It’s fair to say that video poker online is one of the most popular offerings in any online casino. Strangely, many hardcore casino fans don’t take video poker particularly seriously but apply a video poker strategy and you can help yourself to win more often than you lose.
Many US players can now take part in online play, either using their desktop or through a video poker app.
Looking for some guidance on how to play video poker? In this article, we’re going to show you how you can make the most of your opportunities to play video poker online, as well as which operators offer video poker games.
All Video Poker Online Sites
So, what video poker sites are available right now? The list below displays all of your video poker options.
- Virgin Casino
- Golden Nugget
- Borgata
- Caesars
- SugarHouse
- Tropicana
- WSOP
- 888
- Pokerstars
- Hollywood
- Harrah’s
- Parx
- Mount Airy
- Valley Forge
- Delaware Park Online
- Harrington Raceway
- Dover Downs
Video Poker Apps
There are a number of video poker apps available to download on any operating system. Downloading an app can give you access to your betting account, as well as your video poker options, without having to spend hours at your desktop.
Find an app that’s easy to use, offers you complete access to all parts of your account and, importantly, simple and smooth gameplay.
It’s expected that more Video poker apps will be available to US players, once final legislation has been given the go-ahead.
How to Play Video Poker
Fancy playing video poker? Let’s examine how to get started.
First of all, it’s important to detail how you can win playing video poker. To do this, we’re going to show you the different types of hands used in poker. Let’s start with the big one, the Royal Flush.
ROYAL FLUSH
The strongest hand you can have in video poker is the Royal Flush. This also rewards you with the biggest prize. This, of course, depends on who you’re betting with and how much you’ve staked. In general, you can expect a return of up to 300 x your stake on a Royal Flush hand.
So, what exactly is a Royal Flush? It’s a straight hand consisting of a Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of the same suit. As you’d expect, Royal Flush hands are reasonably rare. Operators can sometimes give you an extra bonus for a Royal Flush, though many of these bonuses are only available on a Royal Flush hand on the first deal.
STRAIGHT FLUSH
A Straight Flush is the second strongest hand in video poker. All cards need to be in numerical order and of the same suit. So, drew a Two, Three, Four, Five and Six of Hearts? You’ve got yourself a Straight Flush.
Depending on which operator you’re betting with, bonuses on Straight Flush hands can be offered. As with a Royal Flush, these bonuses are usually only offered on Straight Flushes dealt on the first deal.
FOUR OF A KIND
Exactly what you’d expect it to be, a Four of a Kind hand is four cards of the same number (or face card).
In many versions of video poker, extra bonuses can be available. In Deuces Wild, for example, four Wild cards can dramatically increase your winnings.
FULL HOUSE
Another profitable hand to have in any poker game is a Full House. Essentially, a Full House is three of one type of card and two of another.
For example, three Fives and two Queens would give you a Full House hand. Payout percentages for a Full House can vary, depending on which variation of video poker online you’re playing.
FLUSH
The difference between a Flush and a Straight Flush is that the former doesn’t require consecutive numbers, just the same suit. So, a Two, Five, Seven, Queen and King of Spades is a Flush. A Straight Flush would require sequential cards.
As with Full House draws, odds on a Flush draw can vary, depending on which type of video poker you’re playing.
STRAIGHT
A Straight requires five cards in numerical order, though doesn’t require them to be in the same suit (as with a Straight Flush). So, a Two of Diamonds, Three of Hearts, Four of Clubs, Five of Diamonds and Six of Spades would be classed as a Straight.
THREE OF A KIND
Three of a Kind is pretty self-explanatory – three cards of the same value. So, if you have three Tens, for example, in your five drawn cards, you’re in luck.
In general terms, most Three of a Kind hands will pay out three times the stake. Again, this can vary depending on which operator you’re betting with and the type of video poker online games you’re playing.
TWO PAIR
Two Pair is exactly what you’d think – two pairs in your five drawn cards. As an example, two Queens and two Aces in your five cards will payout as a Two Pair win.
Typically, a Two Pair Win will pay out twice your initial stake. In particular variations of the game, this rate can be higher.
ONE PAIR
The lowest possible win in poker is a Pair. Now, in most poker, a minimum of two Jacks is required to win. In some games a lower-value pair will suffice for a win, like the version of Tens or Better.
A typical payout for a qualifying pair is your stake back.
There are many reasons why video poker online is one of the most enticing and attractive games to play at any online casino. Why is this the case? Well, firstly it’s easy to get started. Most video poker online games are really simple to play.
Video poker is also fast-paced, though this can also prove a danger if you don’t pay attention to how much, and how quickly, you’re spending through your funds.
You also have greater control over how the game is played. On most slots machines, for example, you’re limited to Holding or Nudging only when you get the opportunity to do so. With video poker online, though, you’re in control over which cards to hold and which ones to discard after each draw.
Another attraction to video poker online is that, generally, the edge the House has is lower than for most other online games. It’s also much easier to work out the House edge. Despite a lower profit for the casinos, operators still give you the opportunity to win big with some of the best video poker games online.
So, what is the best video poker game? It’s a matter of taste, of course, but the list below displays some of the most popular and best video poker online options at your disposal.
- Jacks or Better
- Deuces Wild
- Bonus Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
- Triple Bonus Poker
- Jokers Wild
- Progressive
Video Poker Strategy
We’ve discussed where you can find the best video poker online opportunities, let’s now explore how you can give yourself a good chance of betting successfully on any of the best video poker games around.
SLOW THE PLAY DOWN
We touched upon this before, but it’s important to reiterate our first video poker strategy. In any form of online, or virtual, gambling, it’s so easy to run through your funds quickly. By slowing down your play, you can focus on gameplay, as well as your bankroll, much more easily.
LEARN THE BASIC RULES
An obvious one of course, but knowing the basics of the game before you begin staking any money is vital to success.
Firstly, most online video poker games start with a standard 52 card deck. So, when you’re dealt your first hand, the cards that appear in the first draw won’t appear in the second.
Study your cards carefully, there’s no rush. Assess whether to hold particular cards, or if it’s worth the risk to discard some of them in the hope for better ones in the next draw.
Even version of the game requires a different strategy. Whilst general strategies can be applied to all of the best video poker games, it’s best to study each game you’re looking to play before you part with any funds.
FIND THE BEST PAYING POKER
The best video poker games will show you how much each hand will pay before you begin. Finding the best paying table means you can make the most amount of profit on winning hands.
It’s important to also pay attention to the RTP, or Return To Player. The best video poker online games will offer at least a 97% RTP return. Many offer a greater return percentage too. Always go with the machines with the highest pay percentage.
LOOK OUT FOR BONUS OPPORTUNITIES
Many of the best video poker online sites will offer promotions and bonuses to new and existing customers. Even better, when you’re playing the game and win, some of these sites will also add a cash bonus onto your winnings.
THINK ABOUT MAXIMUM COINS
If you can afford to, think about playing the maximum coins. The better hand you have, the greater the stake means the greater the prize, especially if the Royal Flush comes up.
FIND DEMO VERSIONS
Onto another video poker strategy. There are many operators who have made demo versions of some of the best video poker games available. Take advantage of these often, particularly if you’re looking to learn a new form of the game.
Doing so will help you learn how the different variations of video poker work, without risking any of your funds. They will also help you develop your own strategies for the game that you’re learning.
Is Video Poker Legal in the US?
Online gambling in the USA has undergone a number of changes over the last year. Many States have passed or are due to pass legislation to allow one or more forms of gambling. In recent weeks, though, online poker has come under the spotlight, with the Wire Act once again back in the news.
The main issue appears to be interstate poker. For example, WSOP allow residents of New Jersey and Nevada to play each other. We’ll keep you updated with the latest news here.
As for video poker, let’s take a look at your video poker options in selected US States now.
VIDEO POKER ONLINE NJ
Video poker is legal in New Jersey, with many online operators offering higher payouts than their land-based counterparts. There are a number of operators available to NJ customers, these are listed below:
- Virgin Casino
- Golden Nugget
- Borgata
- Caesars
- SugarHouse
- Tropicana
- WSOP
- 888
- Pokerstars
VIDEO POKER ONLINE IN NY
The New York online gambling scene is up for debate currently. Legislation is still to be passed to allow legal online betting in the State. It’s likely, though, that regulations will be put forward and finally signed off late in 2019.
Once legal, we expect to see poker action available on both desktop and through using a dedicated video poker app.
VIDEO POKER ONLINE PA
It’s only a matter of time until PA residents can take part in video poker online. Legislation has been fully signed off, and very soon we will see the first, of what’s expected to be many, legal online poker sites.
It’s also likely that video poker apps will become available soon too. For now, the list below displays operators who have already applied for and received online casino licenses in the State.
- Harrah’s
- Hollywood
- Parx
- Mount Airy
- SugarHouse
- Valley Forge
VIDEO POKER ONLINE NV
Still considered by many to be the home of betting, Nevada residents have the option to bet on sports online. However, no legislation to allow online casino games yet.
Poker, though, is different. Online video poker is available at the following.
- WSOP
VIDEO POKER ONLINE DE
Onto Delaware. One of the very few States who have passed online gambling legislation, Delaware offers a number of online gambling opportunities. You will find video poker at the operators listed below.
- Delaware Park Online
- Harrington Raceway
- Dover Downs
Conclusion
There are a number of video poker online opportunities for US players. Some States, like a number of those listed above, already offer some fantastic video poker experiences. Residents in other States may have to wait before they can play any video poker game. Until the time comes, it’s worth researching the best strategies for how to play video poker you can utilize in order to give yourself the best chance of making a profit.
It’s important to focus on each draw, without rushing through. Take your time, this way you can keep tight track of your bankroll as well as ensuring you don’t miss out on winnings.
