UK Player Guide: Play Video Poker for Real Money

Video Poker Guide
How to Play Video Poker Online
.Video Poker CasinosLast updated on: 12/01/2020

Feeling like playing a straightforward, easy casino game with a high return-to-player percentage? You should definitely check out video poker – one of the all-time casino classics. It combines the easy gameplay and overall simplicity of slot machines with the strategic thinking and intrigue of poker, which makes it the game of choice for many casino players. In this article, we will take a detailed look at video poker – from the core rules and gameplay, to the many different variations the game has. We will also provide you with some strategy tips and advice on how to win more. And finally, of course, we will tell you which are the best video poker casinos for 2024:

Best Video Poker Casino Sites for the UK

Video Poker Rules & Features

Video poker is by far one of the easiest and most enjoyable games one can play at an online casino. On the other hand, the rules are pretty much the same as those at the poker tables at any online live casino in the UK. The gameplay is based on the five-card draw format – you place your initial bet and receive five cards. You have to choose which of those cards to keep and which to discard. After you have made up your mind, you will receive a new card for each one discarded. Then, the game will check if you have one of the winning poker combinations, and if you do, you win something. The payout for each combination is different and depends on how difficult it is to achieve.

The Different Variations of Video Poker

Over the many years of its existence, video poker has spawned countless variations and spin-off games. All of them share pretty much the same concept but have added features, rules, or gameplay elements. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of video poker available at online casinos.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better at 32red Casino Also known as ‘Draw Poker’, Jacks or Better is probably the most popular video poker game. The best variants are known as 9/6 Jacks or Better, since a full house pays 9:1 and a flush – 6:1. If played with a good strategy, this game has ridiculously low house edge.

  • Payouts start at a pair of Jacks or better
  • Pair of Jacks pays 1:1
  • Flush pays 6:1
  • Full House pays 9:1

Jacks or Better generally has an average RTP of 99.50%. You can play it at many online operators, most notably 32red.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild at 888casino In this rather popular variation, all 2s are considered Wild – which means that they can substitute any other symbol, in order to form a winning combination. With this rule in play, four of a kind combinations are bound to occur every 15 hands or so!

  • Payouts start at a pair of Jacks or better
  • All 2s are Wild
  • High RTP
  • Lower Payouts

The RTP of Deuces Wild can reach over 100% with the proper strategy. You can play the game with real money at 888casino.

Joker’s Wild

Joker’s Wild at Ladbrokes Casino Similar to the previous variation, Joker’s Wild adds jokers into the mix, and makes them substitute for any other symbol and create winning combinations. This variant of video poker allows players to get a winning hand of 5 of a kind!

  • Joker Is Wild
  • 5 of a Kind Is Possible
  • High RTP
  • Deck with 53 Cards

With an average RTP of 99.10%, Joker’s Wild can be played at a variety of online casinos. Our recommendation is Ladbrokes.

Bonus Poker

Bonus Poker at Mr Green In this variation, the payouts for four of a kind combinations are greatly improved. Theoretically, playing Bonus Poker with a perfect strategy can turn the game’s advantage in the player’s favour, resulting in a player edge, so to say.

  • Bonus Pays for Four of a Kind
  • Enhanced Payouts
  • Very High RTP
  • Bonus/Double Bonus Variations

Bonus Poker has an average estimated RTP of 99.64%. You can play the game at many casinos, including Mr Green.

Strategy & Tips

Video poker is a game that is largely based on luck – it utilises slot machine mechanics, after all. However, unlike slots, there are viable strategies that players can use to improve their odds and reduce the house edge. Since there are so many different variations to the original concept, it’s rather hard to devise a strategy that will work flawlessly on all of them. For the sake of this article, we will focus on the most played video poker game – Jacks or Better. Here is a chart that details the best possible moves, depending on the initial cards you are dealt.

Jacks or Better Basic Strategy

This simple strategy will definitely help you learn the game faster, but will also increase your chances of winning more. Don’t forget that video poker is already a game with extremely high RTP – using this strategy wisely will reduce the casino edge to nothing.

Video Poker Is Both Entertaining & Profitable

Video poker is one of the best games one can play at an online casino. The gameplay is easy and entertaining, and the casino edge is almost non-existent – that makes video poker the preferable option for newcomers to the online gambling scene and casual players alike. Make sure you give it a try at one of our recommended casinos.