Online video poker combines skill and luck, with players aiming to form the best hand from their dealt cards. In this article, we’ll review the top online casinos for this game, explain its mechanics, and highlight key variants and strategies. We’ll also examine the odds and payouts for popular video games and compare them with other casino offerings.
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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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 other card games, video poker is played against the machine, not other players. However, it still uses traditional hand rankings, such as royal flushes, straights, and flushes. Success in the game also requires skill in deciding the best hold/discard strategy.
The odds are generated through a random number generator (RNG), ensuring fairness. Video poker offers some of the best payout percentages compared to slots and table games, often exceeding 99% depending on the variant.
The Development of Video Poker
The development of video poker has closely followed advancements in technology. Here is an overview of the key milestones in the game’s evolution:
- 1898: Charles Fey introduces the slot machine with the Liberty Bell, which marks the early roots of video poker.
- 1970: Dale Electronics creates Poker Matic, the first electronic video poker machine, establishing a foundation for the game’s future.
- 1981: SIRCOMA, founded by Si Reed, launches a series of video poker machines, which quickly gain popularity alongside slot machines in casinos.
- 1980s-1990s: Video poker machines evolve with smaller designs, expanded themes, and the introduction of a house edge.
- 2000s onwards: The game adapts to technological advancements, maintaining its popularity and becoming accessible on various devices.
Major Video Poker Variants
One of the great things about this game 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. |
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.
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.