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The Ultimate Guide on How to Play Video Poker

The Ultimate Guide on How to Play Video Poker

Want to play a game that combines both skill and lady luck? Then you’ve found it in Video Poker! Read on to find out all about what video poker is, the rules and variations, as well as some great tips and tricks to maximise your bankroll and keep the fun going for even longer!

  • Aleksandra Nolan

  • Updated: 24.06.2022

    • Updated: 24.06.2022

    The Best Video Poker Casinos

    Our List of Top-Rated Video Poker Casinos

    10

    Video Poker

    An Introduction to Playing Video Poker Online

    At both online and land-based casinos, video poker is one of the most popular games and the appeal is understandable. Its creators combined two of the best-loved games in the industry — slots and poker – and came up with video poker, a game that’s quickly become a casino favourite for many players worldwide!

    Video poker combines the skill and knowledge used in poker with the luck needed in slots to create a gambling experience that is both entertaining and rewarding. Many new variations of video poker have been developed throughout the years, but the core principle of the game has remained the same.

    Video Poker Casino Bonuses

    Bonuses That Can be Used to Boost Your Odds of Winning

    Did you realise that online casinos provide various types of bonuses? Before you sign-up and make your initial deposit, it’s vital to comprehend how bonus offers differ from each other.

    One thing to keep in mind is that some bonuses have significantly more restrictions than others, so always be sure to read the terms and conditions of each one. Nonetheless, these offers can be quite lucrative and will give you some extra time to play and possibly get that win of a lifetime! Let’s look at some of them below.

    Welcome Bonus

    This is the most prevalent sort of online betting bonus available to you. Every online casino will almost certainly give new players the chance to claim an exciting welcome bonus when making their first deposit. A percentage of the first deposit you made is usually matched up to a certain amount and in many cases can include a number of free spins!

    Reload Bonus

    Reload bonuses are similar to welcome bonuses at casinos, but they are typically provided at a percentage that is lower (less than 100%), and are only available to players who have wagered at the online casino previously. This means you have to have made at least one deposit in the past. These bonuses are often used as a method for casinos to reward regular customers for returning to their site but can be offered as a prize for taking part in casino events or tournaments.

    No Deposit Bonus

    Do you want to play real money casino games but don’t want to risk your own money right away? Then you should check out a no deposit bonus online casino. These incentives are often much less than welcome bonuses, but they are an excellent way to try out an online gambling site without any risk. Take note that these sites will also safeguard themselves by imposing low withdrawal limitations on no deposit bonus payouts.

    Video Poker Rules

    Understanding the Rules of Online Video PokerVideo Poker Card Games

    Despite the fact that there are many different types of video poker game variations to choose from, all video poker games follow the same set of rules:

    1. The hands are standard “table” poker hands.
    2. You are dealt five cards as a beginning hand.
    3. You have the option of keeping or discarding some or all of your cards if you choose.
    4. A randomised draw will see all of the cards you discarded replaced with new ones.
    5. You are a winner if your hand equals any of the qualifying poker hands.

    How to Play Video Poker

    Steps on How to Play Video Poker at Online Casinos Worldwide

    Every type of video poker game has a different set of rules as each variant has their own twist on the classic that is poker. Below we summarise how to play three of the most popular variants of video poker.

    How to Play Jacks or Better

    Jacks or Better is the most well-known video poker game version. You need to have a pair of Jacks at minimum to get rewarded in this game. Any hand worth less than a pair of Jacks is useless, while any hand worth more pays out according to a pay scale that is predetermined.

    The following are the usual payouts for a Jacks or Better game, but always verify the actual payouts on your machine as you play.

    Video Poker Casinos

    • 250x for a Royal Flush. If you place a maximum bet, you could potentially receive 4000x worth of bonuses.
    •  50 x for a Straight Flush
    •  25x for a Four of a Kind
    • 6-9x for a Full House
    •  5-6x for a Flush
    •  4x for a Straight
    •  3x for a Three of a Kind
    •  2x for Two Pair
    • 1x for a Pair of Jacks or Better

    You can only be compensated for the highest hand value you have when getting paid. You are not compensated for a pair, three of a kind or a full house.

    How to Play Aces and Faces

    Aces and Faces Video Poker is a classic video poker game that works similarly to Jacks or Better. This game’s payouts are based on pairings of aces and face cards beginning with a pair of Jacks, with higher payouts for combos that are four-of-a-kind in Queens, Jacks, Aces and Kings. In this game, there are no wild cards. The general payouts are:Video Poker Casinos in South Africa

    •  500x for a Royal Flush
    •  80 x for 4 Aces
    •  50x for Straight Flush
    •  40x for four J, Q, K
    • 25x for four 2-10’s
    •  8x for a Full House
    •  5x for a Flush
    •  4x for a Straight
    •  3x for Three of a Kind
    • 2x for Two Pairs
    • 1x for Jacks or Better

    How to Play Joker Poker

    The majority of Joker Poker payouts begin with a pair of Kings, though this can differ according to the casino you’re playing at. As always, remember to check the pay tables ahead of time.

    Video Poker Casinos Online

    The ranks of poker hands found on most pay tables are listed below from the lowest to the highest.

    •  Pair of Jacks or Higher — possessing two Queens, for instance
    •  Two Pair consists of two cards of the same rank. Two tens, for example.
    •  Three of a Kind is when you have three cards of the same rank. Three 5s, for example.
    • A hand of consecutive cards is known as a straight. For instance, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
    •  Flush — a hand in which all of the cards are of the same suit, such as hearts, clubs, diamonds, or spades.
    •  A full house consists of two cards plus a three-of-a-kind. Three Ks and two 10s, for example.
    • Poker consists of four cards of the same rank. Four Qs, for example.
    •  A hand that is both a straight and a flush is known as a Straight Flush. For instance, the numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 all have the same suit.
    •  A Royal Flush is a set of five cards with the same suit from 10 to Ace.

    Breakdown of Video Poker Variants

    A Breakdown of Video Poker Games

    Video Poker gameGame ProvidersAverage RTPMobile Compatible
    Jacks or BetterSpearhead Studios99.54%Yes
    Deuces WildeSolutions98.94%Yes
    Aces or FacesPlaytech and MicroGaming99%Yes
    Joker PokereSolutions, GAMbit Software, EGT98.47%Yes

    Video Poker Tips and Tricks

    Tips and Tricks on How to Win Video Poker Online

    The worst thing you can do in any video poker game is to simply guess. Once you know the rules and how to play, the game is relatively easy, so you have a real chance of winning.

    Honing your set of skills and employing the best video poker strategy for you will not only increase your chances of winning, but it will also provide you with additional rewards. Here are some top tips and tricks to help you get started:

    • Choose a machine that pays out the most: The greatest paying casino video poker games should be on your priority list. This includes video poker machines like Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better, which have the highest RTP.
    • Pay Attention to the Pay Table: Before you play video poker, you must first read the pay table. A pay table for a slot machine will show the qualifying hand that is the lowest and whether there are wild cards. This will improve your chances of winning.
    • Experiment before wagering real money: Video poker games make it simple to improve your skills. Each variety is easy to understand thanks to online demos and free download casino applications.

    Video Poker vs. Live Poker

    The Difference Between Video Poker and Live Poker

    The primary distinction between video poker and poker is that video poker is significantly more restricted. Video poker can be played both online and in real life, and only a basic understanding of poker is required. Furthermore, because video poker is a digital game, there are numerous varieties available.

    Many players prefer the accessibility of video poker to the complex rules and strategy of poker. Video poker also allows players to better manage their bankrolls because the bets are more methodical and thus can be less chaotic than poker betting.

    Table Comparing Video Poker vs. Live Poker

    Comparing Video Poker and Live Poker

    Video PokerLive Poker
    A base knowledge of 5-card draw poker is required to playNeed to know the complexities and rules of Poker
    Many varieties are availableMore contained in terms of variations
    Easy to understand the rules and strategiesRequires time and a fair amount of skill
    Players can budget better by choosing the game that suits their bankrollPoker betting can be erratic and confusing if you aren’t experienced

    What We Think About Video Poker

    Our Final Thoughts About Online Video Poker

    Video Poker GamesWhen you log in to your favourite online casino, one of the best decisions you can make is to play video poker games, especially Jacks or Better video poker.

    Video poker games include numerous features and options that make them not only a viable alternative to traditional slot machines, but also provide players with a realistic chance of winning big. If played correctly, video poker can provide you with hours of entertainment and possibly some extra cash! 

    You can also have great fun researching what strategies work for you, and practice on the many free versions that are available online before you spend any real money.

    FAQs

    FAQs

    • Is it possible to get video poker games at no cost to me?

      For sure. Video poker games are available for free download on iOS and Android devices.

    • What is the best video poker game to play?

      It really comes down to what the video poker paytables are and of course, your gambling preference, but if you want the highest video poker odds, you should definitely seek out Deuces Wild games that are full-pay.

    • Is video poker preferable to slots?

      Yes, in many ways. Although the slots have their own merits, it is difficult to find slots that have a house edge as advantageous to a player as video poker.

    • Is it possible to make money playing this version of poker?

      Yes. Many players have walked away with life-changing sums of money by playing online video poker.

    • What is a royal flush, exactly?

      There is no greater hand in video poker than a royal flush. It’s a five-card hand consisting of an ace-high straight flush. This indicates that a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit are present.

       

    • Is video poker the same thing as a slot machine?

      They are two distinct types of casino games. While video poker and slot machines have some similarities (such as being simple to play and having no interaction with a dealer), they also have some significant differences, one of them being that video poker incorporates a level of skill, whereas slot machines are solely based on luck.

    • What is the best strategy for Jacks or Better?

      To beat Jacks or Better, discover games with good payables (9/6 or more) and play for the max. Jacks or Better video poker is won by betting five coins every hand and landing the Royal Flush (the ultimate prize).

    • What is the best winning video poker strategy?

      It is randomised, so you can’t always win. Find games with good payouts, study the rules, take your time, and target machines with progressive jackpots.

    Aleksandra Nolan

    View all articles by author

    Experienced online casino writer and reviewer who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others. She enjoys analyzing the latest trends in the industry and offering valuable tips to help others by having the most from betting at online casinos. She is constantly looking for new and interesting topics to write about and stays up-to-date on the latest changes in the online gambling industry.