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 with the opportunity to make decisions that influence the course of the game.
In recent years, video poker has become very popular at online casinos in the UK. Virtual casinos offer this game both in its free version and for real money. With this guide, you will learn to master video poker at online casinos and discover useful tips to improve your skills.
Best online casinos to play video poker in the UK
Why play video poker?
This exciting gambling experience combines elements of both poker and slot machines. In classic poker, the game requires multiple participants. Video poker, however, is played against a machine, meaning you don’t need any companions. The leading online casinos in the UK preserve the traditional values of gambling while adding a range of benefits:
- With enough skill, players can influence the outcome of the game. If you have the right knowledge, strategy, and tactics (regardless of the type), you can beat the slot machine. However, luck, as in other games, remains a key factor.
- Anonymity is guaranteed. Playing online helps eliminate the psychological pressure that often makes live card games uncomfortable for some players. There is no need for direct contact with dealers, and there are no other participants nearby.
- Online video poker is perfect for poker enthusiasts. Players have the opportunity to actively engage with the game instead of being passive participants.
- High chances of winning (among the highest in online casinos). The idea of playing against a machine might seem daunting to beginners, but in reality, it is an advantage. Video poker machines offer five times better odds of winning compared to traditional slot machines.
How to play video poker?
The goal of the game is to create the best possible five-card combination. Video poker online is available in many variations. To choose the right one for you, consider what you want to get out of the experience.
- If you want to play longer and enjoy the game, opt for versions with the highest RTP (Return to Player) and the lowest volatility. For example, Jacks or Better has a high RTP of 99.5% and low volatility, meaning it allows you to stretch your bankroll.
- If you’re interested in more exciting versions of video poker, look for games with high volatility. These come with a greater risk of losing money but offer larger potential rewards. For example, in Loose Deuces, the minimum qualifying hand is a three-of-a-kind (trips/set), and the maximum payout for a royal flush is 4,000 times the bet.
Before playing, focus on the paytable. This chart provides key details about the selected version and potential winnings based on your bet. The paytable is usually displayed on the main game screen or in the game description.
Basic rules & steps to play video poker
- Fund your account. Make sure you have enough balance to play video poker. Deposit funds and select your preferred betting denomination. You can increase or decrease your bet amount using the designated buttons (typically labelled as “Bet”).
- Start the game. Once you’ve set your bet, click the “Deal” button. You will receive five cards.
- Choose which cards to keep or discard. Based on your strategy, select the cards to hold and discard the rest.
- Receive new cards. The discarded cards will be replaced with new ones from the same virtual deck. The final hand will determine your winnings according to the paytable.
- Check your payout. To qualify for a payout, your hand must meet or exceed the minimum ranking required for that particular version of video poker. If your hand is lower than the required combination, the machine won’t pay out, and you will lose your bet. The minimum qualifying hand depends on the game variant you choose.
Video poker payouts work on a sliding scale: the better the hand, the higher the winnings. Knowing the paytable and applying a solid strategy can help maximise your chances of winning.
Types of bets in video poker
Let’s explore the main types of bets and their impact on the game:
- Betting on the hand outcome: This is the main bet placed by the player before the start of the hand. It determines the total potential winnings.
- Bonus bets: Some video poker variants offer additional bonus bets (for a pair, flush, or other combinations). Winnings from these bets are paid out independently of the base wager.
- Double or nothing feature: After completing a hand on machines with this option, you can risk your winnings for a chance to multiply them! In this case, luck is the deciding factor.
Winning hands in video poker
Video poker hand rankings follow the same structure as classic poker. Below are the main winning combinations:
| Hand | Description & value |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suit. This is the highest-ranking hand. |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit. |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Queens). |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank and two of another. |
| Flush | Any five cards of the same suit, regardless of rank. |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards of any suit (e.g., 9 to King). |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank (e.g., three 10s). |
| Two Pair | Two cards of one rank and two of another, plus one extra card. |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank but different suits. |
| High Card | If no other combination is made, the highest card wins. |
Payouts may vary depending on the video poker variant. The rewards for each winning hand are listed in the paytable, which is usually displayed on the game screen. In most cases, payouts are directly proportional to the player’s bet—the higher the wager, the larger the potential winnings.
Popular online video poker games for real money
In the UK, various online casino video poker versions are available. These variations differ based on their paytable, number of hands, jackpot availability, wild cards, and multiplier sizes. Below are some of the most popular versions:
Jacks or Better
This is a popular and rewarding game featuring a comprehensive paytable across all versions (from 1 to 100 hands). It follows standard poker hand rankings and offers a bonus payout for a royal flush when betting the maximum number of coins. A 52-card deck is used, and the cards are shuffled after each game. The theoretical return to player (RTP) ranges from 98.37% to 99.54%.
Deuces Wild
In this video poker variation, the four deuces (2s) act as wild cards, helping to complete winning hands. The lowest-paying hand is three of a kind. Additionally, four deuces is the second-highest hand, after a royal flush. A 52-card deck is used, and the RTP varies between 97.69% and 98.91%.
Joker Poker
This game features a Joker as a wild card, which can substitute for any card except an ace in a royal flush. The paytable is displayed on the main game screen, making it easy to follow. It uses a 53-card deck (52 standard cards plus the Joker). The RTP for Joker Poker ranges from 98.26% to 98.94%.
Additionally, this game includes a Gamble feature, allowing players to double their bet. This feature lasts for seven rounds, and you can stop and cash out your winnings at any time.
Aces and Eights
Based on Jacks or Better, this version offers higher payouts for pairs of Aces, Eights, and Sevens. A 52-card deck is used, and the RTP ranges from 97.40% to 98.63%.
All American
A variation of Jacks or Better, this game is popular among poker players due to its higher payouts for a flush, straight, and straight flush. It uses a 52-card deck, and the RTP is between 97.38% and 98.49%.
Super Jackpot 100
This version is another variation of Jacks or Better. To win, you need at least a pair of Jacks. The game has a fixed coin denomination, and hitting a royal flush awards the jackpot, which is displayed on the screen. A 52-card deck is used, and the RTP ranges from 96.06% to 98.30%.
How to win at video poker?
To increase your chances of winning, pay close attention to the following key aspects:
- Check the paytable and house edge. These vary depending on the game. Choose a version with the most profitable payouts.
- Practice before playing for real money. Before starting a real-money video poker session, try different variations and strategies in free-play mode. This allows you to master the game and understand the rules without risking your money.
- Develop a strategy and manage your bankroll. Plan your budget in advance. In addition to setting a limit on your funds, consider how much time you are willing to dedicate per gaming session.
- Don’t chase losses. If you lose a large amount, avoid betting everything at once in an attempt to recover. Instead, take time to study the rules, practice more, and play more cautiously in the future.
- Hold strong hands. If you receive a high pair (e.g., a pair of Kings), don’t discard it unnecessarily—keeping strong hands increases your odds of winning.
- Look for extra benefits. Unlike slot machines, video poker doesn’t offer as many bonus features. However, some games include bonus points, credits, discounts, and other rewards that can enhance your gameplay.
Conclusion
Video poker is a very attractive gambling entertainment. It will not trap you with beautiful animations and multilevel bonuses. Its beauty lies in the high level of theoretical profitability, thanks to which you can often win.
FAQ
Where can I play video poker for real money?
You can find a list of safe online casinos for video poker in this guide.
Which video poker game is best for beginners?
We recommend beginners start with the Jacks or Better variation. 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 highest-paying hand is a Royal Flush (Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit). The next best hands are a Straight Flush (five consecutive cards of the same suit) and Four of a Kind (four cards of the same value).
Is it possible to play video poker for free?
Yes, game providers offer entertainment simulators with cards in demo mode at online casinos. This allows you to understand how the game works without risking money. Virtual credits are used for betting.
Do online casinos offer video poker tournaments?
Yes, they are a special type of competition where players compete against each other for the main prize. There are many different tournament formats, including fixed buy-in, progressive jackpot, Sit and Go, freerolls, and multi-table tournaments.