A mathematical theorem that states, for any set of independent random variates with finite variance, that the cumulative distribution function of a normalized (scaled) sum of such variates approaches the cumulative distribution function for a normal distribution, as the number of variates increases. Under certain circumstance, the theorem states that the width of the central region of the associated probability distribution function narrows, and approaches zero, as the number of random trials (variants) increases and that the shape (of the central region) of the PDF approaches a normal PDF as the number of trials increases. If all variates are from a single uncorrelated random process, the theorem states that variance decreases as 1/sqrt(n) where n is the number of trials. Since each video poker hand is independent of all other hands, and since video poker's variance is finite, The Central Limit Theorem holds for all video poker, and the variance scales as 1/sqrt(n), where n is the number of hands. However, at the same time, the total bet or coin-in has been increasing proportional to n. Thus the variance in real units (dollars) increases without limit as the player continues to gamble.
See also: PDF, Coin-in, Variance, Central Limit.

Originally a term used to distinguish the first version of a particular game (to commonly appear), which was subsequently replaced by a similar game with a lower return. Today, the Full-pay designation refers to a particular pay table for a game and does not indicate if higher or lower returning variants are common. To avoid confusion, game return and pay table should be used to distinguish games.
See also: Pay table.

1. the area, resembling a bin or trough designed to catch coins dumped from a slot or video poker machine. In this case the action of a coin hitting the Hopper was designed to make a noise gamblers liked
2. The bin or trough internal to a slot machine that holds coins. When the machine ran out of coins, a Hopper fill would be necessary before the machine could be used again.

a (money management) strategy that sets the wager amount for optimal bankroll growth. Under Kelly Betting, the bet size is chosen based on the game's return and current bankroll size. For video poker, bet sizes are limited to certain common denominations. For that, and other reasons, strict Kelly Betting is not practical with video poker. On the other hand, Kelly Betting can be used to estimate the bankroll requirements for a given positive expectation game or playing situation with a fixed bet size. Kelly Betting does not elucidate the Risk of Ruin, however.

The probability that, given a certain bankroll, a gambler will be ruined. For video poker, the Risk of Ruin is generally computed for an infinite number of hands, since the computation easier, though it can also be computed for any number of hands. However, if the number of hands is not specified, it is assumed to be infinite. The (infinite run) Risk of Ruin is always greater then zero for video poker, including positive games, since the variance is always non-zero. For all negative expectation situations, the Risk of Ruin is always 100%. That is, regardless of the bankroll, a gambler who plays a bad game will eventually go broke. The Risk of Ruin decreases as the size of the bankroll in betting units increases. Hence, decreasing game denomination (unit or wager) at a fixed bankroll decreases Risk of Ruin.
See also: Survivability.

any mechanical, electrical or other device, contrivance or machine which, upon insertion of a coin, token or similar object, or upon payment of any consideration, is available to play or operate, the play or operation of which, whether by reason of the skill of the operator in playing a gambling game which is presented for play by the machine or application of the element of chance, or both, may deliver or entitle the person playing or operating the machine to receive cash, premiums, merchandise, tokens or any thing of value, whether the payoff is made automatically from the machine or in any other manner. (Nevada GCB)

A poker hand consisting of five consecutively ordered cards of the same suit. For example:

See also: Straight, Flush.

An IRS Tax form a casino issues to players who "win" under certain condition. For video poker, a W2-G must be issued for "wins" of $1200 or more. The $1200 threshold is fixed and independent of amount wagered. Ironically, a $5 50-play Video Poker machine (played at max-bet of $1250), a $1200 payout would represent a loss. To comply with the IRS law, Video Poker and slot machines "lock up" upon a $1200 or more "win" and the player must wait for a slot attendant to both unlock the machine (and return it to normal play conditions) and bring the tax form. Non-US residents (non-resident aliens) and players without proper identification (and do not produce a TIN) will have tax withholding taken from their W2-G payouts, while others can opt to receive the entire win. At many casinos, players can request a "reset" which may allow them to return to playing quicker had they had to wait to receive the tax form and payout in the normal means. Often resets are only available in high limit rooms. Players may also request a consolidated W2-G, in which case they will receive a single W2-G for all their jackpots for a specified period of time (usually the "slot day") rather then one W2-G for each win. In general, IRS Form 1099 are not given for Video Poker wins (unless the win involves a free drawing or lottery scenario). Neither a W2-G or 1099 are given for wins paid in "Free Play".