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Date published: March 8, 2025
Video poker is a classic casino game that merges the strategic elements of poker with the fast-paced nature of slot machines. Unlike traditional poker, where you're matched against opponents or a dealer, video poker pits you against the machine, and the aim is to form the best five-card hand possible.
Typically, video poker utilizes a standard 52-card deck. To commence play, you first place a wager and are then dealt five cards. The primary aim is to construct the strongest five-card hand possible from these dealt cards.
In many video poker variations, you're given the chance to switch out some or all of your cards. After making your selection, the machine replenishes the discarded cards with new ones, and this final hand determines your winnings.
The online world features a wide array of video poker variations, each with unique rules and payout structures. Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker are among the crowd favorites.
This guide will walk you through the intricacies of playing video poker online, spotlight the best sites to indulge in the game, and outline the specific rules governing each variant.
Exclusive offer for new users: a 100% bonus match up to £100 with a minimum deposit of £10. There’s no limit on cash out, though you must wager 40 times the bonus to access funds. The maximum allowed bet with an active bonus is £5. Certain restrictions apply to prevent abuse. Deposits via Skrill & Neteller are excluded from the welcome offer. Cashback rewards are applicable to deposits devoid of bonuses and are unrestricted cash. #ad
On the whole, many online casinos provide video poker and you’ll find plenty of reputable brands. Still, it's worth your time to pick the right platform, as not all casinos host every game variation, and payout rates for identical hands can differ.
For your convenience, we've curated a list of the top 5 video poker platforms. These casinos boast diverse game variations and generous player incentives.
18+. Exclusively for new players. Minimum £20 deposit required. Enjoy a first deposit bonus: a 100% match up to £100 plus 100 spins on Big Bass Bonanza. Spins expire by midnight GMT on the day credited. Spin winnings count as bonus funds, separate from cash funds, and carry a 35x wagering requirement on both the bonus and deposit amounts. Bonus funds expire after 21 days. Affordability checks may apply. Terms apply. BeGambleAware.org. #ad
18+ New players only. Minimum deposit & wager of £10 on slot games. Maximum bonus of £100 and free bets of £20. Bonus requires 35x wagering, with a maximum stake of £10. Bonus expires after 7 days. Wagering contributions vary per game. Full terms apply. Play responsibly. BeGambleAware.org #ad
Offer valid on initial deposit. Additional spins expire 24 hours post-issuance. Spins target top-paying game selections. Winnings from deposit-based spins come with a 35x wagering requirement. €10 minimum deposit. Maximum bonus of €200. Games awarded as follows: first deposit yields 20 games and a 100% bonus; second day deposit of at least €20 adds 40 games; third day €20 deposit grants another 40 games. Offer applies to new players aged 18+. Bonuses requiring deposit necessitate a 35x wagering condition. #ad
Welcome bonus exclusive to new users: gain a 100% bonus up to £100 with a £10 minimum deposit. No maximum cash-out; however, a 40x wagering condition applies. The maximum permissible bet during an active bonus is £5. Eligibility is restricted for potential abuse. Skrill & Neteller deposits aren't included in the bonus. Cashback, if offered, applies solely to bonus-free deposits and is cash without limitations. #ad
€10 minimum deposit required. Maximum bonus package value: €2000. Offer applies to the first five deposits. New players 18+ only. Structured bonus issuance: first deposit gets 100% up to €300 plus 50 spins on Starburst; second deposit gets 60% up to €400 and 50 spins on Book of Dead; third deposit offers 50% up to €450 with 50 spins on Fire Joker; fourth deposit gives 75% up to €400 and 50 spins on Book of Itza; fifth deposit yields 50% up to €450 and 50 spins on Twin Spins. Deposit-based bonuses require a 35x wagering condition. Game contributions vary for wagering requirements: adhere to the Bonus Policy. #ad
18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble responsibly at https://www.begambleaware.org. For new players only, wager real balance first. A 50x bonus wagering requirement applies. Game contribution varies. Selected games qualify only. Wagering is computed from bonus bets solely. Bonus remains valid for 30 days / free spins for 7 days post-receipt. Maximum conversion: triple the bonus or from free spins: £20. A £20 minimum deposit is necessary. Withdrawal requests nullify all active or pending bonuses. Full terms apply. BeGambleAware #ad
Although the fundamentals of video poker are fairly easy to grasp, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules before wagering real cash. Plenty of online casinos offer trial versions using demo credits to practice, which can be a wise first step for novices.
The initial action in online video poker is selecting a casino. Fortunately, most platforms provide video poker options, ensuring ample selection. If you're pursuing a specific game variation, confirm its availability before committing.
To initiate a game, you place a wager. Post-betting, you'll receive a hand of five cards.
Aim to craft the ultimate poker hand from your dealt cards. Retain or swap cards as needed, though this happens just once. Your resultant hand determines your victory.
While browsing online casinos, you might notice the plethora of video poker adaptations. They mostly share core rules but can slightly diverge with different payouts.
Check out some of the prevalent online video poker variants:
The Jacks or Better variant holds a place as the most recognized form of video poker.
The game's objective is crafting a premier five-card hand, requiring at least a pair of Jacks or better to qualify for a win.
Jacks or Better rules are notably straightforward.
1. Set your wager amount (usually in coins) and hit the “deal” button to commence.
2. Initially, five face-up cards appear on your screen.
3. Choose which cards to keep by clicking them. When you hit “draw,” the remaining cards will be swapped with new ones.
4. Any winning hands highlight automatically and the respective payout follows.
Jacks or Better payouts fluctuate between games and casinos, but a fundamental pay table resembles this:
Base payouts assume a 1 coin wager. A 2 coin bet earns double that displayed on the pay table.
In this video poker version, all deuces act as wild cards, substituting to form winning combinations. While this eases forming strong hands, reduced payouts compensate for the heightened win chances.
As previously mentioned, Deuces Wild payouts are lower than Jacks or Better because of improved winning odds. Unique hands, like Deuces Royal Flush or four Deuces, add to the game.
Holding dealt deuces typically benefits players due to their top-rank as wild cards that can morph to any necessary value.
Joker Poker employs a 53-card deck—a classic 52-card setup plus a single Joker, doubling as a wild card. It’s a crossover of Jacks or Better with Deuces Wild.
Joker Poker payouts generally trail Jacks or Better figures due to the wild card’s inclusion.
Double Bonus Poker, akin to Jacks or Better, hikes rewards for four-of-a-kind hands, especially ace-included ones. Other hand payouts often see reduced values compared to Jacks or Better. This game uses a 52-card deck without wilds or jokers.
In the following part, we will survey strategic approaches for online video poker.
Having covered the online video poker gamut, it's time to delve into the popular strategies that players often employ.
1. Understand the pay tables : Prioritize familiarizing yourself with the game's specific pay table. Variations in payout structures impact strategy, so clarity on hand values guides your decisions about which cards to retain or replace.
2. Use a strategy chart : Just as many blackjack enthusiasts do, video poker pros often rely on strategy charts to refine decision-making when choosing cards to hold or discard. Free versions are freely available online and provide probability-based insights into optimal moves.
3. Don’t hold onto low pairs : Although holding a low pair (like 2s or 3s) might seem strategic, it’s not always wise unless they combine with other cards for stronger hands, such as two pairs. Generally, it’s better to release low pairs and draw new cards for potentially potent hands.
4. Maximize Your Wager : While you want to always play within your means and manage your bankroll wisely, it's worth noting that in many video poker variations, a bonus payout is awarded for a royal flush hit when you wager the full amount of coins. It's an option to consider if you're already leaning toward a near-max bet.
5. Utilize Bonus Opportunities : Look for promotions that online casinos frequently offer to video poker players. These deals can provide extra value, so keep your eyes open and make the most of them whenever they're available.
Exclusive offer for new users: a 100% bonus match up to £100 with a minimum deposit of £10. There’s no limit on cash out, though you must wager 40 times the bonus to access funds. The maximum allowed bet with an active bonus is £5. Certain restrictions apply to prevent abuse. Deposits via Skrill & Neteller are excluded from the welcome offer. Cashback rewards are applicable to deposits devoid of bonuses and are unrestricted cash. #ad
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