Getting Started with Video Poker - Rules & Guidelines

Video poker is a trendy casino game that has many admirers in online casinos. As the technology evolved, video poker games did too, so today we have more opportunities to enjoy world-class video poker. Video poker is the yin to the live poker yang. All significant casinos offer video poker play for free and for real money, so you can customize your experience however you like. If you want to explore venues that offer video poker, have a look at our compiled list of top video poker online casinos below.
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Getting Started with Video Poker

You don’t have to be a professional poker player to have a poker face.

Nevertheless, being proficient in poker can never hurt, right?  That is precisely what attracts so many players to video poker each year.  If you want to learn the basic rules of video poker, you have arrived at your perfect destination.  As a team of experts devoted to online gaming, we make it our business to inform our readers about everything related to casino games. And that includes video poker as well! Buckle up, because we are going to teach you how to play video poker like a pro. We included some useful tips, terms, and definitions, as well as strategies for playing.

Poker is a beloved casino game. It is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about casino games.

However, video poker emerged as a direct answer to the digitalization of casinos. This game is an online computerized version of five-card draw poker without dealers.

The digitalized nature is the first and the most significant difference between video and live poker. You will soon see why video poker is even more popular than the live dealer counterpart.

The essence of the game, i.e. the goal in each round, is the same.

Game rules are easier to master than in real-time poker.

Hence, let’s dive into the delicate matter of playing video poker for real money (and for fun).

Glossary

As this game might be new to you, we thought we could first introduce you to some useful expressions and terms. If you want to learn more video poker lingo, you can stop by our glossary page where we listed every single casino term.

  • RNG: The Random Number Generator is responsible for creating unpredictable card variations and sequences that are entirely random.
  • Draw: The process of taking out and placing cards in a video poker round. These cards are then used for winning hands.
  • Winning Hand: A winning hand is a sequence of cards that pays out a prize.
  • RTP: Return to Player rate shows the percentage of cash that players can get from the game based on the money invested via bets.

Recommended Video Poker Casinos

Video poker is a digital version of poker accessible in card rooms. The only difference is that this particular game is easier to play and you don’t need to leave your house to enjoy it. You can choose one of the top casino websites for video poker, sit back and enjoy from the very comfort of your home.

If you are unsure of which poker casino site to choose, our team of experts here at CasinosOnline has brought you the list of top 5 best video poker websites.

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Target Markets: Canada, Europe, International, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom
Software: 888 Gaming, Ash Gaming, Bally Technologies, Blueprint Gaming, Cryptologic, Evolution, IGT, Light & Wonder, NetEnt, NextGen Gaming, Playtech, Rival, WMS
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How to Play Video Poker

And now it’s time to tackle the most exciting part: gameplay.

You will see that the rules are straightforward, so you’ll become a video poker expert in no time.

The first thing that you need to know before you start playing is the betting limit.

Every single casino game has a betting limit, and video poker is not excluded. Betting limits refer to the betting range that you have in each release. These might vary, so it is essential to check this detail before you place a bet.

Once you gathered all info about the minimum and maximum bet amounts, it’s time to wager.

Players try to complete winning hands to claim prizes. To play, each player must rely on the Random Number Generator (RNG) to generate solid combinations.

So, when you click on Deal, the machine will automatically stop and display a random card combination. If there is a winning hand, you win.

Each video poker game uses a single deck, and you get to draw five cards. In the online variant, players play against the machine, not against each other. Hence, the point is to create the best hand, and you will automatically win.

Of course, you also get to choose whether you want to deal or hold, i.e. receive additional cards, or keep the ones you have.

Winning Hands

As this is a game of winning hands, it is only natural to learn all the possible combinations. Let’s have a look at the potential winning hands in video poker that can boost your bankroll:

  • Royal Flush – A-K-Q-J-10 sequence in the same suit
  • Straight Flush – Any five cards that form a sequence in the same suit
  • Four of a Kind – Four cards that have the same value
  • Full House – Three cards that have equal value and one pair
  • Flush – Five cards of the same suit that do not have to be in a sequence
  • Straight – Five cards that are in a sequence but need not be of the same suit
  • Three of a Kind – Three cards that have an equal value
  • Two Pair – Two sets of two cards with the same value
  • Jacks or Better – A single pair of Js or higher value

Video Poker Variations

Video poker comes in various shapes in sizes.

Like any popular games, providers like to experiment with this type of poker on a great scale.

The results of that experimentation are the infinite shapes and sizes of video poker games.

Here are the most popular video poker variations that you can find in online casinos. 

Jacks or Better: This is by far the most popular variant. Its strength lies in the massive payouts that come from winning hands. For instance, a Royal Flush pays 800:1 here.

Other trendy versions include Deuces Wild, Triple Deuces, and Joker Wild. They all have lower payout percentages than Jacks or Better.

But here is the trick: you can influence the RTP if you use specific methods.

Video Poker tips and Strategies

If you just want to hone your poker skills for real-money video poker playtime, you can skip this section.

However, if you are looking for a way to boost your winnings, read carefully the tips that we prepared below:

  1. If you must choose between a straight and a flush, pick the flush. Draw more because that is more rewarding in the long run.
  2. Pairs are always worthy, so never drop them – even if the pair is low.
  3. The more, the merrier! Play with maximum coins per round to get the maximum prize.
  4. Last but not least, be responsible. If the game stops being fun, it’s time to take a breather.

Best Online Casino By Country

Although most casinos online are inherently international, some of them specialize for certain markets. If you’re looking for the best casino for your country or area, you’ll find it on this page. The CasinosOnline team reviews online casinos based on their target markets so players can easily find what they need.