Poker, in all of its different formats and variations, has managed to keep its appeal over many decades and in the face of numerous new games. This is evident not only in the tens of thousands of players who enjoy playing against other opponents, but also in many casino games built on poker foundations.
For example, video poker has been around for a long time, and although there are now countless video slots and other (arguably more entertaining) electronic games, titles like Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker remain some of the most popular at various online casinos.
Then, there are different casino-hosted poker games like Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Three Card Poker, Pai Gow, and more. Despite the fact that these games have a higher house edge than the likes of blackjack and baccarat, there is hardly ever an empty seat at one of these tables.
So, what is it that keeps attracting players to various poker-based games in a casino, and how come they don’t mind the higher house edge?
Fun, Interaction, and Familiarity
The main thing that video poker and different casino poker variants have going for them is familiarity. If you know basic rules of poker, you’ll have no problems jumping straight into the action. Many players are afraid to make mistakes, especially in a live environment, and this gives them the confidence they need to join in.
Furthermore, almost all of these games incorporate significant elements of interaction and strategy. For example, in Ultimate Texas Hold’em, you need to know what hands you should 4x with before the flop, what hands are worth a 2x bet on the flop, etc. It’s not a complicated strategy to learn, yet you get to make some decisions along the way and not everything is just down to luck.
Video poker games, with their numerous variations, have an even more significant strategic element to them, where the difference between playing correctly and only going by the gut can be immense. Luckily, you can start by exploring casino games online at sites like Casino.org Canada to learn and practice these different strategies for free or jump into real money tables.
All of this wouldn’t be worth much if these games weren’t fun to play – but they are. Each of them offers one or two special things you can look forward to. Some variations of Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker even have progressive jackpots, and, in large casinos, these can venture into six and even seven figures.
Casual Entertainment for Serious Poker Players
Unlike most casino-goers, serious poker players are perfectly aware of how video poker and table games work, and they know that, by playing, they are giving up a small percentage of their money with each bet. Yet, many of them continue to participate in the fun.
This is often confusing to those looking from the outside, wondering how someone so aware of numbers and percentages, and so focused on bankroll management and finding value, could willingly participate in what’s, fundamentally, a losing proposition.
The answer isn’t particularly complex. Just like all other people out there, even the most serious of poker players sometimes want to have fun, let some steam out, and just enjoy an evening out without having to be laser-focused. They are aware of the house edge in video poker and games like UTH, but they see it as a price they’re willing to pay to have a good time.
On top of this, some video poker variations have a very low house edge, and, under some special circumstances, can even have a positive expectation for the player.
The bottom line is, these types of games continue to retain its appeal because they have all the elements a player could ask for, regardless of their experience, bankroll, and expectations. Rules are simple, making it easy to get started. There is a strategy, interaction with other players, and the possibility to win big.
So, what’s not to like about it?
