker typically has a substantially higher player payback than penny slots and reels. However, not all video poker machines are alike. Some return in the low 90% range, while others can top 100%.
Many of the better video poker machines in the United States have a point disclosure on them. These may pay points at a slower rate. Some show that a machine pays no slot points at all. You should not let this discourage you from playing the game.
Most casino players card programs only return a fraction of a percent to players. A typical amount for video poker is 0.05% or 0.1%. However, the difference in payouts between games that pay full points and ones that do not can be substantial.
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Returns earning points on bad games versus earning no points on good games
Station Casinos in Las Vegas offer 100% video poker machines that do not pay slot points. The games include 10/7 Double Bonus Poker and 10/6 Double Bonus Poker. Other machines on the floor with a lower payout award points. Let’s compare the two situations.
A 10/7 Double Bonus Poker game returns 100.17% with perfect play and five coins wagered. The 9/7 Double Bonus pay table available on other machines returns 99.11%.
Station Casinos does not award points on the 10/7 Double Bonus game. It does on the 9/7 one. That requires $2,000 in coin-in for $1 in free slot play or comps, for a return of 0.05%. Without points, the player’s payback is 1.01% better on 10/7 than 9/7 with points.
A 10/6 Double Double Bonus game returns 100.06% with five coins and perfect play. This game does not award points. The 9/6 Double Double Bonus Poker pay table (98.98%) does. The 0.05% slot points still puts the 9/6 Double Double Bonus game 1.03% behind the 10/6 version that pays points.
This also happens in casinos outside Las Vegas. Caesars casinos in Atlantic City pay reduced points on machines that return over 99%. You will know you have found one of these machines when you see this sticker above the players card slot:
It typically takes $10 to earn one tier credit and point. This payout is reduced by 50%. However, the best game on this machine returns 99.54%, as opposed to 98.98% on one with full points, for a difference of 0.56%. The gap in slot point return is only 0.025%.
What about mailers and comps?
Some casinos with full pay games still send players at 100% games mailers. Many others do not. It is probably best to not use a casino players card on these games unless you know the answer at your preferred casino, or you only play the 100% games.
Using a players card on 99% video poker games will likely trigger mailers. However, these are still unlikely to close the gap between those games and the 100% ones.
A $0.25 denomination player will generate around $900 an hour in coin-in. If a player leaves after giving two hours of action, the mailer will likely be somewhere around $10 in free slot play. That adds another 0.5% to the return. It would need to be $20 to close the gap entirely.
Advanced players clubs will know that the patron was at a 99% video poker machine as opposed to one that is worse or a slot. This could make triggering a mailer more difficult. In most cases, the return remains better playing 100% video poker without a card.
Electronic table games are different
Many electronic table games do not award points. These are often rated differently than video poker and slots. Instead of players getting slot points, the theoretical loss is measured by the machine in the same way that it would be at a live table game.
I believe using a players card on electronic games like blackjack, roulette, and craps will not hurt mailers. If anything, it will add to mailers and other offers, even if the action does not get any immediate free slot play.
