Video poker games share a lot of similarities with online video slots. The critical difference is that with video poker, you can make choices to influence the game’s outcome. You are not just wagering and hoping for the best. The games are still based on luck, but you can make the most out of your luck.
Video poker is a type of online gambling with one of the slightest house edges. That means you can play well and give yourself the best chance of winning a payout. That’s why video poker games are so popular.
If you have never played online video poker before but want to start, we’re here to help. Our online casino experts have created this guide to the basics of online video poker. After reading this, you will be able to find any online casino and start playing video poker with confidence.
Rules of Video Poker
There are many different variations of video poker available, but there is a set of basic rules across all of them. Most games of video poker are a five-card draw. That means you will be dealt five cards into your hand. At the end of the game, the hand you have will determine your payout.
There is usually a period where you can get rid of cards in your hand during the game. New cards will replace these. The game’s objective is to get the strongest hand possible.
The strength of the hand is the same across all variations of poker. You can get hands like pairs, a flush, a straight, and more. Be sure to research hand strengths before playing video poker. The payout available for each hand will be in the video poker pay table. You can check this before you start playing. You will receive a payout if you hit anything in the payout table.
Jacks or Better
Let’s use one of the most common types of video poker as an example. In Jacks or Better, you must have a pair of Jacks to receive a payout. If you have a pair of cards with a lower face value, you will not receive a payout.
Here are some imagined payout rates for a game of Jacks or Better. Remember to check the actual payout rates of the game you are playing.
- Royal Flush: 250x
- Straight Flush: 50x
- Four of a Kind: 25x
- Full House: 6x – 9x
- Flush: 5x – 6x
- Straight: 4x
- Three of a Kind: 3x
- Two Pair: 2x
- Pair of Jacks or Better: 1x
If you got a pair of Jacks and had staked $1, you would receive a $1 profit. This scales up to the jackpot of a Royal Flush. These multipliers do not stack, so you will be rewarded with the highest multiplier and nothing else. So if you get a full house with three of a kind and a pair, you get paid 6x – 9x.
Video Poker in the US
You should now have a basic understanding of how online video poker works. The more you play video poker, the better you understand it. If you still feel unsure of the rules, we recommend you play a demo version until you feel ready to play for real money. Once you do, you’ll realize there is no thrill like playing smart poker and winning big.
If you want to play online video poker in the US, you have to do so from a state where online gambling is legalized. You don’t have to be a resident of one of these states, just within state borders while you are playing. You will want to check to make sure you are of legal gambling age.
If you are playing where it is safe to do so, you can freely play video poker. Visit any online casino you want and browse the selection of video poker titles. Once you have found the one you like, click it and start enjoying the fun.
