Video poker usually takes center stage in live casino offerings, having diverse titles, live games, and enticing promotions. We will cover in this post the essentials, showcasing the best platforms, popular game variations, and valuable tips for both free and real-money play. Elevate your poker experience with this concise and informative guide.
Best Online Casinos with Video Poker
Based on in-depth testing across all my evaluation criteria, here are our top 5 recommendations for players seeking the premier casinos online:
| Casino | Popular Video Poker Games | Main Features | Star Rating |
| Mega Pari | Deuces Wild, Bonus, Double Bonus | Crypto deposits, Daily tournaments, Mobile app | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Powbet | Jacks or Better, Aces & Faces, Deuces Wild | Lots of Table Games, Fast withdrawals, 24/7 live chat | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Wazamba | Joker, Bonus, Double Double Bonus | Fast registration, Wide game selection, Generous loyalty rewards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spinanga | Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus | Lucrative welcome offer, eSports betting, Crypto payments | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spinbetter | Deuces Wild, Joker, Double Double Bonus | Slots tournaments, Live dealer games, Mobile optimization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Criteria for Evaluating Video Poker Casinos
As experienced casino game reviewers for gamblers, we have very specific criteria when it comes to evaluating which gambling sites are truly the best:
- Trustworthiness – The №1 factor is ensuring the casino is fully licensed and secure for players. We verify licensing, encryption protocols, independent audits, and responsible gambling policies.
- Game Variety and Selection – A top online casino needs to offer a wide range of video poker variants so you can find your favorites. At a minimum we expect to see titles like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Bonus.
- Bonuses and Promotions – The casino must provide attractive welcome bonus offers and regular promos that give you extra value. Reload bonuses, cashbacks, and competitions are a nice bonus.
- Banking Options – Fast and secure deposit/withdrawal options via methods like bank transfers allow seamless gameplay.
What is Video Poker and How it Works
It is a casino game that combines elements of traditional poker with slot machine-style gameplay. The objective is to form the best possible 5-card poker hand from the cards you are dealt.
To play, you first select your bet amount and number of hands you wish to play. Then press “Deal” and 5 cards are randomly dealt on the screen. You then choose which cards to “hold” and which to discard and replace. Your final hand is compared to the game’s paytable to determine payouts for winning hands.
Unlike games against other players, video poker is you versus the machine. But it still incorporates poker hand rankings with royal flushes, straights and flushes winning. It also requires some skill in deciding optimal hold/discard strategy.
The casino odds are generated via a random number generator (RNG) to ensure fair results. Video poker offers some of the best payout percentages compared to slots and table games, often over 99% depending on the specific game variant.
Some key advantages of this game include:
- Simple, straightforward gameplay
- Requires some skill and optimal strategy can boost payouts
- Range of exciting popular variants to choose from
- High payout percentages with decent odds
- Ability to play hands quickly with no need to wait on other players
So whether you enjoy regular poker but find it too stressful or slow, or just like slots but want more interaction – video version offers an excellent middle ground that all types of casino gamers will appreciate!
Major Video Poker Variants
One of the great things about video poker is the wide range of available variants, each with their own unique twists. Here we’ll explain some of the most popular titles:
| Variant | Key Features |
| Jacks or Better | Widely popular, easy-to-play variant with a 9/6 paytable and over 99% payout percentage. Similar to 5 Card Draw. |
| Deuces Wild | A player-friendly variant where all deuces act as wild cards, allowing for creative winning combinations. |
| Double Bonus | Exciting gameplay with twice the payouts for the 4 of a Kind hand range, resulting in a 100.17% payback percentage. |
| All American | Known for its high 100.72% payout percentage, this Jacks or Better variation offers simplicity with added rewards. |
| Joker Poker | With a 100.65% payout percentage, this variant introduces a joker to the deck, providing more strategic possibilities. |
Strategy and Tips
Skillful play can drastically boost your performance and payouts in video poker. Here are pro tips for success:
Optimal Play
- Learn optimal hold/discard strategy charts that outline the statistically best decision for every possible hand combo. This maximizes your return.
- Take time to think through all hold/discard options before acting. Don’t rush key decisions.
- If struggling, use “auto play” mode for advice on keeping/replacing cards.
Bankroll Management
- Set a gaming budget per session and stick to it. Don’t chase losses.
- Start low – just $10-20 to test a game’s waters.
- Place max bets whenever possible to benefit from enhanced payouts.
- Withdraw winnings promptly to avoid losing them back to the casino.
Using Bonuses
- Clear targeted video poker welcome bonuses when signing up. These have lower playthrough requirements than slots bonuses.
- Plenty of casinos offer weekly/monthly promos for their video poker selections. Jump on these!
- Enter video poker freerolls to build your bankroll risk-free.
Odds and Payouts
Unlike slots which rely entirely on chance, video poker gives you the power to influence the outcome and profitability of the game with optimal play. But how exactly do the odds and payout percentages stack up? Let’s break it down:
| Game Variant | Payout Percentage |
| Jacks or Better | 99.54% |
| Deuces Wild | 100.76% |
| Double Bonus | 99.11% |
| Joker Poker | 100.64% |
As you can see from the table above, certain variants have astonishing theoretical returns over 100% when played perfectly! Compare that to slots at 91-96%.
These percentages represent the amount paid back over extended gameplay. “Jacks or Better” and “Deuces Wild” offer the highest return rates that can completely eliminate the house edge with masterful strategy.
Payouts are also extremely transparent in game, displayed directly in a pay table according to poker hand type. You might earn 10x your bet for a flush or 50x for a full house, for example. Four Aces with a kicker commonly pays 800-to-1!
Key Differences Between Video and Table Poker
While video poker stems from table version and appropriates certain key mechanics like hand rankings, there are also some notable differences between the two formats:
| Difference | Video | Table |
| Opponents | No opponents (just the machine) | Play against other human players |
| Strategy Complexity | Simple strategy to learn | Complex strategies to outmaneuver other players |
| Bluffing | No Bluffing | Can bluff to win with bad hands |
| Psychology | No psychology or “reads” needed | Requires psychology to detect lies and bluffs |
| Game Speed | Very fast gameplay | Slower pace due to more players acting |
| Decision Time | Make decisions at your own pace | Often have to act on the fly based on opponent moves |
| Pressure | Low-pressure experience | Can feel more tense and competitive |
| Playing Environment | Solo gaming experience | May need to deal with casino crowds |
| House Edge | Extremely small or even non-existent edge | Much higher built-in casino advantage |
As shown in the table, video poker is centered purely around the gameplay itself, while table version involves more psychological factors, slower pace, and added pressure.
History and Evolution
This game has an intriguing history that has seen the game transform as technology advanced over recent decades. Let’s trace the origin story and evolutionary journey of this digital casino mainstay:
| Year | Milestone |
| 1898 | Charles Fey pioneers the slot machine with the Liberty Bell, marking the embryonic stage of video poker. |
| 1970 | Dale Electronics introduces Poker Matic, the inaugural electronic video poker machine, setting the stage for the game’s evolution. |
| 1981 | Entrepreneur Si Reed’s company, SIRCOMA, launches a range of video poker machines, quickly becoming a casino favorite alongside slots. |
| 1980s-1990s | Video poker machines flourish, undergoing size reduction, thematic expansions, and the introduction of a house edge. |
| 2000 onwards | The game maintains its popularity, adapting seamlessly to technological advancements, offering accessible gameplay across various devices. |
From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to thriving as a modern-day casino sensation, video poker’s evolution reflects its enduring appeal in both online and real-life gaming experiences.
FAQs
Is video poker completely random or does skill matter too?
It incorporates hand rankings but it also involves making decisions that affect payouts. Optimal strategy is key to boost win rates over the long run. There’s a skill element that regular slots don’t provide.
How do I know a game is fair?
Reputable licensed casinos with eCOGRA certification use Random Number Generators to ensure game fairness and randomness. Displayed pay tables also guarantee transparent payout rates.
Why play video poker over regular slots?
The added interactivity of choosing discards gives video poker more engagement. The superior odds and opportunity to leverage skill also makes it more attractive than slots relying purely on chance spinning.
How do I know when to hold or discard cards?
Learn strategy charts, understand hand rankings and payouts, take advice in game if available, and use good judgement on which cards seem most useful for making your strongest hand.
Can I chat with other players while gaming?
Certain online casinos incorporate community chat functions into lobbies. But most gameplay is solo against the machine with no direct player interactions.
What stakes should a beginner play at?
Nickel and dime games letting you bet just $0.05-$0.10 per hand are perfect for casual practice. You can minimize losses figuring out the gameplay. Then gradually increase bets as you get more comfortable.