Video Poker Odds Made Easy
Video poker isn’t just luck and pretty cards. Your payout actually depends on that hyped-up paytable. Let’s break it all down so you can read that paytable in no time and cash in bigger. It’s all about strategy and smart play, and having an understanding of video poker odds.
Here’s a quick fact to get started: “There are over 100 million online poker players worldwide,” so says the Gambling Industry News. You seem to be part of this.
Now, have you ever played a video poker game and thought, “they all pay the same”? Hate to break it to you, but you’re probably leaving cash on the wrong table, or even more, doing it wrong.
Yep, not all video poker machines are the same, and it can cost you big.
In today’s straight-up chit-chat, I’ll share with you:
- How to read a video poker paytable like a pro.
- Best ways to spot a full-pay video poker game (with titles).
- What’s a 9/6 Jacks or Better, and why it’s gold.
- How strategy ties into video poker odds (it’s not all luck).
- What that RTP means in video poker.
And plenty of tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years in the industry.
Don’t forget to bookmark it for the next time you poke at a shiny Jacks or Better game.
What Are Video Poker Odds, Really?
Let’s be real for a sec here, ok? Knowing your video poker odds is one of the best ways to keep your bankroll in check and maybe walk away with more than you came with. Plus, you don’t need to be a math wiz to get it.
In short, video poker odds are your chance of hitting a specific hand based on the cards you have and the choices you make. Yes, every single decision may affect the final result.
The best video poker odds? Full-pay machines, always. Period.
Why should you care at all? Cuz video poker is one of the few games where you can switch the odds in your favour. If you put in a little effort, of course. Start with playing a full-pay machine, using basic strategy, and not throwing your cash away for no reason.
Understanding how it all works is an ace up your sleeve.
Sites with the Best Video Poker Odds
1
100%, up to $1,600
- Outstanding four-part welcome offer for new players
- Decent live dealer casino section
- Long-lasting casino, operating since 1998
2
$1,500 Bonus + 100 Free Spins
- Over 2,500 games from A-list providers
- Wide range of payment options, crypto included
- AGCO registration and iGaming Ontario operating agreement
3
50 Free Spins No Wagering
- Award-winning gaming platform
- Licensed in Canada
- Over 3,000 games from industry’s premium providers
4
100% Up to $750 + 200 FS + 1 Bonus Crab
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Excellent selection of promotions
- Multiple payment methods (crypto included)
5
100% Bonus Up to $700 + 100 FS on Gates of Olympus
- Generous welcome package and various promos
- Over 9,000 games from big-name brands
- Multi-tier VIP system
How to Read That Paytable Without Losing Your Mind?
Know those cute little grids that look like your homework? Well, they actually hold the key. Let’s make it make sense.
First Off: What Is a Paytable?
A chart on your screen that shows you how much you’ll get paid for each hand. Of course, based on the number of coins you bet. Think of it as a cheat sheet, kinda.
Why Paytables Matter (like, really matter)
You see, most players think all games are the same. Not even close, bud. Different games – different paytables – different payout rates.
Wait, there’s more. You could be playing the same game as your mate out there and get worse returns. How come? Cuz they found a full-pay machine.
Take It Step-by-Step
First things first, guys.
- Figure Out the Game Variant (Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, or other).
- Look for the Full House / Flush Numbers (9/6 is what you should stick to).
- Follow the Hand Rankings (on the left, from strongest to weakest).
- Look at the Row Across for Payouts (each row shows your payout based on each hand and your coin bet).
- Use it to Make Smart Moves (choose full-pay always and know the odds to avoid traps).
- Compare paytables across machines (casinos love to lower odds without making it obvious).
- Keep a cheat sheet of full-pay variants (casinos count on people not doing that).
What to Watch For
A few things you’ll wanna know before hitting “play”.
Max bets pay off: In most games, the Royal Flush payout jumps big when you bet the max 5 coins. I mean, if you bet less, you might be missing the real jackpot.
Bonus versions: Those got some wild paytables. Options like Bonus Poker or Double Double Bonus change the payouts on hands with 4 of a kind. Spicy? Yep. But it’s gonna hit your overall RTP.
Wild Card games: Versions like Deuces Wild use completely different paytables and hand rankings. So, you’ll wanna look for options with a decent RTP.
Spot a Full-Pay Machine Right Away (plus real games to play)
Full-pay video poker, aka the unicorn of online casinos, takes a trained eye to find.
What does “full-pay” even mean?
In short, it’s a video poker version that offers the best possible paytable for a specific video game. No, it ain’t some marketing stuff. It’s math, really. And it can seriously bump up your odds.
Here’s how you spot the good stuff:
- Check the paytable and look for that 9/6 sweet spot (if you’re playing Jacks or Better).
- Ignore flashy graphics (the more hyped up a game is, the more likely it’s covering the payouts).
- Take a look at the max coin payout (on a full-pay Jacks or Better, this should be 4000 coins for your max bet of 5 coins).
- Look for a return rate of 99.5% or above (if listed).
- Stick to classic single or triple-hand video poker with full pay.
Best Video Poker Odds Games to Play Online
Let’s toss you a shortlist of the top full-pay games you’ll wanna play.
#1 Jacks or Better (9/6)
The classy full-pay video poker game. It’s easy to play and has one of the highest RTPs.
#2 Deuces Wild (full pay)
If played perfectly, when the deuces start wildin’, you want that Aces Full variant with a sweet RTP going over 100%.
#3 Bonus Poker Deluxe (9/6)
If you ask me, it’s a close cousin to Jacks or Better, but with way bigger payouts on hands with four of a kind.
#4 Double Bonus Poker (10/7/5)
Totally agree – it’s more complex, but as rewarding. If you know your strategy, of course. And, do look for a full-pay table if you wanna get decent returns.
What’s the Deal with 9/6 Jacks or Better?
If you’ve been around poker, you’ve also heard about 9/6 Jacks or Better. Why is it considered a gold standard?
So, grab that double-double, and let’s see!
- 9 means you’ll get 9 coins for a Full House when you bet one coin.
- 6 means you’ll get 6 coins for a Flush.
They actually offer some of the best returns in video poker – about 99.54%.
Why does it matter? Cuz not all Jacks and Better pay the same. Some will give 7/5, 8/5, or worse. Never settle for those, or you’ll be playing “don’t get ripped off”.
Heads-up, though: Just because it’s 9/6 doesn’t mean you’ll roll in loonies. It’s about maximizing those odds.
Final Thoughts on Video Poker Odds: Why Strategy Runs the Show
So far, so good – I’d say. But there’s this one more thing – there are odds, and there’s strategy.
In games like video poker, you can actually beat the system. If you find that full-pay machine and stick to the optimal strategy, then you’re looking at some of the best video poker odds in the castle. Video poker ain’t no game of tossing your coins randomly as you do in slots.
P.S. Different video poker games have different basic strategy schemes. You can find those cheat sheets anywhere online.
Just a teeny-tiny heads-up at the end: Nothing can guarantee you that win, so don’t get ahead of yourself, but all this info can surely put you in a better spot. Friendly advice? Play free versions of video poker (yes, some casinos offer them) to practice.
Psst… If it stops being fun – sounds like the right time to walk. That’s a real win, right there.
FAQ
What are the odds of winning at video poker?
The average odds of winning depend on the video poker game and paytable, but generally, the RTP (return rate) ranges from 95% to 99% and above (with proper strategy).
Which video poker games have the best odds?
Full-pay Jacks or Better (9/6) has some of the best odds, so it’s a no-fail for new players. Deuces Wild and Double Double Bonus have decent return rates, too, but they’re harder to play perfectly.
Is it best to always bet max in video poker?
If it suits your budget, yes. That max 5-coin bet unlocks the full payout of a Royal Flush (usually 4,000 coins). You can still switch to a lower level and get decent value for your bet.
This article is written by Mary, a seasoned professional with a rich background as a casino croupier now transitioned into a digital publisher with a keen focus on the online casino scene. With years of firsthand experience on the casino floor, Mary offers her unique perspective to the digital world of gambling.
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