A combination of poker and slots, video poker is fast, exciting, and easy to learn. Typically, games combine the strategy and approach of five card draw poker and the graphics and pace of online slots.
Our expert guide will cover:
Our experts have scoured the internet to find the best video poker sites accepting US players:
Typically, video poker payouts increase aggressively depending on a player’s size. Place max bets if your bankroll allows for it.
In traditional poker, you’re playing against other players. In video poker, you’re playing against the paytable. Ensure you understand the payouts so you can make wise wagering decisions.
As always, we strongly recommend having a bankroll strategy and sticking to it. Know how much you can afford to lose, never play with more than that, and never bet emotionally.
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: every game of video poker is different, and the rules and details will vary from game to game and from casino to casino. A sample paytable is below, but always be sure to consult your game’s paytable for specific details.
| Hand | Example | 1 Credit | 2 Credits | 3 Credits | 4 Credits | 5 Credits |
| Royal flush |  |
250:1 | 500:1 | 750:1 | 1000:1 | 4000:1 |
| Four of a Kind |  |
50:1 | 100:1 | 150:1 | 200:1 | 250:1 |
| Full house |  |
9:1 | 18:1 | 27:1 | 36:1 | 45:1 |
| Straight |  |
4:1 | 8:1 | 12:1 | 16:1 | 20:1 |
| Three of a Kind |  |
3:1 | 6:1 | 9:1 | 12:1 | 15:1 |
| Two Pair |  |
2:1 | 4:1 | 6:1 | 8:1 | 10:1 |
| One Pair – min. Jacks |  |
1:1 | 2:1 | 3:1 | 4:1 | 5:1 |
| High card, low pair |  |
LOSE | LOSE | LOSE | LOSE | LOSE |
As you’ll see, payouts can increase fairly dramatically based on wager size, making max wagers an attractive betting strategy for those with a flexible bankroll.
All pairs are worth keeping, even the low ones! If you are dealt a pair, keep them. There is a high chance that if you let them go, you’ll be dealt something worse on the next hand.
Look for pairs first, and then move to the more advanced potential hands. You are playing against a computer, so there is no rush. Take your time analyzing each hand you are dealt – you will make more mistakes if you try to play quickly.
Don’t hold on to unpaired cards in the hopes of finding a pair on the next deal. Let them go. The chances of being dealt the exact cards that you were looking to pair are low, making it not worth the risk.
While there are tons of variations online, here are the most popular variants for US players.
Many casino operators will allow you to play their games for free in demo/practice mode. We recommend doing this at first, as it gives you the chance to test your strategy, learn the games and see how you like the software. That said, there is nothing like the thrill of playing to win real money! Here are some of the pros and cons:
Video poker is a computerized game created to allow the speed and convenience of online slots with the gameplay of (typically) a five-card poker game.
Generally, this game is preferred by those who want a quick & easy experience, while traditional poker is better suited to players who prefer the social and strategic elements of betting against other players.
The major difference between video and traditional poker is that in traditional poker, players wager against one another, while in video poker, players are trying to build the best hand possible to collect a predetermined payout from a paytable.
The amount of money you have access to to play casino games.
A value assigned to video poker machine wagers (i.e. a credit could equal $0.25 or $5).
Receive initial cards or receive new cards.
King, Queens and Jacks are referred to as face cards.
Often considered the simplest version of poker to learn. Video poker is very similar to five card draw poker rules, minus the dealer.
Keep up to 5 of your dealt cards by holding.
The mathematical advantage the casino (house) has over the player.
Typically equals the wager x 5 video poker credits per betting round.
Emotionally fueled poker betting void of reason or strategy, trying to make up for one’s losses.
The infographic box that explains to players which hands pay out.
When the top hand, typically a royal flush, is achieved while MAX betting 5x credits, it unlocks a top prize jackpot.
The algorithm-powered software that generates each hand.
How often a video poker machine pays out to the player, on average.
A card that can possess any value to make your hand stronger.
First, you’ll need to find an online casino that offers it. We’ve highlighted some of the best and safest sites at the top of this guide. Video poker is very similar to five card draw poker, but instead of trying to beat the other players at the table, you’re trying to build the strongest five-card hand, where the better the hand, the bigger the payouts. Like other online casino games, video poker uses random number generator software.
Most online casinos offer mobile video poker options. A good tip is to have a strong Wi-Fi connection if playing on your mobile device. This will help keep you connected to the game and avoid disconnection when you’re holding four kings.
When selecting video poker, be sure the host website is licensed and regulated by a third party. The primary job of these companies is to verify that random number generator software for all online casino games is on the up-and-up. By verifying this, you can sit back, relax and know that your video poker experience is truly random.
Yes, video poker variations typically come down to differences in pay tables. Be sure to check out Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker and Bonus Poker Deluxe.
In most cases, yes, MAX bet is a video poker best practice as the payouts for a successful MAX bet are incredible. However, MAX bettors should use caution if they have a limited bankroll. Should you hit a cold streak, MAX bets can wipe out an entire session. Just use your best judgment before hitting MAX bet.
