You Will Have Losing Streaks

27 August 2022

By Jerry Stickman

Video poker games usually have the best return of any electronic casino game. In fact, it is possible to achieve a player favorable return in some cases.

Video poker players tend to be aware of the returns of the games they play. When playing a game having a return approaching 100 percent and also getting slot club benefits that can push the return into positive territory.

While all of the above statements are true, this does not mean that video poker players will win every session.

Due to the nature of a random game, the return is constantly in flux.

Let’s take a look at some facts about video poker play.

• Even though you play perfect strategy, you will have losing streaks.

• Your video poker playing friends may tell you about all their wins and imply that they hardly ever lose. However, statistically, about two thirds of video poker playing sessions will be losers.

• Most of the losing sessions will be minor to moderate.

• The winning sessions tend to be big wins.

• In the game of Jacks or Better and other similar games, about two percent of the overall return comes from the very infrequent royal flush. At 4,000 credits for a five-credit bet, this is a huge win.

What can a video poker player do to help survive sometimes very long losing streaks?

• Make sure you bring an adequate bankroll to the casino – bring it with you, do not head to the ATM and make withdrawals.

• Make sure that the money in your bankroll is truly discretionary. Do not borrow from money required for life’s necessities such as the mortgage or medical expenses.

• High return games help you lose less and win more.

• Low variance games such as Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker reduce the swings in bankroll. This reduces the size of the required bankroll.

• Head into playing sessions with the hope of winning, but also the knowledge that statistically you will probably lose.

• Make sure you get all you are entitled to. Use your player’s club card. Take full advantage of all benefits and promotions that are offered by the casino.

• If the losing session becomes too much for you, stop playing. Take a break or even quit playing entirely for the rest of the trip. If the losses are bothering you, your play will suffer.

Remember, you are playing video poker to have fun, right? By heeding the above advice, your ability to have fun will be greatly enhanced.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack and video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of "Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker!" You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com