How to Win at Video Poker: The #1 Guide in the US
When I first discovered video poker, its blend of slot and poker elements immediately drew me in. Just like the first time I heard about a hybrid mixture of dolphins and whales!
While luck plays a big role, my years of experience have revealed strategies to reduce risks and improve your game. Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Basics of Video Poker
Many newbies in the gambling industry are reading my articles, which is why I want to start from the very beginning. You need to understand the basics of video poker, how it works, and how the payout system looks exactly.
How Video Poker Works
In my opinion, video poker is the simplest game of all. If you have played slots and poker, then you will immediately adjust to the mechanics of this gambling option.
Every player gets five cards per spin. The point here is to collect the hardest possible combination and ensure a bigger multiplier of your initial bet. After getting those 5 cards, you will have the right to replace them to achieve that goal. Logically, most people will hold the most valuable ones.
No, there is no dealer, and you are not playing against other players. At the top of the screen, you will see a payout table that clearly states how much money each combination (from 1 pair to flush royal) brings.
Different Variations of Video Poker
Something I love about this game is diversity. Online and offline casinos in the United States offer different variants with entertaining features. I, personally, recommend you test each one to find the most suitable option.
Shortly, the most popular video poker variants are:
- Jacks or Better: This game version is available in almost every casino in the world. In some regions, it may be more popular under the name “draw poker,” so don’t get confused. It is one of the 9/6 variants. This means that the full house will multiply the full house by 9, while the flush will multiply by 6. The point here is to get at least two jacks.
- Deuced Wild: This version of video poker has a specific rule. All the twos are actually wilds that substitute any other card in the deck. Based on some research, players can get a four-of-a-kind at least once in fifteen hands. RTP is over 99.5%
- Joker Poker: In many regions, this game is known as “Joker Wild”. As you can guess, the Joker is part of the deck in this variation, and it substitutes any other card. That allows players to win a 5-of-a-kind combination that multiplies the initial wager by a lot!
Read my page on how to win at video poker Jacks or Better for specific winnings tips.
Pay Tables and Payouts
Payouts differ from one video poker variant to another. So, I can’t precisely tell what the pay table of each version will look like. My goal is to explain what more or less valuable combinations are, so I will use Jacks or Better as an example. Here is what you can expect with an initial bet of 5 coins:
| Royal Flush | x800 |
| Straight Flush | x50 |
| 4 of a kind | x25 |
| Full House | x9 |
| Flush | x6 |
| Straight | x4 |
| 3 of a kind | x3 |
| Two pair | x2 |
| Jacks or Better | x1 |
As you see, royal flush is the strongest card combination and collecting it should be your goal. Logically, that does not happen too often, so be satisfied with every possible outcome that could appear.
Essential Strategies for Winning
I will repeat: video poker is simple to play. Yet, it does require analyses and focus because that is the only way to increase your chances of winning.
Mastering the Basic Strategy for Each variation
Start by exploring at least three video poker variants rather than sticking to one. Each game has unique strategies—like Deuces Wild, where 2s act as wilds, increasing your chances of forming combinations like four-of-a-kind or even five-of-a-kind. Adjust your tactics accordingly.
Watch video poker streams to understand the differences between variants before playing for real money.
Optimal Card-Holding Decisions
Always hold the strongest cards—Aces, Kings, or Queens—over lower-value ones, even if your hand seems weak.
Big payouts from hands like a royal flush are rare (odds are 650,000:1), so focus on realistic goals like a full house or four-of-a-kind. For example, if you have A K 8 8 3, keep the pair of 8s for better odds.
Bankroll Management in Video Poker
Video poker moves fast, so budget control is crucial. Stick to flat betting: set a maximum loss per session, decide on the number of spins, and play within those limits to maintain control and enjoy your sessions.
Taking Advantage of Casino Benefits
Both online and offline casinos have certain advantages for video poker players. These advantages can simplify your journey and make your spare time more entertaining.
Players Clubs and Loyalty Programs
Do you plan to play video poker regularly? In that case, become a member of the players club. Customers with active membership can enjoy different benefits.
At traditional casinos, you can get a personalized service, free drinks, and similar stuff. Furthermore, you can get a free play cash bonus to enjoy a prolonged experience. Some casinos may let you claim a cashback bonus if you spend over the required minimum.
At online casinos, things are similar. You will get better bonus terms for deposit match promotions, personalized online customer service, higher withdrawal limits, and so on.
Utilizing Promotions and Bonuses
Even if you are not the most active player, you can still enjoy bonuses and promotions for regular players. They are not so active at traditional casinos. From time to time, there are some “happy hours,” but, in my opinion, they are not that valuable a lot of the time.
Online casinos are better for video poker players. Newly registered users can claim a welcome bonus. Existing players, on the other hand, can claim different ongoing promotions. Be sure to find the online casinos with the least demanding bonus terms.
For instance, no deposit bonus in the form of free cash or spins is great. A wagering rate below 30x, with a deadline of 2 weeks, is a great deal.
Progressive Jackpots
Just like slots, some video poker variants come with progressive jackpots. These jackpots grow all the time. How quickly they increase depends on the losses made by the players. Each cent you lose goes towards the grand prize.
Hitting the jackpot will ensure huge rewards, but I don’t recommend you put that on the list of your goals. Only the luckiest will achieve it!
However, these video poker variants come with one disadvantage. The RTP is usually lower since the machine needs to collect more money.
For extra tips on how to win a jackpot at a casino, refer to my linked guide.
Online vs. Land-Based Video Poker
I honestly don’t see a huge difference between these two. Both of them are great. Yet, certain advantages and disadvantages exist, so let’s go through them.
Advantages of Playing Online
Online video poker is a better option for people who do not have time to visit casinos. Gambling via smartphone or PC device is available 24/7. You can schedule your sessions much better.
At the same time, online casinos offer more video poker variants in one place. For that reason, you may find those options that come with much better pay tables. Jackpots increase much quicker in the online world because more people are playing them (and, logically, lose more money).
Ultimately, online casinos offer much better bonuses and promotions for US players. Despite the welcome bonus, you can claim a number of daily and weekly ongoing rewards with pretty reasonable terms and conditions.
The Social Aspect of Land-Based Play
Land-based casinos are a better option for “more friendly people.” When you find a free spot, there will be numerous people around you with the same passion. You can exchange with them about your sessions or theirs, discuss decisions that should be made, and so on.
The gambling atmosphere always inspires me, and I feel happier. Playing over the internet can be pretty monotonous. Plus, I met several great guys with tons of experience with video poker. Their tips helped me improve, and that’s why I am willing to share them with you here.
I invite you to read my article on how to win at video poker in Vegas to find out more details of my land-based experience.
Differences in Payouts and Odds
The difference usually does not exist. Games like Jack or Better, Deuced Wild and others are often available in both land-based and online casinos. Yet, as I said, online casinos offer more titles; brick-and-mortar gaming venues depend on the size of the gaming floor.
Each machine you play is supported by an RNG algorithm. So, your chances, in both cases, are identical.
And Now?
You now know the most important things about video poker. Organize your budget properly, find titles with the highest payout percentage, and apply the strategies highlighted on this page. Check my website and read the guide on different variants. I wish you luck!