The Casinos.com Ultimate Guide to Video Poker

The popularity of video poker has ebbed and flowed since the 1980s. But savvy players realized they could actually get a leg up on the house – or at least minimize the house edge – by mastering basic strategy. 

Anyone annoyed by the high house edges of slots, which can reach 20% or more, may be more willing to play video poker. It has a much higher return to player percentage, or RTP. There is also high jackpot potential, just as with slot games, and even progressive payouts that are similar. 

But here’s the difference. Unlike with slots, players make skill and prediction-based decisions that have some bearing on their success in the game. Rather than simply relying on a random number generator to determine a result after hitting the spin button.

It’s also a nice little access point for poker proper. You’re not alone if you’re intimidated at the thought of playing in a casino poker room. So video poker provides the option for some solo poker play. 

New to video poker in general? Don’t stress it, let’s start from the top. Here are the key things to know before dropping a few bucks in a machine on that next Vegas getaway. 

The Objective of the Game

Like traditional Five Card Draw, the goal is to make the best five-card poker hand possible. In traditional poker, if I have a higher hand than my opponents, then I win the collective pot. But in video poker, if and how much you win depends on the hand you’ve got. And the amounts are set out on the game’s paytable. 

The Machine

Like slot machines, video poker games utilize random number generators (RNGs) with a virtual 52-card deck (or 53 with jokers) to determine results and outcomes. Hand-ranking mechanics are built into the game’s programming to recognize hands and their payouts. It sounds more complicated than it is. 

Coin Denominations and Bet Levels

Like slots, video poker machines feature betting of various denominations. Of these levels, the more coins a player wagers on hand, the more you have a chance to win. For example, consider the pay table on a 9/6 (also known as ‘full pay’) Jacks or Better game. The game is referred to as 9/6 because the payoff for a full house is nine times the bet and flush payoff is six times the bet. 

This is the game with the most favorable payouts available. If I play one coin on this machine and hit a full house, I get back nine coins. If I play five coins (also known as credits) then I get back 45 coins. Another advantage to playing the maximum number of coins is that the full payouts for top hands are unlocked. And this can jump in ways you may not expect. For example, here’s a look at the payouts for a royal flush on the same machine described above: 

• 1 coin – 250 
• 2 coins – 500 
• 3 coins – 750 
• 4 coins – 1,000 
• 5 coins (max) – 4,000 

Notice that the royal flush payout for playing five coins is four times that of playing four coins. This is a sizable jump and can be a boon if you find this massive hand. However, it’s also important to play within your own budget or bankroll. So don’t go betting on the max every single time. Especially if you want to take some time to enjoy the game. There’s no fun in crashing out fast.

Now we’ve established the basics, let’s look at the nuts and bolts of getting in the action. How the game actually unfolds. 

Step 1: Place Your Bet – Pick the stakes or denomination you want to play and select the number of coins or credits that you’d like to wager. This will usually be from one to five. Remember that max-betting often has some extra incentives for royal flush payouts. 

Step 2: Deal the Cards – Hit the Deal button and you’ll receive five cards dealt face-up from a virtual deck. 

Step 3: Choosing Cards to Hold or Discard – Look and determine which cards you want to keep and which ones you want to discard to try and improve the hand. On a machine in a live casino, there are usually five Hold buttons in front of each card dealt. Simply press the hold button for the cards you want to keep. These games may also feature touch screens so you can tap the cards you want to keep. When playing online, there’s usually an icon to click or tap when holding a card, or you click or tap the card directly.  

This is where strategic decisions come in. Is it worth chasing certain hands for better payouts? This is the type of choice that you must make when playing video poker. Learning basic strategy is key in making the most favorable decisions, no matter what cards are dealt. This gives you the best long-term approach to winning. 

Step 4: Draw New Cards – Once you’ve determined which cards you want to hold, click the deal button to see new cards dealt. These will replace the discarded cards, as new cards drawn randomly from the virtual 52-card deck. This will determine the final hand. 

Step 5: Collect a Payout Based on the Final Hand – Once the hand is complete, the game’s computer will highlight winning hands, and any winnings will be sent to your player bank. You can then determine the number of coins you’d like to spend on the next hand. Either hit the deal button again or cash out your funds in the machine.

Knowing the ranking of hands is vital when playing live poker or video poker. With the latter (since that’s what we’re here for), it’s all about knowing the best potential option to aim for when deciding where to stick and twist. Here’s a basic look at the rankings of hands. Just note that I’m excluding wild cards here, for the sake of clarity.

I touched on it before. But video poker is a family of games and there are several variants to choose from. All follow the same basic pattern of play, but twists to the rules and changes to what produces a payout make them distinct. There are too many out there for me to even begin to list. So I’ll stick with the most popular for now. And they are:

• Jacks or Better – Much like classic video poker, just that payouts start at a pair of Jacks. Pairs with a rank below this won’t count. This game is known for a balanced RTP. Basically, more of the money wagered on the game is returned to players in the form of winnings. So it’s potentially more lucrative than other versions. In the long run, at least.
• Deuces Wild – Remember those wild card games you may have played with your friends, parents, and grandparents? This game mimics that style of poker with all 2s in the deck acting as wild cards. This allows for bigger hands while also enabling new hands, like Five of a Kind. Because the likelihood of bigger hands increases here, these games balance things out with lower payouts for smaller hands. 
• Bonus Poker – These Jacks or Better games generally feature higher payouts for Four of a Kind compared to the standard version. You still need Jacks or better to win, but some Four of a Kind hands (such as aces, kings, queens, or jacks) trigger higher-paying bonuses. Expect a slightly lower RTP of 99.17% than traditional Jacks of Better. This means players get back $99.17 of every $100 wagered over time.
• Double Bonus/Double Double Bonus Poker – Double bonus poker adds a premium for four aces, paying out 160 rather than 80 when betting one coin. Double Double Bonus Poker also enhances payouts of certain hands. As an example, here’s a look at four-of-kind payouts on a 9/6 game: 

• Joker Poker – Another wild card game, this time with a single joker mixed into the virtual deck for a total of 53 cards. The joker acts as a wild card, meaning that hands like Five of a Kind come into play with adjusted pay tables. If you like seeing bigger hands, but perhaps not as many as in Deuces WIld, then this game may be for you. 
• Progressive Video Poker – These games feature a progressive jackpot like those found on some slot machines. A small amount is removed from each wager and added to the progressive jackpot, with other linked machines across a region, area, state, or other jurisdiction. This can mean some real eye-popping payouts, and you or I would probably like to land that big card combination. 
• Multi-Hand Video Poker – I personally enjoy these games because you can play more than one hand of video poker at a time. You receive the same cards initially and determine which cards you want to keep. You then receive other random cards for every hand, allowing for multiple wins. This can really pay off when finding some favorable drawing hands. Multi-hand games in a casino or in online play allow bets on 3, 10, 50, or 100 hands at once for faster play and bigger swings. 
• Other Niche Variants – There are numerous other video poker variants you may see at a casino or online. Some of those include All Aces, Aces and Faces, Tens or Better, or Super Bonus Deuces Wild. These all feature unique rules and payouts. For example, All Aces is a variation of Jacks or Better found online with larger payouts for Four of a Kind. Aces and Faces features special bonuses or rewards related to aces, including higher payouts for even a pair of aces. Tens or Better is similar to Jacks or Better, but you only need 10s or better to win. While Super Bonus Deuces Wild rewards you with a premium for four deuces with an ace. Five of a Kind with a deuce also brings about a premium payout here.

In video poker, the pay table determines how much a player wins when landing certain hands. Here’s a look at a 9/6 Jacks or Better video poker game. 

This is just an example. As you look across different editions of video poker, the figures in the pay table will change. There may even be different combinations of - or even new - hands that can produce a payout. So I can't stress enough how important it is to check the pay table. it tells you so much.

Simply put, pay tables help you to determine which are the more rewarding games. The more you understand them, the easier it gets to tell. Here are some things to remember when looking at a pay table.

Full Pay vs Short Pay Machines 

‘Full pay’ and ‘short pay’ are key concepts when considering what types of video poker machines to play, whether in a live casino or online. Full pay machines, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better games, offer optimal RTP and reduce the house edge the most. The games feature a payout on a full house of nine times the bet and a flush payoff is six times the bet. So 9/6. 

Short pay games, such as 8/5, reduce these payouts to eight for full house and five for a flush, negatively impact the RTP and adding to the house edge. 

Impact of Pay Tables on Return to Player (RTP) 

Better pay tables, such as 9/6, work in your favor when playing video poker. More favorable pay tables feature better payouts for certain winning hands for a higher RTP. 

This means you to score larger returns on bets over time, making your bankroll last and giving you a better chance of booking a winning session. On the flip side, less-favorable pay tables mean lower payouts and RTPs with a reduced chance at winning over time. Those small changes, such as receiving only eight coins versus nine on a full house, can really lower the RTP significantly and thus greatly impact your long-term prospects.

Reading Pay Tables Across Variants 

It's important to note that pay tables can vary quite a bit, depending on the video poker game you are playing. For example, look at the 9/6 Jacks or Better pay table above. This game pays out 25 coins for four of a kind when playing one coin. 

However, in 9/6 Bonus Poker, four of a kind can pay out significantly more, depending on the exact hand we’re dealt. For example, Four Aces would pay out 80 coins when wagering only one coin. Being dealt four 2s, 3s, or 4s would pay out 40, while all other Four of a Kinds would pay out 25 coins. Here’s a look at that pay table to get an idea of what to expect when playing Bonus Poker. 

This is just an example of some of the differences in pay tables across video poker games. Pay attention to which game you’re playing and recognize the key hands you’re hoping to make as you play. 

Most video poker games offer much better RTPs and lower house edges than traditional slots. For example, 9/6 Jacks or Better has an RTP of 99.54% when using optimal play. That means 99.54 cents out of every dollar you wager in the machine will be returned. Not necessarily all to you, but across all players. Though if you played on and on forever, you’d eventually settle at this average yourself.

Again, you’ll need to master basic strategy and play optimally to achieve this percentage. It’s achievable and with a few things going your way, and there’s a much better chance at winnings than in many other casino games, especially slots. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular video poker games and their respective RTP.

How House Edge Works in Video Poker 

Casinos get their house edge by adjusting payouts on the pay table – such as 9/6 Jacks or Better versus the less-favorable 8/5 version. These subtle changes can add to the RTP and reduce the chance for you to amass winnings over time. Yet this can be minimized by perfecting basic strategy. 

Volatility in Video Poker

Another key aspect affecting video poker play is the concept of volatility (also known as variance). This has to do with how often a machine or game pays out winnings versus the size of the payouts. It’s a key part of the risk-versus-rewards aspect of video poker play. 

• High volatility means a game that pays out less often, but in higher payouts. 
• Low volatility means a game that pays out frequently, but with wins at lower amounts. 

 It’s not one or the other, by the way. Many games fall somewhere in between high and low variance, so think of it as a spectrum. Higher-variance games, such as Double Bonus Poker, have bigger swings than low-variance games, such as Jacks or Better. 

Making the correct plays in video poker is crucial to lowering the house edge as much as possible. This means, in turn, giving yourself the best chance at landing some winnings. Mastering basic strategy is the way to achieve this. You can make informed mathematical decisions based on the game you’re playing and every possible hand available to you. 

Using the correct basic strategy helps to maximize returns, but it’s important to realize that ideal decision-making will vary by game and pay table. It’s critical to use the correct strategy for the game you plan to play. Sadly, I can’t set exactly what that is out for you here. But I can tell you what the building blocks of any video poker strategy are. 

The Importance of Strategy Charts 

A basic strategy chart is one of the best ways to get to grips with video poker. These can be found easily online and even accessed on a mobile phone. Combine these with free play options online to fine-tune your skills and memorize what moves to make. 

Strategy charts prioritize possible hands and drawing cards that increase the probability of being dealt high-ranking hands like Royal Flushes, Straight Flushes, Four of a Kind, and Full Houses. Maximizing winnings is the goal and strategy charts will help in this regard. 

This may feel deceiving at first. You’ll find possible winning hands at lower levels get passed up for the potential of higher-winning hands. But trust the process. When done correctly, this aids in winning more money back over time. Hitting those high-paying hand combinations is rarer, but they’re so valuable.

Basic Strategy for Jacks or Better 

Jacks or Better is one of the most popular forms of video poker. It’s a great example of how basic strategy in video poker works. As the name implies, you’ll need at least a pair of jacks to win the minimum. 

When playing this game, the goal is to hold more valuable cards and discard the less valuable in hopes of completing better paying combinations. Here are some of the general rules to Jacks or Better strategy. 

•  Hold high pairs – Keep a pair of jacks or higher as these are at least already winning. You can then possibly win with bigger hands like three of a kind, a full house, or four of a kind. 
• Hold flush draws – Keep four cards to a flush, especially with high cards like J, Q, K, A as you have a chance of hitting a royal flush as well. 
• Hold straight draws – Keep four cards to a straight in hopes of hitting this winning hand. 
• Draw cards with at least three cards to a royal flush – You still have a chance at a winning pair or more, but also at least a shot at a royal flush. 
• Discard low pairs and low cards – Have just a pair below jacks or five cards with all low cards? It’s best to draw five new cards and try for a better hand. 

Strategy Adjustments for Other Variants 

Strategy for video poker depends on the game and pay table, and I’d strongly recommend studying differing charts for your game preferences. I wouldn’t do well using a Deuces Wild strategy on a Jacks or Better game because they are quite different games in the end.

Having wild cards strongly changes the strategic approach, too. For example, in Deuces Wild, you would want to hold all deuces. If you’re dealt two of these, you’d want to make these moves in this order: 

1. Stand pat with any Four of a Kind and discard one card for the chance at Five of a Kind. 
2. When you have four cards to a Royal Flush, discard just the one remaining card in hopes of Five of a Kind. 
3. When dealt four cards to a Straight Flush, keep those and discard the other. 
4. For all other possibilities, keep deuces and draw for the others. 

And that’s just one example. Further tweaks in other variants mean adjusting the strategy yet again. Such as prioritizing aces in Bonus Poker because of the premium paid for four aces. 

Using Strategy Trainers and Tools 

The Internet has made practicing your video poker skills a breeze. There are numerous computer-aided video poker basic strategy trainers available online. These can speed up the learning curve of practicing, well beyond memorizing strategy charts. You can even find many of these trainers and strategy charts as apps for your mobile phone. 

Along with that, there are numerous other free-play online versions, real money online video poker, handheld video poker games, and numerous other ways to learn how to play the game and work on your strategy. In other words, the tools are out there – you just need to get out and use them.

Responsible gaming is always key when partaking in any kind of gambling, And that goes for video poker as well. Set a budget and only use funds that aren’t needed for the other necessities of life. 

With that considered, it’s only natural to want to make your bankroll go further. So let’s talk about it.

Should You Use a Betting System? 

Betting systems help provide structure to betting. But let’s be clear. They can’t guarantee winnings. Some systems are better than others and offer goals of maximizing winnings while limiting risks. These systems raise the chance of retaining some of those winnings. Or potentially guide you to win even more if good hands continue to come your way. 

There’s no impact on RTP when using these systems. But they can help manage the bankroll by setting up a system based on unit betting. Some systems are better than others for this. For example, the Paroli System advises making higher bets after winning and lower bets after losing. If I win a few times and increase bets and the winning continues, I’ve added considerable winnings and really taken advantage of that streak. 

The objective is to limit losses on losing streaks while accruing more winnings when on winning streaks. The downside is that streaks can’t be predicted and may only bring short-term profits because extensive winning streaks aren’t easy. Overall, Paroli and systems like Oscar’s Grind, the 1-2-3-5 System, and others at least should help you avoid going broke and manage how much bankroll is wagered. But that’s not guaranteed. Little is in gambling. 

On the other hand, some betting systems should be avoided. One of those is the infamous Martingale strategy. This system involves doubling the bet after each loss with the theory that you’ll eventually win and make back those losses. However, you can lose huge sums in the process. The Martingale comes with major risks compared to the possible rewards. 

Best Practices for Bankroll Management 

Playing within your own budget is always key. If you have a small bankroll, look for low-denomination machines. You may not want to max-bet if you don’t have sufficient funds for this over the long run. Sure, betting the maximum unlocks the top payouts on the machine, but this is irrelevant if you bankroll won’t allow you to play. 

Many experts recommend having three to four times the maximum amount that could be won on the game you are playing.  

Setting stop/loss amounts can be a good idea for managing your bankroll, too. When you reach a certain loss, you know it’ll be time to walk away. While if you hit a certain amount of winnings, you can call time and leave the game with what you came for.

Adapting Bets for Online Play 

When playing online, you may find lower stakes than in a live casino. This may make you inclined to use a smaller bankroll. But don’t forget that online play means faster pace and multi-hand options. And these require tighter, not looser, bankroll control. Be aware of the stakes you’re playing and make sure you budget well to meet your goals.

While there are many similarities between playing online and in-person, there are some key differences between digital and physical video poker. It’s important to clock these, especially when moving from one medium to the other. Let’s discuss.

Online Video Poker Features 

Playing online allows for even more interaction and adaptability. You can wager on a laptop, mobile app, or a tablet. You’ll also find features like autoplay and multi-hand modes, where you can play more than one hand at a time. 

These platforms even allow for customizable interfaces for convenience and personal tastes. What’s more, when playing online, you never have to feel intimidated and can easily use a basic strategy chart. Something frowned upon in land-based casinos.

Land-Based Video Poker Machines 

While online play can be entertaining, interactive, and have additional features, most people prize the bricks and mortar casino experience above all else. It’s impossible to recreate that tactile play that comes with sitting in front of a real, dedicated machine. I should add that you can also take advantage of casino comps here. 

There are negatives to playing in a real casino though. Limited gaming options for one. A loud environment that could be distracting and hinder concentration. Smoking that could be an annoyance for some; along with potentially with less-favorable pay tables. You also may be tempted to drink more, if you do indeed drink, which could affect your decision-making. Although that could theoretically be the case when playing online at home or a bar as well. 

Mobile Video Poker Gaming 

Today’s online gaming platforms feature smartphone and tablet optimization, allowing you to play video poker from anywhere. Whether on the couch, on a train, or waiting at an airport – you can play. These apps make play easy with simple touch controls, and some even offer mobile-specific bonuses. You can also easily use a strategy chart while playing to make the best possible decisions on hands.  

Free vs. Real-Money Online Video Poker 

Playing for free to learn the game is an option across many online platforms. This can help newbies transition to playing for real money when they feel comfortable, without being intimidated in a live casino. 

Many online platforms offer lower stakes than what you might find in a traditional casino, as well as loyalty programs and rewards. Another strong plus.

There are plenty of providers in the business of producing video poker titles. Too many to list them all, in fact. But it’s probably worth introducing some of the biggest and best names. So let me do exactly that.

Playtech

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This industry leader offers a wide selection of video poker games, including several beyond the popular versions mentioned here. If you’re looking for something different, you’ll want to check out some of IGT’s options. For example, Wild! Wild! Poker adds even more wild cards to the mix.

Games Global

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This studio offers a mix of classic games along with several other obscure versions. Expect better graphics from these online games than what you would typically find in a casino.

Playtech

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A provider that has given the game a twist through live editions such as Millionaire Video Poker Live. This version features an optional bonus round that can reward players with 2,000x payout, similar to the Who Wants to be a Millionaire game show.

Looking to play some video poker online? Choosing a reputable online gaming site is critical. You want to be 100% sure that all your personal information and funds are secure. Here are three recommendations I live by when choosing a casino:

• Look for licensed platforms only. This can include checking certifications from testing and security groups such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance). This is a London-based testing and standards organization that certifies online gaming platforms. Other gaming regulators may certify platforms under their jurisdiction as well. 
• Check that a site uses fair RNGs (random number generators). 
•  Ensure there are secure payment options. Look for safe and standard payment methods so you know that your funds will be secure and transferred successfully. 
• Make sure you can contact customer service easily in case of an issue. 

Beyond these, search for other player-friendly benefits, such as bonuses and promotions for video poker players. Many platforms offer welcome bonuses, which are usually added to your deposit, sometimes matching up to 100% or more of your initial deposit. Those are free funds and worth taking advantage of. 

Like a players club in a live casino, online platforms also allow players to accumulate loyalty points for free slot spins, free play, and other extras. Some may even offer cashback when your play reaches certain thresholds, meaning some losses can be recouped. These benefits may also come with certain wagering requirements excluding video poker, so always read the fine print. 

As with every aspect of life, there are some general rules and etiquette to keep in mind. Nobody likes an… you know the word. Here’s a few tips on how to behave while you play in-person.

• Use Machines Correctly – Press buttons gently, avoiding spills, and pay attention to machine prompts. 
• Respect Other Players – Keep the noise level down and don’t bother your fellow players. Swearing and yelling at a machine probably isn’t a good idea. Avoid hogging machines and remain mindful in crowded areas. 
• Play Responsibly – Take a break when you hit a losing streak and if you’re winning, don’t be afraid to walk away in the black. Some other responsible play suggestions include to set time limits, use stop-loss limits to minimize risks, and avoid overplaying. When I hit a down streak, I like grabbing a meal or simply taking a walk. If you’re in Las Vegas, there’s plenty to see and do away from the casino that won’t necessarily drain your bankroll. 

There can be some etiquette for online multi-hand play as well. Online play is solo but be respectful of other players on shared casino app communities. Especially when competing on leaderboards, as well as when participating in live casino gaming productions like the Millionaire Video Poker Live I mentioned earlier. 

Let’s face it, casinos are full of quirky superstitions. Some are fun, others downright stupid. Similar to slot machine play, many folks have misconceptions about playing video poker. Understanding that these are simply myths is important to keeping on top of your strategy and not getting distracted by any nonsense. 

Popular Video Poker Myths Debunked 

You’ve probably heard it a million times: “These machines are just due to pay off!” The simple fact is that all video poker and slot machine results are based on the game’s computer inner workings, using a random number generator (RNG) to determine random results and ensure fairness. 

Nothing you do will change the cards that are dealt. The results are completely random and pulled together by the RNG. Some folks believe machines pay off based on button timing or betting sequences. That’s also a myth, as is the idea of ‘hot and cold’ streaks. The notion that machines pay off more at certain times of day is also a misconception. 

The best chance to win is to use basic strategy for the game you plan to play. 

Do Video Poker Machines Use Patterns or Memory? 

No! Another misconception is that video poker games use patterns or memory to determine results. This is factually untrue, and all results are based on the game’s RNG. This tech ensures that each deal is independent, with no cycles. I may be losing on those flush draws over and over, but it’s not because of some pattern. It’s simply a string of random (bad) results. 

Online Video Poker Misconceptions 

Some players mistakenly believe that playing online video poker is rigged, or that even the RNGs are rigged. This is a misconception and the games you see online are the same types of games that you’d see in a casino on the Vegas Strip. 

Online video poker makes use of RNGs just the same that you’d see when playing a machine in a casino. Most operators are licensed and must meet stringent gaming regulations that ensure fair games and security. They’re then audited regularly to make sure they are meeting gaming regulations. 

Other skeptical gamblers have concerns that online games pay less. While games with lower stakes may pay lower increments, this is only because the stakes are lower. You can expect the same random payouts online as you’d expect in a casino. 

Casinos are full of jargon. Which can be a real headache when you’re new to things. Video poker is no different, though its glossary is easier to learn than some other games (looking at you, craps). Here are all the important terms to learn.

Video poker is a fun, engaging casino game that hits the sweet spot between luck and intervention. If you love strategic decision-making alongside unexpected twists and turns, I’m confident it’ll be for you.

I’ve certainly played more than my fair share over the years. So it’s only right I round out by sharing my most sacred video poker tips. 

• Learn Strategy – Studying charts for your chosen video poker variants is the best way to possibly win and to maximize RTP. 
• Play Full Pay Machines – Higher-RTP games like 9/6 Jacks or Better, whether playing online or in casinos, come with lower RTPs and a better chance at winning. Just make sure you are practicing the correct basic strategy! 
• Avoid Chasing Losses – This could be a sign of problem gambling and should definitely be avoided. Set a budget and stick to it. Increasing bets to recover is always a bad idea. Practice patience and discipline, and if you strike out on this gambling excursion, live to fight another day. There will always be another video poker machine. 
• Practice with Free Games – This is a great way to learn the game and work on basic strategy. You can decide which games you like best and fit your own gaming preferences and use a strategy chart to practice. Online casino demos and apps can be great options to refine your strategy without risk. 
• Leveraging Online Tools and Communities – There are numerous online forums, websites, and pages devoted to varying aspects of video poker. Take advantage of these resources as well as strategy apps and pay table analyzers to improve skills. 
• Exploring Tournaments and Leaderboards – Competitions like tournaments and leaderboards add a real twist to video poker play as players battle it out for cash and prizes. 

Responsible gaming is a must and can’t be stressed enough. This goes for playing online as well as in-person. There are tools and resources available for more controlled play. 

That includes setting bet limits, time trackers, and self-exclusion options. These first two limit the time you can play and the amount you can wager. There are also tools that limit the number and amounts of deposits a player can make. 

Self-exclusion is always an option. This would bar you from entering a casino in a certain jurisdiction, and many gaming regulators also include this option for online gaming as well.