Slot machines are permitted to have weighted reels. The more a video poker player understands basic strategy, the higher the payback. However, deciding how to play a video poker hand that requires a draw requires some level of skill. Getting dealt a royal flush or some other big hand is purely luck. Video poker machines involve a degree of skill. Ending the spin early simply shortens the time and eliminates the suspense.
However, the machine knows where those reels are going to land. This may include being able to stop the spinning reels with the push of a button. However, there are major differences between the two types of games.
For licensing and tax purposes, slots and video poker machines are the same.
