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How to Win at Video Poker Every Time

Kate Smith | August 18, 2021 | Updated on: August 18th, 2021

How to Win Video Poker

Learning how to win video poker is one of the smart things to do if you really want to make a profit playing the game. Although you can’t win every time (due to the house edge), there are certain ways in which you can improve your chances to win most of the time.

Video poker has become one of the most popular forms of gambling since it was introduced into casinos in the 1970s.  The game is one of the few casino games you can influence the outcome and play easily. Hence it remains a favourite around the globe. The game also combines a low house edge with big jackpot potential.

In this guide, we walk you through the best tips and strategies to win video poker. So, if that’s what you’re looking for, scroll below to get started.

Learn How to Beat Video Poker Machines in 6 Ways

1.      Learn the Rules and How to Play

Video poker is easy to play. Even though there are different versions of the game, they all essentially follow the same rules of five-card poker.

There are 52 cards in a standard video poker game. By pressing the “Deal” button, you’ll get five cards randomly selected from the deck after you’ve placed your wager. The next step is to decide which cards to keep and which to discard.

Tap the picture of the cards you want to keep on the screen to keep it. Once done, press “Draw” to get the machine to replace the discarded cards at random. Your winnings are determined by the poker hand that you end up with, such as a royal flush, straight, flush or pair etc.

The amount that you win depends on the value of your hand.

You can learn all the basics on our comprehensive Video Poker guide.

How to Beat Video Poker Online

2.      Pick the Best Games

The payouts for video poker games can exceed 100% if played properly, but that depends on your chosen game. Despite being the most popular version of video poker, Jacks or Better does not yield the greatest profits.

When you come across a game like Deuces Wild that pays full, play it and learn the specific video poker strategy that will allow you to achieve that payout. The odds for the game are good that you can profit by just playing it without bonuses or special perks.

3.      Find the Best Paytable

If you want to beat a video poker machine, especially Jacks or Better, you will need to find the best paytable. In this game, there are a number of pay charts available. When playing Jacks or Better video poker, you should always opt for a pay chart that offers a 9/6 (or greater). This paytable offers a fair return as it pays nine coins for a full house and six coins for a flush.

You are playing with a bigger house edge when you choose a play chart that offers less than the 9/6 pay chart.

Therefore, you are losing your money faster than you realize by giving the casino more profit (money) per hand.

4.      Take Advantage of Bonuses

Casino promotions and offers are always available not just on Jacks or Better video poker but on other variations as well.

You can play more games with free money if you target the right promotions, and you’ll have a better chance of beating video poker machines.

Take advantage of a casino’s video poker bonuses by checking the promotions section every now and then.

5.      Bet Max to Win the Jackpot

Always play the maximum coins available.

Video poker machines like Jacks or Better provide top payouts for the royal flush. A royal flush wins you the jackpot if you bet max.

In spite of the fact that you can bet from one to five coins per hand, only five coins per hand will allow you to receive the jackpot.

If you’re not comfortable with the five-coin bet, you can still consider dropping your wager amount. The only difference is that you will not have a chance to win a jackpot.

6.      Try Progressive Video Poker Machines

Video poker players looking for a rush and big wins should also consider progressive jackpot video poker machines. There are a number of video poker machines that offer progressive jackpots. Finding a machine with full pay along with a progressive jackpot is the perfect combination. These games are lots of fun, and the prizes get bigger and better the more you play.

However, always be aware that this element presents potential dangers, but if played correctly, it can multiply your little wager into large winnings. When playing progressive jackpot video poker, choose the best paytable and adhere to that 9/6 strategy to win.

How to Win Video Poker Jacks or Better

The strategies used in video poker games differ from game to game.

As an example, the strategy you need to win on Jacks or Better is different from the strategy you need to succeed on Deuces Wild.

In light of the fact that learning all the strategies could take too long or may even be impossible, let’s consider how to beat Jacks or Better video poker. You can do this by simply finding the best table, using bonuses and playing progressive jackpot machines, as mentioned above. One pro tip is to never chase a straight or a flush, as this may put you in a losing position.

Best Video Poker Strategy

How to Win Video Poker Every TimeJust like any other gambling game, video poker relies heavily on math and odds. So, it’s important to think of this when approaching the game. Using either the basic video poker strategy or a more advanced one can help you beat video poker.

When playing Jacks or Better, it’s crucial to avoid keeping your kicker. Don’t waste your time on it because it doesn’t help you win a higher payout.

You should also make sure to avoid playing video poker by keeping three cards to try and make a straight or flush.

It might help you in the short term, but you’re only hurting yourself in the long run. It is never a good idea to risk breaking up a winning hand in video poker in pursuit of something greater. You will lose money.

FAQs on How to Play Video Poker and Win

How do you win at video poker every time?

If we’re realistic, there is no way anyone can win at video poker every time. Like any other casino game, video poker has a house edge. You might win most of the time using a strategy, and since the edge is relatively low, but you certainly cannot beat every hand.

Which video poker game has the best odds?

Statistically, Double Bonus Video Poker has the best odds. Deuces Wild is another great choice paying 800 to 1 for a royal flush.

What are the odds of hitting a royal flush in video poker?

The odds of hitting a royal flush in video poker are 1 in 649, 740 when you play the basic game with 52 cards.

Is there a way to cheat video poker machines?

Yes, there are ways to cheat video poker machines, but you don’t want to do that. Your winnings would be at risk, and your account could be blocked. Rather, use video poker strategy and tips to improve your odds of winning.

Can you make money on video poker?

Yes, you can make money on video poker. But, it’s not easy, though. You will need to practice and research. In addition, you must know which games have a positive RTP (return to player). Otherwise, you will lose money over the long term.

Are video poker machines really random?

Yes, video poker machines are completely random. While video poker players are convinced that the machines are rigged once they play for a longer duration without getting a royal flush, you can rest assured that the games are not rigged. Instead, they use a Random Number Generator for the outcomes.