2023's best places to play video poker online

Our video poker guide covers the best sites to play at, top games, how to win, and more. Learn about the top video poker casinos to play at today with our expert reviews and helpful FAQ section.

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Most Popular Video Poker Games

Video poker combines two hugely popular forms of gambling into one entertaining game – poker and slots. However, unlike slots, which many people consider a game of chance, video poker is widely regarded as a skill-based activity. That is because some decisions must be made during gameplay, such as what cards to hold and which to discard.

Make the right choices, and you should improve your chances of ending up with a winning hand. How much you win will depend on the strength of your hand, with a royal flush being the most valuable and paying out the highest prize. To help you better understand the game, we have provided further details of video poker hands and their corresponding values below:

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Royal Flush – A straight flush in which the highest suit is spades, clubs, hearts, or diamonds. For example, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of spades.
** Straight Flush** – Five cards of different denominations but in sequence and of the same suit. Example: Seven, Six, Five, Four, and Three of hearts.
Four of a Kind – Also known as quad, this hand contains four cards of identical value. Example: Four Queens.
Full House – As the name suggests, this hand comprises three of a kind plus a pair. Example: Three Queens, two Fives, and one Five.
Flush – All cards share the same suit, but they do not need to be in sequence. Example: Seven of spades, Four of clubs, Ace of diamonds, Ten of hearts, and Jack of spades.
Straight – This hand consists of five cards in a sequential order, but they can be from different suits. Example: Eight of clubs, Nine of diamonds, Ten of hearts, Jack of spades, and King of clubs.
Three of a Kind – Also called trip, this hand has three cards of identical value. Example: Three Aces.
Two Pair – Two pairs mean having two cards of identical value, plus two other cards of another pair. Example: Queen, Queen, Five, Five, and Three.
Pair of Jacks or Better – Any pair with a value of jack, queen, king, or ace is classed as a pair of jacksover. Examples include a pair of fives (five, five), a pair of queens (queen, queen), and so on.
High Card – If you do not have a pair of jacks or better, the highest value hand is Ace, followed by King, Queen, and so on.

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There are many types of video poker, and the ranking of hands may differ slightly between variants. Therefore, before you start playing, make sure you are familiar with the specific rankings in the variant you are planning to try.

If you want to get started with video poker right away, head to our . If you’re new to the game, it’s a good idea to learn some tips and strategies first. So, keep reading to find out more. If you’re already comfortable with the basics, feel free to skip ahead to the related content further down the page.

Jacks or Better

This is regarded as the basic version of video poker, and as its name suggests, any pair of jacks or better is a winning hand. Nine times out of ten, when you see the term video poker mentioned, people are referring to Jacks or Better. It uses a standard deck of 52 playing cards, sometimes with the addition of wild cards.

While there are several subvariations of this type of video poker, they all follow pretty much the same format. You aim to create a stronger hand than those displayed on the pay table. If you succeed, you win a prize.

Jacks or Better falls into the category of game of skill. While there is an element of luck involved, as there is in all gambling games, you can use optimal strategy to maximise your winning potential. Unlike slot machines, where each spin is independent of the last, your decisions can affect the outcome and the final result of a round of Jacks or Better.

How you play the hand can either increase or decrease your expected return. By making the mathematically correct decision each time, you can improve your odds and increase the house edge in your favour. In fact, if you were to play with perfect strategy at 9/6 Jacks or Better (more on pay tables in a moment), the house advantage can be reduced to less than 0.5%. Make sure you understand the hand rankings and the best moves for each dealer card up-card, and you should do well.

Let’s look a little closer at the pay table. You will notice that the payout ratios are not in proportion. Logically, you would expect to see a higher payout for a royal flush than for a pair of jacks, but a smaller ratio than, say, a pair of jacks to a pair of kings.

However, the payout ratios have been adjusted to provide the largest payout ratio for a hand of two pairs. The reason behind this is to provide a bonus for a moderate hand that is neither weak nor strong. This keeps players happy and encourages them to continue playing. If the payout ratio for two pairs was in line with that of a pair of kings, players may lose faith and move along to the next casino offering a better deal.

It may seem like a small thing, but understanding why certain aspects of a video poker game have been implemented can help you become a more strategic player. Below, you can see a standard 9/6 Jacks or Better paytable:

Our guide continues with the top real money mobile video poker apps.

Deuces Wild

In Deuces Wild, the second most popular type of video poker, all deuces (twoes) are wild, meaning they can substitute for any other card to help create a winning combination. This makes the game faster-paced and more volatile than Jacks or Better, requiring a slightly different strategy.

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Again, there are various versions of Deuces Wild available, some of which require more skill than others. One important factor to consider is whether the game includes wild cards (also known as jokers) and what effect they have on the game.

Another thing to look out for is the minimum paying hand. With 20+ paying hands in a regular Jacks or Better game, the minimum paying hand is usually a pair of jacks. However, in Deuces Wild, a high percentage of hands will be winners, so the maximum paying hand is generally three of a kind.

Although Deuces Wild may sound complicated, once you start playing, everything becomes clear. As with all video poker games, the objective is to build the strongest possible hand, according to the pay table, by holding or discarding certain cards after seeing your initial dealt cards. Again, there is an element of skill involved, and you can significantly boost your winning potential by utilising optimum strategy.

Below is a common pay table for Deuces Wild video poker:

Video Poker Rules

The fundamental rules of video poker remain consistent across all variants. Although the ranking of winning hands may differ slightly between games, the objective remains the same: to build the strongest hand possible, according to the pay table in operation.

We have created a step-by-step guide to playing video poker online to help you better understand the rules of the game and how it works:

How to Play Video Poker Online

Select a video poker game from the casino lobby.
Choose how many coins to wager on each hand (we cover betting strategies a bit later).
Click on the maximize button to play a single hand, or the second maximize button to play five hands simultaneously.
Click on the deal button to receive your cards.
Decide which cards to hold/keep and which to discard.
Your remaining credits will update automatically once your hand is resolved.
When you have decided which cards to hold, click on the draw button/letterbox below the first column of cards.
Card(s) will be replaced, and your hand will be resolved according to the pay table.
If you have a winning hand, it will be highlighted on the screen, and your prize will be added to your credit balance.
Repeat from step 4 until you feel ready to play a different game or set yourself a budget.

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As you can see, video poker could not be simpler to play. It shares many similarities with slot machines, which explains why many players enjoy switching from one game type to the other. Launch any video poker game, and you will be greeted by a slot-machine style screen displaying a column of cards. Put some coins in, and pull the lever. Well, click the deal button, instead of the lever. There will be a hand of five random cards dealt to you.

At this point, you have the option to hold or discard certain cards. Do not make the mistake of thinking too hard about strategy at this stage, just dive in and give it a go. Essentially, you are aiming to build the strongest possible hand, according to the rankings listed on the pay table. If your hand matches one of the qualifying combinations, you win a prize. The better the combination, the bigger the prize.

You may have noticed that we mentioned betting in terms of coins. Don’t worry if you do not remember how many you wagered; the casino will. When you hit that win-winning draw button, your prizes will be paid automatically, and your balance updated accordingly. What could be easier? Okay, let’s look a little closer at some of the key terminologies associated with video poker.

Video Poker Terms & Definitions

Before you attempt to scale the heights of video poker masters, it is essential to get to grips with some industry-specific terminology. Of course, many of the words and phrases used in video poker are commonly used in other forms of poker and across the broader family of . Nevertheless, it is important to know what people are talking about when they discuss hands, odds, and payouts. Here are some of the most common video poker terms and definitions:

Bet: Another word for a wager or stake.
Bonus: An additional payment awarded for achieving particular hands or events.
Card Back: Refers to the background of a playing card, often featuring an image or design.
Coins: Coins represent units of currency or virtual money used within the game. They correlate with the value of your bet. For example, you may start with 50 coins and win 100 coins.
Credits: Similar to coins, only credits refer to units of virtual money used within a game. They do not necessarily correspond with the value of your cash bet. For instance, you may start with 5.26 credits and win 10.50 credits.
Hand: A hand is a collection of cards. In video poker, each player (in this case, you) receives one hand per game.
Pay Table: A pay table displays all the possible winning combinations and the corresponding prizes. It acts as a reference guide, helping you to identify the strengths of your hand.
Payout: Another way of describing a prize or reward.
Rank: The rank of a hand refers to its strength or value, based on traditional poker hand rankings.
Suited: Cards of the same suit, such as the seven of clubs and the queen of clubs.
Unmatched Cards: When you are dealt cards in a video poker game, any cards that you do not hold onto are classified as unmatched cards when they are replaced.

Once you have got to grips with these terms, you will be well on your way to becoming a video poker virtuoso. If you need further assistance, be sure to check out the FAQ section at the end of this guide. It provides quick and easy answers to some of the most common questions about video poker. Alternatively, you can visit the cashier third party payment method FAQs at any of our recommended video poker casino sites.

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Video Poker Strategy & Tips

We have prepared a list of valuable video poker tips below. These are designed to help improve your overall experience when playing the game. Take a minute to read through the following pointers before you start playing video poker online. Understanding how these tips work and how to apply them can give you a significant advantage over other players.

Choose the Right Game – Not all video poker games are created equal. Each variant comes with its own unique set of rules, pay tables, and return to player rates (RTP). Do your research before you play and choose the game that best suits your style and budget.
Learn the Basics – Take the time to learn the basic rules and hand rankings of video poker. Understanding how the game works and what beats what will help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Practice for Free – Many online casinos offer demo or free play versions of their video poker games. Take advantage of this to practice your skills and try out different strategies without risking any of your own money.
Set a Budget – Before you sit down to play, decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it. Never gamble more than you can comfortably afford to lose, and always withdraw any winnings.
Use Optimal Strategy – Video poker is a skill-based game, and there is an optimal strategy that can help you maximise your chances of winning. Look up the strategy chart for the variant you are playing and follow it as closely as possible.
Take Breaks – Video poker can be an intense and challenging game, especially if you are playing for real money. Remember to take breaks frequently to clear your head and refresh your mind.
Stick to Your Limits – Responsible gambling means sticking to your limits, both in terms of time and money. Set yourself a time limit for each session and never chase your losses. If you feel yourself getting frustrated or overwhelmed, call it a day and try again another time.
Gamble Responsibly – Above all, remember to gamble responsibly. Video poker can be a fun and exciting game, but it should always be played as entertainment and not as a way to make money quickly.

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By applying these tips and strategies, you should stand a better chance of winning when you play video poker online. However, it is important to stress that no strategy can guarantee you a win 100% of the time. At its core, video poker is still a game of chance, and there is always an element of unpredictability. As such, you should only ever gamble with money that you can afford to lose.

Setting a budget and sticking to it is one of the golden rules of gambling, whether you are playing video poker or any other real money game at an online casino. Never spend more money than you can comfortably afford to lose in a single session. Always quit while you’re ahead, and remember to have fun. After all, video poker is meant to be enjoyable, not a source of stress or financial pressure.

Video Poker Odds & Payouts

When you play video poker at a land-based casino, the odds of winning vary depending on the variant you are playing and the paytable in operation. The lowest possible Jacks or Better paytable has an RTP of 90.54%, while the highest paytable has an RTP of 99.54%. If you play with optimal strategy, you can reduce the house advantage to under 0.5%.

In comparison, the RTP for online video poker games ranges from 94.23% to 99.25%, on average. Given that online casinos have lower overheads than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, it is not unusual for players to enjoy a greater return percentage.

Typical video poker payouts are expressed as multipliers of the amount you wagered on that hand. Common payouts for a hand of royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, and pair of jackscurs, respectively, range roughly from eight coins to 4,000 coins. A bonus payout may be offered for hitting four aces or four mid-value cards, such as jacks, queens, and kings.

In addition to these payouts, some video poker variants offer improved odds by removing certain cards from the deck. For example, 10s or Better removes all tens from the deck, while Deuces Wild doesn’t count 2s as anything until you hold them, at which point they become wild cards that can substitute for any other card.

Knowing what the odds are and how they compare across different games is crucial if you want to become a successful video poker player. The return to player percentage tells you how much each game pays out over time, on average. The lower the percentage, the worse the game. Ideally, you want to look for games with an RTP of 98% or higher. This does not guarantee profit, but it does mean that you are more likely to win over the long term.

Remember, though, that the RTP is a long-term measurement. It does not mean that you are guaranteed to win back your stake if you Bet £100. Instead, it indicates that, if everyone plays millions of hands of a particular game, they should, on average, get £98 back for every £100 Bet collectively.

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How to Check Video Poker Pay Tables

Checking the pay table should be relatively straightforward as it needs to be visible to you when playing. If you are playing at one of our , you can check the pay table by launching the game and looking for a pay table icon or button. Clicking this will bring up a separate screen showing you a chart displaying the various winning hands and the corresponding payouts.

Unfortunately, we cannot speak for casinos that have not gone through our rigorous review process. However, reputable casinos will make it easy for you to check the pay table of a video poker game before you start playing. If the pay table is not visible on the main screen, you should be able to access it through the game settings or information menu. If you cannot find the pay table, we recommend that you close the game and choose another one. Only by knowing the pay table can you hope to make a profit playing video poker.

If you are playing a land-based video poker machine, the pay table will typically be printed on a metal plate affixed to the side or top of the cabinet. If the plate is missing, covered, or illegible, do not play the machine. Ask a member of staff to rectify the situation or choose another one. It may seem rude, but protecting your bankroll should be your number one priority when playing video poker or any other casino game.

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How to Change Denomination

To change the denomination of your video poker bet, you will need to adjust the coin size before placing your bet. The available denominations will depend on the game in question but typically include popular values such as £0.05, £0.10, £0.25, £0.50, £1, and £5.

Denomination selection is an important part of any gambling session, as it can directly impact your overall returns. Choosing the right denomination depends on your bankroll and playing style. If you have a small budget, it may be better to play at the lowest possible denomination to stretch out your funds. On the other hand, if you have a large bankroll, you may wish to play at higher denominations to maximise your wins and potential jackpot.

It is also worth noting that some video poker games may offer multi-hand or multi-denomination options. With a multi-hand game, you can play multiple hands or positions, each requiring its own bet and denomination. This can be a good way to increase your action and potential wins, but it also requires a larger bankroll to handle multiple bets.

With a multi-denomination game, you may be able to choose from a range of denominations for each hand or position. This can give you more flexibility in managing your bankroll and tailoring your bets to suit your needs. Whatever approach you take, always remember to gamble responsibly and stay within your means.

How to Win at Video Poker

Winning at video poker is not just about getting lucky; it is about using skill and strategy to make the best possible decisions at every turn. Although there is a element to the game, giving you a chance to influence the outcome, you must make informed choices to improve your chances of success.

One of the keys to winning at video poker is understanding the relative value of different cards. In general, you should prioritise holding on to high-value cards (aces, kings, queens, jacks) and any pairs you are dealt. Low-value cards (2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s), on the other hand, may be discarded if they do not contribute to a high-value hand.

Another important aspect of video poker strategy is knowing when to bet max. Betting max refers to wagering the maximum number of coins allowed on each hand. For most video poker games, this is five coins per hand. Betting max coefficients can be found in our dedicated guide for UK video poker enthusiasts.

Betting max gives you the opportunity to maximise your winnings, particularly when it comes to royal flush jackpots. In many games, you can only win the jackpot if you bet max coins. Even if there is no jackpot, betting max can still pay off in terms of improved payouts for higher-ranked hands.

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Of course, betting max can be expensive, especially at higher coin densities. If your bankroll is limited, you may need to strike a balance between betting max and conserving your funds. One approach is to lower your coin density while still betting max coins. For example, instead of betting five coins of £1 each, you could bet two coins of £2 each.

Alternatively, you could use a progressive betting strategy, increasing your bets when you are on a winning streak and decreasing them when you are losing. However, it is essential to remember that no strategy can guarantee you a win in the short term. Gambling is inherently unpredictable, and there is always an element of risk involved. Always gamble responsibly and set limits on your time, money, and losses.

Pay Attention to the Coin Value / Denomination

When you play video poker, you need to be aware of the coin value or denomination. This is the value of each virtual coin or unit of currency that you bet on each hand. For example, if the coin value is set to £0.10 and you bet five coins, your total bet would be £0.50.

The coin value can have a significant impact on your overall returns, as it directly affects your bet size and potential winnings. Increasing the coin value will result in higher bets and payouts, while decreasing it will do the opposite.

It is essential to choose a coin value that suits your bankroll and playing style. If you are a casual player with a small budget, you may wish to keep the coin value low to extend your playing time. On the other hand, if you are a serious player chasing big wins, you may prefer to play at higher coin values to maximise your bets and potential payouts.

Be sure to check the minimum and maximum coin values of the video poker game you are playing and adjust your bets accordingly. Some games may allow you to change the coin value during a session, while others may require you to start a new game or select a different game variation to make the change.

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Whatever strategy you adopt, remember that video poker is a game of balance and moderation. Use the coin value as a tool to manage your bankroll and enhance your enjoyment of the game, but always do so responsibly.

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2023's best places to play video poker online - #1 ranked sites

Top 5 Video Poker Sites in the UK

Most Popular Video Poker Games

Jacks or Better

Deuces Wild

Other Popular Types of Video Poker

Video Poker Rules

Video Poker Terms & Definitions

Video Poker Strategy & Tips

Video Poker Odds & Payouts

How to Check Video Poker Pay Tables

How to Change Denomination

How to Win at Video Poker

Pay Attention to the Coin Value / Denomination

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