Best video poker games to play online for real money

In recent years, online casinos have experienced a significant rise in demand for video poker games. These games offer players an engaging experience and provide them with a fair chance of winning real money. With a wide range of video poker titles available online, it can be challenging to know where to start. We've curated a list of some of the most popular and player-favored video poker games that are worth trying out for real money. So, let's dive into these top picks and explore what makes each game unique! **Before you start playing real money video poker online check our safe and secure **

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What Is Video Poker?

Video poker combines elements of poker and slot machines, creating a thrilling and strategic casino game. It typically involves drawing cards to attempt to make the strongest poker hand possible, similar to in table poker. However, instead of playing against other players, you play against the computer, making it a great option for those who enjoy poker but prefer to play at their own pace. The goal is to achieve a strong poker hand, such as two pairs or better, and the strength of your hand determines your payout if you win. One of the main appeals of video poker is its combination of luck and skill. While there is an element of randomness involved in drawing cards, players can make strategic decisions about which cards to hold and redraw, which can significantly affect their chances of winning. This interactive element adds excitement and keeps players engaged as they strive to improve their hands and maximize their potential winnings. Additionally, many video poker games offer generous pay tables and favorable odds for skilled players, making it a popular choice for both casual gamblers and serious poker enthusiasts alike.

How to Play Video Poker

Playing video poker is relatively simple and straightforward, and the rules are easy to learn. Here’s a quick guide on how to play:

Select your game: Choose the video poker variant you want to play from the selection available at the online casino. Some popular options include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker.
Place your bet: Decide on the amount you want to wager per hand. Most games allow you to adjust your bet size before dealing.
Draw your cards: Once you've placed your bet, click "deal" to receive five randomly selected cards from a standard deck (or multiple decks, depending on the game). You can choose to hold any or all of these cards by clicking on them.
Make your holds: Hold any cards that could help you form a strong poker hand. You can redraw (or "re-deal") any cards you don't hold, combining them with your held cards to form your final hand.
Determine your payout: The payout for your hand is determined by the strength of this final poker hand. Most video poker games use a ranking system similar to traditional poker, with payouts increasing for stronger hands like two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, and royal straight flush (the highest and most lucrative hand). Refer to the game's paytable to see exactly how much each hand is worth.
Repeat and reshuffle: After your first hand has been played and paid out (if applicable), you can discard all cards or choose to hold any still-held cards from the previous hand before dealing into a fresh new hand. The deck is shuffled after each hand.
End your session: When you're finished playing, simply navigate away from the video poker game or log out of the casino website. Your account balance will reflect any winnings you may have accumulated during your session.

Most Popular Video Poker Variants

Online casinos offer various types of video poker. Below, we examine the most well-liked ones. 9/10

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Over the years, video poker has evolved into numerous variants, each offering a unique twist on the classic formula. In this section, we'll delve into some of the most popular and widely played video poker variations that you're likely to encounter at online casinos. Understanding the key differences between these variants can help you choose the one that best suits your playing style and preferences, whether you're a seasoned poker pro or a newcomer to the world of video poker.

Jacks or Better:

This is considered the original and most basic version of video poker. As the name suggests, a pair of jacks or better qualifies as a paying hand. Numeric pairs below jack are considered useless and referred to as "mucker." It uses a standard 52-card deck, and the aim is to make a pair of jacks or higher-ranked poker hand to receive a payout. Nine times out of ten, Jacks or Better is the base game variation when multi-hand video poker is offered.

Deuces Wild:

In this exciting variant, all deuces (twoes) in the deck serve as wild cards, substituting for any card to help you form the best possible hand. However, since every deuce can act as a joker, the payouts for certain hands are altered. For example, three of a kind is now the lowest paying hand, while the coveted royal flush pays out less than in a traditional game. Strategizing becomes even more crucial in Deuces Wild due to the dynamic created by the wild cards.

Double Bonus Poker:

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Double Bonus Poker is an enhanced version of regular Bonus Poker that offers bonus payouts for four of a kind hands. Not only are payouts increased for standard hands, but getting four-of-a-kinds of aces, kings, queens, jacks, or boots (an unusual addition to the tradition 52-card deck) yields additional bonuses. If you hit four aces, you get the biggest payday of all. Like its relative Jacks or Better, Double Bonus Poker is commonly used to power multi-hand versions of the game.

Double Double Bonus Poker:

Taking the excitement of Double Bonus Poker to the next level, this variant introduces even higher bonuses for specific four-of-a-kind hands. But hold on tight - the tradeoff is significantly reduced payouts for lower-ranked hands. Strategy plays a critical role in maximizing profits here, as every decision you make alters your chances of hitting those lucrative quad combinations.

Joker's Wild:

This version of video poker adds a wild card to the standard deck, usually in the form of an Joker. This card can substitute for any other card to help you form winning hands. However, the addition of the Joker also brings changes to the payout structure for certain hands. Keeping up with these alterations is essential if you want to come out ahead in Joker's Wild.

Bonus Deuces Wild:

Prepare for nonstop action in this thrilling fusion of Bonus Poker and Deuces Wild. In Bonus Deuces Wild, not only are the twos wild, but Maximum Bonus is paid out when a four-of-a-kind of aces is followed by a flush or straight flush. Getting four aces by itself is already impressive, but landing the bonus on top takes it to the next level. Brush up on your strategy and get ready for a high-octane video poker ride!

Aces and Eights:

While it may be true that in regular video poker, a pair of jacks or better is often deemed "low medicine," in Aces and Eights, a hand with eight's or better is actually the minimum requirement. This variation was made famous by Larry Flynt during his court battle with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C.. The case ultimately led to a reevaluation of existing obscenity laws, and Jackson Graphics (now Shufflemaster) created this game to honor Flynt's efforts. Today, Aces and Eights stands on its own merit as an enjoyable video poker option with a fun backstory.

How to Play Video Poker for Free

If you're new to video poker or wanting to try out a new game, playing for free is a great way to familiarize yourself with the rules, hand rankings, and strategies without risking your own money. Almost all reputable offer demo or free play versions of their video poker games. Here's how you can typically play video poker for free:

Choose a Reputable Casino: Start by selecting a trusted and licensed online casino that offers a range of video poker games.
Navigate to the Game Section: Once you're logged into the casino, browse their game library and look for the video poker category.
Find a Free Video Poker Game: Within the video poker selection, search for demos or free play options. Many casinos label these games clearly, indicating that they can be played for fun without depositing any money.
Read the Game Information: Before starting the game, take a moment to review the paytable and any special features or rules specific to that particular video poker variation. This will help you understand how wins are calculated and what symbols or hands are most valuable.
Start Playing: With everything set, you can now press the 'Demo' or 'Free Play' button to begin your video poker session. Using virtual or demo credits, you can place "bet" and hit the "deal" button repeatedly to play as long as your credits last.
Practice and Enjoy: Treat your free play session as a chance to experiment, try different strategies, and simply enjoy the game without any pressure or financial risk. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned player fine-tuning your skills, complimentary video poker is an excellent way to have fun and build confidence.

Video Poker Strategy

To give yourself the best chance of winning, it's important to develop a solid strategy when playing video poker. While specific strategies may vary depending on the variant you're playing, here are some general tips that apply to most video poker games:

1. Learn the Hand Rankings

Familiarize yourself with the order of strongest to weakest hands in video poker. This includes High Card, Pair, Two Pairs, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, Straight Flush, and Royal Flush. Knowing which hands win is essential for making strategic decisions.

2. Study Pay Tables

Each video poker game has a unique pay table that determines how much you'll be paid for each hand. Take the time to study the pay table before you start playing. Look for games with a high return to player (RTP) percentage and good payouts for strong hands.

3. Always Play the Max Bet

Many video poker games offer bonus payouts for making higher-ranked hands, often called "bonus hands". To be eligible for these payouts, you generally need to be playing at the maximum bet, usually $5. So if the game is offering a bonus payout for a Four of a Kind, it makes sense to play at the max bet so you can try to hit that hand and win the bigger prize.

4. Use a Video Poker Strategy Chart

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Video poker strategy charts provide a step-by-step guide on what actions to take based on the cards you're dealt. These charts consider the specific video poker game you're playing and the optimal strategy for maximizing your wins. They can seem overwhelming at first, but with practice, you'll quickly learn how to use them effectively.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Once you have a basic understanding of the game and strategy, practice playing video poker for free online to refine your skills without risking real money. This will help you become comfortable with the speed of the game and learn to make quick, informed decisions.

6. Manage Your Bankroll

Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and treat them as part of your bankroll.

7. Quit While You're Ahead

It's always better to leave a video poker session with a smaller win than to keep playing and risk losing everything. This discipline will help you sustain longer-term success.

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How to Play Video Poker at a Casino

Whether you are in a brick and mortar casino or in an , the process of playing video poker is very similar. Below we'll explain how to play video poker at either type of casino.

How to Play Video Poker at a Land Based Casino

Playing video poker in a real casino is fairly simple once you learn the ropes, though the specific steps can vary slightly depending on the state you're in and the individual casino's setup. Generally speaking, you can expect the following procedure:

Locate a Video Poker Machine: Walk the casino floor and seek out a video poker machine. They often can be found near the slot machines.
Insert Cash or Card: Either feed bills or your player's card into the machine to start it up. Some casinos still allow you to pay in cash for your game, but many now rely on a loyalty card system that tracks your play and offers rewards based on how much you bet.
Select a Game: Most video poker machines in a casino will display the pay table and game rules, allowing you to inspect it and see if it's a variation you'd like to play. Choose the game you wish to play and wait for any prompts to place your bet.
Place Your Wager: Video poker machines in casinos usually have a button to increase or decrease the amount you're betting per hand. Determine how much you want to wager on this round, then press the "deal" or "play" button.
Receive Your Cards: The machine deals out five cards, which you'll see displayed on the screen. Sometimes you'll need to hit a button to indicate you're happy with these cards and ready to move on.
Decide Which Cards to Hold: Carefully assess your cards and decide which ones you want to keep for your next hand. Any cards you want to hold should be indicated on the machine before you re-enter the "play" or "deal" mode.
Final Hand and Payout: The machine draws replacement cards for the ones you discarded, revealing your final hand for this round. If it's a winning combination, the machine will automatically award you the corresponding payout. Losing hands will simply advance the machine and prepare for the next player.
Collect Your Winnings / Continue Playing: If you win, the machine will dispense credits or money according to the payout amount. You can choose to cash out at this point or continue playing the same video poker game. Otherwise, repeat the process from step 3 above.

How to Play Video Poker Online

Playing video poker at an online casino differs somewhat from playing in a land-based venue. Here's what you can normally expect:

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Sign Up and Log In: First off, you'll need to register an account with the online casino. Once approved, save your login details and return to their site whenever you want to play.
Browse Video Poker Games: Inside the casino lobby, look for the 'Table Games', 'Video Poker' or 'Specialty Games' sections to find the different poker variants available. Click on the thumbnail of the game you'd like to play.
Select Your Bet: Most online video poker games will open with a prompt for you to select how much you want to bet on this hand. Use the 'Bet Up' and 'Bet Down' arrows, or enter a specific figure, to choose your desired wager.
Begin Playing: Hit the 'Deal' button to receive your initial five cards. If you want to automatically hold any obvious winning combinations (e.g. Pairs), most games will allow you to activate this feature in the settings menu. Examine your cards and decide which to hold by clicking on them.
Draw Replacement Cards: After finalizing your holds, press the ' Draw' button to replace your unselected cards with new ones. The computer will deal out the replacements and display your final hand for this round.
Check Your Payout: If your hand is a winner, the game will highlight it and show you the corresponding payout amount. This money gets added to your balance automatically. Otherwise, the game will reset and prompt you to hit 'Deal' again.
Keep Playing: Continue with steps 3 to 6 until you're ready to take a break or run out of funds. Most online video poker games also let you set the speed at which they play, as well as activate sound effects or auto hold features. Check the game info or help file for details.

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How to Win at Video Poker

Winning consistently at video poker requires a combination of luck and strategy, but there are a few tips and tricks that can improve your chances:

1. Start with Jacks or Better

As a beginner, it's wise to start with Jacks or Better, which has clear hand rankings and straightforward strategies. Once you've got the hang of this variant, you can move on to more complex video poker games.

2. Learn the "Holds"

Study video poker strategy charts to understand which cards to hold under different circumstances. These charts consider the specific video poker game you're playing and your current hand.

3. Discard Everything

In some situations, the optimal strategy is to discard all five cards and start fresh. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can actually lead to better long-term results.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Before risking real money, spend time practicing video poker for free online. This lets you familiarize yourself with the game and strategies without any pressure.

5. Set a Budget

Always establish how much money you're willing to lose before you start playing. Never gamble more than you can afford, and quit while you're still ahead.

6. Pick the Right Game

Not all video poker games are created equal. Look for variants with a high return to player (RTP) percentage and good payouts. Games that deviate from traditional Jacks or Better can offer higher rewards for skilled players.

7. Believe in the Power of Short Term Luck

Despite using optimum strategy, short-term outcomes in video poker can still be highly variable due to the influence of luck. Embrace the unpredictability of the game and don't get too discouraged by temporary losses.

Video Poker vs Slot Machines

Video poker shares some similarities with slot machines, but there are also key differences that set them apart:

Visual Presentation: Both video poker and slots can feature vibrant graphics, animation, and sound effects to immerse the player.
Speed and Simplicity: Like slots, video poker is easy to learn and play, with rapid rounds that can lead to exciting wins.
Gambling Element: Big payouts in video poker and slots are achievable, but require luck or extended play. Progressive jackpots can rapidly accumulate in both games.

Differences:

Player Interaction: Unlike slots, video poker allows you to make strategic decisions throughout the hand, influencing your chances of success.
Return to Player (RTP): On average, video poker has a higher RTP than slots, ranging from 98% to 99.54%. Slot machines usually have a lower RTP, closer to 95%.
Dependent on Skill: With optimal strategy, video poker can be influenced by skill as well as luck. Slots are purely random and do not offer any strategic advantages.
Odds and Paybacks: Video poker provides better odds and higher expected return than most slot machines. Its paytable shows the exact returns for each ranked hand.

Video Poker Glossary

Like many popular casino games, video poker has a distinctive slang all its own. From "kicker cards" to "variance", it helps to be fluent in this specialized lingo. Here are some common terms you might hear or read when playing video poker:

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Action: Refers to a single round of video poker, where you place your bets, receive cards, make holds, and receive your payout.
Bankroll: Total amount of money you have set aside for gambling purposes. It's wise to only wager a small portion of your bankroll on any individual hand of video poker.
Blind Play: Playing a video poker machine without knowing its specific pay table or rules, essentially playing blindly.
Bonus Payouts: Extraordinarily high payouts offered by some video poker games for making specific hands, often four of a kind or higher.
Draw Poker: Another term for video poker; named after the act of drawing new cards to replace the ones you don't want to keep.
Equilibrium Strategy: Strategy used by knowledgeable players to capitalize on their skill advantage and earn positive expectations over time.
Full Pay Video Poker: A video poker game that offers full payouts according to the odds, typically represented by 9x6 correct payouts for a full house and flush respectively.
Hand: Another word for the five cards you're dealt in video poker, which you can review to evaluate your chances and plan your strategy.
Kicker Cards: In video poker, these are secondary unpaired cards that can tip the scale and determine the winning hand when two players have the same pair, two pixels, or two high cards.
Optimal Strategy: A mathematical strategy derived from the video poker game's pay table and the odds of receiving specific cards. Following this strategy gives you the best possible chance of winning.
Pay Table: Found on or near the video poker machine, this displays a chart outlining the different ranks of hands and the corresponding payouts for each one.
Rankings: Video poker hands are categorized into specific ranks, beginning with pair of Jacks or better, and progressing to Royal Flush.
Return to Player (RTP): Denoted as %, this number represents the theoretical amount of money a player can expect to receive back over time, relative to the amount wagered. Higher RTP indicates better odds for the player.
Semi-Bluff: Combining an actual strong card with a guess or "bluff" about another card that is not shown. This occurs when you bet on the possibility of getting a card from your suit on the draw.
Simulator Play: Actively running different scenarios and strategies through free or credited video poker games. Used primarily for strategy practice without risking real money.
Variance: Also known as volatility, this term describes the ups and downs or fluctuations in the frequency and size of your video poker winnings. High variance games can have long dry periods interrupted by occasional big wins.

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Video Poker Movies

Do you know that the popular movie Rounders has a scene dedicated entirely to video poker? Or that the 1974 classic movie Chinatown starts with a gripping and suspenseful video poker sequence? These films are just a couple of examples of how video poker has appeared on the big screen, often portrayed as a background activity in diners, bars, and other blue collar locations.

In fact, video poker has been featured in many Hollywood movies, including:

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Rounders
California Split
The Color of Money
City Slickers
Casino
Swing
Blood Work
Trains, Planes & Automobiles
Leaving Las Vegas
Good Morning, Vietnam
Harry and Walter Go to New York
Maverick
The Gambler
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
The Hangover Trilogy

These films often depict video poker being played in dimly lit bars or roadside diners, with characters intently staring at the screens, pressing buttons, and occasionally erupting in celebration when they hit a big hand. The game is shown as a pastime enjoyed by working class men, hustlers, drifters, and other down-to-earth individuals.

FAQs

Why play video poker online instead of at a casino?

Playing video poker online offers several benefits, including:

Convenience: You can enjoy video poker from anywhere with an internet connection, without having to travel to a physical casino.
Bonuses and Promotions: Online casinos often provide welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, and other promotional offers that can boost your bankroll and give you more chances to win.
Variety and Accessibility: Online casinos typically provide a wider selection of video poker games and variants compared to land-based casinos.
Pace and Anonymity: You control the speed of the game, able to think and act at your own pace

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Best video poker games to play online for real money

What Is Video Poker?

How to Play Video Poker

Most Popular Video Poker Variants

Top Tips for Choosing the Right Video Poker Game for You

Top 10 Video Poker Games to Play Online for Real Money

How to Play Video Poker for Free

Video Poker Strategy

Top Video Poker Software Providers

How to Play Video Poker at a Casino

How to Play Video Poker at a Land Based Casino

How to Play Video Poker Online

How to Win at Video Poker

Video Poker vs Slot Machines

Video Poker Glossary

Video Poker Movies

FAQs

Why play video poker online instead of at a casino?

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