Play Video Poker Online For Real Money
Video poker online is fast, exciting, easy to learn, and combines the strategy and approach of five-card draw poker with the graphics and pace of slots. It’s easy to learn how to play video poker and can be a great way for beginners to learn more about the world of poker!
Before you play video poker online for real money, read our expert guide to learn the basic rules, hand rankings, and play free video poker!
Where to Play Video Poker Online
Check out the best video poker sites for US players courtesy of our team of online casino experts.
- 250+ Poker Rooms
- Min. deposit: $20
- Rollover: No rollover
- Games: All poker games
- 25 Free Spins
- Min. deposit: $20
- Rollover: 10x
- Games: All poker games
A Brief History of Video Poker Online
Video poker is one of the most exciting and simple to learn games at online poker rooms or casinos online USA. While video poker is an obvious relation of the game of poker played around a felt-covered table or the kitchen table with buddies, video poker online is more of a hybrid between online poker and online slots.
Derived from the first basic five-drum poker machine (10 cards rotated on each drum), video poker gained a ‘hold’ feature ten years later and hasn’t looked back ever since, with early video poker machines appearing in American liquor stores or tobacco shops.
Nowadays, video poker is a staple game in casinos around the world and works at a higher skill level than other online casino games, giving the house a much smaller ‘edge’ on gamblers. As a typical figure, most casino table games have a lose rate of between $6-$20 per $100 invested. Video poker online typically only has a $5 rate of loss per $100, meaning you’ve a much better chance of profit if you play the game well.
There are a wide variety of game types with video poker online, including Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker and Triple Bonus Poker as well as wild card games such as Deuces Wild and Joker Poker.
How to Play Video Poker Online
The primary goal of most video poker variants is just like traditional poker in that you want to build the best possible hand and then receive a corresponding payout based on the strength of that hand. It’s as simple as placing a bet, building your hand and then receiving your winnings.
Place a Bet
At the beginning of each hand, players must place a bet. Players will be able to choose an amount, whether that’s one credit or a max bet. Remember, potential payouts will increase with your wager size, but so too will the potential for loss.
Like in online blackjack real money or slots, video poker online operate on a ‘credit’ system rather than cash – if so, just think of these as chips. Players can choose how much bankroll to exchange for game credits, and then use these game credits to wager. At the end of the game, players will be able to easily convert their credit winnings back to cash in their account.
Once you’ve placed a bet, cards will be dealt.
Build your Hand
Now that the player has been dealt his or her cards, it’s a matter of building the strongest hand possible. Like we mentioned, most games are modeled after 5 card draw, so we’ll focus on that.
Once a player has been dealt their five cards, they need to choose whether to HOLD or DRAW their cards. Much like in five-card draw poker, this decision would be based on strength of hand – choosing to DRAW is choosing to exchange cards for an equivalent amount from the deck, whereas choosing to HOLD is choosing to keep the cards you’ve been dealt.
Generally, there will be HOLD buttons beneath each individual card in your hand – if there is a card or cards that you wish to keep, be sure to click HOLD on those options before you click DRAW.
This process continues, depending on your exact game rules, until the player has run out of turns or chooses to HOLD all cards.
Payout
After the player is done with their hand, the game automatically pays out per the paytable.
If a player has a great hand, they’ll likely receive a strong payout. Low pairs, or high card, and the player may receive no payout. We’ll cover the best hands shortly, but be sure to consult your specific game’s paytable for details.
Some game types also include multipliers & wild cards, similar to online slots, where players receive additional payouts for receiving a certain card or combination of cards.
Video Poker Strategy
Manage Your Bankroll
As always, we strongly recommend having a casino bankroll management strategy and sticking to it. Know how much you can afford to lose, never play with more than that, and never bet emotionally.
Learn the Paytable
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.
Bet Big
Typically, video poker payouts increase aggressively depending on a player’s size. Place max bets if your bankroll allows for it.
Video Poker Hand Rankings & Payouts
The rules and payouts of video poker variations will vary from game to game and casino to casino, but we’ve provided a sample paytable below. Always be sure to review your specific video poker game’s paytable for specific card strength and related payout amounts.
| 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.
Why is the House Edge Slim in Video Poker Online?
Why should you play video poker rather than other casino games? From a learnable strategy to a reduced edge for the casino, there are many reasons.
The Low House Edge in Video Poker
The average house edge in a casino is between 5% – 20%, but video poker online generally caps at 5%, meaning that the average player loses a lot less, and a lot slower. This gives skill players a huge edge on their roulette-risking counterparts.
Video poker used to be even more profitable for casino players, and some decades ago it wasn’t uncommon to find machines that paid back close to 100% of the money they took – the very opposite of most gambling machines that exist in betting shops and casinos around today.
Skill players are used to playing video poker for longer, hanging in as long as they can in order to scoop a jackpot by using their skill edge to minimize losses. Money save is money earned as the saying goes.
Making Great Video Poker Choices
Once you’ve made your bet and hit ‘deal’, you’ll be dealt five cards. At that point, you can discard or save one or any of those cards. Whether you’re risking it all for a Royal Flush or playing it safe to hit a profitable hand, this is your maximum moment of choice.
Just as roulette and blackjack players like to risk it all on the turn of a card or the spin of a silver ball, video poker players love to develop a strategy that will return profit more often than not. There are hundreds of computer apps that can help you devise your own strategy, and the advantage of video poker is that you can view the options you have and which hands you could make throughout that particular game you’re playing.
Top Video Poker Tips
Take Your Time
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.
Keep the Pairs
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.
Remove Unpaired Cards
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.
Video Poker Variations
While there are tons of variations online, here are the most popular variants for players looking for legal online gambling in the US.
Jacks or Better
The most popular game, a hand of Jacks or Better is won if a player can build a hand that’s, you guessed it, a pair of jacks or better.
Deuces Wild
In this variant, any 2s received are “wild”, meaning a player can count them as any other card (a King, to make a pair of Kings, for example).
Triple Play
Players play three hands at a time. This variant is available with multiple rules (for example, players will find Triple Play available in Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild formats).
Bonus Poker
The game follows the Jacks or Better format, but has an added bonus if the player draws a four of a kind. Typically, the value of the bonus will vary depending on which four cards you match.
Double Bonus Poker
Similar to Bonus Poker. In Double Bonus Poker, there is an added bonus with certain hands.
Jokers Wild
In Jokers Wild games, the game is dealt from a 53 card deck; the standard cards plus one joker card. If a player is dealt the joker card, they can use it to represent any other card they choose.
Free vs. Real Money Video Poker Online
In addition to our free video poker game above, most legal online poker sites will allow you to practice their games without the need to make a first casino deposit via their demo mode. This allows you to learn the games, check out the software and graphics and devise a strategy.
However, there’s nothing like the thrill of trying to win real money when you play video poker. Here are some pros and cons of playing real money video poker:
Pros
- Potential to win real money
- More game variations available
- Ability to use casino bonuses to boost bankroll
- More excitement
- Access to tournaments and other video poker competitions
Cons
- Longer set-up time due to need to register and deposit
- You have to put your own money at risk
Video Poker vs. Traditional Poker
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.
Video poker online 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.
Mobile Video Poker Online
While it is fun to play video poker, it’s even more fun to play using a poker app! You play on the go using either a dedicated app or via your phone’s browser. Playing at a mobile casino for real money is incredibly simple and very safe thanks to the advancements in mobile technology and security.
You can enjoy the same amazing gaming experience in the palm of your hand whenever and wherever you want. So why not try mobile video poker today? If it’s still not your cup of tea – why not try WMS’ Life of Luxury slot game – to switch things up a bit.
Video Poker Glossary
Bankroll
The amount of money you have set aside specifically for gambling online.
Credits
A value assigned to video poker machine wagers (i.e. a credit could equal $0.25 or $5).
Draw
Receive initial cards or receive new cards.
Face cards
King, Queens, and Jacks are referred to as face cards.
Five Card Draw
Often considered the simplest version of poker to learn. Video poker is very similar to five card draw poker rules, minus the dealer.
Hold
Keep up to 5 of your dealt cards by holding.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino (house) has over the player.
MAX Bet
Typically equals the wager x 5 video poker credits per betting round.
On Tilt
Emotionally fueled poker betting void of reason or strategy, trying to make up for one’s losses.
Paytable
The infographic box that explains to players which hands pay out.
Progressive Jackpot
When the top hand, typically a royal flush, is achieved while MAX betting 5x credits, it unlocks a top prize jackpot.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
The algorithm-powered software that generates each hand.
Return to Player Percentage (RTP)
How often a video poker machine pays out to the player, on average.
Wild, Wild Card
A card that can possess any value to make your hand stronger.
Video Poker FAQs
How do you play video poker in the USA?
First, you’ll need to find an online casino in the USA 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.
Can I play video poker on mobile in the USA?
Most online casinos and poker rooms 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.
Is video poker really random?
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.
Are there different variations of video poker in the USA?
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.
Should I play max bet in video poker?
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.
