Video Poker Strategy Guide
Video poker is the only casino game where skilled play can push the house edge below 0.5%, and in some cases, certain machines with progressive jackpots can actually offer a positive expected value to players who play perfect strategy. This makes video poker one of the smartest games in any casino.
The game is based on five-card draw poker. You receive five cards, choose which to hold and which to discard, and receive replacement cards. The final five-card hand determines your payout based on a published pay table. Unlike table poker, you are not playing against other players or bluffing. Your results depend entirely on the cards you are dealt and the hold/discard decisions you make.
Best Video Poker Variants
| Game | Full-Pay RTP | House Edge | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6 Jacks or Better | 99.54% | 0.46% | The gold standard for VP |
| Full-Pay Deuces Wild | 100.76% | -0.76% | Player advantage with perfect play |
| 10/7 Double Bonus | 100.17% | -0.17% | Bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind |
| 9/6 Double Double Bonus | 98.98% | 1.02% | Enhanced four-of-a-kind payouts |
The "9/6" in "9/6 Jacks or Better" refers to the payouts for a full house (9 coins) and flush (6 coins) per coin wagered. Casinos frequently offer reduced pay tables like 8/5 or 7/5 that look similar but significantly increase the house edge. Always check the full house and flush payouts before playing.
Best Casinos for Video Poker
Jackit Top Pick
- Fast payouts within 24 hours
- 2,000+ casino games
- Crypto-friendly with 6 coins accepted
- Generous loyalty rewards program
Bovada Runner Up
- Sports + casino + poker room
- Most recognized US brand
- Mobile-optimized platform
- Anonymous poker tables
Wild Casino
- 400+ high-quality casino games
- Full live dealer casino
- 24/7 customer support
- Generous welcome package
BetOnline
- Full sportsbook + casino combo
- 25+ years in the industry
- Massive betting market coverage
- Live in-play wagering
SuperSlots
- 400+ slot-focused games
- Bitcoin and crypto accepted
- Fast 24-hour payouts
- Regular slot tournaments