Not All Video Poker Bonus Points Are Equal

Savvy players like Video Poker because of its low house edge. With certain select games the edge can actually be in the player's favor. By including slot club bonus points, even a slightly negative game can become positive.

However, not all Video Poker games are treated equally when calculating bonus points. In many casinos, nickel-based games get fewer bonus points than quarter-based games. Most Video Poker games today are multi-denomination games. Nickel-based games can be played with a 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ or sometimes even a 50¢ credit amount. Quarter-based games can be played with a 25¢, 50¢ or $1 credit amount. Some casinos treat all play on a nickel-based game as nickel play and subject to a lower bonus point amount -- sometimes one-half of the quarter-based play. If you are planning to play at the quarter level, it makes sense to play the quarter-based machine.

Of course, not all casinos do this. Some have the same bonus point rate regardless of what type of machine or denomination. It makes sense, however, to make sure you are getting the rate you expect. When you start to play a machine, make a note of the points on your player's card. Next, play 10 or 20 hands and check the points on your card again. Then subtract the beginning points from the ending points and divide by the money played (10 or 20 times the single play amount). You now have the points per dollar. Is it what you expect? If so, continue play. If not, try a different machine.

You work hard to maximize your return from the casinos. Don't give up bonus points unnecessarily.