Online Video Poker

Online video poker is a real-money casino game that is often played on casino sites. The game is based on 5 card draw poker and looks very similar to online slot machines. The only difference is that video poker is a game of skill and you can (with the right decisions) affect the outcome of the game.  

In this guide, we will tell you the basics of online video poker, how to play the game, and the best sites to play video poker. You will also get some tips on how to win. So, keep reading below to find out more.

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How to Play Online Video Poker

Simply follow these steps to play Video Poker on any online casino:

1. Choose an online casino that offers video poker games

Start by checking any of the online casinos listed on top of this page (they all offer video poker games). You can also find casino in our casino review page. Just beware that each online casino offers a different selection of video poker games. You will also find different casino bonuses for each casino site. 

Once you have selected a casino site, simply sign-up (it’s free and only takes a few minutes). 

2. Place your bets with free or real money

When you have selected and opened a video poker game, you can decide if you want to play the game with free or real money. Each online casino offers 2 playing modes. A fun money version and a version with real money. 

To start practicing, play the free version. To play for real and win real money, play a real money version.

3. Select your bet size

On the bottom panel of your chosen video slot, you will see buttons. The amount of buttons varies depending on each game variation. 

One button is made for adjusting the bet size. You will also find a button called “Max bet”. You can click on this one if you want to make the maximum possible bet (usually ₹2,000). 

The minimum bet is usually ₹5.

4. Make your bet

To make your bet, click on the button named “Deal”. The video slot will then display 5 cards on the screen.

5. Select the cards that you want to play with

Select one or more cards that you want to play with, by clicking on the card(s) on the game screen. You can also select the card(s) by clicking on the button named “Hold”. 

To deselect your chosen card(s), click on the card(s) or click on the button “Hold” again. 

If you have clicked on the button “Auto Hold”, the video slot will automatically hold and discard your cards.

6. Use the deal button to continue playing

When the cards are dealt, and you want to keep the cards and continue playing, simply click on the button named “Deal”. Each round gives you the option to press the button “Deal” two times.

7. The second round

If you have played your cards right, you will have a winning hand at this stage. If you want to double up your winnings, click on the button named “Double Up”. 

Always make sure that you review your cards before you press the button “Deal” again. 

8. Get your winnings

If the luck has been on your side, you will win an amount according to the paytable in the game. You can cash out your winnings from the video slot, by visiting the cashier section on the casino.

Best Online Video Poker Games

Below you’ll find the best video poker games that you can play.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better (also known as “Draw Poker”) is the most common and popular version of video poker. 

Jacks or Better is the highest paying variation among video slots, with an RTP of 99.54%

The highest hand in the game is the Royal Flush, which rewards you with a payout of 800 to 1.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is a high paying variation video poker game, with an RTP of 97.96%.

The goal of the game is to pick a card from 4 cards. If your chosen card is higher than the dealt card, you will double your win.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is a high paying variation video poker game, with an RTP of 98.91%.

In Deuces Wild, all wild cards are represented by 2s. The wild card can replace any other card, to help you create better poker hands. 

The highest winning hand in Deuces Wild is Royal Flush, with a payout of 800 to 1. The lowest winning hand is Pair of Aces, with a payout odds of 1 to 1.

Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker usually gives you a RTP between 92.25% and 97.23%, and offers a slightly lower return than many other video poker games. 

This game is played with 52 standard cards and 1 joker card. The joker card can act as a wild card or an ace. You are dealt 7 cards and your goal is to create 2 hands (1 hand with 2 cards and 1 hand with 5 cards). 

You win the game if your 5 card hand has a better combination than your 2 card hand.

Joker Poker

Joker Poker, sometimes also called Joker Wild, gives you a RTP of 98.60%.

This game consist of 53 cards, including one Joker card. You are dealt 5 cards and you can use the Joker card (should you get it) as a wild card. This gives you the opportunity to create more combinations of winning hands.

The highest payout in this game is 800 to 1.

Video Poker Winning Hands

Hand typeCards
Royal FlushA – K – Q – J – 10
Straight FlushQ – J – 10 – 9 – 8
4 of a KindJ – J – J – J – 3
Full HouseJ – J – 5 – 5 – 5
FlushJ – 10 – 4 – 6 – 3
Straight6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10
Three of a Kind7 – 7 – 7 – 9 – 3
Two PairK – K – 2 – 6 – 6
Jacks or BetterJ – J – 2 – 7 – 4

Strategies to Win at Video Poker

Make sure to hold the right cards

To increase your chances to win, make sure to hold the right cards: royal flush, straight flush, 4 of a kind, full house, 3 of a kind or 2 pair.

Discard your 2 remaining cards, if you have 3 of a kind. This increases your chance to get 4 of a kind. 

If you have 2 pairs, discard your 5th card to get a full house.

Break up the right cards 

If you only have a flush or a straight, break them up. But only when you have 4 cards left to a royal flush. 

Example: if you have all of clubs in Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 9, you should discard the 9. This can increase your chance of winning from the 10 of clubs.

If you have 4 cards left to get a royal flush, or 4 cards left to a lower straight flush, make sure to break up a pair of jacks or better. 

Draw at the right time 

If there is a 4 card inside straight, do not draw. Only draw if the inside straight includes at least 3 high cards. A 4 card straight, means that there is an open space to fill on both sides of the 4 cards. 

Example: 4-5-6-7. In this example, you can use a 3 on one side and an 8 on the other side, which results in a straight.

Video Poker Mobile

Playing video poker on mobile works in exactly the same way as playing video poker on a desktop. You can use any mobile device that use Android or iOS to play video poker. 

Some online casinos, such as JeetWin and 10CRIC, also offer dedicated apps where you can play video poker. You can download these apps directly from the online casino or from App Store or Google Play. 

FAQ

Are Video Poker Games Legal in India?

Yes. Video poker games are legal in India. There are no specific gambling laws that prohibit players from playing video poker games at online casinos. Furthermore video poker is a game of skill. All games of skill are considered legal according to the Supreme Court of India.

Which is the Best Video Poker Game to Play?

It really depends on your personal taste and your stake limits. If you want to choose a video poker game purely based on RTP, we would suggest Jacks or Better.

Which is the Best Site to Play Video Poker?

Bodog and LeoVegas are considered some of the best sites to play video poker.

What Video Poker Game has the Best Odds?

Jacks Or Better is considered to be the video poker game with the highest odds with an RTP of 99.54%.

How Much Can You Make Playing Video Poker?

It depends on the payout percentage of the video poker game. For example, if a video poker game has a payout percentage of 99%, you get back $99 for every $100 bet.

How Do I Win at Video Poker?

To win at video poker, you need to get a winning hand by using 5 cards. It is also a good way to understand the basics of video poker. You can read some of our tips and strategies on this page.