Video poker is a simpler version of online poker in which five cards are dealt. In this game, you compete against an algorithm, making it similar to slot machines in many ways. The fast-paced action and clear rules attract players, offering the chance to make decisions that influence the course of the game. In recent years, video poker has become very popular in Brazil’s online casinos. Virtual casinos offer this game both in its free version and for real money. With this guide, you will learn how to master video poker in online casinos and discover useful tips to improve your skills.
Best online casinos to play video poker in Brazil
Why should you play video poker online?
This powerful game of chance combines elements of poker and slot machines. In classic poker, the game requires multiple participants. Video poker, on the other hand, is played on a machine. In other words, you don’t need companions. The top online casinos in Brazil preserve the classic values of gambling while adding several advantages:
- With the right skills and knowledge, along with the proper strategy and tactics (regardless of the type), it is possible to influence the outcome of the game and even beat the machine. However, as with other forms of gambling, luck still plays a key role.
- Anonymity is guaranteed. Playing online allows you to avoid the psychological pressure often felt in live card games. There’s no need for direct contact with dealers or the presence of other participants.
- Online video poker is ideal for poker lovers. The player has the opportunity to actively interact with the game, rather than just being a passive spectator.
- High chances of winning (among the best in online casinos). Playing against a machine may be confusing for beginners, but in fact, this is an advantage. Machines offer five times better odds of winning than traditional slot machines.
How to play video poker?
The goal of the game is to form the best five-card hand. On online casino websites, video poker is available in several variations. To choose the ideal option for you, it’s important to understand what you want to get out of the experience.
- If you want to play for longer and enjoy the game, go for versions with a higher RTP and low volatility. For example, Jacks or Better has a high RTP (99.5%) and low volatility, allowing your balance to last longer.
- If you’re interested in versions with higher risk and winning potential, choose games with high volatility. These have a greater risk of losing money but offer higher rewards. For example, in Loose Deuces, the minimum winning hand is three of a kind (trips/set), and the maximum payout for a royal flush can reach 4,000 times the bet.
To make the best choice before starting to play, check the paytable. It contains information about the game version and the potential payouts for each bet. The paytable can be found on the main screen or in the game description.
Basic rules and steps for playing video poker:
- Ensure you have enough balance to play at the online casino. Deposit funds and select the coin value. Choose the bet amount for each hand. The amount can be adjusted using the bet buttons (usually labeled as “Bet”).
- Click “Deal” to receive five cards in your hand.
- Decide which cards to keep and which to discard. The discarded cards will be replaced with new ones from the virtual deck.
- The result will be determined by the paytable. If your hand is a winning one, you’ll receive the corresponding payout.
- The hand must meet the minimum requirement for a payout. If your combination is below the minimum for the selected version, the machine won’t pay, and you’ll lose your bet. The minimum requirement varies depending on the version of the game.
Payouts in online video poker follow a progressive scale: the better the hand, the higher the winnings!
Types of bets in video poker
Let’s look at the main types of bets and their impact on the game:
- Main hand bet: This is the primary wager the player places before the round begins. It determines the total potential winnings.
- Bonus bets: Some video poker variations offer additional bets, such as on pairs, flushes, or other combinations. Winnings from these bets are paid separately from the main wager.
- Double or Nothing feature: After completing a round on machines that offer this feature, you can risk your winnings to multiply them! However, in this case, luck is the deciding factor.
Video poker hands
Online video poker combinations follow the rules of classic poker. Below are the main hands:
| Hand | Description and value |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | An Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit. It’s the highest-paying combination. |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit. |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank. Example: 4 Queens. |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank and two of another. |
| Flush | Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards, regardless of suit. Example: 9 through King. |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank. Example: three 10s. |
| Two Pair | Two pairs of cards of different ranks, plus one extra card. |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank but different suits. |
| High Card | If no combination is formed, the value of the hand is determined by its highest card. |
Payouts may vary from one video poker version to another. The rewards for each winning hand are listed in the paytable. Typically, winnings are proportional to the amount wagered by the player.
Popular real money video poker games
In Brazil, there are various versions of video poker available at online casinos. These variations differ in the list of paying combinations, number of hands, maximum payout, use of wild cards, and multipliers. Below are the most popular games:
Jacks or Better
One of the most interesting and profitable games, it includes a complete paytable in all versions (from 1 to 100 hands). It uses standard poker combinations. There’s a special bonus for a Royal Flush when the maximum coin bet is placed. The game uses a 52-card deck, shuffled after every round. The RTP (Return to Player) ranges from 98.37% to 99.54%.
Deuces Wild
In this video poker variant, all four deuces (2s) act as wild cards, able to substitute any other card to form a winning hand. The minimum hand to get a payout is three of a kind, and four deuces form the second-best hand after a Royal Flush. This game also uses a 52-card deck. The RTP ranges from 97.69% to 98.91%.
Joker Poker
Here, players benefit from the Joker (wild card), which can substitute for any card—except the Ace in a Royal Flush. The paytable is visible on the game screen. The deck contains 53 cards — the standard 52 plus the Joker. The RTP ranges from 98.26% to 98.94%.
This version also offers the Gamble option, allowing players to double their winnings up to 7 times. Players can stop and cash out their winnings at any time.
Aces and Eights
Inspired by Jacks or Better but with higher payouts for pairs of Aces and Eights, along with special payouts for pairs of Sevens. It uses a 52-card deck and has an RTP between 97.40% and 98.63%.
All American
A variation of Jacks or Better, highly appreciated by poker enthusiasts, offering higher payouts for Flush, Straight, and Straight Flush hands. It uses a 52-card deck, with an RTP ranging from 97.38% to 98.49%.
Super Jackpot 100
Another version based on Jacks or Better. To win, players must get at least a pair of Jacks. The game has a fixed coin denomination and offers a jackpot for hitting a Royal Flush. The jackpot amount is displayed on the screen. It uses a 52-card deck, and the RTP ranges from 96.06% to 98.30%.
How to win at video poker?
To increase your chances of winning, pay attention to these key points:
- Check the paytable and house edge: These vary depending on the game version. Always choose the option with the most favorable payouts.
- Practice before betting real money: Before playing video poker for real money at online casinos, try different variations and free demos. This helps you master the game and understand the rules without risking your balance.
- Plan your strategy and manage your budget: Set a budget in advance and define a playtime limit per session. This helps you stay in control of your spending.
- Avoid impulsive bets after losses: If you lose a significant amount, don’t try to recover everything at once. Instead, review the rules, practice more, and play more cautiously.
- Keep already formed combinations: For example, if you have a pair of Kings, there’s no need to discard them. That could secure a winning hand.
- Take advantage of extra benefits: While video poker has fewer bonus features than slot machines, some games offer perks like bonuses, credits, discounts, and loyalty points.
Conclusion
In online casinos, video poker is an extremely appealing form of entertainment. It may not feature fancy animations or multi-level bonuses, but its real advantage lies in the high theoretical return to player (RTP). Thanks to this, players have a greater chance of winning frequently.
FAQ
Where can I play video poker for real money?
You can find a list of safe online casinos to play video poker in this guide.
Which video poker game is best for beginners?
We recommend beginners start with the Jacks or Better version. The rules are quite easy to understand, and you can win with a pair of Jacks or a better combination.
What are the most profitable hands in video poker?
The hand that offers the highest winnings is the Royal Flush (the player receives Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit). The next most profitable hands are the Straight Flush (five consecutive cards of the same suit) and Four of a Kind (four cards of the same rank).
Is it possible to play video poker for free?
Yes, providers offer video poker simulators in demo mode at online casinos. This way, you can learn how the game works without risking real money. Bets are placed with virtual credits.
Do online casinos offer video poker tournaments?
Yes, there are special tournaments where players compete for the main prize. There are various types of tournaments available, including: fixed buy-in, progressive jackpot, Sit and Go, freerolls, and multi-table tournaments.