The best way to learn how to play video poker is by playing a few hundred hands for free. That might have sounded like an impossible task just a few years ago but, these days, most online casinos provide demo modes for their video poker games.
In this guide, I’ve not only explained where to find free video poker games online but also provided you with some handy tips that will help you get more from your experience and maybe even win some money along the way.
Top 10 Free Video Poker Games
The following video poker titles are free to play for anyone in any country. All of these games can be found at one of the , which are all licensed, safe, and secure. If you like a particular game, I would suggest registering for an account so you can play for real money and win cash prizes.
Jacks or Better (Multihand)
Powered by industry-leader NetEnt, Jacks or Better (Multihand) is an advanced video poker title that allows players to take on five hands per round at the highest stake. Of course, you can reduce the number of hands and stakes to suit — the beauty of free video poker games is you don’t have to spend any money to play. Anyway, what I love about this version of Jacks or Better is the fact it has detailed instructions as well as a handy “double up” feature that simulates the scenario of flipping a coin to double winnings from the base game. Finally, the 3D graphics are top-notch, so you’ll enjoy looking at this free video poker machine.
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Deuces Wild is an interesting twist on traditional video poker rules. In a nutshell, all deuces (two cards) are wild in this game — they can represent any other card in the deck to help you create winning combinations. This free video poker game from BetSoft is great because it covers all potential scenarios. Not only does it tell you what you need to do to access bonus features, but it also explains what you need to do to enter into a special mode. When you select the “options” button, you can also disable the music and sounds, choose between one, 10 or 52 hand scoop mode, and reset your balance/bet.
Bonus Poker
If you like bonus poker when you play for real money, there’s no reason why you won’t enjoy this free version from RealTime Gaming (RTG). It looks great, it runs smoothly and it covers all possible outcomes. As you can see in the paytable (located to the left of the screen), you can win up to 4,000x your line stake by getting four-of-a-kind aces. Although it is not possible to trigger the bonus rounded in this demo mode version, I can confirm that you will go head-to-head against the dealer to try and get the highest card when playing from the bonus round via the main game.
Aces and Eights
Microgaming is another top software provider that offers demo mode versions of its casino games. And this Aces & Eights game is perfect if you want to relax, unwind and enjoy everything video poker has to offer without spending a penny. Yes, you cannot win real money, but you can entertain yourself for hours. What I also like about this version of Aces and Eights is the fact it gives you an overview of what you need to do in order to win the biggest prizes and complete the grand slam bonus round. If you like holding onto cards and making second deals, I encourage you to try out the spacebar feature.
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This Joker Post from Rival Gaming is funny, colorful and entertaining. It is also very easy to play, even if you’ve never picked up a video poker machine before. There is a clearly defined paytable down the side of the screen. The auto holder, auto hold card and deal buttons are located below the screen. Up above you can see your credits, balance and bet. Before the first hand, simply use the plus and minus buttons to select a coin size, choose how many coins you want to bet and hit deal/draw to hold, trash or reshuffle your cards.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is slightly different to traditional video poker games. Why? Because it offers enhanced payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands. For example, you can win 2,000X your bet size if you get fours a kind aces, 800X for fours a kind jacks and 160X for fours a kind queens. This demo mode version of double bonus poker by BetSoft is fantastic because you can try to reel in these big prizes without any risks attached. Once you feel ready to win real money, simply visit DuckyLuck Casino and play for real money.
Multi Hand Bonus Deluxe
As the name suggests, Multi Hand Bonus Deluxe can be played across five hands per round. It is provided by RealTime Gaming (RTG), so you can rest assured it is smooth, stable and packed with juicy payouts. In fact, you can win up to 4,000X your bet per hand by getting four aces with a bonus. Speaking of bonuses, this game offers several forms of enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, so be sure to check out the pay table before you start playing. One last thing to note is the fact this demo mode game is backed up by the smoothest animations and sounds effect.
Five Draw Poker
Five draw poker may look like an old-school video slot, but it is actually a classic video poker machine. It is based on the full pay version of Jacks or Better, which means you can win some serious cash if you land a natural royal flush (without making a bonus bet). Of course, you don’t have to play for real money. If you just want to reminisce about the good old days, this retro video poker game from BetOnline is perfect. It has three reels, five rows, one payline and a host of classic symbols such as lemons, cherries, bars and cash sums.
Double Double Bonus Poker
When you play video poker for free, there is no limit to how long you can play for or how many mistakes you can make. And this makes it the ideal environment to learn how to play double double bonus poker. Developed by Saucify, this game is designed for experienced players. It offers enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, as well as bonus payments for certain five-card hands. Before you attempt to replicate last year’s winner of the World Series of Poker, use this demo mode game to get some practice in.
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Rounding off our top ten free video poker games is Loose Deuces from BetSoft. Now, you may be thinking that this game will offer deuces (twos) in place of all other cards. That would be pretty awesome, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. However, what I will say is that this video poker title lives up to its name and offers loose, or generous, video poker rules. In fact, you can win payouts for three tens to aces, compared to three jacks to aces in traditional Jacks or Better games.
How to Play Free Video Poker Games Online
There are hundreds of free video poker games available online, and they can all be played using the steps outlined below.
- Do Your Research: Before you play any old free video poker game, you should spend some time researching titles, rules and payouts to find something you enjoy.
- Find a Host Site: Once you know which game/s you want to play, you need to find a website that hosts that game in either demo mode or challenge mode. Popular options include PokerListings and YourPokerBride.com.
- Load the Game: Use the onsite navigation bar or search box to load the free video poker game. If you are playing a tournament, there may be multiple games to choose from.
- Learn the Rules: Take some time to familiarise yourself with the game rules, payouts, coin sizes, special features and any other settings.
- Play the Game: Once you understand how the game works, feel free to click through the game to see what happens at each stage, from placing the bet to receiving the payout.
- Start Playing for Free: Just for clarity, when I say “for free”, I mean within the confines of the demo mode game. Basically, you can play as many hands as you like without spending any money.
- Change Settings: Most video poker games allow you to mute the sound, speed up the animation and change the quality to suit your connection. If the game allows you to change the settings, feel free to adjust them however you like.
Challenges of Finding Free Video Poker Games
When you , you open yourself up to loads of different variants. Some games stick to traditional Jacks or Better rules. Others throw in wild cards, bonus payouts or extra betting rounds. It can sometimes feel overwhelming when you first arrive at an online casino. However, once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier to spot the video poker games you want to play for free.
One of the biggest challenges is knowing which websites host free video poker games. Believe it or not, not every online casino provides demo modes for their video poker games. The ones on this page do, though. So, if you fancy mixing up your free gaming with some paid action, feel free to register for an account.
Finally, you may struggle to know which games are worth playing and which ones you should avoid. Since every variant pays 9-6 on a full house and flush, the main things to look out for are wild cards, bonus payouts and bonus rounds. Any variation that offers wild cards or enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands or better is going to generate excitement and give you plenty of opportunities to win big payouts.
Tips for Playing Free Video Poker Games
Now you know where to find free video poker machines, I would like to leave you with some tips for playing them. Please note that these tips are not set rules. They are little tricks and hints that could come in handy the next time you sit down to play Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild or any other variant for free…
Tip 1: Do Not Change the Default Settings Unless You Know What You Are Doing
Most free video poker games come with pre-set bet sizes, coins sizes, autoplay features and so on. My advice to you would be to leave all of these settings as they are until you read the pay table and work out a strategy. Changing the settings could cause you to make mistakes such as holding the wrong cards, misjudging your bankroll or missing an opportunity to enter a bonus round.
Tip 2: Read the Pay Table Thoroughly
Every free video poker game comes with a pay table. This is essentially a list that shows you how much each hand is worth. However, the pay tables for these demo mode games serve a second purpose. They also contain vital information regarding the rules, wild cards, bonus payouts and bonus rounds. Therefore, I always advise people to read the pay table thoroughly before they do anything else.
Tip 3: Get a Feel for the Game
There are lots of different video poker rules. From traditional Jacks or Better rules to wild deuce games. Each variant is unique, and the only way you are going to get used to the nuances of each one is by playing it for a while. Fortunately, you can do this for as long as you like when you play for free. So, my advice to you would be to spend some time getting a feel for the game rules before you move onto tip four.
Casinos That Offer Free Bonuses You Can Play at NowTip 4: Practice, Practice, Practice!
Once you think you know how a particular video poker game works, it is time to put in the practice. This is your chance to try to win as many coins (credits) as possible without spending any money. Now, you cannot carry these credits over to real money games. But the skills you develop whilst playing for free can prove to be incredibly valuable when you strap on your virtual vest and enter one of our recommended casinos.
Should You Play Video Poker for Free Online?
Yes. There are numerous benefits to playing free video poker games online. The main advantage, in my opinion, is that you can learn the rules and strategies without spending any money. Since video poker pays out for just pairs, losing is definitely an option. It would be nice not to have to pay when it occurs, so playing for free removes the financial risk of losing.
Another benefit of playing free video poker games is that it increases your confidence. Instead of jumping straight into real money games and making lots of mistakes, you can make all the errors you like when playing for free. This will allow you to get into the swing of things before entering Challenge or Tournament mode.
Finally, playing free video poker games is fun. What other excuse do you need?
How to Play Video Poker for Free without Downloading Anything
If you tend to play video poker on your commute to work or during your lunch break, you may not want to download any apps or software. Thankfully, there are tons of free video poker games available directly within web browsers. Just enter the name of the game you want to play into your favourite search engine, and you should find a site hosting the game you want to play. Alternatively, you can visit one of the best online casinos and browse their selection of free video poker titles. Regardless of which route you take, you will not be required to download anything.
How to Play Video Poker for Free Online at a Casino
If you know you will eventually want to play video poker for real money, I would suggest signing up at a reputable online casino and looking for free games within its vast lobby. Not only will you have the option to play for free, but you can also claim a welcome bonus, collect comp points and complete various missions to earn extra prizes.
To help you get started, I am going to walk you through the quick and simple registration process at Drake Casino – one of the leading sites for playing free and real money video poker games.
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You can join any casino you like, just make sure it is safe, secure and licenced by the relevant authorities before handing over your personal details. To reach the registration page at DrakeCasino.ag, you should enter this URL into your web browser.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Once you are on the homepage, you should see registers, or a sign-up button. Click it. Now you will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, email address, desired username and password, preferred currency and a few security questions before hitting the final button and creating your account.
Step 3: Find Some Free Video Poker Games
Now that your account has been created, you can log in and explore the lobby. I recommend using the search bar to find video poker games. When you click a game, its dedicated page will load. Scroll down and you should see a play now button. However, instead of loading the game in real money mode, it will launch the free version.
No Download Free Video Poker Games
If you tend to play video poker games on your phone or tablet, you may prefer to play free video poker games without having to download any additional software. The good news is there are dozens of no download video poker games available at the top online casinos.
They tend to work in the same way. You simply load the game in the browser of your web app, touch the screen to bring up the menu, select the amount you want to bet, hit deal to receive your cards, hold any keystone cards, enter the bonus round (if applicable) and click take odds if you are playing Seven Card Poker.
Since all mobile phones and tablets run on different operating systems, there are free video poker games available for iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry devices. Whatever smartphone or tablet you have, whatever operating system it uses, you will be able to find free video poker games that are compatible with no download necessary.
Free Video Poker Games with Bonuses
If you know where to look, you can find plenty of free video poker games with bonuses. For example, all of the best online casinos give new players a welcome bonus when they sign up and verify their identity. These bonuses usually require a minimum deposit, but you can often find free video poker games that have been selected as game of the week, day or month, and therefore contribute towards the wagering requirements.
Speak to your favourite casino host, or read through the terms and conditions, to find out which video poker games qualify for the bonus. It tends to be the ones that do not contribute 100% are the ones without demo modes. By swapping your free game for a similar titled weighted game, you may be able to find one that contributes a higher percentage towards your bonus playthrough.
Free Mobile Video Poker Games
Mobile technology has come a long way since the first ever Nokia bricks appeared in shops back in the early 1990s. These days, you can play high-quality free video poker games on the go without slowing down your device or eating up all your data.
In fact, some people prefer playing video poker on their phone or tablet due to the smaller screens and more immersive experiences. If you have not tried it before, I highly recommend loading up a free video poker game on your handheld device and seeing how much you enjoy it.
So, which is the best free mobile video poker game? Well, it depends what sort of thing you like. Personally, I am a huge fan of Jacks or Better (multihand). It covers all possible outcomes, retains the mood of the game with instruction details, and it is provided by a leading developer in NetEnt. However, Beauty and the Beast Double Double Video Poke from Victor Churchill Gambling may be a better option if you like games with bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands.
Free Video Poker Games for Beginners
It goes without saying that the best free video poker games for beginners are the ones with demo modes. These allow you to try them for yourself and see whether you like them before spending any hard-earned cash.
However, there are some variants that are generally considered more beginner-friendly than others. Deuces Wild is a great example of this. Why? Because it contains wild cards (all twos), meaning you are much more likely to create winning combinations. Jacks or Better, on the hand, is the classic variant that pays out for a pair of jacks or better. Both are great choices if you are completely new to video poker.
Best Poker Sites for Tournaments - Where to Play Online Poker MTTsWhat Is the Most Popular Free Video Poker Game?
According to player surveys and online polls, Jacks or Better is the most popular free video poker game. Also known as 9/6 video poker due to the 9x RTP and 6x payout for a full house, this variant is based on traditional poker rules. In other words, you need a pair of jacks or better to create a winning hand.
There are loads of free Jacks or Better games to play online. Some of them have bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, while others have multihand options that allow you to bet on up to 100 hands per round. Additionally, there are single hand and tournament versions of Jacks or Better video poker.
Tips for Winning Free Video Poker Games Online
I could give you all sorts of video poker tips, but the truth is that you cannot win real money when you are playing for free. Sure, you can follow a strategy perfectly and rack up thousands of credits, but they cannot be transferred or exchanged for prizes. With that being said, the goal of video poker is to create winning hands. Below are all the possible hands you can make, ranked from best to worst…
- Royal Flush – Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 of the same suit in sequential order and all in the same hand (unless it’s a bonus round).
- Straight Flush – Five cards in a row but not in sequence.
- Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same value.
- Full House – Three cards of one value and two of another.
- Flush – Any five cards of the same suit, regardless of their value or sequence.
- Straight – Five cards in sequence but not of the same suit.
- Three of a Kind –Three cards of the same value.
- Two Pair – Two cards of one value, two cards of another value, and nothing else that matches.
- Pair –Two cards of the same value.
- High Pair or Less – A pair of Aces or King through 22.
Types of Free Video Poker Games
There are dozens of free video poker games you can play online. They tend to fall into one of the following categories…
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better if the oldest and most traditional form of video poker. The idea is simple. You need a pair of Jacks or better to create a paying hand. Hitting the Jacks or Better will pay out 1x your bet size, while a Royal Flush will reward you with up to 250x your stake. As you can see in the table above, there are 9 different hand rankings. Developers tend to keep the ratings the same, but some may shuffle them around slightly.
Deuces Wild
What happens when twos (deuces) are wild in a game of poker? Anarchy! Okay, so maybe that is taking it a bit far, but deuce wild videos can be incredibly exciting. Some variants make all twos wild, while others make all twos and fives wild in that suite. For example, if I drew a two, five, king and ace of hearts, that would be a winning hand because it comprises four cards of the same suite, of which one is a Royal Card Rank.
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Several video poker developers have created their own bonus video poker games by offering enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. If you like Jacks or Better but wish there was more excitement, I would strongly recommend trying some of these free games. You could be lucky enough to win 2,000X your stake for four aces, 800X your stake for four jacks, 160X your stake for four queens, or a range of other bonuses.
How to Play Basic Strategy in Free Video Poker Games
There are loads of different video poker variations, which means there is no such thing as a universal strategy. However, we can outline the basic principles that apply to most free video poker games. Firstly, you need to read the pay table and identify the maximum possible payment for a Natural Royal Flush. A Natural RF is achieved when you are dealt a RF in the initial five cards without swapping any of them.
If the max. Payoff is 800x your stake, you know you are playing an 9/6 Jacks or Better game. The nine refers to the fact that a full house pays 9x your bet, the six refers to the fact a flush pays 6x your stake, and theJack part is obvious.
Once you know the rules, you can use the card-selection percentages listed below as guides to help you decide which cards to hold. Again, these are general guidelines. You may wish to deviate from them depending on your hand and the cards you have been dealt.
- Always hold pairs, two kickers, or three kicks if you have two middle cards (5-9).
- Always hold three cards to a royal flush, unless you have a celebrity straight flush (ESF) to a royal - hold the ESF cards.
- Hold percentages stay the same if you have 4-8 cards to a flush or 4-8 cards to a royal.
- If you have 4-8 cards to a straight flush or a royal, hold the ESF, but only if it gives you 10 or more cards to the royal or 12 or more cards to the straight flush.
- Hold a suited 3-7 if you have a pair, but hold a 3-7 off if you have a high card.
- Hold a low pair with a high card and no flushes, kicks or stars.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 10-king with a gap between the fifth and ace, but hold the ace if it is sixth or lower.
- Hold a low pair with a high card and no flushes, kicks or stars.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 10-king with a gap between the fifth and ace, but hold the ace if it is sixth or lower.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 3-8 with a 2 or 4 showing, but hold the 2/4 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 3-8 with a 2 or 4 showing, but hold the 2/4 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 3-8 with a 2 or 4 showing, but hold the 2/4 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 3-8 with a 2 or 4 showing, but hold the 2/4 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
- If you have no paint and no inside straights or flushes, hold 5-9, but hold the 5/9 if you have a high card or 3-7 off.
Free Mobile Video Poker Games
Nowadays, most video poker games are mobile friendly. There was a time when you had to install specialist software onto your desktop computer, but technological advances have made it possible for you to load up your favourite variant directly within your browser on your phone or tablet.
Since mobile devices come in all shapes and sizes, there is a wide range of free mobile video poker games available online. At the bottom end of the scale, developers test their games on basic HTML5 software to ensure they run smoothly on old Nokia brick phones. At the other end, they push the boundaries to see how intricate and immersive they can make a video poker experience for folks with the latest iPhones and Samsungs.
Questions About Playing Free Video Poker Games
Where can I play video poker for free?
Drake Casino offers a range of free video poker games. You can create an account in seconds, and once you have verified your ID, you can claim a welcome bonus and play some weighted games to contribute towards the wagering requirements.
Can I play Jacks or Better video poker for free?
Yes, you can play 9/6 Jacks or Better for free online. It is the most popular variant, and therefore the easiest to find. Just type the name into a search engine and play the best results. Alternatively, visit one of our recommended online casinos, and you are bound to find a free 9/6 Jacks or Better game.
What is the best video poker game to play for free?
The best free video poker game is the one you enjoy playing the most. Some folks like Jacks or Better because it is a traditional variant. Meanwhile, others prefer Deuce Wild Directors because it contains wild cards and gives you the power to determine the community cards.
caesars casino promo code coloradoHow do you play video poker for free without downloading anything?
If you want to play free video poker games without downloading anything, visit an online casino and look for games in their lobby. You can normally play the demos directly within your web browser on desktop or mobile devices.
Where can I play free video poker?
All of the leading online gaming sites give you the chance to play free video poker games. We recommend joining Drake Casino or one of the other top-rated operators featured on this page. Just remember to check the software providers to ensure video poker is offered.
More Poker Game Types
CIA Director Brennan Turner has called poker "the manager's game." When you sit down at a table and analyse the situations, you learn a lot about the people who hold a position, their communication skills, their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. In short, playing a few hands of poker could hold your company in good stead. However, if you want to have a shot at winning some chips, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game. Below, you will find links to the most popular poker variants, together with a leading free option.
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Is free video poker legal?
Yes. Providing offshore online gambling is legal in their respective countries, there is every chance the operator you are playing at offers free video poker games. In fact, most of our recommended operators have dozens of demo videos you can play without risking your own hard-earned cash.
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Where can I play free video poker?
You can play free video poker at all of the . We have tested and reviewed dozens of operators over the years, and these are our trusted partners that come highly rated by players around the world. They offer a wide variety of video poker titles, massive welcome bonuses and plenty of other great perks.
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Can I play free video poker at Drake Casino?
Yes. Drake Casino is one of our featured operators for a reason - it offers a wide range of video poker titles, including some great free games. If you like the look of Drake Casino, you can check out our exclusive welcome bonus and get stuck into the action with a generous matched deposit offer when you join.
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Is it advisable to play free video poker online?
Absolutely. In fact, we always recommend playing video poker for free before diving in headfirst and betting real money on each hand. Not only does it let you familiarize yourself with the rules and features of the game, but it gives you a chance to really hone your strategy and find a style that works for you.
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Is free video poker available on mobile devices?
Yes. Many video poker games have been optimised for mobile devices and are now available to play on the go. In fact, it is rare to find a mobile-friendly online casino that does not offer video poker in its lobby. Simply visit our on your iPhone or Android smartphone and tablet to get started.
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Can I switch from free video poker to the real thing easily at DuckyLuck?
Absolutely. DuckyLuck makes it really easy for players to switch from free video poker games to putting down real stakes and winning actual rewards. All you have to do is register an account, activate your welcome bonus, and start playing the games you love for real.
