Online Video Poker for Real Money
When it comes to playing video poker for real money, it’s important to find a safe and reliable casino. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for trustworthy sites where you can enjoy the game.
You’ll find reviews of these casinos, information on the highest-paying video poker variations, a brief explanation of how to play, and some handy tips to help you win.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide has everything you need to start playing video poker confidently and safely.
Best Video Poker Online Casinos in the US
After extensive testing and hands-on play, my team and I have identified the best online casinos for playing real money video poker in the USA.
Each casino listed below excels in providing a wide variety of video poker games alongside secure banking options and generous bonuses.
We’ve picked these sites because they’ve proven to be reliable when it comes to payouts. Check them out!
| RANK | ONLINE CASINO | VIDEO POKER GAMES | BONUS | START |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
VIDEO POKER GAMES 14 | BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
VIDEO POKER GAMES 10 | BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
VIDEO POKER GAMES 14 | BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
VIDEO POKER GAMES 24 | BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
VIDEO POKER GAMES 3 | BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | Play Now |
*Last Updated on December 2024.
Our Recommended Casinos Reviewed
Our goal is to help you pick the best website for you. Take a closer look at the three top casinos for video poker below.
There is no wrong choice, and you can even try them all. You’ll find different games, bonus offers, and banking terms at each one.
DuckyLuck
This site is known for its straightforward interface and reliable gameplay. Most of the games are from Rival and offer basic yet clean graphics with high RTPs of 98-99%.
With 10+ video poker titles, DuckyLuck offers a diverse selection, including popular options like Deuces Wild, Tens or Better, and Aces and Faces, many with multi-hand capabilities.
- Banking: Credit cards, cryptocurrencies; no fees; verified within 72 hours.
- Favorite Game: Deuces Wild – Offers a good balance of strategy and fun, with the added excitement of wild cards.
- Bonuses: Large match percentages with fair rollover requirements and no time limit. Video poker contributes 10% to bonus rollover requirements.
- Free Play: Yes.
Summary: DuckyLuck stands out for its variety of games, generous bonuses, and straightforward banking options. Read the full DuckyLuck review.
Wild Casino
Wild Casino offers 20+ video poker games, including American Poker, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, Deuces Wild Gamble, Double Bonus, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker.
The games are varied, but I found Jacks or Better particularly interesting due to its progressive jackpot despite its 8/5 pay table with a 97.30% RTP.
However, you’ll find many variants with potentially higher payback.
- Banking: Cryptocurrencies for deposits and withdrawals; credit cards for deposits only.
- Favorite Game: All American – Offers a balanced and engaging gameplay experience with favorable odds.
- Bonuses: Multiple offers are available, compared to other casinos. Video poker contributes 10% to bonus rollover requirements.
- Free Play: No.
Summary: Wild Casino is best for its multi-hand variants and extensive promotional offers. Read the full Wild Casino review.
BetUS
With over 20 years in the industry, BetUS offers an impressive selection of 20+ video poker titles, providing a fantastic variety with multiple variations and betting limits.
While the graphics are basic, they are functional, and the site includes some proprietary games alongside those provided by Mobitaz.
Notably, video poker does not contribute to bonus rollover requirements.
- Banking: Includes common methods such as crypto, credit cards, and bank wires.
- Favorite Game: Aces and Eights – This game stands out due to its payout structure and higher potential returns for four-of-a-kind hands.
- Bonuses: Claiming a casino bonus at BetUS may not be ideal due to stringent terms and conditions. Plus, video poker counts 0% to rollover requirements.
- Free Play: Yes, with an account.
Summary: BetUS excels in offering a wide variety of video poker games with multiple variations and betting limits. Read the full BetUS review.
What Is Video Poker About? – Quick Recap
Video poker is a casino game that combines elements of slot machines and poker.
The game is based on five-card draw poker, where your goal is to make the best possible hand. You are dealt five cards and can choose to keep or discard any number to improve your hand.
Unlike traditional poker, you play against the machine rather than other players. It features automated gameplay like slots, but your decisions can actually influence the outcome.
What makes video poker a favorite is that it has some of the highest odds among casino games.
How to Start Playing Online Video Poker
Follow the step-by-step guide below to sign up, deposit, and play online video poker for money.
Create An Online Casino Account
Choose one of the top-rated casinos in the table above and click “Play Now.” Input some basic information to create an account.
The process at each gambling site is a little different, but it typically doesn’t take more than 5 minutes.Make a Deposit
You’ll need to fund your account. Head to the cashier page to pick a banking method and process your first transaction.Claim a Bonus Offer (Optional)
If you want to beef up your bankroll a bit, you can choose one of the available bonuses and promotions.
Just make sure you read the terms of the deal and determine whether or not video poker is included in the applicable games.Play Video Poker Games
Many sites have video poker in their own section. If it’s not apparent where to find it, search under the “poker,” “table games,” or “specialty” tabs. Choose your favorite variation!Collect Your Winnings
After you play for a while, you might start to stack some extra money in your account.
Request a withdrawal to get the cash back in your bank account. Remember that if you claim a bonus, you’ll need to meet the offer’s requirements before getting paid out.
Highest Paying Online Video Poker Variations
In video poker, some variations offer an RTP (Return to Player) of over 100%. This means that with optimal strategy, you can expect to make a slight profit in the long run.
However, to achieve this RTP, you must play the full-pay versions of these games, where the paytable is most favorable.
It’s crucial to always check the paytable before you start playing to ensure you’re on a full-pay machine.
In this section, I’ve ordered the games from the highest paying to the lowest. For each game, I’ll mention the key features, the expected RTP, and where to find it.
Remember, the listed RTPs assume perfect play and full-pay versions of the games.
| Rank | Game | RTP | WHERE TO PLAY | Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
RTP 101.64% | Sloto Cash Casino | Play Now |
| 2 |
 |
RTP 100.76% | DuckyLuck Casino | Play Now |
| 3 |
 |
RTP 100.72% | Wild Casino | Play Now |
| 4 |
 |
RTP 100.65% | Bovada Casino | Play Now |
| 5 |
 |
RTP 99.86% | Red Dog Casino | Play Now |
| 6 |
 |
RTP 99.78% | BetUS | Play Now |
Online Video Poker Rules
As I’ve mentioned, the goal is to make the best possible hand. Here are the basic mechanics.
- Place Your Bet: The game begins with a bet, usually between one and five coins.
- Deal: You are dealt five cards by the machine.
- Hold or Discard: Choose which cards to keep (hold) and which to discard. Click on the cards you want to hold. This is where strategy and decision-making come into play.
- Draw: Random new cards replace the discarded ones. This is the random part of the game, ensured by a Random Number Generator (RNG).
- Payout: Your final hand is compared to the paytable, and you are paid based on its strength.
This is the basic process for every video poker game. However, different variations introduce unique rules and paytables that affect gameplay and payouts. For example:
- In Deuces Wild, all twos (deuces) are wild cards.
- In Joker Poker, a joker is added as a wild card.
Each video poker game you find will display a paytable on the screen, showing the payouts for different hands. Here’s the layout of the game.
Hand Rankings
The hands in video poker are almost the same as those in traditional poker. However, depending on the variant, there may be some differences.
The Royal Flush is the best poker hand in this game, followed by a Straight Flush.
Tips to Win Real Money Playing Video Poker
Most video poker games are variations of a 5-card draw. Even though hand ranks are similar to Texas Hold’em or seven-card stud, that doesn’t mean they are all created equally.
When playing real money video poker online, one of the best strategies is to shop around for the highest-paying game. The rules, paytables, and bonus rounds can vary slightly from one machine to another, significantly affecting the RTP.
Keep the following tips in mind when looking for a video poker site and playing the different game variations with real money.
- Make Sure You Select the Right Paytable:
Choosing the right paytable is crucial because it directly affects the house edge and your overall chances of winning. The best paytable you can find out there is called full-pay Jacks or Better or 9/6 Jacks or Better. It means that if you get a Full House, you win 9 times your bet; if you get a Flush, you win 6 times your bet, and you win double if you have two pairs. - Learn the Value of the Hands
Most video poker games are based on a 5-card draw, the game many of us first learned to play at home. Different hands win different amounts of money, so it’s key to learn the value of each hand to choose which cards to keep and which to discard. - Hold Any Pair
Always keep any pair you get, even if it’s a low pair. Throwing away a pair to try for a better result is risky, and you might end up with nothing.
Based on math, you have a better chance of getting two pairs or three of a kind by keeping a pair instead of trying for a different, less certain hand. - Avoid Auto Play & Multi-hand Features
Video poker has a low house edge, but the casino still has the advantage. With that in mind, the more times you bet in an hour, the better it is for the casino. Using auto-play features or playing multi-hand video poker exposes you to the house edge more often, which is a disadvantage. Try to avoid these features when playing. - Practice Makes Perfect
One of my best tips for learning video poker strategy is to play free games. It’s a great way to learn the rules, payables, and hand values. It also allows you to build a strategy for your specific bankroll and build confidence in the game. You can make mistakes and track your progress without risking any money. - Manage Your Bankroll
Set a budget for your video poker sessions and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away. - Understand Variance
Video poker can have high variance, meaning you might experience significant swings in your bankroll. Be prepared for both winning streaks and dry spells.
Expert Tip
Video poker combines skill and luck. Mastering the strategy can reduce the house edge and make the game more enjoyable and profitable.
-John Grochowski, Casino Gaming Expert
Online Video Poker Strategy Chart
Video poker strategy charts include a series of suggested plays. The higher up the chart, the greater precedence a hand takes.
For instance, if it has “2 Pairs” listed above “Any 4 Cards of a Straight Flush”, then you would keep the two pairs instead of the four cards to a straight flush.
At the same time, if the chart has “4 Cards of an Open Straight Flush” listed above “2 Pairs”, then you would forego the payout for the two pairs and hope for the fifth card in the straight flush on the redraw.
In any instance, whatever hand you have that’s highest on the chart is the play you should make when burning cards.
Download your video poker strategy chart here.
How to Use a Strategy Chart?
- Learn basic poker hands, such as whether a full house is better than a flush (it is).
- Read video poker strategy charts from the top down, so if you have two potential hands on the draw, you will play whichever hand is higher.
- “4 to a flush” or “4 to a straight” means you have four of the five cards needed to complete a flush or a straight.
- “Suited” means two or more cards have the same suit: hearts, diamonds, spades, or clubs.
- An outside straight means the cards you have are consecutive (example: 4-5-6-7), so you can build the straight from either end of the sequence (3 or 8).
- An inside straight means the cards you have aren’t consecutive (example: 4-5-7-8), so you only have half the chance of completing the straight.
Specific Strategies for Video Poker Games
Video poker has been a fan favorite for a long time, but when you add strategy, the entire game takes a different ride.
Below, you learn basic strategies for the most popular video poker games. I will show you what to do with each hand you get, card combinations to keep and draw, and specific details to lower the house edge.
Jacks or Better Strategy
Full-pay Jacks or Better has an RTP of 99.54%. Much of the strategy involves building straights or flushes because of their high payouts. Keep in mind the following tips when playing Jacks or Better.
- Keep 4 to a royal flush, 4 to a straight flush, or 4 to a flush.
- Keep 4 to an outside straight with 0-2 high cards or 4 to an inside straight with 4 high cards.
- Keep 3 of a kind, two pairs, or unsuited 10-J-Q-K. Keep each of these card combinations if the cards are the same suit: QJ, KQ, KJ, AK, AQ, AJ, TJ, TQ, and TK.
- Keep these card combinations, even if the cards aren’t suited: JQK, JQ, or any two unsuited high cards if the highest card is a king or an ace.
Strategy often involves tough choices. For instance, you could have 4 to a flush (four cards of the same suit) but also have a low pair.
You would keep the four suited cards and get rid of the low card that’s unsuited, hoping you’d receive another card of the same suit.
Though you’re tossing away a specific winning hand, the chance of winning a much higher payout for a flush is worth the risk.
Here’s an infographic that explains what hands to hold and what to draw in Jacks or Better.
Download your Jacks or Better strategy chart here.
Deuces Wild Strategy
Deuces Wild online has become one of the leading video poker games searched by experienced and new gamblers. The reason behind its popularity is quite clear: It’s a lot of fun.
Because this game stipulates that 2s are wild cards, much of the Deuces Wild video poker strategy revolves around what you do when you receive 2s.
If you receive three or four deuces in the original deal, you’ll keep these in the hopes you collect 1-2 more deuces in the redraw.
If you receive two deuces, several hands are given higher priority than that pair. You should prioritize any four of a kind of higher, 4 to a royal flush, and 4 to a straight flush if you have two consecutive singletons of 6-7 or higher.
The list grows longer when you receive one deuce in the deal. If you receive one deuce, you shouldn’t burn other cards if you have any of the following:
- Four-of-a-kind or higher
- 4 to a royal flush
- Full house
- 4 to a straight flush with three consecutive singletons of 5-7 or higher
- 3 of a kind
- 3 to a royal flush
- 3 to a straight flush with two consecutive singletons of 6-7 or higher.
Long story short, a single deuce isn’t worth playing in many situations.
Here’s an infographic that shows you what to hold and what to discard based on the hand you get dealt.
Download your Deuces Wild strategy chart here.
Practice Video Poker for Free
Do you want to test your skills? Check out this free demo and play for fun! The game below is Jacks or Better, the most basic version of video poker, meaning that there are no additional rules or wild cards.
It’s great to practice using the rules you’ve learned above.
Free vs. Real Money Video Poker
When it comes to playing video poker online, you have the option to play for free or for real money. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you’re looking to get out of your gaming experience.
Below, I’ll outline the pros and cons of each to help you decide which is best for you.
Real Money Gameplay
- Real Winnings: The chance to win real money adds excitement and motivation.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Access to casino bonuses and promotions that can boost your bankroll.
- Full Features: Enjoy all the features, game variations, and full paytables that might not be available in free versions.
- Financial Risk: There’s always the risk of losing money, which can be stressful.
- Account Needed: You typically need to create an account and provide personal information.
Free Gameplay
- Practice: Allows you to practice and learn the game without risking any money.
- Experiment: You can try out different strategies and game variations without financial pressure.
- No Financial Risk: You won’t lose any money, making it a stress-free way to play.
- No Real Winnings: You can’t win real money, which can be less exciting and rewarding.
- Limited Features: Free versions may lack some of the features or game variations available in real money versions.
Why Play Video Poker?
Video poker stands out to me as one of the best casino games because of its low house edge and the skill it requires. Unlike slots, where you rely entirely on luck, video poker lets you make strategic decisions that directly impact the outcome.
I love the transparency of the paytables, which lets me make informed choices about which games to play.
With options like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild, there’s always something new and exciting to try. Plus, the payouts are much better compared to other games.
Online Video Poker Paytables
One of the advantages of video poker is seeing the “price” or financial return you can expect when playing. This is why, in many cases, it is a “beatable” game and why it always has the best value for your dollar.
You will find paytables displayed in coins or multipliers.
- When shown in coins (like below), the paytable indicates the payout for each winning hand based on the number of coins bet.
- When shown as multipliers, it represents the multiple of your bet amount that you can win.
Jacks or Better Example Paytable
Jacks or Better is the best introduction to video poker because it has a simple paytable to understand. In this game, you need at least a pair of Jacks to get paid.
Notice that the payout for the Royal Flush is significantly higher when betting five coins, which is why betting the maximum is often recommended.
Here are the standard payouts for Jacks or Better.
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Return % | 98.37% | 98.37% | 98.37% | 98.37% | 99.54% |
Deuces Wild Example Paytable
When you play a round of Deuces Wild, all deuces in the deck are wild and can be substituted for any card’s rank and suit. That makes things a bit different on the paytable, specifically for big hands that include wilds.
The higher payouts for hands like Four Deuces and the Natural Royal Flush contribute to the high return percentage, which can exceed 100% with perfect strategy.
Check out the full pay table, and note the difference in royal flushes.
| Hand | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 300 | 600 | 900 | 1200 | 4000 |
| Four Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Five of a Kind | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
| Straight Flush | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Four of a Kind | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Full House | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Flush | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Three of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Return % | 99.67% | 99.67% | 99.67% | 99.67% | 100.76% |
Real Money Video Poker Game Variations
Video poker comes in many variations, each with its own paytable.
Most are based on Jacks or Better, the most fundamental and straightforward form of video poker.
This game is easy to learn and has one of the highest RTP rates, making it a great starting point for exploring other versions.
Below, you’ll find quick reviews of the top video poker games.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the basic game where the winning hand starts with a pair of jacks or better.
It’s straightforward and has a 9/6 full-pay version with an RTP of 99.54%.
Loose Deuces
Loose Deuces video poker is a variant with excellent odds. The key payout in this game is the 5 of a kind.
The full-pay version of this title is 101.64%, making it one of the best possible variants of video poker.
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker offers an additional big bonus on one of the rare hands while having a lower payout on one or more of the common hands.
9/6 Bonus Poker is the full-pay version and has an estimated 99.64% RTP.
Joker Poker
Joker Poker adds the 53rd card to the deck: the Joker.
It acts as a wild card, substituting for any other card in the deck, and the player needs a hand with two pairs or better to win. The full-pay has an RTP of 100.65%.
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild makes the two-card wild, which unlocks many winning possibilities that are not allowed in Jacks or Better.
The full-pay version has an expected RTP of 100.76%, making it a positive expectation game.
Aces and Eights
Aces and Eights is a version of draw poker that pays bonus amounts for a four-of-a-kind hand with aces or eights.
The full-pay version of this game has an RTP of 99.78%.
All-American
Bally’s All-American is an offshoot of standard Jacks or Better video poker, and aside from adjustments to the pay table for certain key hands, both games play in an identical fashion.
The full-pay version of this game (5 coins) has an expected RTP of 100.72%.
Bonus Deuces Wild
Bonus Deuces Wild is the result of the marriage between Bonus Poker and Deuces Wild.
This game incorporates the use of 2s as wild cards, along with bonus payouts for making strong hands (five of a kind rather than four of a kind). This game has an RTP of 99.86%.
Tens or Better
Tens or Better follows the same guidelines as its cousin, Jacks or Better.
The payouts are smaller here, which leads to a greater hold percentage.
The full-pay expected RTP for Tens or Better is 99.15% – or 0.4% less than Jacks or Better.
Multi-Hand Video Poker
Multi-hand games add excitement and decrease volatility because more hands are played at once. Below is a screenshot of 52-Hand Deuces Wild. Playing more hands means you’ll be gambling more money unless you adjust the bet size. Playing the max hands is recommended, but only if you play within your means.
Play Responsibly and Have Fun!
Playing video poker has been a thrilling and rewarding experience for me, and I hope this guide helps you enjoy it as much as I do.
By choosing the right casinos and games, understanding the variations, and using effective strategies, you can enhance your enjoyment and potential winnings.
Remember to always check the paytables, play responsibly, and take advantage of bonuses and promotions. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming for big wins, video poker offers a unique blend of entertainment and opportunity. Happy playing!
Real Money Video Poker FAQs
Below is a short FAQ for those with more questions about the online Video Poker.
Is online video poker safe?
Yes, online video poker is safe. As long as you’re playing at one of our recommended online casinos, you should have no problem finding a great game and cashing out.
Is online video poker rigged?
No, online video poker is not rigged as long as you play at a safe and legitimate casino site. Reputable online casinos will usually have certificates and badges on their homepage to show users that they are trustworthy.
Can I win a jackpot playing video poker online with real money?
Yes, video poker game designers are starting to add progressive jackpots to their real money games. Keep in mind these titles usually have lower RTPs. Weigh your options before you aim for the big prize.
