Online Video Poker for Real Money in the USA 2024

Video poker

Video poker is a hugely popular game that has undergone much evolution and development since its emergence. As of today, players from the USA and all over the world get to enjoy over a hundred varieties of this game released by top global providers such as RTG, Betsoft, and Rival.

With a striking number of variations and paytables, the best video poker in US online casinos gives every opportunity to hit the highest spots in the paytable and get enjoyment during each gaming session. One of the most decisive reasons for the considerable appeal of this game is a very high player edge over the house and very simple rules that everyone can embrace easily to play smoothly. In this article, we are going to explore the most popular types of video poker, their rules, major variations, payouts, and basic strategies.

Best Online Casinos to Play Video Poker MARCH 2024

CasinoWelcome OfferRatingBonusVisit
1CafeCafe ReviewWelcome bonus up to $2,500
$2,500Players from US welcomePlay now!
2Super SlotsSuper Slots ReviewReceive up to $6000 as welcome bonus
$6000Players from US welcomePlay now!
3Ducky LuckDucky Luck ReviewGet 500% up to $2500 + 150 FS
$2500Players from US welcomePlay now!
4Lucky CreekLucky Creek ReviewBonus up to $625 + 50 FS
$625Players from US welcomePlay now!
5IgnitionIgnition ReviewUp to $3000 in welcome offer
$3000Players from US welcomePlay now!
6WildWild ReviewGet $9000 bonus
$9000 Players from US welcomePlay now!
7Slots of VegasSlots of Vegas Review$2500 welcome bonus
$2500Players from US welcomePlay now!
8BovadaBovada Review100% up to $3000
$3000Players from US welcomePlay now!
9BetOnlineBetOnline ReviewUp to $3000 bonus
$3000Players from US welcomePlay now!
10MyBookieMyBookie ReviewUp to $1000 + $10 Free Chip
$1000Players from US welcomePlay now!
11Red StagRed Stag Review$2500 welcome bonus
$2500Players from US welcomePlay now!
12Liberty SlotsLiberty Slots Review$777 on first free deposits
$777Players from US welcomePlay now!
13Lincoln CasinoLincoln Casino Review$5000 on first 5 deposits
$5000Players from US welcomePlay now!
14Big DollarBig Dollar Review222% welcome bomus
222%Players from US welcomePlay now!
Nonso N. Written & published: 29.12.2020 By author Nonso N.
Richard B. Reviewed & updated: 05.03.2024 By gambling expert Richard B.

About online video poker game

Online video poker is a digital version of the popular casino game, in which players use a computer or mobile device to play. The game is similar to the traditional game of five-card draw poker, in which players are dealt a hand of cards and must use some strategy to make the best hand possible. However, in video poker, the player is only playing against software rather than other players. There are many variations of the game available online, each with its own unique rules and payouts. We will go through some popular variations on this page, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Video poker was first introduced in the 1970s as a casino game played on a computerized console, similar in size to a slot machine. The first video poker machines were installed at Las Vegas casinos and other gambling destinations in the United States. As technology progressed, video poker became available in online casinos, making the game even more popular and accessible to players all over the world. Today, video poker can be found in many variations and can be played online and in land-based casinos.

Online video poker interface

  • Online video poker interface
  • Online video poker interface
  • Online video poker interface
  • Online video poker interface

Video poker popularity in US online casinos

The popularity of video poker grew quickly, as players found the game to be more convenient and less intimidating than traditional poker games played at a table with other players. In addition, video poker machines have a high return-to-player rate (RTP of over 99% in most games), offering the chance for players to win large sums of money with the use of good strategy and a bit of luck.

Generally, video poker has become a popular and widely-played casino game, thanks to its combination of skill, strategy, and luck, and the ease of understanding and playing it. Also, video poker is among the most beneficial games across online casino games since it has a very low house edge that ranges between 0.5% and 1.5%; only comparable to blackjack.

Rules of online casino video poker

The rules of online casino video poker can vary depending on the specific kind of game that you are playing. However, most versions of the game follow a similar format and have similar objectives. Here are the basic rules for playing a typical online casino video poker:

1

THE PLAYER SELECTS A BET SIZE

Usually, game software suggests betting 1 to 5 credits of a variable denomination starting at $1 (in some online casinos, bitcoins are also accepted). The max five-coin bet is preferable as it suggests better payouts for high card sets, like Royal Flush.

2

THE PLAYER THEN RECEIVES FIVE FACE-UP CARDS AS THE INITIAL HAND

At this stage, a player should look closely at the cards to detect any existing winning combinations in there or try to predict if there is a possibility to hit a combination at the next step. All winning patterns are printed in the area above the cards, so players should consult it to locate wins in the current hand. In all video poker games, a player may enhance the initial hand. This is done by holding the cards which are believed to be the best under the circumstances. When the needed cards are marked as held, the player then commands the software to replace the unwanted cards with new ones. It is also allowed to discard all the five cards in the initial hand.

3

THE PLAYER OBTAINS A CORRESPONDING REAL MONEY PAYOUT

If the final hand contains a winning combination of cards following the paytable, the player gets a cash prize according to the paytable.

Real time gaming video poker rtp

Game RTP
Aces & Eights 98.54 - 99.78%
All American Poker 98.49 - 98.63%
Bonus Deuces Wild 99.45%
Bonus Poker 97.93 - 99.16%
Deuces Wild 97.68 - 98.91%
Jacks or Better 98.37 - 99.54%

Video poker hands

A video poker hand is the combination of five cards that a player is dealt in a round of the game. The objective of the game is to make the best possible hand according to traditional poker hand rankings. At the beginning of each round, the player is dealt five cards from a virtual deck, generated by RNG, which will shuffle the deck and deal the cards.

After the initial deal, the player has the option to hold or discard any number of cards from their hand. The player can hold cards they believe will help them make a winning hand while discarding those that are not useful. After discarding, the machine will deal replacement cards to the player, completing their final hand.

The player's final hand is then compared to the paytable of the specific game to determine the payout. The hand rankings in video poker are based on the traditional poker hand rankings, with the royal flush being the highest-ranking hand and a high card (no pair) being the lowest-ranking outcome. The specific payouts for each hand will vary depending on the game and the paytable, but in general, the higher the ranking of the hand, the higher the payout will be. It's important to note that almost all video poker games show their paytable on the main screen inside the game. Here, players can see the winning hands and their corresponding payouts in descending order.

How to win in video poker

It's also important to note that video poker has different game variations, rules, and payouts. For example, some games have jokers as wild cards. So, players should always read the rules and paytable of the specific game they are playing before they start to play. The following is a list of the standard video poker hand rankings and their composition, in descending order of value:

  • Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit.
  • Straight Flush: Any five cards of the same suit in sequence.
  • Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
  • Full House: Three cards of the same rank, plus two cards of another rank.
  • Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
  • Straight: Any five cards in sequence, not of the same suit.
  • Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank, plus two side cards.
  • Two Pairs: Two cards of the same value, plus two more cards of the same value, plus one side card.
  • Jacks or Better: A pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces. This hand is not available in some video poker variations.

Depending on the type of video poker, the paytable displays around 10 possible combinations of cards and their relevant cash awards. Jacks or Better (a pair of jacks or higher cards) is the lowest and most frequent hit that pays out 1:1. Two Pairs (for example, KK / QQ) awards 2:1, while Three of a Kind has a payout of 3:1. The best possible card sets achieved during the game are Royal Flush and Straight Flush, with their respective prizes of 250:1 and 50:1. Sometimes, a video poker title uses abbreviations like 9/6: The two numbers refer to the payouts for a Full House (9:1) and Flush (6:1) accordingly.

Note that paytables vary slightly or widely, which is determined by the type of video poker. Full House can carry 9:1, 8:1, or 7:1 payouts. Similarly, Flush will award 6:1 or 5:1. These variations affect player edge slightly, that is, how much a player is about to win over a long haul. In most video poker games, a house edge is very low, at just 0.5% to 1.5% and this makes video poker the most beneficial game across online casinos. If wagering five coins, Royal Flush provides a bonus payout of 4000 credits, which is the best possible award in video poker online.

Play video poker for free

Best online video poker varieties

There is a plenitude of video poker games in online casinos of today. It comes in a few dozen variations that differ in the set of winning hands, paytables, and rules. Players are encouraged to select the best version of the same video poker, which is the one that offers the most profitable conditions. Video poker games that enjoy the best popularity among US players are explored in the sections below.

  • Jacks Or Better

    Jacks Or Better

    In this video poker version, you only need a pair of jacks in the hand or higher to get a minimum win. Applying an optimal video poker strategy, this version provides a wonderful return of 99.54%. The game has a relatively low house edge, which means players have a better chance of winning something.

  • Deuces Wild

    Deuces Wild

    This variant has wild cards represented by twos. They act as substitutions for other cards and complete winning combinations. Using wild cards makes Deuces Wild more challenging than traditional video poker games, and it also increases the chances of hitting a winning hand. The paytable for Deuces Wild can be different from game to game, but in general, the payout for a natural royal flush is higher than for a royal flush made with a wild card. It's important to note that the optimal strategy for Deuces Wild is different from other video poker games because of the wild cards. For example, in Deuces Wild, it's often better to hold a three-of-a-kind.

  • Joker Poker

    Joker Poker

    This variation works similarly to Deuces Wild Poker in that it uses a wild card to substitute for other cards to complete winning combinations. The only difference is that wild cards are represented by jokers. The paytable and optimal strategy are also different from other video poker games. RTG's version of this game features a unique combination known as Sequential Royal that is won when hitting 10 through A in exact order.

  • Aces and Faces

    Aces and Faces

    The main difference between Aces and Faces Poker and other video poker games is that it offers increased payouts for certain hand combinations that involve aces or face cards (kings, queens, and jacks). There are special payouts for four face cards (40:1) and four aces (80:1).

  • Bonus Poker

    Bonus Poker

    This variation works similarly to Aces and Faces Poker in that it offers increased payouts for certain hand combinations; with the difference being that the combination can be of any card (it does not have to be any specific cards). For example, a Four Of a Kind will have a higher payout than other video poker games. Also, the payout for a full house and a flush is also higher.

Conclusion

Video poker is a popular and exciting game that has amassed a good following in the US and beyond. The casino game combines skill, strategy, and luck to offer players the chance to make some rewarding winnings. Video poker is also popular since it is among the most advantageous games across online casinos because of its low house edge that ranges between 0.5% and 1.5%. Royal Flush is the best possible hand you can achieve in the best video poker in US online casinos, with a prize of 250:1; if you place a bet of 5 coins, the hand will issue a bonus payout of 4000 coins.

Video Poker FAQ

Is video poker available in US online casinos?

Yes, it is. Most of the reputable US online casinos that operate in the states that have legalized gambling offer online video poker games from top US-facing developers. Use our list to find the best video poker in US online casinos.

How to win in online video poker?

Online video poker combines skill and luck. The winnings are paid according to the paytable displayed at the top of the game screen. Video poker is one of the most advantageous games across online casinos, with a house edge of between 0.5% and 1.5%.

How much can I win in video poker?

This will depend on the bet size you will place and the value of the hand you will collect. If wagering five coins, Royal Flush provides a bonus payout of 4000 credits, which is the best possible award in video poker online.

Which video poker has the best odds?

There are many variations of video poker with odds above 99%. Generally, Joker Poker has odds of 99.8%, Jacks or Better has 99.54%, and Bonus Poker has 99.16%.

Can I play video poker on a mobile device?

Yes, you can. Almost all video poker games from top developers are perfectly compatible with mobile platforms.