Video poker is a well-loved casino game that combines elements of traditional poker and modern slot machines. It stands out because it’s not just based on luck—it also involves strategy and decision-making. This balance between chance and skill makes video poker especially appealing to both beginners and seasoned casino players.
When you play video poker, you’re dealt a five-card hand and can choose which cards to keep or replace. Your goal is to create the best poker hand possible. The game pays out based on the strength of your final hand, using a paytable that guides your potential winnings. This gives you control over the outcome, unlike regular slot machines.
For those who enjoy a challenge and want better odds, video poker is a smart choice. With a bit of strategy and practice, you can improve your chances of winning and enjoy a more rewarding casino experience while playing video poker.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about video poker: its origins, the various game types, essential strategies, payout structures, and tips to help you beat the odds.
What is Video Poker ?
Video poker is a digital version of five-card draw poker that you play on a console, much like a slot machine. It brings the fun of traditional poker into a simple, fast-paced format that’s easy for both beginners and experienced players to enjoy. Unlike regular slot machines, video poker gives you more control over the outcome of each hand.
The goal of video poker is to form the best possible poker hand using five cards. Once you’re dealt your initial hand, you have the chance to hold or discard any number of those cards. The cards you choose to discard are replaced with new ones, drawn randomly by the machine.
After the final cards are revealed, the machine checks your hand against a paytable. This table shows you the different payouts for each type of winning hand, such as a pair, flush, straight, or royal flush. Higher hands mean bigger rewards.
What makes video poker appealing is the combination of chance and strategy. Knowing when to hold or replace cards can boost your odds and make the game both exciting and potentially rewarding.
Key Features:
Skill-based gameplay: Unlike slot machines that rely only on luck, video poker lets your choices influence the outcome of each hand.
Low house advantage: Some video poker versions offer a return rate of over 99% when played with the right strategy.
Clear payouts: Video poker machines display payout tables, helping players make smarter and more informed decisions.
A Brief History of Video Poker
The history of video poker began in the 1970s, during the rise of early personal computers. It was during this time that the first video poker machines were introduced, blending computer technology with traditional poker gameplay. These machines offered a new way for players to enjoy poker in a digital format.
A key player in the development of video poker was a company called Si Redd’s Coin Machines, also known as SIRCOMA. This company would later evolve into International Game Technology (IGT), a leading name in the casino gaming industry. In 1979, they released their first major success—Draw Poker—which helped popularize the concept.
Video poker quickly became popular because of its connection to the familiar five-card draw poker game. Unlike slot machines, video poker gave players a sense of involvement and control, making the game more interactive and appealing.
By the 1980s and 1990s, video poker had become a fixture in casinos, especially in Las Vegas. Its combination of skill and chance attracted both casual players and seasoned gamblers, cementing its place in casino history.
Types of Video Poker Games
There are dozens of video poker variants, each with slightly different rules and payout structures. Here are the most popular ones:
Jacks or Better
Winning requirement: In most video poker games, you need to have at least a pair of Jacks or better to receive a payout. Hands below that typically do not qualify for a win.
Top payout: The highest possible hand in video poker is a Royal Flush, which pays out at 800 to 1 if you bet the maximum number of coins, making it the most rewarding outcome.
Beginner-friendly: Video poker is great for new players because the rules are easy to understand. The game uses basic poker hands and offers simple choices, making it less intimidating than other casino games.
Deuces Wild
All twos (2♠, 2♦, 2♥, 2♣) are wild cards.
More exciting hands, but harder to win on low pairs.
Strategy becomes more complex but offers big payout potential.
Joker Poker (Joker’s Wild)
Wild card feature: Some video poker variations include a Joker as a wild card, which can substitute for any other card to help form a winning hand.
Flexible payouts: In these versions of video poker, payouts can change depending on the game’s rules—especially the minimum hand required to win.
Double Bonus / Double Double Bonus Poker
High-paying variation: Some video poker games are based on Jacks or Better but offer higher payouts for landing four-of-a-kind hands, increasing potential rewards.
Increased volatility: These video poker versions may have more ups and downs in winnings, but they can also lead to bigger payouts for lucky and skilled players.
Tens or Better
Lower win threshold: This video poker variation is similar to Jacks or Better but gives payouts starting from a pair of Tens, making it easier to win.
Beginner appeal: By offering more frequent payouts, this video poker version is often chosen to attract new players looking for a more rewarding experience.
Understanding Paytables and Payouts
Every video poker machine has a paytable, and learning to read it is critical. Here’s an example from a standard “9/6 Jacks or Better” machine:
| Hand | Payout (1 coin) | Payout (5 coins) |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 5 |
Tip: Always bet the maximum number of coins (usually 5) to unlock the highest payout for a Royal Flush.
Basic Rules and Gameplay
Step-by-Step:
Insert credits or money.
Choose your bet size (typically 1 to 5 coins).
Click “Deal” to receive five cards.
Choose which cards to hold and which to discard.
Click “Draw” to replace discarded cards.
Get paid based on the final hand and paytable.
Poker Hand Rankings (from highest to lowest):
Royal Flush
Straight Flush
Four of a Kind
Full House
Flush
Straight
Three of a Kind
Two Pair
One Pair (Jacks or better)
Strategic Tips to Improve Your Game
Learn Optimal Strategy
Every version of video poker comes with its own “optimal strategy” that helps reduce the house edge as much as possible. These strategies show the best choices for holding or discarding cards in every possible situation. By following a proper strategy, players can make smarter decisions that increase their chances of winning. Strategy charts are widely available for all major video poker games, and taking the time to study and practice them can lead to better long-term results.
Play “Full Pay” Machines
Look for full pay versions—machines with the best payout percentages. For example:
9/6 Jacks or Better has a 99.54% return with optimal play.
Avoid 8/5 or worse machines with lower returns.
Manage Your Bankroll
Even though video poker offers a low house edge, the game can still have big swings in luck. It’s important to manage your money carefully to handle these ups and downs. Experts often suggest having at least 500 times your usual bet if you plan to play longer sessions. This helps you stay in the game even when you hit a losing streak.
Practice Online First
Before playing video poker for real money, it’s a good idea to practice online. There are many free video poker apps and websites that let you learn the game and test strategies without risking anything. This helps build your confidence and improve your skills.
Bet Max Coins
When playing video poker, always try to bet the maximum number of coins—usually five. This is because the payout for a Royal Flush jumps significantly when max coins are bet, offering a much bigger reward compared to betting fewer coins.
Myths and Misconceptions
Myth: Machines are “due” for a win
Truth: Many people believe that video poker machines are bound to hit a winning hand after a long losing streak. In reality, video poker uses a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that each hand is completely random and unrelated to past results. Every deal is a fresh chance, and there’s no “due” win.
Myth: Holding all high cards is always best
Truth: While it may seem safe to hold high cards like Kings and Queens, optimal poker strategy depends on the specific hand and paytable. In some cases, it’s smarter to discard certain high cards to go for better hands like a straight or flush.
Myth: Casinos can change payouts mid-game
Truth: Reputable video poker machines are regulated by gaming authorities and follow strict standards. Their payout settings cannot be changed during gameplay, and they are regularly audited to ensure fairness and transparency for players.
Video Poker vs. Slot Machines
| Feature | Video Poker | Slot Machines |
|---|---|---|
| Player Skill | Crucial | None |
| House Edge | 0.5%–5% (varies) | 5%–15% or more |
| Payout Transparency | Full paytable shown | Hidden |
| Strategy Impact | High | None |
| Volatility | Moderate to High | High |
Online and Mobile Video Poker
With the growth of online casinos and mobile gaming, video poker has become easier to access for players around the world. You no longer need to visit a physical casino to enjoy this popular game. Many top online platforms now offer a wide selection of video poker variations, allowing players to enjoy the same rules, gameplay, and strategies found in land-based casinos.
These digital versions of poker maintain the same level of excitement and skill-based play, giving players the flexibility to enjoy the game anytime and anywhere—from their computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Pros of Online Play:
Free versions for practice
Lower stakes
Promotions and bonuses
Accessible 24/7
Cons:
Harder to verify fair odds on unregulated sites
Limited “full pay” options on some platforms
Advanced Strategy Concepts
Expected Value (EV): In poker, Expected Value (EV) refers to the average return you can expect from a decision over time. Each choice to hold or discard cards should be based on which option offers the highest EV. By consistently making decisions that maximize EV, players improve their long-term chances of winning and reduce the house edge.
Variance and Risk of Ruin: Poker involves both skill and luck, and high-paying hands like Royal Flushes are rare. This means players may experience big swings in their bankroll—winning a lot or losing quickly. This is known as variance. Understanding how variance works helps players stay prepared for ups and downs, and manage their money wisely to avoid running out during a cold streak.
Card Clumping Fallacy: Some believe that certain cards are more likely to appear based on recent hands, but this is not true in poker. The game uses a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures every hand is completely random. Each deal is independent, and past outcomes do not influence future results.
Conclusion
Video poker remains one of the most engaging and rewarding casino games for players who value both skill and entertainment. Unlike traditional slot machines, video poker offers a unique blend of strategy and chance, allowing players to influence the outcome with well-informed decisions. From Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild, each variant offers a different challenge and opportunity. By understanding the rules, mastering optimal strategies, and choosing the right machines, players can significantly improve their odds and enjoyment.
Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or online, video poker provides a transparent, fast-paced, and potentially profitable gaming experience. With the right mindset and preparation, anyone can turn a casual interest into a strategic pursuit. For both beginners and seasoned gamblers, video poker stands out as a smart choice in the world of gambling—proving that when it comes to casino games, skill and knowledge can truly make a difference.
