Have you ever noticed video poker machines tucked away in airport lounges or near the gates? While most travelers ignore them, a small group of professional gamblers seeks them out.
Why? Because airports offer unique advantages that casinos don’t, so let’s break down why some pros swear by it… and how they turn it into a winning strategy, even when they play online at National Casino.
The Appeal of Airport Video Poker
1. Lower Competition
In a busy casino, skilled players compete against each other for the best machines. But at airports? Most users are casual travelers, killing time, and they don’t study strategy or hunt for high-payout machines, which means pros face little competition for the best games.
Airports also attract fewer advantage players, as serious gamblers usually head straight to Vegas or Atlantic City, not Terminal B, which leaves more opportunities for those who know what to look for.
2. Better Odds (Sometimes)
Believe it or not, some airport video poker machines have better pay tables than those in casinos. Why? They cater to travelers who don’t know the difference. A pro can spot a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine (a 99.5% return) and play it for hours without interruption. Casinos, on the other hand, often tighten odds to maximize profits.
3. Convenience and Anonymity
Pros love flying under the radar. In a playing hall, pit bosses watch high-stakes players closely… But before a flight? No one cares, and you can play quietly, cash out, and board your flight without drawing attention.
Plus, airport video poker is fast, so no waiting for dealers or other participants: just you, the machine, and a quick session before takeoff.
How Pros Maximize Their Wins
1. They Know the Rules Inside Out
Professional gamblers don’t wing it; they memorize pay tables, optimal strategies, and which machines to avoid. For example:
- Full-Pay Machines: These offer the best returns (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better).
- Short-Pay Machines: These have worse odds (e.g., 8/5 or 7/5 payouts).
An expert will walk past a dozen bad machines to find the one worth playing.
2. They Play Fast (But Not Carelessly)
Speed matters. The more hands you play per hour, the higher your chances of hitting a royal flush or other big payout, but pros don’t rush blindly; they stick to a perfect strategy to minimize mistakes.
3. They Set Limits
Even the best players lose sometimes, but those who have experience know when to walk away, whether they’re up 500 or down 200, yet flying terminals force discipline, so you can’t miss your flight chasing losses.
The Downsides
1. Limited Machine Selection
Unlike casinos, airports rarely have rows of different options, and you might find only a few machines, and not all will be full-pay, but pros scout locations in advance or skip bad games altogether.
2. Lower Maximum Bets
Most machines at the duty-free have low staking limits (e.g., 1−1−5 per hand), so high rollers won’t get far, but grinders can still make steady profits over time.
3. Distractions Galore
Between boarding calls and noisy travelers, focus is key. Pros wear headphones or play during off-peak hours to avoid interruptions.