Changing the long-term payback on a video poker machine

Can the total payout (97% or 100.7%, e.g.) be determined by any means other than the payback schedule in video poker? In other words, do all 9/6 machines pay exactly the same in the long run?

Thanks!

Judy

Dear Judy,

The two components of long-term payback are 1) how much each winning combination is worth, and 2) the probability of hitting each winning combination. We can alter one or the other or both to change the long-term payback.

On a reel slot machine, we can change how likely it is to hit symbols, so we can affect the probabilities of hitting the winning combinations.

On a video poker machine, however, we can't alter the probabilities of drawing cards. Video poker machines must deal cards from a fair deck, with no card more likely to be dealt than any other. (This is the case in the United States. It might not be the case in other countries or in online casinos.) Therefore, the only way to change the long-term payback on a video poker machine is to change the paytable.

Every 9/6 Jacks machine has the same long-term payback. In fact, any two machines that have the same paytable have the same long-term payback.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net. Because of the volume of mail I receive, I regret that I can't reply to every question.