Online Video Poker

What is video poker?

Video poker is another must-see casino game that all players love. Although this classic card game used to be played at small tables in a tense atmosphere, video poker allows everyone to play without stress and at their own pace. The game is based on five-card draw poker, with the same rules and ranking system. Many variations of video poker add even more excitement to the game. The most popular variants are Multi-Hand video poker and progressive jackpot video poker, but there are a dozen game variations.

Placing bets in video poker is quite simple. The player must first pay an entry fee (ante) and then receive cards. The cards are dealt by a real dealer in live poker mode or by the program on the slot machine we have chosen (poker layout). We draw your attention to the fact that all cards are dealt from a shuffled deck. After receiving five cards, the player can return them to the dealer to exchange them for other cards. He can do this only once. You can sit down in the comfort of your own home and play for any stake. This is the least stressful and potentially highly profitable form of poker.

So, what is the difference between playing video poker and online poker?

• Online poker is a game where participants use different strategies to outsmart each other and maintain a poker face. The final win is based on the pool collected during the game.
• Video poker is entertainment for only one person. It is played using poker hands, and the player’s win depends primarily on the rules of the payout by a specific machine. In short, video poker synthesizes the usual classic machine and online poker.

How do we rate video poker online casinos?

We use key criteria to evaluate the best online casino with video poker games. Our ratings are based on a combination of important factors for beginners and experienced players. Here are the main criteria we consider:

• Game variety
  We look at the range of video poker games available. A top-rated casino should offer various video poker variations, from classics like Jacks or Better to more complex options like Deuces Wild and Multi-Hand Poker. The more variety, the better, as it allows players to choose games that match their skill level and preferences.
• Software quality
  The quality of the software is critical for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. We assess whether the casino uses reputable software providers known for delivering high-quality graphics, fast loading times, and reliable gameplay. Casinos that partner with top software developers score higher in our ratings.
• Bonuses and promotions
  Bonuses can significantly enhance your video poker experience. We evaluate the types of bonuses available, including welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and special promotions specifically for video poker players. We also consider the fairness of the bonus terms, such as wagering requirements and game contributions.
• Payment options
  We consider the variety and convenience of payment options offered by the casino. A good video poker casino should support multiple payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, with quick, hassle-free deposits and withdrawals. We also check for any fees associated with transactions.
• Security and fairness
  Player safety is a top priority. We rate casinos based on their security measures, including encryption technologies that protect personal and financial data. Additionally, we look for casinos that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, ensuring fair play and the use of random number generators (RNGs) in video poker games.
• Customer support
  Good customer support is essential for resolving any issues that might arise. We assess customer service availability and quality, including live chat, email, and phone support. Casinos that offer 24/7 support and have knowledgeable staff receive higher ratings.
• Mobile compatibility
  Mobile compatibility is crucial, as more players choose to play on the go. We check whether the casino’s video poker games are fully optimized for mobile devices, offering a seamless experience whether you’re playing on a smartphone or tablet.

Varieties of video poker in online casinos

Video poker appeared relatively recently, but its varieties now you can’t count on the fingers of one hand. The rules of each type of video poker differ depending on the number of lines in the game, the special symbols, or the possibility of paying out jackpots. The payout table also differs. Each gambling brand offers something of its own; it depends mainly on the software manufacturers, who are constantly working on making their product much more attractive than, for example, the classic type of video poker.

• Video poker can have several lines, such as 100, 50, 25, or 10. The five initial cards are always dealt on one line. Cards selected by the player are fixed on all lines, and unfixed cards are dealt randomly.
• The payout table in each game can be changed. In the most popular games, there are about ten different payout percentages.
• Video poker can also be divided according to theme, symbolism, and the possibility of receiving large amounts. The most popular types of video poker are Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, All American, Multi-Hand Poker, Bonus Poker, Triple Poker, Double Bonus Poker, etc. Detailed information about these types is provided below.

Jacks or Better

This is the most popular variation of video poker. It involves collecting at least one pair of jacks, and then the player can collect a cash prize. All payouts in this game are possible when we have a jack in the hand.

Deuces Wild

All wins start with a three, and all twos from the deck can serve as lucky Wild cards that can replace any other card. In such conditions, you can create the strongest hand.

All American

All American Video Poker is a game between you and the dealer, played using a standard deck of 52 cards. In the first hand, five cards are dealt. All American Video Poker is a standard video poker game based on the game Jacks or Better. The main difference in this game is the payouts for specific combinations: Royal Flush – standard payout, Straight Flush – higher payout, Full House – lower payout, Straight – higher payout, Flush – higher payout, Three of a Kind – standard payout, Two Pairs – lower payout, Jacks or Better – standard payout.

10’s or Better

Like the previous variation, Tens or Better gives players a slightly better chance, as you must have a hand with at least two tens to win a prize.

Other equally popular types of video poker are also available in legal online casinos. Let’s learn about them below.

• Joker Poker. This game has an additional Joker card, which functions almost the same as the Wild card in slots. This card can replace other cards, which allows you to build the best possible poker hand. Payouts start with having two pairs.
• Multi-Hand Poker. This type of game allows you to play with several hands simultaneously. The hand held by the player is the same in each additional hand allowed in the game, but new cards are dealt randomly, which allows you to get more winning combinations. This game can have more hands than other types (e.g., 50).
• Bonus Poker. A type of poker in which the player can win additional prizes for specific hands. The most common bonus is the Four of a Kind hand bonus.
• Triple Play involves dealing with three sets of cards (hands) simultaneously. This type of game can occur during Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild games.
• Double Bonus Poker. This is a variation of Bonus Poker, which involves receiving more attractive additional bonuses not only for one set. Usually, the casino and the manufacturer decide what bonuses can be available in such a game.
• Joker Wilds. In this case, the entire game is played based on a deck comprising 53 cards (a standard deck and one more joker).
• Progressive Jackpot. An online video poker game is classic five-card draw poker, but after meeting special conditions, you can win a progressive jackpot. The only way to win the jackpot is to bet the maximum amount allowed, i.e., a high stake.

As we can see, there are many varieties of video poker, so choosing the right type is much more difficult than it may seem at first glance. For example, at Slottica Casino, we can choose between many live and online video poker games. We have titles such as Super Video Poker, Joker Poker, Poker Room, Bet on Poker, and others. Zet Casino is focused more on games such as Turbo Poker, Oasis Poker, and Caribbean Poker.

Online video poker rules

New casino players are always worried because poker rules in land-based online casinos are difficult. In the case of the online version, there is nothing to worry about and now we will briefly describe how to play video poker. There are 52 cards in the deck from which the player receives only 5. Next, the player must decide which cards to keep in his hand and which he wants to exchange. Newly drawn cards from the deck occupy the places of the exchanged cards, and the player’s necessary result in the game depends on the arrangement of the cards compared to the payout table. The winner can be the one whose card arrangement is identical to the one on the screen. If you choose a casino intending to play only video poker, then before making a deposit and choosing the type of game, familiarize yourself with the payout table and the game rules. This is very important because the additional rules of each video poker game in each online casino differ.

We want to show you the most useful terms in video poker to help you and significantly reduce the load on your game.

• Hand. The hand of cards that a player has. In video poker, the player has 5 cards.
• Deal. The dealer can deal cards in a live casino or through a device.
• Hold. The option when the player marks which cards remain in the hand.
• Draw. The player’s choice to replace cards that they did not mark.
• Pass. To give up the game.
• Bankroll. All the money the player has is allocated to the game.
• Joker. A wild card that can replace other cards.
• Jackpot. It’s the largest win in a poker game with a progressive jackpot. The player usually takes it with the best hand compared to the payout table.

In addition to the terms presented above, it is also worth it for a beginner to understand the names of video poker hands and what they consist of. Depending on the hand, we decide how to continue the game, how to exchange cards better, and which cards should be left in the hand. The payout table for each hand lists the amount the player can take if they have all these cards. We show all the hands from the highest to the lowest possible win.

• Royal flush. This is the most powerful hand that can exist. It consists of cards of the same suit from Ace to 10. Honestly, it is rarely seen in poker. Credits go up to 2000.
• Straight flush. This hand consists of 5 consecutive cards of the same suit. If two or more players have this hand, the player with the highest card in this hand wins.
• Four of a kind. A hand consisting of four cards of the same value, for example, 4 kings. If this hand is repeated in someone, the player whose fifth card in the hand is of higher value wins.
• Full house. In other words, Full – one of the highest poker hands, is made of three cards of the same value and another pair of cards of the same format. In the event of a coincidence of such a hand, the player with the higher pair wins.
• Flush. When collecting this hand, the suit counts. The player who has a hand of 5 cards of the same suit wins.
• Straight. The basis of this arrangement is cards that follow each other. They can be of different suits. A straight that wins a player must contain a higher card than the others. The highest straight consists of the following cards: ace, king, queen, jack, ten. The lowest straight contains the following cards: ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
• Three of a kind. This arrangement contains three different cards of the same value. The player with the highest card value in these three wins this arrangement.
• Two pairs. In this arrangement, we have two pairs, the cards in each of which are of the same value. If both players have identical cards, the fifth card decides the win.
• One pair. This arrangement is held by a player who has collected two identical cards of different suits. In the case of a coincidence of such an arrangement in the hands of several players, the third card’s value decides the win.
• High card. This hand is no hand because the winning hand is paid based on the highest card in the hand.

Video poker payouts

Video poker payouts are based on the value of the hand. The lowest payout is a pair (a pair of jacks if we’re talking about the “Jacks or Better” version), and the highest is a straight flush. Below, you’ll see a table describing the amounts of each payout.

If you see a straight flush, bet the maximum amount of coins.

Video poker software providers

Video poker was created many decades ago—in 1979. This year, Sarcoma, now known as International Game Technology, was founded. This company is among the most popular providers, offering the best poker software in land-based and online casinos.

Modern video poker software providers have left this game’s classic variants and have supplemented the existing ones with much better offers in the form of interesting symbols, themes, and new payout opportunities. Online casinos always try to offer their customers the best games, so they often choose software such as Betsoft, Novomatic, Wazdan, Microgaming Provider, Pragmatic Play, etc. Depending on the type of producer and its game, you can compare the chances of paying out winnings in video poker.

How to play video poker online for money?

Video poker hit online casinos in the seventies, becoming one of the most popular slot machines. Many famous gamblers of that time began testing such online slot machines, and the Johnson brothers proved that the chances of hitting the jackpot in video poker are huge. Playing video poker is child’s play. Thanks to the intersection with slot machines, the game is practically automated, and all we have to do is give ourselves over to the joy of winning! We can choose several options in this extremely exciting and fast game.

So, how should you play video poker online for money? There are small differences between the four basic types of video poker, i.e. “Jacks or Better”, “All American”, “Poker Joker” and “Deuces Wild”. Each differs in the figures from which the reward begins and the figures awarded as bonuses. The style of play remains the same.

What mainly distinguishes video poker is the exceptionally small advantage of the online casino! This is one of the most important reasons video poker is frequently chosen. This has been statistically confirmed, meaning the player’s chances of winning are huge. This is because, unlike some pure casino games, our influence on the draw is much greater in video poker. The main thing that depends on us is placing bets.

The slot machine allows the player to place bets x1, x2, x3, x4, x5. After placing bets, five cards appear. We have two options – to leave them or exchange them. We can exchange any number of cards; we can also exchange them all. After exchanging the cards, the deal ends, and we either collect the winnings or lose the money allocated for the bet. Of course, the payouts vary depending on the type of game we choose, but a few things remain the same. This is primarily the payout table, which is present on every slot machine.

In addition, betting is unchanged, and its possibilities are the same as in every slot machine. In short – we can bet a maximum of five times the value of the credit, i.e., if the value of the credit (token) is equal to $1, a single bet can be $1, $2, $3, $4 or a maximum of $5, which is five times the value of the token and is called the max bet. The layouts of the figures also do not change, but depending on the type of game, they can be paid out differently. In most cases, the system rewards those who like the thrill of excitement and always play at max bet, i.e., at the highest possible rate.

We should choose video machines where the maximum bet suits us. For example, in a slot machine with a $1 token, we can make bets of $1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, but when the machine has a programmed insert of 25 cents, the max bet will be $1.25. Playing with the maximum stake is important due to the maximum profit and the highest multiplier when winning. The multiplier also depends on the type of game.

For example, where the classic “Jack or Better” pays a stake of 25:1 for four of a kind (four in a row), “All American” will pay as much as 30:1 – a higher multiplier means a higher profit and a higher win. In “Jacks or Better” poker, the payouts for face cards are proportional to their strength as in standard poker with one exception – face cards are paid out only from a pair of jacks, where each high pair is paid out at a ratio of 1:1, meaning that we get our bet back. Still, we don’t gain anything from it. The profit starts with two pairs and then increases depending on the strength of our poker hand.

In the case of “All American”, straights and flushes are the best paid, so we need to focus all our attention on them during the game. Regarding the “Deuces Wild” variety, we can safely say that the key cards are twos, whose special feature is that they replace any card of the appropriate suit.

The rules of the “Joker Wild” variety are similar to those of “Deuces Wild”, except that the special card here is the joker. The game’s rules are the same, and the joker replaces any card (unlike the deuces, the joker replaces any card of any suit). Of course, both Deuces Wild and Jokers Wild have the same payout table as the classic Jacks or Better.

Free online video poker

We realize that not all players are at the same level of gambling development. Some have already gained experience playing not only in online casinos but also in land-based casinos. Others are just starting and know nothing about bets and how to bet so as not to lose large amounts at the start. In the case of the first, we recommend immediately choosing video poker to your taste and starting this machine playing for real money.

As for new players, it would be good first to learn and, without depositing any amounts and also without registration, understand what video poker is. Online casinos provide the option of playing slot machines for free for such users. This is a demo mode game where all your bets mean nothing, and winning is impossible because everything is done based on free chips. In any case, initially, we are interested in winning and focus more on the habits we can gain. Playing free video poker is worth paying attention to every detail, considering every symbol and understanding the payout table. You can also consider different strategies and test each one without losing anything.

Video poker strategies

Although it is still a game of chance, video poker gives us a much greater scope for action than other gambling games. Of course, it is worth understanding that we will win only and exclusively if we know how to play. Perhaps it cannot be called a game system but a strategy. A high percentage of the casino edge is most often the result of poor play and failure to follow the general rules that allow for safe play. However, there are several ways to prevent this.

A separate strategy has been developed for each type of video poker, which describes how to behave in a given situation. However, we would like to point out that it is not worth trying to play Bonus Poker according to the Deuces Wild strategy or on a spin.

Strategy for Jacks or Better

Many experts recommend choosing this game for beginners because the strategy is simple. Jacks or Better is most often found in 2 main variations: 8/5 (Full House and Flush give 8 and 5 coins) and 9/6 (Full House and Flush give 9 and 6 coins). The strategy is to keep the hands that are paid. A perfect example is keeping four cards to a royal flush or a regular straight flush (outside and inside) – this is recommended due to the high probability of getting a flush, which is a well-paid hand. However, if it turns out that this will be difficult, then aim for lower and more probable hands. Of course, remember always to have at least a high pair.

Strategy for Deuces Wild

The minimum payout is calculated for three cards of the same denomination. Special payouts apply for four twos, five of a kind, and a Straight flush with jokers. The most important cards in this variation of video poker are the titular twos—each two can replace any card in its suit. This makes it much easier to get high poker hands, starting with a Straight and a Full House and ending with a Straight Flush and a Royal Flush. Deuces Wild’s main difference is that pairs are not paid out. Payouts begin from three of a kind, so it is not too easy either. Remember to keep every two and try to create a straight or straight flush. Aim for three of a kind when in a difficult situation by keeping two twos. Regardless of what other cards appear, two twos guarantee that you will have at least three of a kind.

Strategy for Joker Poker

In this version, winning combinations start with a pair of kings. A joker is used here, introducing additional combinations: five of a kind (five cards of the same denomination) and a Royal Flush with a joker. These combinations are paid according to specific multipliers.

Strategy for All American

This model differs from Jacks or Better in calculating the win, which requires modifying the general strategy. Additionally, payouts for a royal flush with a coins bet are higher. This should also be taken into account. This type of video poker is unique in that the best payouts are for straight, straight flushes and flushes. Of course, high pairs and full houses are also paid, but these three are at the top of the payout table and are the hardest to get. The tactics are not too complicated—always strive for these hands to make your online game effective and profitable. If you have no other option and are in a difficult situation—aim for the flush by holding the maximum number of cards that can create this suit. Otherwise, focus on making straights, particularly by keeping the cards for an outside straight.

Video poker winning tips

Here are a few more recommendations and tips that are worth remembering:

• It is worth looking for video poker with a maximum RTP.
• It is worth starting to play on standard variations for which simple strategies for the game have been developed.
• It is worth remembering that playing video poker with a progressive jackpot is most often worth starting with 5 coins.
• It is always worth checking the payout table and choosing games with bonuses or free games.
• Select a chip to place an ante bet and then click on the betting area.
• To remove a bet, select the option to remove a chip and then click on the betting area.
• To start another game, click on Deal.
• To display the payout table (Paytable), move the mouse pointer over the Min/Max sign.
• The Turn and River bets are always exactly equal to the ante bet.
• The Flop bet is always twice the ante bet.
• The limit symbol is the minimum and maximum limit of the ante bet;
• It is recommended not to replace cards that have already formed a bet of Four of a Kind, Full, Straight, Flush or Three at the beginning.
• After getting 5 different low-value cards, replacing them and drawing new ones is recommended.
• If you have more than two cards that match a Royal Flush, replace all the others.

Final thoughts on video poker in online casinos

Video poker combines two games – classic draw poker, which has been eliminated in the gambling field for some time now, and classic slot machines. A trivial idea, but how well-conceived! If you already feel the taste of winning, and at the same time you want to try something new – try and play video poker. The rule is simple: you play with yourself, the classic rules of poker apply, and the casino’s advantage over you is only a few percent, which is an excellent result compared to other gambling games. You can try free poker or go straight to the deep end and try games for real money. For the last variety, we recommend remembering the maximum bets, which increase the chances of winning for each user. Even a simplified version of this game can be quite a fun experience.

Moreover, everything always starts with small steps, so if you feel like making your gambling career based on this game, we will tell you that you are on the right track. Experienced players who have been choosing video poker and all its varieties for many years, moving to a new higher rung of this “ladder” – participate in poker tournaments. Tournaments are the greatest reward for those who have been working on their habits for many years and are constantly developing. You can receive an attractive jackpot at such poker tournaments and meet new people worldwide. That is why we recommend following the updates in all gambling brands included in our ranking.