Video Poker Casino Guide

Video Poker: What You Need to Know

Video poker is one of the classic online casino games. While it is a game of skills and odds, it is quite easy to learn and play. It’s a video version of poker, as its name suggests. However, unlike poker, this version is a solitary game. You only have your cards to worry about. No dealer’s hand or other player’s hand. 

Video poker comes in different variants. Depending on the online casinos you visit, the variants may be only a few or a handful. However, there really is not much difference between video poker variations. Basically, they operate the same. Hence, you can play any variant just as long as you know the basics of video poker.

The main difference between the variants is the paytable. Each variant has a different payout for each card combination and has a different minimum quality hand. It is important to know the paytable of a variant before playing it. 

If you haven’t played video poker yet, here’s how the game works:

• When it comes to betting, video poker works much like slot games. When you place your bet, you can easily adjust the number of coins and the coin denomination. Just take note of the minimum or maximum bet allowed.
• After placing your bet, you will then be dealt with five cards, all face up. 
• You can hold between zero and five cards. You can also receive replacement cards.
• Remember that the hands are paid out according to the paytable. Hence, make sure to check the video poker’s paytable since each variant has a different paytable.

Video Poker Tips

To maximize your video poker gaming experience, you need these valuable tips before placing your bet:

• It’s true that, like in slot games, you can adjust the coin denomination when you bet. However, to reduce the house edge, you need to play the maximum number of coins allowed per game. 
• Before you start playing, you need to compare and contrast the different video poker variants across different online casinos. Choose the variants with the best returns according to their respective paytables. 
• Follow a strategy guide. Know when to hold and which card to keep. This would depend on the situation and the variation of the game you’re playing. 
• Whenever you are gambling, always pace yourself. Do not deplete your bankroll in a single gambling session. Make use of bankroll management to make the most of your video gaming experience. More importantly, do not bet an amount which is way out of your budget. Always be responsible. 
• There are free video poker games out there. Take advantage of these games to practice and get a feel of the different variations of the game.

What to Look for in Online Casinos When Finding Video Poker Games 

There are just too many online casinos out there. With too many options, it can be quite difficult to sift through them and pick up the best. To help you pick the best online casinos to enjoy video poker games, we’ve listed some criteria which you can use when making your decisions.

If you’re looking for video poker games, then you should start from there. Find online casinos that offer video games. Not all casinos have quality video games in their games library. Check what video poker variants are offered, how many video poker games are available, and what game providers are providing these games. Aside from these, also consider the following:

• Only choose an online casino with a valid gaming license. Always stay away from blacklisted casinos and unlicensed ones. It’s better if the license is provided by reputable authorities like the UK Gambling Commission.
• Look into the safety and security features of the online casino. It’s important that your data privacy and financial transactions are kept safe and secure. 
• Check out the other games offered by the online casino. Even if your main priority is video poker games, it’s also great to have other options in case you need to try something else. It’s better if the games are provided by leading gaming softwares. 
• Consider the bonuses, promotions, and loyalty scheme offered by the online casino. In line with this, check if the terms and conditions are fair.
• It’s also better if the online casino offers lots of safe banking options for fast withdrawals and convenient deposits. 
• It’s a bonus if the casino offers a video poker app.

What Are The Different Online Video Poker Variations?

There are plenty of ways to enjoy video poker. Understanding the video poker variations and their paytables can help you decide which is best for you. Some of the popular variations of video poker are as follows:

• All American

This video poker variation is quite popular due to its low house edge, which is only below 0.5%. If you get a Royal Flush, Jacks or better, or Three of a Kind, then you get standard payouts. However, if you get a Flush, a Straight, or a Straight Flush, you’ll get higher payouts.

• Jacks or Better

One of the oldest and most popular variations of video poker is Jacks or Better. The popularity is largely due to the simple gameplay and generous payout of this variation. As the name of the game suggests, you receive a payout if you hold a hand with Jacks or a better hand.

• Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is popular because it’s easier to win than the other variations. However, because it’s easier to win, the paytable is also tighter. The reason why this is easier to win is because the deuces, or twos, you can substitute any other card to form a winning hand.

• Bonus Poker Deluxe

Another popular variation is Bonus Poker Deluxe. This gives players plenty of opportunities to win big in a session. The game’s popularity lies in its attractive paytable, where four of a kind hands have a payout of 80 to one. These four of a kind hands have the probability of showing up 100 times more than a royal flush.

Play Video Poker Games for Free

Choose online casinos that offer free video poker games. Playing video poker for free allows you to just have fun and enjoy the thrill of the game. More importantly, it allows you to test out different variants and study their respective paytables better. That way, you can practice the gameplay and formulate better strategies.

Once you have a better understanding of the gameplay and the paytables, it’s time to play with real money. Now, you have a higher chance of winning.

Conclusion

One of the reasons for registering and playing at an online casino is video poker. It’s easy to learn and it offers an exhilarating gameplay, excellent odds, and great payouts, depending on the variant. With this guide, we hope that you now have a deeper understanding of this online casino game. It’s time to try out your skills and odds. Have fun and win.