In video poker, as in any other casino game, some variations are better than others. What it means is that your chances of beating a certain video poker game at a casino or an online casino depend on the variety you have opted for.
When looking for video poker games with the best odds, jackpot video poker titles are usually not what you should go for. Instead, aim for those listed in our table below, along with their payout percentage and optimal theoretical return. Here’s how they measure up:
The greatest video poker payouts can be seen in the table above in the last two columns. The first one shows the return if the maximum bet has been placed; the second one represents the returns for all bet levels. Ace blues definitely gives the highest possible returns among all video poker games. To learn more about this game and other varieties featured in our table, keep reading.
Top Video Poker Casinos
Before we tell you more about the top video poker games by their odds, it’s important to mention where you can find them. While land-based casinos do offer these games, finding the best video poker odds isn’t always easy. Online casinos tend to provide players with a larger selection of video poker variants with better odds, which is why we recommend playing online.
If you are looking for the top places to play video poker online, make sure to check out the following operated by some of the most trusted names in the industry:
Video poker is available for new UK players only. Once £10 first deposit is made, you are eligible to receive up to £400 Cash + 30 Free Spins on selected games. By entering promotion code VIDEOPIVERITY in the registration process, you will get 20% first deposit bonus contribution when playing chosen games.
Not all online casinos are created equal. Aside from offering a great selection of video poker titles, the top sites will also provide generous bonuses, quick payments, high-stakes limits, and other player perks.
Video Poker Odds Explained
What are the odds for video poker, and how are they calculated? When it comes to , the term “video poker payouts” is often confused with “video poker odds”. Video poker paytables feature fixed payouts for each winning hand, while video poker odds show how likely it is to hit a particular hand.
So, what are the odds of winning video poker? Let’s take a full house as an example. According to a long-term video poker odds chart, your odds of hitting a full house are 3.36%. This refers to the likelihood of getting the same odds with the same game settings (number of decks, draw/hold options, etc.).
The video poker full pay Jacks or Better game offers the best odds out there. Its RTP value of 99.54% speaks volumes in regards to its quality when compared to other video poker variants and even other casino games in general.
Apart from its high return rate, Aces & Eights and Aces & Faces follow right behind with values of 99.29% and 99.22%, respectively. All three titles have superior payout rates when compared to other online casino games, such as European Roulette (97.30%) or Blackjack (99.28% without insurance). Their values may seem similar, but when you consider the longer rally (five hundred decks), the difference becomes apparent.
When it comes to , the main factor which influences video poker strategy charts is the type of game. There are plenty of different types of video poker you can play – the ones we’ve just mentioned being only a few of the most popular ones.
As you might know already, video poker can be found in land-based casinos and online casinos. However, progressive jackpot video poker titles can also be found at lottery agencies.
When it comes to traditional video poker, its payouts are predetermined and don’t feature random major wins like progressive jackpots. Still, there are quite a few differences between video poker titles, which affect video poker strategy and odds.
When comparing the odds of Jacks or Better (the most common form of video poker), to its mutated versions (Aces and Eights, Aces and Faces), it is easy to see why the former doesn’t pay the player outfit - it features significantly worse odds! While the return rate of classic Jacks or Better is set at 99.54%, the other two vary at 99.29% and 99.22%, respectively.
When comparing video poker odds Jacks or Better / Aces and Eights / Aces and Faces, it is easy to notice the GS (house edge) rate. While the first features 2.28%, the other two have 0.27 points more. Although it doesn’t sound much, when making large bets, even half a percent can be the deciding factor between winning and losing.
When searching for the best video poker games and odds, apart from the type, you should also focus on other variables. The number of decks, the minimum paying hand, and others all have an impact on your overall .
When comparing the three aforementioned games, the most significant difference (other than the name of the game) is the minimum paying hand. While Aces and Eights and Aces and Faces feature a set of Joker’s Wilds and the use of 52-card decks (4.17 and 4.26 GS, respectively), the former requires a pair of jacks to pay, while the latter needs a pair of jacks or better. On the other hand, classic Jacks or Better uses 52-card decks too, but 2.28 points more (it also has the lowest GS out of the three), requiring a pair of jacks to pay.
Overall, Aces and Faces and Aces and Eights feature similar video poker strategy when it comes to odds. They both offer superior return rates when compared to the classic variant of the game, while requiring one lower paying hand for activation.
How to Calculate Video Poker Odds
Now that you know the basics, it is time to look into things in more detail. We will explain how video poker card odds are formed, so stay with us until the end. To calculate your video poker hands per hour, you will need to take several factors into account:
How Many Hands Per Hour Do You Play? The first thing you need to do is to calculate how many hands you play in one hour. If you play online, you can easily count the hands, but if you play in a land-based venue, you can ask for the number of hands played per hour from the croupier.
Let’s say that you play 60 hands per hour (most players play approximately 65). How Much Are Your Bets? Multiply the size of your wager per hand by 60 (the number of hands you play per hour). For the sake of this example, let’s say that you play with $5 per hand, so $5 x 60 = $300.
Casinos That Offer Free Play (No Deposit Required)Next, you need to multiply the number you got by the video poker paytable. For instance, if you are playing Jacks or Better, a pair of jacks or higher pays 1 to 1, meaning that you will get back everything you’ve wagered. If You Hit, a winning hand means that you will win $300.
In case you hit a straight-up, you are probably planning to withdraw immediately, which means that you will multiple your bet by the payout (for instance, 4000 to 1 for a Royal Flush in Jacks or Better). If we stick to our example, $300 x 8000 equals $2,400,00! Of course, the chances of hitting a Royal Flush are very small, but now you know how it works.
While knowing how to calculate your odds of winning video poker may seem pointless because of the minuscule chances of hitting a big jackpot, it is good to know that the risks are there, and that somebody (at some point) actually hits the jackpot. After all, online slots work on the same principle.
Video Poker Odds With Bonus Payments
Now that you know the basics, it is time to look at things from a different angle. One of the things that you should know about video poker is the fact that its pay table may include bonus payments. These payments refer to sums that you receive when you make a strong hand while betting max coins.
For instance, if the game enables you to bet up to five coins of one dollar each, the bonus payment may be four coins for a flush and eight coins for a Full House. So, if you want to qualify for the bonus coin pay, you will have to bet max coins. Why is that so? Well, in the given example, you would receive four coins for a flush if you bet only one coin (at a casino, you usually get back more than you’ve wagered).
However, if you play five coins and hit a flush, you will get five coins, which is more (in this case, one extra coin). In other words, you must bet max coins to qualify for the bonus, as failing to do so will result in a decrease in your payoff.
You should know that there are video poker variations that allow you to choose the pay table and the number of coins by themselves. In such situations, the machine will automatically adjust the bet to the maximum level once you hit a significant hand.
Best Pyramid Slots to Play Online - Top Pyramid SlotsAnother thing that you should know about video poker odds by type and payout is that most expert players use machines like the one presented above. That way, they don’t have to worry about betting max coins, as the machine does it instead of them. Of course, you will have to figure out the best way to play video poker, as every player has his own video poker strategy.
How to Improve Your Chances
As we have previously said, you can use various strategies to improve your video poker card odds real money. Some of these tactics refer to mental approaches, while others have to do with the use of certain methods (such as doubling the stake after each loss). Here, we will focus on the most .
#1 Pick the Right Game Search the web for the video poker best games and odds and pick the variation that offers the highest rates. As you have probably guessed, the game's type is the most important factor affecting its odds.
#2 Look for the Best Pay Table Not only games differ but pay tables within the same game do as well. Make sure to pick the version with the most favourable pay table.
#3 Always Play Max Coins In order to qualify for additional prize money, make sure to place the maximum bet. Yes, it can be risky, but the potential prizes are huge.
#4 Learn the Game Every game comes with certain specificities. Learning the ins and outs of the game you have picked can help you boost your video poker strategic odds and make the most of a particular variation.
#5 Use a Strategy Card Printing a strategy card for the variant you’ve picked might prove to be really helpful (especially if you are a novice). Such cards feature all possible decisions you should make regarding the game you’ve opted for.
Type of Video Poker Variations and Odds
There are different types of video poker odds and payouts, and they all depend on the game you’ve picked. The most popular forms of this game are:
- Jacks or Better
- Deuces Wild
- Aces and Faces
- Aces and Eights
- 2 Ways Aces and Faces
- 2 Ways Aces and Eights
- Bonus Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
- Double Double Bonus Poker
Jacks or Better is considered the base variant from which all other forms originate. Namely, in order to activate a payout, you are supposed to make Jacks or Better. All lower hands will be losers, and you will lose your bet.
Deuces Wild is a fascinating variation in which all deuces in the deck are wild. This particularly affects the formation of video poker best hands and their respective odds and payouts. Since every deuce can substitute for any other card, it is much easier to form strong combinations.
Aces and Eights and Aces and Faces are also very popular video poker games which you can come across both online and in brick-and-mortar venues. The biggest difference when compared to classical Jacks or Better is the pay table. Still, the type of game also features a few specificities.
When it comes to choosing the right game according to your skills and preferences, it all boils down to one thing - practice. If you want to learn how to beat video poker, we suggest searching the web for demo versions of the aforementioned games and practising as much as possible.
Jacks Or Better Odds
Jacks or Better is the most known video poker version and arguably the best one in terms of odds. It is called like this because you need a pair of Jacks as an activated payout. Any lower hand will be a loss. Most other hands will feature a smaller prize, with the strongest ones going up to 4000 to 1.
Being the "basis" for most modern video poker variations, Jacks or Better features pretty much the same rules. Still, the pay tables can differ greatly depending on the specific title in question. The table below features the standard payout for Jacks or Better:
Having all this in mind, it is time to outline the odds for Jacks or Better (using the payout table mentioned above). Keep in mind that these video poker odds are based on a fully automated game (no human mistakes or interruptions). The results are expressed in theory, meaning that they apply over a long period of time and experience.
If we compare the results with other table games like , for example, blackjack has slightly better odds, with a theoretical return rate of 99.41%. Video Poker Split Fantasy has 99.17%, while Jacks or Better - 99.54%. When it comes to pure video poker action, however, Jacks or Better is the king of the hill.
Top Casino Credit Card Casinos in NJ & How to ApplyWhen it comes to video poker odds comparison by type, no variation comes even close. Deuces Wild video poker odds are significantly inferior to Jacks or Better, with a return rate of 98.97%. Aces and Eights and Aces and Faces are much closer, with values of 99.29% and 99.22%, respectively.
One of the main reasons why Jacks or Better features superior odds when compared to classical Deuces Wild is the pay table. Having to wait for a King to appear on the card in order to activate a minor payout is a significant obstacle. Deuces Wild, on the other hand, has its wild cards, which simplifies the overall gameplay.
When put side new video poker odds Aces and Eights and Aces and Faces, both variations feature almost identical rates. Their pay tables are similar to Jacks or Better, featuring a set of Aces and Eights paid from a pair of them; from here on, the tables are similar. The main difference is the name, but even it's not present in Aces and Faces.
Even though the games are pretty similar, Aces and Eights has slightly better odds when compared to its mutant. The house edge is 0.27% in contrast to Aces and Faces' 2.28 points. When looking for the best video poker games and odds, Aces & Eights Microgaming could be a solid choice.
Deuces Wild Odds
Deuces Wild video poker odds are pretty similar to the rest of the pack. Its return rate is set at 98.97%, making it rank below Aces and Faces and Aces and Eights. Still, the differences are minimal, and the game is still preferred by tons of users worldwide.
When compared to Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild features weaker odds due to its pay table. A pair of boys is worth one, while a girl's hand will bring you a bit more. Things are getting interesting when it comes to the bonus hands, with a set of 2 s paying 10 times your initial bet. From a deuced mein four aces, you can get 163 times your original bet, while a royal flush (with all cards being 2 s) brings you a staggering 4000 times your initial bet.
When compared to the classic Royal Flush prize, the aforementioned reward is inferior. Because all the payouts are reduced by a certain percentage, it makes sense to play it safe and opt for Jacks or Better. Still, Deuces Wild is a fun game to play and features lots of high video poker percentage of winning hands that can make you double your money.
Top 3 Video Poker Tips
We have prepared three simple tips that will surely help you in your quest towards becoming a true video poker pro. Make sure to give them a shot next time you play video poker online for real money.
Interestingly enough, the history of video poker starts with a man named John Bollens, who was trying to construct a machine that operates according to the rules of five-card draw poker back in 1970. His invention consisted of a display made out of plastic cards and several switches and buttons. The machine was patented in March of the following year.
Later on, another inventor named Glenn Bell came up with Sega's Space Invaders video game machine. He installed Bollens' prototype inside one of his restaurants and removed the draw function from it. The machine was renamed "Poker-Matic," and its success was instantaneous. It took around nine months for other companies to come up with similar machines.
Awesome No Deposit Bonus Codes You Need to Try in April 2023Since then, video poker has evolved tremendously. Today, you can access the best video poker games and sites from the comfort of your home. The rise of smartphone technology has made mobile gaming accessible to everyone, thus improving the overall video poker odds and popularity of the game. Who knows what innovations the future holds?
Does Shuffling Help?
Unlike with online blackjack, casinos use sophisticated shuffling machines that ensure every card has an equal chance of appearing at the top of the deck. With video poker, things are simpler since each player gets a unique set of cards. Because you are the only one who draws and holds or discards cards, there is no need for constant shuffling.
At land-based casinos, there is an "exit" spot right next to the screen, where players discard their waste cards. Fresh cards enter the system through another "entrance." Even though the cards are shuffled occasionally, you cannot influence the ones you receive. Each player has a unique deck.
With online video poker, simulated decks are used, and RNG (Random Number Generators) software ensures that all players have the same odds. Since there is no human involvement, there is no need to shuffle the cards constantly. The RNG algorithm determines the outcome of the game and randomly generates it with each round.
In both cases, the video poker best hands and odds depend solely on your skill rather than luck and the shuffling process. Knowing the odds of video poker ranked cards and using the appropriate strategy could increase your winning potential significantly.
Difference Between Video Poker and Slot Machines
Although video poker and slot machines share certain similarities, there are key differences between the two. First of all, slot machines are considered gambling games, while video poker can be gambled and played with a skillful approach. Knowing how to win at video poker is essential if you want to maximise your profits.
Slot machines use RNG software to determine the outcome of the game, just like video poker. The difference is that slots rely entirely on luck, not giving the player any room for manoeuvre. Unlike video poker machines, slots don’t offer you the opportunity to choose which cards to hold or discard.
Online Poker Sites That Accept New York PlayersIn terms of video poker strategy and odds, they vary from one game to another. Different video poker titles have different numbers of decks, pay tables, and other characteristics that affect their profitability. Experienced players may know how to win video poker more than half of the time.
When it comes to payout percentages, video poker is far superior to slot machines. Modern video poker games feature RTP rates of 99.29% and 99.54%, while the top slot machines rarely pass the 98% threshold. The lowest video poker odds are 98.97%, which is still better than the vast majority of reel-spinning games.
It is hard to say whether video poker is better than slots because both games are completely different. Slots are perfect for unwinding after a busy day and not thinking of anything. Video poker challenges your brain and allows you to use skill elements to increase the overall winning potential. Both gaming varieties are exciting and can be played at the best video poker online casinos.
Top 3 Online Video Poker Casinos
Finding the best video poker casino games and sites is not that hard. There are numerous operators that offer video poker action and tons of gambling blogs that review them. Our job is to separate the wheat from the chaff and help you have a memorable experience. Based on our expertise, we have shortlisted the top three video poker casino sites:
- LA�LA: This online casino is one of the most reputable venues that offer video poker opportunities. LA Laura has a rich portfolio of products developed by SG Digital and offers appealing bonuses and promotions to newly registered customers. LA Laura is one of the best video poker online casinals in the UK;
- Monopoli: Another reputable operator on our list is Monopoli. This gambling site has a very stylish interface and hundreds of games in its portfolio. Apart from offering lucrative bonuses, Monopoli is powered by IGT, one of the leading providers of video poker opportunities;
- Victoria Vegas: Named after the famous resort city in Italy, Victoria Vegas is a luxurious online gambling platform that offers the best video poker games for real money. Powered by SG Digital, Victoria Vegas attracts thousands of gamblers with its appealing bonuses and innovative titles.
All three platforms use Random Number Generator (RNG) software to ensure fairness and transparency. They offer video poker titles provided by leading developers such as SG Digital and IGT. You can play video poker for real money online safely on any of the recommended sites.
FAQ
Throughout the guide, we have covered the most important topics related to video poker. Before you start playing video poker online for real money, you might want to check the following section, which contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
1️⃣ Where can I play video poker?
Video poker can be played both in land-based casinos and on online gambling sites. The game is easy to learn, and it is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. Its poker-like structure makes it incredibly exciting and challenging at the same time.
2️⃣ Which is the best video poker machine?
The best video poker machine depends on your personal preference and skills. Different people have different tastes, so you should try out as many games as possible before choosing ‘the one’. Jacks or Better is considered the king of video poker thanks to its excellent odds and straightforward rules.
3️⃣ Which video poker game has the best payout?
Nine-five per cent video poker payout is considered excellent, although there are games that surpass this percentage. The best video poker games have payout rates of 99.29% and 99.54%, which are some of the highest figures on the market.
4️⃣ How to play Sharp Shooter video poker?
Sharp Shooter video poker is based on Five-Card Draw Poker rules. The main idea is to create the best possible poker hand by drawing and replacing cards. Your payout will depend on the strength of your hand. If you manage to create a Royal Flush, you can get up to 4000 times your initial bet.
Top Casino Apps in Pennsylvania Worth Installing5️⃣ How to win at Jacks or Better video poker?
To become a Jacks or Better video poker champion, you need to master the game’s mechanics and create a winning strategy. Start with the demo versions and try to understand how the game works. The goal of Jacks or Better is to create a combination of Jacks or better.
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