Video poker is a timeless favorite for many casino players in the US. This casino game has been around for decades, and the online versions have only gotten better. While many US states have brick-and-mortar casinos where you can play video poker on gaming machines, you can only access online video poker in six states.
Our team has put out a list of the best licensed and safe online video poker sites. In this guide, you will also find the top video poker variations that you can play for real money. We will also discuss tips to help increase your chances of winning.
Our Ranking Process of the Best Online Video Poker Sites
Our aim is to bring you the best online poker sites that are safe, offer a variety of games, and provide considerable table limits. As such, we test each of the casinos to see if they meet our ranking criteria. In this section, we will take you through some of the main factors we consider.
Variety of Video Poker Variants
We understand that players have varying preferences. This is why video poker sites with a wide variety of poker variations rank higher on our list. Our top sites have partnered with industry-leading providers such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and NetEnt to bring you various video poker games.
These video poker variations include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker, each with unique rules and payouts. By offering a broad selection of games, these sites give you more chances to find the perfect match for your style of play.
In addition to the number of video poker games, we also prioritize casinos that feature advanced options, such as multi-hand games or auto-hold functions. All these features enhance your overall gameplay.
Video Poker Table Limits (Min/Max Bets)
Your betting range is important when choosing a video poker site. We recognized that both casual players and high rollers prefer sites with flexible table limits that cater to their budgets.
A site with favorable minimum and maximum bet amounts ensures you can bet according to your comfort level while still maximizing your potential winning. The best video poker online casinos allow players to wager from as low as $0.02 up to $500 or more per round. You can always check the game’s full pay table for all the info.
Mobile Compatibility
The majority of US video poker players play on their smartphones. Mobile casinos allow you to play video poker online for real money while on the go. This is why we test each site’s mobile compatibility to ensure it offers a seamless mobile gaming interface. All our top video poker casinos are mobile optimized, and you can play using mobile web browsers such as Safari and Mozilla.
Additionally, some sites have downloadable mobile apps. These apps are convenient if you prefer having all your games in one app. You can also save your preferred games and access them easily, even when you don’t have a strong internet connection.
Bonus and Promotions for Video Poker
Bonuses and promotions can significantly boost your bankroll and allow you to play more video poker rounds. The best online casinos for video poker feature many bonuses tailored for new and existing players. Some of the common offers include welcome bonuses, reload promotions, and loyalty rewards. While huge bonuses are great, we prioritize platforms that provide fair and attractive promotions with reasonable wagering requirements. This guarantees that you get the most value for your time and money.
Payout Speed and Fees
When it comes to cashing out, you want a casino that supports fast payouts with minimum charges. We test how quickly the video poker sites process your withdrawals and whether they charge any fees. Fast payout speeds mean you can access your winnings without delay, and low or no fees allow you to keep more of what you win. We recommend only those sites that deliver fast, hassle-free payouts with minimal or no fees.
US Legislation and Regulations for Online Video Poker Casinos
Playing online video poker machines in the US is legal in many states, but regulations vary significantly depending on where you live. Each state has the authority to determine its own laws for online gambling, leading to a patchwork of rules. While some states allow online casinos, they may not necessarily support all forms of gambling, including video poker.
State-Specific Regulation
In the US, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia have fully embraced online gambling, allowing you to play video poker legally. There are some states where online casinos are legal, but video poker may still face restrictions. This means it’s crucial to understand your state’s specific laws before engaging in online video poker.
Federal Law and the Wire Act
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 initially targeted illegal sports betting, making it unlawful to place bets across state lines using telecommunication services. Although this act was later limited to sports betting, it played a major role in shaping current online gambling laws. Video poker, like other casino games, is generally excluded from the Wire Act’s reach, allowing states to regulate it independently.
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
The UIGEA, which was passed in 2006, primarily regulates how online gambling businesses process payments. While it doesn’t make online gambling illegal, it restricts banks and payment processors from handling transactions related to unlawful internet gambling under state or federal law. However, in states where online video poker is legal, you’re free to play, deposit, and withdraw funds without issues.
Most Popular Video Poker Game Variations for US Players
When you sign up at any of our top recommended video poker USA sites, you will find a variety of games to choose from. Each video poker variant offers unique rules and payouts requiring varying strategies. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most popular among US players.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is one of the most well-known video poker games in the US. This variant is a straightforward version of five-card draw poker, where the minimum winning hand is a pair of jacks. Your objective is to create the highest possible poker hand with five cards. Although luck plays a significant role, experienced players can develop strategies to improve their chances of winning.
Tens or Better
Tens or Better follows similar rules to Jacks or Better, but with this variant, the lowest paying hand is a pair of tens. This video poker game offers a 99% return-to-player (RTP) rate, making it appealing for players who want better chances of winning. Like Jacks or Better, you aim for the highest poker hand, with a Royal Flush bringing the jackpot.
Deuces Wild
In Deuces Wild, all twos (deuces) act as wild cards, significantly increasing your chances of hitting a winning hand. The RTP rate for this variant ranges between 97% and 99%. With the wildcards in play, you can form high-ranking hands such as a Royal Flush, Four-of-a-Kind, or Straight Flush more easily, making this a highly rewarding video poker variant.
Triple Play
Triple Play allows you to play three hands of video poker simultaneously. After receiving your initial five cards, you choose which to hold, and the same cards are applied to all three hands. Each hand is completed with a separate draw. You win if any of the three hands meet the minimum requirements for a payout, with traditional poker rankings determining the outcome.
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is another popular variant that offers double payouts for Four-of-a-Kind hands. This game rewards you significantly for higher-ranking hands, such as Four Aces, which pays more than in other poker variants. This poker game is perfect for players looking for larger rewards while still enjoying the core gaming strategies of video poker.
Double Double Bonus
Double Double Bonus, also known as 10/6 video poker, is another popular variant based on Jacks or Better. It uses the standard 52-card deck but adds a twist with premium payouts for Four-of-a-Kind hands. For instance, a Four-of-a-Kind with 2s through 4s and a kicker (Ace through 4) pays 160:1 instead of the usual 40:1. A Four-of-a-Kind Aces hand with a 2 through 4 kicker pays an impressive 400:1, making this variant especially rewarding for high-value hands. Other hands follow Jacks or Better payouts, keeping the gameplay familiar.
Jokers Wild
In Jokers Wild, the Joker card acts as the wild, helping you complete winning hands. It’s similar to Deuces Wild, but here, the wilds are extra cards added to the deck, making it larger than the usual 52-card set. The Joker can substitute for any card, boosting your chances of forming a winning combination. All other rules, including hand rankings, remain consistent with traditional video poker games.
Multi-Play
Multi-Play video poker allows you to play multiple hands at once, with options to select 5, 10, 25, 50, or even 100 hands. This feature adds a fast-paced, action-packed dimension to video poker, as you can make decisions across numerous hands in one session. You can change the number of hands before placing your first bet, ensuring flexibility in how you play. Multi-hand play maximizes your chances of hitting big payouts in a short period.
Try Out These Basic Video Poker Strategies
In video poker, your goal is to make the best five-card poker hand possible. After being dealt five cards, you can choose to hold or discard any number of them. The discarded cards are replaced, and your final hand determines the payout based on the paytable. Before you start playing video poker, we advise you first understand the basics of which cards to hold and discard, as this can help increase your chances of winning.
High Cards
High cards are face cards or aces, which can help you form winning hands like a pair of Jacks or better. If you’re dealt a high card but don’t have a pair, hold onto it, as it can help you secure a winning hand in the next draw. For example, if you’re dealt a King, you might want to hold it to try and form a pair or even aim for a straight.
Completing Hands
Always prioritize completing hands that could result in bigger payouts. If you’re one card short of a flush, straight, or even a full house, hold onto the necessary cards and discard the others. This strategy maximizes your potential for higher returns. For example, if you have four cards to a flush, hold all four and discard the remaining card for a chance to complete the flush.
Pairs
If you’re dealt a pair, hold both cards to ensure a guaranteed payout, even if it’s a low-value hand like a pair of 10s. Also, if you’re dealt two pairs, hold both to aim for a full house, offering a higher payout. For higher pairs like Jacks or better, always keep them, as they lead to more significant returns.
Tips for Playing Video Poker
Video poker is more than just a game of chance. Understanding the game and adopting the right strategies can significantly improve your chances of winning. Below are key tips that will help you master video poker, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player.
Learn the Rules
Before diving into video poker, it’s essential to understand the basic rules. Although there are different game variants, video poker uses the simple mechanics of five-card draw poker. After making your wager, you’ll be dealt five cards. You must decide which cards to keep and which to discard before drawing new cards. The goal is to form the best possible poker hand, with payouts depending on the strength of the hand and the machine’s paytable.
Learn Hand Rankings
Knowing the ranking of poker hands is crucial to succeeding in video poker. Like in traditional poker, hands are ranked from a royal flush down to a simple pair. Once you understand these hand rankings, you can make better decisions about which cards to hold and which to discard. For example, knowing when you’re close to completing a straight or flush can help you make smarter choices, thus maximizing your chances of achieving a higher payout.
Use a Strategy Chart
A video poker strategy chart is a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced players. These charts provide a detailed guide on the best possible decision for any hand you’re dealt. Using a strategy chart can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure you make optimal choices every time you play. It transforms the game from pure luck into one where skill and decision-making can influence the outcome.
Choose the Right Variant
While the gameplay of most video poker games is the same, they do have some varying rules. Each variant, such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Double Bonus Poker, comes with its own set of rules and payout structures. Choosing the right game variant can significantly affect your winning potential. For instance, Deuces Wild has wild cards that increase your chances of hitting strong hands, while Jacks or Better offers consistent payouts for simpler hands. Research the different variants and select the one that best suits your style and strategy.
Know When to Break a High Pair
One key strategy that can greatly affect your success is knowing when to break a high pair. If you’re dealt a pair of Jacks or higher, it’s usually a safe bet to hold onto the pair. However, if your hand has the potential to become a straight flush or royal flush, it might be worth breaking the pair to chase the higher payout. Evaluating your hand’s potential is critical, as these high-paying hands can dramatically boost your winnings.
Practice with Free Games
Practice is essential to mastering video poker. Many online casinos offer free demo versions of their video poker games, allowing you to hone your skills without risking any money. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with different game variants, test out new strategies, and understand how the paytables work. Once you’re comfortable with your gameplay, you can transition to real money games with greater confidence.
Set a Budget
One of the most important tips for any form of gambling, including video poker, is to set a budget. Having a clear financial limit helps you manage your bankroll responsibly and ensures you only play with money you can afford to lose. Establish a budget for each session and stick to it, no matter the outcome. This discipline prevents chasing losses, a common mistake leading to even bigger financial setbacks.
Video Poker Bonuses & Promotions
The best online video poker sites offer impressive bonuses for US players, with welcome bonuses being the most rewarding. Still, you can take advantage of other ongoing video poker promos, such as reload bonuses. In the table below, we have outlined the welcome bonuses available at our top US casinos.
Yes, you can play video poker seamlessly on mobile at almost any online casino today. Top USA video poker sites are fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing you to enjoy the same experience on your smartphone or tablet as you would on a desktop. Several casinos have dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android, providing additional features like stability, customization, and a dedicated lobby for video poker games.
Even if a casino doesn’t have a native app, its mobile browser version is often optimized for all device types, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience. While playing on a smaller screen may be a bit cumbersome to some, the flexibility and efficiency of mobile play far outweigh this downside. Mobile casinos also offer fast, accessible payment methods, allowing you to deposit and withdraw funds directly from your device.
Bring Your Best Video Poker Face to the Game
Hopefully, this article will serve as a tour guide to choosing the best video poker casinos. All the casinos we’ve listed in this guide are licensed and have partnered with renowned video poker providers to bring you high-quality games. These sites also feature a variety of video poker game styles to cater to the varying players’ preferences. Some of the top video poker games you can choose to play include Jacks or Better, Wild Poker, Tens or Better, and more. Sign up to explore these games and the rewarding bonuses.
Video Poker Online Casinos FAQ
Our team of experts has put together a list of the best online video poker sites in the UK. We have vetted each of these sites to ensure you have access to safe and trustworthy sites. Check our list above for recommendations.
Yes, the best online video poker sites are fully optimized for mobile use. You can easily access these sites via your mobile web browser, such as Chrome or Safari. If you prefer using an app, some US video poker sites have native apps that you can download for Android and iOS.
Yes, video poker is generally legal in US states where online gambling is legal. These include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. However, keep in mind that regulations vary by state. Therefore, be sure to check your state’s specific laws to confirm whether online video poker is allowed where you live.
Popular video poker variants include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Double Double Bonus. Each variant offers unique rules and payouts, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your style of play.
Yes, many online casinos offer bonuses specifically for video poker. These may include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, and ongoing promotions such as free chips on certain video poker games.
The withdrawal time varies depending on your preferred payment method and the casino’s policies. Generally, casinos can take a few hours to review your withdrawal, after which you can receive your payouts instantly via banking options such as e-wallets. Withdrawals via debit/credit card can take 2-3 days, while bank transfers take up to 5 business days.
Although video poker is a game of chance, there are several strategies that you can consider to help boost your chances of winning. For instance, you can opt to start with the free games as you learn the game’s rules. Secondly, learn the video poker strategy chart as well as the hand rankings.