How to Play Video Poker: Rules, Hands and Strategy
By John Isaac,Editor at online-gambling.com
John Isaac
Editor at online-gambling.com | Rules Difficulty | Medium |
|---|---|
| RTP | 96.50% – 101.97% |
| Skill Required | Simple Strategy |
| Advantage Play | Optimal Strategy |
Free to Play Video Poker Games Online
Over the last few years, many people have started to play video poker and it remains popular. It attracts players with its simplicity and entertaining themes.
What makes real money video poker one of the most played casino games, is the fact that it does not require you to be a poker expert to be successful at it.
All you need is a little bit of luck and knowledge of the basic rules. Ready to test your skills? We have prepared a free video poker game demo that can help you win.
Practice playing our free video poker game Jacks or Better and once you are ready to play for real money, you will know exactly what to look for.
PlayWe strongly recommend that you try your chosen version of free video poker in demo mode, to make sure you have a real chance to win when you play with your own money.
The virtual game of poker is rather different from the typical card game you might be familiar with.
Thus, even expert players should take the time to test their chosen game prior to putting their money on a stake.
Poker sites offer free video poker games, so you have the opportunity to prepare yourself before using your deposit funds.
In fact, almost all real money casino games have a playable demo mode, and online video poker games are no different.
How to Play Video Poker Online for Beginners
Unlike real poker, video poker is rather simple to play. To begin with, you do not have to worry about other players, as you will be playing for real money only against the house.
Video poker is also known as a banking game for the same reason. In most cases, a video poker game would be based on a five-card draw version of the casino game.
After you place your bet, you will be dealt five cards. You can take as much time as you need to look at them and decide which ones to keep and which to discard. For each card you discard, you will get a new one from the deck.
After the second draw, the game automatically checks whether your hand has any winning combinations. If it does, you will be rewarded immediately. Otherwise, you will lose your bet.
The different winning combinations are based on classic poker hands that you must be familiar with.
Information about all winning combination could be found in the paytable of each video poker game. Payouts would usually depend on the winning combinations, with Royal Flush being the highest paying one. To get a better grasp of the game, please watch the video tutorial below:
Video poker may be a game of luck, just like slots, but it gives the player the advantage to use strategy.
As long as you know the basic poker rules and what the winning hands consist of, you can play strategically and make the most convenient moves.
To increase your chances of winning, please keep reading this guide, and consult the sections that we have listed below.
Alternatively, you can play the free video poker game we have provided at the top of the page.
Basic Video Poker Rules
At its core, video poker is not much different from real poker.
Therefore, if you have ever played a real money or free video poker game, you will certainly be familiar with the main rules of this casino favorite.
To sum it up, there are a few things you need to be aware of:
- Most video poker games are played with a standard 52-card deck. Certain versions of Joker Poker, though, add one or more Jokers to the deck.
- After you make a bet and press the “Deal” button, the game will randomly give you five cards from the game. In certain online versions, you might be dealt fewer cards.
- You can choose which cards to hold and which to discard. Keep only the cards that could help you get a winning hand.
- Each card you throw away will be replaced with another randomly chosen card from the deck.
- If you win, you will be paid according to the value of the winning hand as listed on the paytable.
Video Poker Terminology
Video poker could sometimes appear to be more complicated than it actually is, especially if you are not familiar with its terminology.
Even though the game itself is easy to play, you might occasionally encounter some poker terms and slang that might be unknown to you. To avoid such situations, check our glossary of terms:
- Full Pay – The highest paying variant of a video poker game. Usually related to games with high return-to-player percentages.
- Low Pay – Refers to video poker games which reduce the maximum payout percentage and subsequently increase the house edge.
- Natural Royal Flush – The highest possible hand, made without any wild cards.
- Power Poker – Theoretically the most profitable poker strategy. The system was originally invented by Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson.
- Multi-Play – Refers to Video Poker variations, which allow participants to play with more than one hand.
- Hold – If you choose to hold a certain card in video poker, you are keeping it.
- Auto Hold – A feature available in certain video poker games. If turned on, the game automatically chooses which cards to hold.
- Not So Ugly Ducks (NSUD) – A video poker game mostly known for paying 16 for a 5 of a kind and 10 for a straight flush.
- Game Denomination – Refers to the value of the cards or the value of the coin size in a video poker game.
- Flush – a five card hand that contains cards of the same suit.
- Discard – The cards you decide to throw away after the initial deal.
- Draw – The second deal of the cards, after you have decided which cards to hold and which to discard.
- Hand – The five cards (or less) dealt on the screen are known as a hand.
How the Game Looks and How to Play It
Video poker looks almost the same whether it is played online or offline. The game has simple rules and is extremely easy to play.
It is important, however, to know the meaning of each element and feature.
To help you get a better grasp of the game, we have prepared an example of a typical user interface and the elements that it features.
Please keep in mind that the user interface may look different and feature different options in every variation of video poker.
To make sure that you fully understand the game interface and all available features, please practice playing the demo version of your chosen game, if one is available. Then you can move on to real money video poker.
Rule Variations in Video Poker
There are many video poker game variants. Thus, it comes as no surprise that most of them have different rules, including some major variations.
In order to increase your chances to win, we recommend reading each game’s rules.
Meanwhile, to help you understand them better, we have selected some of the most common rule variations that you may encounter:
| Video Poker Variant | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tens or Better | As the name implies, the game pays out on hands at a pair of tens or better. The main rule variation in this version of video poker is that lower pairs would not win you any money, meanwhile, the higher your pair of cards, the better your payout will be. |
| Joker Poker | The game is usually played with a 53-card deck, including one additional Joker card. The Joker is a wild card, which substitutes for any other card you need to make up your hand. It is important to consider the value of your cards when you draw the Joker and make the best decision possible. |
| Double Bonus Video Poker | The main rule variation in this game is that it pays a double bonus for hands of four of a kind, which should generally affect the player’s general strategy. The game is highly popular due to the fact that under certain circumstances, its unusual rules can push its RTP close to 100%. |
| Jacks or Better | As you might have figured, this version of video poker requires you to have at least one pair of Jacks to get paid. Any hand of inferior value is worthless, while any hand of a higher value is paid based on the stated paytable. |
| Deuces Wild | The main rule variation in this version of video poker is that all cards with a value of two are wild. They can substitute any card in a winning hand, which makes winning hands easier to complete. |
We have listed only the rule variations that you will most likely have to deal with.
It is important to clarify, however, that as there are many different versions of online poker, some may include unique rules.
If you have any doubts regarding your game of choice, check its help section, where you will find answers to most of your questions.
Video Poker Hand Ranking
It is essential for each player to learn what are the possible winning hands that could be made and what rewards they could possibly bring.
To begin with, video poker is based on the standard poker hand ranking. Note that each game may offer different hand rankings.
Please also bear in mind that the probabilities also change with the rules. For example, a royal flush, which is the rarest combination, has different probabilities of being dealt and of being drawn.
You can find the possible hand rankings in the table below.
Keep in mind, however, that our table is based on Jacks or Better and may not be valid for different video poker online variations.
Jacks or Better Card Combinations and Hand Ranking:
| Rank | Hand | Cards | Combinations | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Flush | 10-J-Q-K-A of the same suit | 41,126,022 | 0.000025 |
| 2 | Straight Flush | Five sequential cards of the same suit | 181,573,608 | 0.000109 |
| 3 | Four of a kind | Four cards of the same denomination | 3,924,430,647 | 0.002363 |
| 4 | Full House | Three cards of one rank and two of another | 19,122,956,883 | 0.011512 |
| 5 | Flush | Five non-sequential cards of the same suit | 18,296,232,180 | 0.011015 |
| 6 | Straight | Five sequential cards of varying suits | 18,653,130,482 | 0.011229 |
| 7 | Three of a kind | Three cards of the same denomination | 123,666,922,527 | 0.074449 |
| 8 | Two Pair | Two pairs of different cards | 214,745,513,679 | 0.129279 |
| 9 | Jacks or Better | A pair of Jacks or higher cards | 356,447,740,914 | 0.214585 |
Paytable and Payouts
To manage your finances better, you should always check each video poker’s paytable in advance, especially when you are playing for real money.
If the payouts are full pay, the right strategy can bring a significant profit.
In the images below, you could find the paytable of two of the most popular versions of video poker online. Nevertheless, you should always consult each game’s corresponding paytable as there might be significant differences.
Jacks or Better Payouts
The payout you will receive in Jacks or Better depends on the bet you have placed and on the type of winning hand you have collected.
The lowest paying combination is Jacks or Better, while the top-paying hand is the royal flush.
Joker Poker Payouts
Joker Poker offers a total of 11 winning combinations, the highest paying one of which is the standard top poker hand, while the one that pays out least is Kings or Better.
The amount of your reward, once again, will depend on the bet you have placed and on the type of winning hand you have drawn.
House Edge and RTP – or Why You Should Play Video Poker
There are many reasons why you should play video poker. Apart from being entertaining and simple to understand, the game has a high payout rate and, in most cases, a low house edge.
Before we move on, however, we must clarify that all games are calculated in a way that the casino always has small advantages.
In other words, the player cannot always win regardless of how high the RTP could be.
Still, you might have a better chance of making a profit in a game with a low house edge and high payouts. Wondering how the house edge is calculated?
To put it simply, it is the difference between the probability and the payouts. The lower the house edge is, the lower the casino advantage is.
To show why players opt for video poker, we have compared the game with other popular casino games:
Comparison Between Video Poker and Other Casino Games’ RTP:
| Casino Games | RTP |
|---|---|
| Video Poker | 96.50% – 101.97% |
| Slots | 85.00% – 98.00% |
| Roulette | 94.74% – 98.65% |
| Blackjack | 97.14% – 99.92% |
| Baccarat | 82.93% – 98.94% |
| Craps | 99.53% |
| Keno | 94.35% – 96.20% |
| Casino Hold’em | 93.74% – 97.87% |
| Casino Games | RTP |
|---|---|
| Pai Gow Poker | 97.15% |
| Sic Bo | 97.22% |
| Three Card Poker | 91.44% – 96.63% |
| Red Dog Poker | 97.33% – 97.66% |
| Caribbean Stud | 90.33% – 97.44% |
| Dream Catcher | 96.55% |
| Scratch Cards | 90.29% – 95.00% |
| Texas Hold’em | 91.46% – 99.47% |
As you might have noticed, the payout and house edge for each version of video poker vary depending on the rules.
Generally speaking, Loose Deuces has the highest RTP, while Deuces Wild has the lowest one.
The extra cards or bonuses inevitably affect the players’ odds of winning, which is why you should always familiarize yourself with the game you attempt to play prior to putting your real money on stake.
Video Poker Variants with Different House Edges:
- Jacks or Better
- Joker Poker
- Bonus Video Poker
- Tens or Better
- Kings or Better
- Deuces Wild
Statistical Probabilities: Variance and Standard Deviation
Apart from a house edge and an RTP, each video poker game comes with mathematically calculated statistic probabilities of winning.
Variance, also referred to as volatility, determines how often you could have big wins or losses. Generally speaking, the bigger your possibility of winning generous rewards, the higher the volatility will be.
Even though high volatility means you could win large amounts of cash, it should also be seen as a warning sign that they could be followed by major losses.
Due to its unpredictability, many people prefer a game with a low variance, which offers smaller yet more consistent rewards.
Therefore, if you are on a budget, you may wish to avoid jackpot video poker games as they have higher variance.
Wondering how video poker machines deal cards? All modern machines deal the cards automatically by using modern software.
In general, machines randomly choose five cards, which are dealt to the player and then electronically shuffle the deck and replace the cards you have decided to discard.
All licensed video poker machines, whether they are online or land-based are being constantly checked for fairness by the corresponding authorities.
Video Poker Games: What Can You Play Online?
Video poker games are based on land-based machines, available in most casinos in the US.
As we have already mentioned, although you need to know the general rules of poker, you do not have to be an expert to play video poker online for real money.
The game is rather simple, it is based on five-card draw poker and it is built on the principle of slots. In order to become a successful player, you must know your options.
To begin with, there are two important video poker online variations – full pay and low pay games.
Full pay games have an optimal payback percentage, while low pay games have a significantly reduced RTP and an increased house edge.
Yet, if you want to learn how to tell the difference between the two variations, please check the pay tables below.
Full Pay Video Poker
Low Pay Video Poker
Of course, there are also other types of video poker such as single play and multiplay games.
As you have probably figured, while single play games allow you to play one hand, multiplay poker gives you the option to play multiple hands.
Such games would normally allow you to select the number of hands you want to play. Bear in mind that you are not obliged to play the maximum number of hands. Most video poker online games would give you the following options:
- Triple Play – Play three hands at once
- Five Play – Play up to five hands at once
- Ten Play – Play up to ten hands at once
- Fifty Play – Play up to fifty hands at once
- One Hundred Play – Play up to one hundred hands at once
If you are after a life-changing reward, you may find the jackpot video poker games particularly interesting.
They feature a progressive jackpot, which in most cases could be won if you are wagering the maximum number of coins and make a royal flush of diamonds.
Depending on the game, however, the jackpot could also be randomly triggered. Even though jackpot video poker games may promise you a potential generous reward, it would not necessarily bring you an economic benefit.
Jackpot games normally come with lower payouts and a higher house edge, which is why we would not recommend them for low-rollers or beginner players.
The Best Online Video Poker Games
Most online casinos nowadays offer a decent choice of video poker games online.
Even though they might not be as many as the countless slots, you might find it difficult to select the most convenient title for you.
To help you with your choice, we have run a detailed check to come up with our top 8 video poker games.
We have based our choice on important criteria such as graphics, betting limits, performance, and of course, payout percentage.
Should you wish to explore the other options, however, you may consult our full list of video poker games.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is one of the most popular video poker online variations. The game comprises a 52-card deck, which can potentially be played in more than one hand.
You must try to collect one of the possible Poker hands that result in winnings including Jacks or Better. Eager to try out the game? You can play it for free in our video poker demo.
Loose Deuces
Loose Deuces is also known as the best return video poker. With a theoretical RTP of up to 101.97%, reachable only with optimal play on its best paytable, Loose Deuces has become one of the most famous video poker games.
The best paying combination is Royal Flush, but the addition of the wild cards and the special bonus round make the game even more interesting and dynamic.
Joker Poker
Joker Poker, often referred to as Joker Wild is a popular variation of Jacks or Better with the Joker acting as a Wild card.
Thus, the Joker could be used to replace any card in a winning hand. The deck in this game features 53 cards, which makes Joker Poker simpler and easier to win.
Deuces & Joker Power Poker
Deuces and Joker Power Poker is a four-hand game that features one Wild Joker and four Wild Deuces, which increase the player’s chances to win. At the end of each winning hand, players are offered the possibility to double their win by using the special gamble feature.
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is a popular variation of video poker that uses a standard deck of 52 cards. In this game, deuces are wild cards and can substitute any card in a winning hand.
The game is easy to play, and the players have better chances to win thanks to the special wild cards.
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is one of the most popular variations of video poker, that could be found in most online casinos. Often preferred by players, the game features two options – Deuces Wild or Jacks or Better. Players can choose which variation they wish to play and follow the usual rules.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is another excellent variation of Jacks or Better, with extra payouts for selected Four of a kind hands.
The game offers an excellent theoretical RTP of up to 99.00% in its online versions, giving players notably good chances to win. Available in most online casinos, the game stands out with its impeccable graphics and fun play.
Double Double Bonus Poker
As you have probably figured, Double Double Bonus Poker is very similar to Double Bonus Poker.
The main difference between the two games is that Double Double Bonus Poker offers different payouts for five Four of a kind hands.
The game’s theoretical RTP, however, is 98.98%, which is rather lower than the one of Double Bonus Poker.
List of Online Video Poker Games
There are plenty of video poker online variations to choose from. Unfortunately, however, not all of them will suit your needs as a player.
Most games come with free demo versions, available at the online casinos. We strongly recommend taking advantage of them and playing free video poker to find your favorite title.
This way, you will have the chance to practice and decide whether a certain game meets your needs without spending your real money on it.
Meanwhile, if you already know what you are looking for in a game, you may find the table below particularly useful.
In it, we have listed the most common video poker games online and the most important information about them. The Pay Table column shows per-coin payouts from the lowest winning hand up to a royal flush. As you will notice, most of the listed titles offer notably high payouts and generous paytables.
We must warn you, however, that certain games might have a relatively high house edge, which is why we would not recommend starting with particularly high bets. For more useful information, please consult the table below and keep reading our guide.
| Video Poker Game | Pay Table | RTP | Software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 1-2-3-4-6-9-20-40-1000 | 98.25% | Dragonfish |
| Loose Deuces | 25-15-5-4-3-2-2-1 | 101.97% | Realtime Gaming |
| Joker Poker | 150-80-50-20-6-5-3-2-1-1 | 97.96% – 98.60% | Realtime Gaming |
| Deuces & Joker Power Poker | 1-2-3-3-3-6-9-12-25-800-2000 | 99.00% | Microgaming |
| Deuces Wild | 800-200-25-16-13-4-3-2-2-1 | 97.00% | Microgaming |
| Bonus Poker | 1-2-3-4-5-6-25-40-80-50-800 | 99.16% | Dragonfish |
| Double Bonus Poker | 800-50-160-80-50-9-7-5-3-1-1 | 99.00% | Microgaming |
| Double Double Bonus Poker | 800-50-400-160-160-80-50-9-6-4-3-1-1 | 98.98% | Microgaming |
| Tens or Better | 800-50-25-6-5-4-3-2-1 | 99.14% | Playtech |
| Bonus Deuces Wild Poker | 1000-400-200-25-80-40-18-8-4-4-3-1-1 | 99.15% | Microgaming |
Video Poker Tips
Feeling like video poker is the right game for you?
Before you head to your chosen casino and start playing your favorite casino games for real money, we have a few tips that will help you become a better player.
Apart from knowing the basic rules of poker and the possible winning hands, we recommend following the steps below:
For more useful information, we recommend paying special attention to the topics listed below:
Online Video Poker Basic Strategy
The best way to get the most out of your chosen video poker game is to play it with a strategy.
We assume that you already know what most popular poker hands consist of and what rewards they could bring you.
Luckily, video poker is not only a game of chance but also of logic, which gives you the opportunity to play strategically and to potentially secure the lowest house edge.
It is important for you to know which cards to hold and to understand that your decision could have a serious impact on the outcome.
We strongly recommend keeping a strategy chart at hand, as it helps you make the right moves.
Playing with Strategy Charts
The only way to get the most out of a video poker game is to use a mathematically derived strategy.
There are several ways to develop such and they all depend on the type of real money video poker game you are playing and its corresponding rules.
Undoubtedly, it might be difficult and time-consuming for each player to develop a personalized strategy. Luckily, there are various strategy charts ready to use. You can find an example of such in the image below.
Additionally, you can download our basic strategy chart as a PDF file and use it whenever you need to.
We must warn you, however, that even though a strategy could optimize your chances to win, it cannot eliminate the house edge completely.
You Can Download Our Basic Strategy Chart Here
Bankroll requirements – How to Manage Your Money
Ready to play online video poker? We advise you to start keeping a separate sum for the sole purpose of gambling.
How much you would be willing to put on a stake, depends entirely on your budget and economic situation.
Some players believe that they need three to four times the amount won when they hit the best hand in poker.
We realize such ideas could easily lead to unnecessary expenses, which is why we would not recommend following it.
If you are playing at a real money video poker casino, you should also benefit from the corresponding bonuses. As a general rule, however, never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Low Stakes Bankroll
If you are a low roller, you should pick video poker games with lower variance. They would theoretically assure you constant small wins with occasional losses.
Of course, you could not make a fortune out of such games, but with a little bit of luck, you could end up with a significant profit.
You should avoid jackpots, however, as they are generally too risky for players with smaller budgets.
High Stakes Video Poker
High-rollers will undoubtedly have a wider range of options. If this is your case, we recommend trying your luck with progressive jackpot video poker games.
Additionally, you may also enjoy classic titles such as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Many casino sites also offer generous welcome bonuses.
The additional funds will allow you to spend more time playing and to potentially place higher bets than what you have originally planned.
The Most Important Tip: Play Responsibly!
Online video poker is certainly a fun and entertaining game as long as you know your limits. Unfortunately, many people suffer from gambling addiction, which could cause irreparable harm to their lives.
Thus, it is important to know when to stop playing and to never bet more real money than you can afford to lose.
We promote safe gambling and strongly encourage people who have been affected by it to seek help. In the list below, you can find some of the biggest responsible gambling organizations:
Once you’re comfortable with the paytables and strategy, you can put them to work at a real-money site: our guide to video poker casinos in the US compares where the best-paying variants are available.
Playing Video Poker on Mobile
The busy contemporary life can affect your gambling habits and the online casinos know that.
Most of the leading casino sites have launched functional mobile apps, which let you play most of their games wherever you are.
Luckily, most video poker games online are also mobile-friendly and perform exceptionally on the phone’s smaller screen.
As some video poker apps are better developed than others, we took our time to test and compare them.
As you will probably notice, there are various differences between playing casino games on the go and on desktop.
The main one is that the number of games on most casinos’ mobile versions will be significantly lower than on their desktop versions.
We must note, however, that most online video poker games perform excellently on both devices and players will have the option to choose among almost all available titles.
Certain operators also offer special mobile bonuses that you might be able to benefit from when you play video poker online for real money.
In addition, the top mobile casinos will typically offer free video poker demos for you to try out, just like the desktop version. You can find details in your chosen casino’s promotions section.
Video Poker Online Software Developers
There are various software developers that offer excellent video poker games online. Even though they are all similar at their core, most video poker variations have different graphics, rules and, of course, rewards.
Therefore, it is entirely up to you to decide which studio produces the casino games that most meet your needs as a player.
For your convenience, we have listed all online casino software developers, offering video poker games:
- Playtech
- Microgaming
- Betsoft
- Pragmatic Play
- Play’n GO
- 1×2 Gaming
- Amigotechs
- Realtime Gaming
- Amaya Software
- NetEnt
- Nucleus Gaming
- iSoftBet
Trivia and Stories
Now that we have covered all important rules and facts about video poker, we should focus on some more interesting details about the game.
For example, have you ever wondered, what is the history of video poker or where you can play it? Or are there any entertaining movies and books about video poker?
We will gladly answer your questions and will provide you with even more details in the following sections:
History of Video Poker
Video poker has an interesting, yet not so long history. It all started back in 1891, in Brooklyn, New York when the Sittman and Pitt Company invented the first poker machine that had five reels.
Just a few years later, in 1898 Charles Fey invented “Card Bell”, which had the ability to play up to 20 coins for the best hand in poker.
Of course, throughout the years, the video poker machine has gone through various changes and modernizations. In fact, it did not start gaining popularity until the late 1970s and 1980s.
Nowadays, video poker is one of the most famous casino games, but are you curious to know what were the events that made it what it is today? Check out our history timetable to find out:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1891 | The Sittman and Pitt Company invents the first poker machines. As each slot reel could accommodate 10 cards only, Sittman and Pitt’s machines were missing two cards, the jack of hearts and the ten of spades, which consequently led to a lower RTP. |
| 1898 | Charles Fey invents “Card Bell” – a poker machine that can pay up to 20 coins for a Royal Flush. He came up with the idea while looking for a way to entertain the customers that visited his shop. |
| 1901 | Fey creates “Skill draw”, a poker machine with a hold feature. It allows the player to keep one or two cards from his initial hand and draw new cards, in order to improve his final hand. |
| 1970 | Dale Electronics presents the first video poker machine. It is called Poker-Matic and is received rather well by the gambling world. |
| 1980s | Video poker gains popularity. Players can now enjoy games such as Draw Poker, which features the Jacks or Better rule. |
Video Poker Machines at Real-Life Casinos
Players can find real money video poker machines at many land-based casinos around the world.
They can be easily recognized as they look a lot like slot machines, the only difference being that players can make decisions that affect the outcome.
There are different models of video poker machines, most of which manufactured by IGT.
Game King Video Poker remains one of the most famous models, even after a gambler found a glitch in 2009 and took advantage of it to make a profit.
Such cases are extremely rare and quickly noticed by the casinos.
We should also mention that often each video poker machine would have a different payout, which is why we advise you to have a good look at your options before you place your first bet.
Best Land Based Video Poker Casinos
As we have already mentioned, real money video poker machines could be found at many casinos around the world.
However, keep in mind that not all of them offer the same betting limits, nor the same number of options.
Thus, it is important to always check whether your chosen gambling venue could meet your needs as a player.
To help you with your choice, we have selected some of the best land-based video poker casinos around the world.
We hope you will find our selection useful and take it into account when choosing the best casino to play at.
| Real Casino | Location | Video Poker Machines | Limits | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellagio | Las Vegas, Nevada, US | 92 | $1 – $25 | bellagio.com |
| Aria Resort & Casino | Las Vegas, Nevada, US | 84 | $1 – $100 | aria.com |
| Golden Nugget | Atlantic City, New Jersey, US | 43 | N/A | goldennugget.com |
| Victoria Gate Casino | Leeds, England, UK | 80 | N/A | victoriagatecasino.co.uk |
Where Is It Legal to Play Video Poker?
Video poker is, without a doubt one of the most entertaining casino games, but unfortunately its legal status depends on the country you are playing at (since not all countries offer legal real money casino games).
For example, the game could be played fully legally at the best online casinos in the UK, while the ability of people to gamble online in the United States depends on local state laws.
You should also keep in mind that in some countries you will be dealing with a different legislation if you want to play video poker online. Nevertheless, free video poker is almost always legal.
So if you aren’t sure about its legality, look below or stick to the social casino games. For more information, please consult the table below:
| Country | Legal Age | Real Casino Video Poker | Online Video Poker | Taxes on Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA, Nevada | 21 | Legal | Illegal | Yes |
| USA, New Jersey | 21 | Legal | Legal | Yes |
| USA, Pennsylvania | 21 | Illegal | Legal | Yes |
| UK | 18 | Legal | Legal | No |
| Canada | 18 – 19 | Legal | Legal | Yes |
| India, Goa | 21 | Legal | Legal | Yes |
| India, Sikkim | 21 | Legal | Legal | Yes |
| Ireland | 18 | Legal | Legal | No |
| South Africa | 18 | Legal | Legal | No |
Interestingly, there are many video poker players in the USA. Many states allow the game, and legal sites are available in a growing number of states.
Also, many American software developers, such as IGT, have a strong presence on the market, and their games are easily accessible.
For example, at the PA online video poker sites, you can try variations like Game King, Joker Poker, All Aces, and many others.
Video Poker Movies and Documentaries
Gambling movies have gained a lot of popularity over the past few years, but unfortunately, there are not many that focus on video poker.
As you may know, the game is not as popular as roulette, blackjack or poker against other players, so it would simply not attract the required media attention for a blockbuster movie.
In our detailed article about blackjack online games we found quite a number of popular movies, but not so here. Still, if you like documentaries, you might enjoy Lenny Frome’s Winning at Video Poker (1995).
Video Poker Books
The lack of enough video poker movies is well compensated with plenty of books on the topic.
Whether you are looking for a guide, a strategy book or a video poker novel, you will certainly find the right title for you.
To help you with your choice, in the table below we have listed some of the most popular video poker books that you can currently find on the market:
| Book Title | Author | Year Published | Amazon Score | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex, Lies, And Video Poker: An Erotic Novel About Gambling | Bob Dancer | 2004 | 4/5 | Click Here! |
| Million Dollar Video Poker | Bob Dancer | 2009 | 4/5 | Click Here! |
| Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner | Bob Dancer | 2003 | 3.5/5 | Click Here! |
| Winning Strategies for Video Poker | Lenny Frome | 1997 | 3.5/5 | Click Here! |
| Frugal Video Poker | Jean Scott, Viktor Nacht | 2006 | 3.5/5 | Click Here! |
| The Undeniable Truth About Video Poker | Rob Singer | 2000 | 3/5 | Click Here! |
| The Video Poker Edge: How to Play Smart and Bet Right | Linda Boyd | 2006 | 4/5 | Click Here! |
| Win at Video Poker: A Guide to Beating the Poker Machines | Roger Fleming | 2000 | 2/5 | Click Here! |
| The Secret World Of Video Poker Progressives | Frank Kneeland | 2010 | 4/5 | Click Here! |
| Professional Video Poker | Stanford Wong | 1991 | 2/5 | Click Here! |
| Beyond Counting: Exploiting Casino Games from Blackjack to Video Poker | James Grosjean | 2000 | 5/5 | Click Here! |
| Video Poker Optimum Play | Dan Paymar | 2010 | 3.5/5 | Click Here! |
Most of the books we have suggested are educational, which means they could potentially make you a better player. You will find in them a number of useful strategies and tips.
We would still like to remind you, however, that no matter how you play, you can never eliminate the house edge completely and losing is a part of each game.
Professional Players and Famous Winners
Video poker might be a simple game, but it still requires strategic thinking to be played.
There are many famous video poker winners, who, unfortunately, did not get the chance to enjoy the same fame as professional poker players.
Video poker tournaments are rare compared to poker events, which is why most successful players remain in the shadows.
Yet, we have found two video poker players who have managed to attract enough media attention to make them famous. Wondering who are they? Meet Senator John McCain and Andre Nestor:
Senator John McCain
We have no information about the poker skills of the Late Senator John McCain, but we can tell you how he suddenly became a famous player.
Back in 2013, McCain was caught playing video poker on his iPhone during a three-hour hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations discussing the potential use of force against the Assad regime. He later joked about the scandal on Twitter, but the criticism did not go away.
Andre Nestor
Back in 2009, Andre Nestor and John Kane became famous for being notorious video poker cheats, when Kane was caught winning thanks to a video poker bug he had found.
He, together with Nestor found the glitch and learned how to manipulate it for their own benefit. Eventually, they were both charged with conspiracy and violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
The charges against them were eventually dropped.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, video poker is a very popular casino game, especially in the US and in the UK.
It could be found in most land-based and online casinos and players have many variations to choose from. The game offers a good balance of luck and strategy, and the possibility to win real money.
In order to be successful at it, however, you must be well aware of all general poker rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that we have managed to resolve all your doubts about video poker.
However, we realize that due to the popularity of the game, there might still be some matters you will feel uncertain about.
That is why, in the following section, we will gladly answer the most popular questions about video poker.
1. What video poker game has best odds?
There are various video poker games online that have excellent odds. Jacks or Better has an RTP of 99.54% and the potential to lower the house edge to 0.46%. Meanwhile, Loose Deuces is famous for being the game with the highest payout rate of 101.15%, which also gives the player excellent odds of winning.
2. Can you win at video poker?
Yes, you can win at video poker. All you need is a little bit of luck and a good strategy to follow. In order to become a successful player, you must also be aware of the main poker rules and what each winning hand consists of.
3. Can you make money playing video poker?
Yes, you can make money playing video poker. It all depends on the bankroll you count with and the payouts offered by your chosen video poker variation. Remember that video poker is not only a game of luck but also strategy, which is why you should be well aware of all poker rules and play wisely. However, you can only win real money, when you play video poker using real cash bets. To do this, you'll first have to make a deposit into your online casino account.
4. Are video poker machines random?
Yes, all poker machines are random. The land-based casinos are being regularly checked for fairness by the corresponding authorities, and all available games are being tested continuously. If you are playing casino games online, the fairness of your chosen real money video poker game is guaranteed, as long as your selected casino site is licensed. This is because online casino games, just like land-based ones, are regularly tested for fairness by third party auditing companies.
5. What is Jacks or Better in poker?
Jacks or Better is a video poker variation, in which you are a dealt five cards, some of which you can hold or withdraw. The lowest winning hand in this game consists of a pair of Jacks or higher cards. The game is extremely popular and available at most online casinos.
6. How do you win video poker Deuces Wild?
You can easily win the video poker game Deuces Wild, as long as you are aware of its main rules. In this version, all 2s act as wild cards, which can substitute any other card in a winning hand. Deuces Wild is the most lucrative video poker game for a reason. You can easily win as long as you draw a winning hand.
7. What is a straight flush in video poker?
Straight flush is a popular hand in video poker. It is the highest paying hands after Royal Flush and consists of a combination of five sequential cards of the same suit, such as 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of diamonds.
8. Why do I lose at video poker?
There are various reasons why you might lose at video poker. The first one is that it is a game of chance with certain volatility, so you losing is a part of it. The second one could be that you do not know the rules and are not concentrated. Video poker requires a lot of strategic thinking, so do not play if you are tired. We also advise you to follow our video poker tips for winning.
9. Are there tricks to win at video poker?
There are no magic tricks to win at video poker. You cannot cheat or manipulate the game. However, there are certain strategies that could help you win. Nevertheless, you must always remember that video poker is a game of chance and losing is a part of it.
10. Are there any free video poker games?
Most online video poker games come with free demo versions that you can try. You can try out the free video poker game Jacks or Better that we have prepared for you. Free video poker games give you the chance to improve your poker skills and get ready to play video poker online with your real money.