Do you know how to play video poker? Do you often play it for money?
Most regular readers of Casinoz will probably answer "yes" to the first question and "no" to the second. Almost everyone knows how to play it, but only a few regularly devote time to it.
Video poker is one of the most advantageous games for casino visitors but is not among the most popular gambling activities. Slot machines are much more in demand, even though they have lower RTPs.
Why do customers prefer games where they lose more often? Slot machines are more spectacular, engaging, and exciting. They impress the imagination with modern graphics, surprise with bonus rounds, and lure with simple rules.
Video poker lacks all of this, but it provides the opportunity to deprive the casino of its mathematical advantage over the player or at least minimize it. This factor is more critical for professionals than all other aspects.
Video poker can be an excellent option if you are a proponent of advantage gambling.
Where to Play Online Video Poker
Playing in land-based clubs can seem more enjoyable or profitable. For example, this is true for roulette or craps. Video poker is not one of those games. Moreover, gameplay in online casinos is more comfortable, peaceful, and likely profitable.
What are the advantages of online video poker?
- Newcomers can easily use cheat sheets.
- No one will distract players.
- There is less chance of making a mistake.
- You can test different games and change sites.
- All kinds of promotions are available (although they may not be as beneficial for video poker).
If you haven't found a quality internet casino with numerous video poker games yet, check out websites from this list.
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General Rules of Video Poker
The basic rules are fairly simple and understandable to anyone with a remote understanding of poker.
Video poker players aim to collect a paid poker combination.
They can exchange up to five cards once for free, if necessary.
Different versions of the game have different minimum combinations.
- In 10s or Better Poker, even a pair of tens is paid out.
- In Jacks or Better Poker, you must get at least a pair of jacks.
- In Deuces Wild Poker, a minimum of three identical cards is required.
The top combination is usually considered a Royal Flush, but other options are possible.
There is no opponent for the player in video poker. The payout is automatically credited if a poker combination is formed on the screen.
Amounts are calculated based on the current bet and coefficients. Each poker combination has its multiplier. Potential winnings are listed in a table permanently attached to the machine.
It is essential to pay attention to the size of the bet. Sometimes, the maximum number of coins at stake gives additional privileges.
Usually, you can try to increase the winnings in a particular round. Most often, it takes the form of a card comparison. One card is shown face up, and four cards are face down. You need to select one of these four cards.
- If it beats the open card, the payout is doubled.
- The money goes to the casino's cash register if it is lower.
- If the cards are equal, it is a draw.
In the double-up game, there may be limits on the maximum payout or number of attempts.
Detailed rules of different versions of video poker are discussed in thematic articles on Casinoz.
Video Poker Math
Not all video poker games are the same. Typically, they differ in the following parameters:
- set of combinations,
- payout multipliers,
- number of hands,
- jackpots,
- double-up round features, etc.
Some rules affect the return to player (RTP) and house edge (the casino's mathematical advantage over the player). Reputable manufacturers indicate the paybacks in their games. In countries with developed gambling industries, this is a legislative requirement.
In the most advantageous video poker games, the RTP exceeds 100%, but such machines are scarce. Games with more than 99.5% payback are much easier to find. Advanced players prefer games with maximum payback.
It is essential to understand that the RTP specified by the manufacturer can only be achieved in practice if you play by the optimal strategy. You should also know that the RTP comes into action in the long run. Actual results during an hour, day, or even a week of playing can differ significantly from the theoretical payback.
Below is a table of RTPs in the most popular online casino video poker games by famous developers.
| Video Poker Variant | Microgaming | NetEnt | Playtech |
Tens or Better | 99,14% | - | 97,96% |
Jacks or Better | 99,54% | 99,56% | 99,54% |
Deuces Wild | 99,37% | 97,97% | 98,91% |
All American | 99,38% | 98,11% | 99,38% |
Joker Poker | 98,6% | 97,95% | 98,6% |
Aces and Faces | 99,26% | - | 99,25% |
Once again, Casinoz reminds you must play by the optimal strategy to achieve the RTP specified by the manufacturer.
Basic Video Poker Strategy
Fortunately for novice gamblers, professionals have already done all the important work. They have calculated optimal strategies for all key versions of video poker.
All you have to do is find the most advantageous machines in real or virtual casinos and select particular strategies for them. Then, you will need to follow these recommendations while playing.
You may have to calculate the optimal strategy if you come across a variety with a high RTP and unique rules. This is a more difficult task. In this case, video poker computer programs will help you.
This article does not include basic strategy tables for popular video poker games. They are covered in articles in the special section of Casinoz. Read and learn with us.
Online or Offline Video Poker?
Undoubtedly, for most video poker enthusiasts, it is much easier to play for money online. Almost all major online casinos offer dozens (or even hundreds) of games from several well-known providers.
Such a wide range and technical accessibility allow you to quickly find the most advantageous video poker games and select optimal playing strategies.
A big advantage of playing online is the ability to use cheat sheets. Beginners don't need to memorize strategies - it's enough to peek at the table. Moreover, no one will rush them or put psychological pressure on them.
There have been many discussions about the other advantages of online gambling in other articles on Casinoz, so there is no point in elaborating on this topic again.
If you do visit brick-and-mortar casinos, it makes sense to check what video poker machines they have. Sometimes, the game conditions in offline clubs are very enticing. Additionally, in land-based casinos, you may come across machines with very high RTPs. This is common in regions where video poker is not popular.
In general, advantage gambling at video poker is possible under different conditions. Everything depends on the current rules.
Online Casino Bonuses for Video Poker Players
In large land-based casinos, all kinds of encouragement are provided for video poker enthusiasts. For example, there can be various privileges within a loyalty program.
However, online casino players who prefer video poker usually do not have access to advantageous bonuses. For them, the situation with promotions is often unfavorable:
- It is either impossible or unprofitable to play off bonuses on video poker;
- Comp points are awarded at low rates;
- Cashback is either not available or lower.
You will observe something similar if you start playing video poker for money at online casinos. Gambling operators are happy with those who spend money on slots. They are entitled to the most generous bonuses, maximum cashback, and the most comp points. Video poker experts can't make much money and are not particularly rewarded.
Video Poker Tournaments
Land-based clubs and online casinos organize video poker tournaments, but such events cannot be called frequent or massive. For example, free slot tournaments dominate online casinos. Video poker fans need to make a lot of effort to find attractive offers for fans of this gambling game.
Finding a promising video poker tournament in offline gambling is even more difficult. Of course, they are not so rare in Las Vegas and other capitals of the gambling business, but in most other countries, they are not widespread.
Accordingly, earning money by participating in tournaments will be difficult for most video poker players.
Can You Hack a Video Poker?
The editorial team at Casinoz is categorical:
Do not even attempt to hack video poker machines in casinos! It is a crime!
While some customers have managed to interfere with the operation of video poker machines and profit from it, it is known that many of these fraudsters have had serious legal problems.
It is not worth engaging in risky adventures with dubious prospects. Play for fun, but try to act professionally.
Should You Try Earning Money at Video Poker?
Summing up everything said above in the table of advantages and disadvantages of earning money by playing video poker:
Benefits of Playing Video Poker as an Advantage Gambler
Let's highlight some pros.
- High RTP in the most profitable models
- Accessibility of basic strategies
- Wide range of games
- Impressive betting ranges in many clubs
- Video poker machines with progressive jackpots
As you can see, the advantages are remarkable indeed.
Drawbacks of Playing Video Poker Professionally
Here are the cons:
- Monotonous gameplay,
- A limited selection of genuinely profitable games,
- Restrictions on bonuses and promotions,
- Few video poker tournaments.
If you plan to make money with video poker, approach the study of theory, the practice of skills, and further development responsibly. Our articles on video poker, descriptions of strategies, analysis of rules, and reviews of games will provide helpful information for players. Remember that you can test video poker for free right on Casinoz.
