There are few games in the casino world where you can reduce the house edge to less than 1%. Well guess what? Video poker is one of those. While these games are generally lumped together with slot machines, they’re way different when it comes to gameplay. And a more favorable prospect when it comes to your chances of winning!
Of course, reducing that edge comes with some real practice. You’ll need to master the basic strategy of the game. But even if you don’t have that down perfectly, these are still lucrative games to play by comparison.
Looking to play some video poker at a casino or online? I’ve put together this complete guide to get you moving. You’ll soon know what to expect when it comes to rules, variants, strategies, odds, and online play.
Now, let’s start from the beginning.
Simply put, video poker is a fun game. That’s the first requirement any casino game should fill, and it does. Perhaps you’ll feel different, but the popularity of this game is undeniable.
There’s a real clincher, however, for those in the know. And that’s that you can get an extremely low house edge – and in some instances even get an edge over the house – by choosing video poker. All it takes is to spot favorable game payouts, master basic strategy, and apply casino promotions and comps.
Video poker has a unique appeal, requiring a blend of poker strategy and luck. While there is a slot-like simplicity, there’s also a level of interactive play that you won’t find on traditional slots.
What I like about the game is the low house edge and the more engaging aspects of gameplay. While the house may have an edge as high as 20% or more on some slots, video poker can see a house edge of around 1% or less.
The game should appeal to the skill-minded looking to spot opportunities and thin the house edge as much as possible. Naturally, that will come with some practice and an ability to spot the best games. And like slots, there’s potential for some very big payouts indeed.
Video poker became popular since the game first surfaced about five decades ago. You once had to head to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or some other gambling hot spot to play. But both real-money and free-to-play games are now widely available online.
Online video poker makes it easy to practice and work on your skills. Online platforms offer 24/7 access, low-stakes games, free demos, and multi-hand options. It’s easy to get started, whether playing for real money or simply using a demo to master basic strategy.
Like many gamblers, I grew up playing poker with my father. And one of those games we played most often was five card draw. In this game, players are dealt five cards. There’s a round of betting and then players can ‘draw’ some of those cards – discarding some and receiving replacements in the hope of drawing a better hand.
Video poker is built on this concept, with players dealt five cards and then getting the option of shedding one or even all of those in the hopes of drawing better hands. Video poker machines pay out more for better hands. Some of the premium and rarer hands such as royal flushes, straight flushes, and four of a kind pay out huge sums.
For example, some Jacks or Better video poker games (more on those below) pay out as much as 4,000 credits for a royal flush when betting the maximum. These payouts can be found on what is known as a game’s pay table. What makes video poker unique among machine-style gaming is that player decisions impact outcomes, using standard poker hand rankings. You decide on which cards to discard and which ones to keep!
As with many of those games I played with my father and his friends, wild cards can be added here. These keep the game interesting and mix up the strategy. Video poker has seen an evolution, and there are now numerous versions available with varying rules, payouts, and wild cards.
When it comes to video poker, there’s a game for every taste. Those who favor more traditional poker can play games without wild cards. While if you prefer more action and seeing bigger hands, you’ll want to look to games like Deuces Wild or Joker Poker. Just traditional poker, video poker now refers to a family of games, rather than something super specific.
Video poker’s history is more closely tied to slot machines than anything else. The game’s roots are traced to very early slot-type games that used poker hands to determine winnings. In 1898, German immigrant and machinist Charles Fey invented the first slot in his machine shop in San Francisco, California. His invention, named the Liberty Bell, was the first machine that could take a wager, determine a game result, and pay out winners all without a human attendant.
Fey’s machine became immensely popular, and the dawn of a new type of gaming device had arrived. Those early mechanical poker machines later led to the invention of slot machines. But the emergence of personal computers in the 1970s led to the first video poker machines landing on the casino floor.
These new games gave players a better experience, with more interactivity. And like slot machines, they allowed players to bet, play, and receive a payout without the need of a casino employee. Video poker saw a real boom in 1979 when Draw Poker was released from a company called SIRCOMA (Si Redd's Coin Machines).
Founded in 1975 by namesake Si Redd – who also owned a casino in Mesquite, Nevada – the company would eventually evolve into International Game Technology (IGT). Today, they’re one of the largest slot and gaming manufacturers in the world.
Draw Poker was a huge hit and ushered in the video poker games players recognize today. Based on Five Card Draw, players received five cards and determined which ones to keep and which ones to discard. The casino boom in the 1980s sure helped. Las Vegas began to thrive as a low-cost vacation spot. Plus Atlantic City opened as a casino hub in the late 1970s with several properties open in the ‘80s.
The dawn of the Internet later allowed for online gaming in the 1990s. Before long, video poker could be played right from the comfort of home – or anywhere for that matter. Video poker’s simple setup allowed for free play online, on personal computers, and even via simple handheld devices that could be found in toy stores. I remember having one of these games as a kid and playing from the couch while watching TV.
When mobile gaming properly took off in the 2000s, accessing video poker became ever easier, whether playing for fun or for real money. Today, it’s a hugely popular game category at any online casino that offers it. And most do.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
One card away from a $40,000 royal flush, can I get it? pic.twitter.com/0sAm58VMRz
— W2Jesus (@RealW2Jesus) December 18, 2024
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.
Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 with all cards of the same suit. This is the highest possible hand in poker and extremely rare. Therefore a Royal Flush yields the highest payouts of any, as seen on the pay table a little further down this guide.
Somewhere between #8 and #9, you may find Jacks or Better. This is a key hand in the game known as Jacks or Better, where having a pair of jacks is the minimum required for a win. Pairs of any rank below this get nada. As noted on the pay table below, finding a pair of Jacks at least lets you break even on the wager.
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:
Hand | Payout |
---|---|
Four Aces + a 2 or 3 or 4 | 160 |
Four 2s or 3s or 4s + an Ace or 2 or 3 or 4 | 160 |
Four Aces | 160 |
Four 2s or 3s or 4s | 80 |
Four of any suit 5s through Kings | 50 |
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.
Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
4 of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
3 of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
2 Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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’ 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.
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.
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.
Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
4 of a Kind (Aces) | 80 | 160 | 240 | 320 | 400 |
4 of a Kind (2s, 3s, 4s) | 40 | 80 | 120 | 160 | 200 |
4 of a Kind (5s through Ks) | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
Full House | 7 | 14 | 21 | 28 | 35 |
Flush | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 35 |
Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
3 of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
2 Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
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.
Game | Potential RTP |
---|---|
Deuces Wild (Full Pay) | 100.76% |
Triple Double Bonus Poker | 99.57% |
Jacks or Better (9/6) | 99.54% |
Deuces Wild Bonus Poker | 99.45% |
Joker Poker | 99.2% |
Bonus Poker (8/5) | 99.17% |
Double Bonus Poker | 99.1% |
Double Double Bonus Poker | 98.98% |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Full pay machines, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better games, offer optimal RTP and reduce the house edge more than other inferior games. When playing these, expect a payout on a full house of nine times the bet and a flush payoff is six times the bet. These are also known as 9/6 machines.
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.
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.
Jacks or Better is a great option for beginners as learning the strategy is fairly easy. Deuces Wild is a great option because of the higher RTP when putting a basic strategy into play. But you can't go wrong with a classic edition of video poker.
You'll want to check the pay tables for full pay versus short pay, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better versus 8/5. These can be found on the machines in casinos or by clicking the information icon when playing online.
No, make max bets for royal flush payouts only if your bankroll allows, otherwise stick to lower bets. Play smart and be responsible at all times. Avoid draining your bankroll by playing a level that’s not in your budget. You don't want your play session to be over before it's started.
Unlike most slot machines, video poker blends skill and luck. The cards you are dealt are random, but your strategic decisions have a major bearing on your success. Be wise and you can greatly reduce the house edge. Using the right basic strategy for your chosen video poker game helps. But a lot is still left to luck.
Perfect play can yield near-100% RTP. But there almost always remains a house edge, and variance can also limit consistent wins. Master basic strategy and you have the best chance of doing well. Also take advantage of casino comps, as well as online loyalty rewards and bonuses.
Sean Chaffin is a writer and editor based in Crandall, Texas. He has a passion for storytelling across the gambling world and beyond. Sean serves as senior editor for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines, and pens in-depth features for the World Poker Tour. Sean’s work spans a wide spectrum. From poker to sports betting, gambling to travel, and even true crime, Sean brings sharp insight and color to every story he tells.
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