Dave | January 3, 2023 | Updated on: January 8th, 2024
Everyone is convinced that gaming machines are rigged, and video poker machines are probably the most common target. Many players who visit Las Vegas are especially convinced that the games are rigged.
But the truth is that video poker machines at licensed casinos will never be unfairly tilted and are tested regularly. With that in mind, you also need to keep in mind that your odds of winning remain the same for any card drawn.
This is because the cards are dealt from a 52-card deck, and you could play almost 40,000 hands without landing a royal flush. This is the same for any other ranked hand in the game. So, to prove our point, we’re going to walk through what you need to know.
Are Video Poker Machines Really Random?
First, let’s start with the algorithm used by video poker machines, also known as random number generators (RNGs). Basically, RNGs create random outcomes that aren’t influenced by the previous result and can’t be influenced.
So, every hand dealt out from the deck of cards is, in fact, random, and your winning hand isn’t false. One thing you need to ensure is that you’re playing a Class III machine, which is the strictly regulated kind.
These sophisticated programs are closely watched for cheating, and any issues are detected immediately. If there’s cheating, the machine will be taken off the floor for further tests.
Playing Video Poker Games
When you play video poker machines, your aim will always be to get the highest ranked five-card hand. This is made up after the cards are shuffled and dealt out by the program. For many video pokers, the highest hand is a Royal Flush.
Always check the full pay table for the game before you play, as some variations have an extra hand or two that will payout. Something else you need to keep in mind when playing is the playing cards and how they impact a video poker strategy.
So, hopefully you won’t have to wonder whether video poker machines are rigged again!
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