Online Video Poker for Real Money
When thinking about online casinos, video poker frequently comes to mind. In recent years, it has gained substantial attention from avid poker fans. They have developed a fondness for this enjoyable digital version of the beloved traditional casino card game.
Best 5 Casinos to Play Video Poker
Free Video Poker
If you’re not sure whether you’d like to play for real money yet, here is a free video poker game you can try which simulates exactly what it’s like to play at an online casino
Video Poker History
The first video poker machines were introduced in the 1970s. They contained the “draw poker game” that has remained the same ever since. Even though it took some time for the gambling public to accept these machines, they eventually became a hit and almost every land-based casino had a couple of them.
Fast forward a couple of decades and we witness the transition of classic video poker machines to the online world. Nowadays, every online casino has a section dedicated to online video poker — a game you can play for real money.
How to Play Video Poker Online?
While there are various versions of the game, the rules are pretty much the same. Once you get the hang of one variant, you won’t have trouble learning to play the others.
To win, you need to get a qualifying poker hand — it’s usually a pair of jacks or higher. The prize you win directly depends on the card combination you have.
Before you start to play online video poker for real money, you need to join an online casino of your choice. After you’ve found a platform that meets your needs, you can create an account, make a deposit, and find your favorite video poker game to play.
Here’s what the process of playing online video poker looks like:
- Open the game you wish to play and set the bet amount.
- Then, click on Deal to receive five cards.
- It’s time to apply your online video poker strategy — choose which cards you want to switch and which ones you want to keep. This step is crucial because you decide which cards can make the best poker hand. If you have trouble deciding, you can always ask for help and the game will suggest the best option.
- Click on Draw to swap the cards you don’t want.
- Once the cards have been swapped, you will see your final hand.
- If it’s a qualifying hand, you will win a cash prize according to the paytable.
If you’re entirely new to the game, all of this might seem confusing. Just remember that it’s essential to have a strategy that works for you. If you don’t have one, don’t worry — you’ll realize what works best for you with a bit of practice.
Most Popular Online Video Poker Variants
Listing all the variants of online video poker would quickly become overwhelming since there are so many of them. To keep the list short, we will introduce you to the most popular video poker variants available in the majority of reputable online casinos worldwide.
Jacks or Better
This is the most widespread and basic type of online video poker. You need to have a pair of jacks or higher to qualify for a prize — there are no wild cards or strange rules. The game is played with one deck and you only get one opportunity to swap cards.
Deuces Wild
This is a more advanced version of video poker. In this game, all twos represent wild cards, meaning they can substitute for any card to help you form a winning hand. The wilds create more winning possibilities, but you will need to have three of a kind or higher to win a cash prize.
Tens or Better
The rules are just like in the Jacks or Better version, with one difference. Here, you can win if you have a pair of tens or higher. Remember that you can only swap the cards once and there are no wild cards.
Joker Poker
Unlike the previous ones, this variant is played with 53 cards — the extra card is the joker. In this case, the joker is the wild card as it can substitute for any card you pick, helping you form a winning hand. However, in Joker Poker, you need to have a pair of kings or higher to win.
Aces and Faces
This video poker version has increased payouts on four-of-a-kind hands. However, to win, you need to have aces or faces (kings, queens, and jacks). The hand with a pair of jacks has the lowest payout rate, but if a pair of kings or queens comes into play, the rate will be higher.
Real-Money Video Poker Odds
Online video poker is known to have the best odds out of all casino games — the only game that comes close when odds are in question is blackjack. Whether you’re a serious poker player or you just want to boost your odds of winning, online video poker is the game for you.
Video Poker Strategy
Regardless of whether you’re playing video poker in a brick-and-mortar casino or online, you need to have a solid strategy. Naturally, if you’re a newbie, you will need some time and practice to develop a strategy that will suit your playstyle. This means you need to study the game and know the rules inside out.
Additionally, knowing all winning poker hands by heart can be advantageous. Once you remember these combinations, you will make decisions more easily.
Remember that nobody expects you to have a strategy straight away. Allow yourself to get to know the game and don’t be afraid to try out a couple of different strategies — that’s the only way to find the one that’s right for you.
Video Poker Bonuses
Most online casinos that feature video poker for real money also have a variety of bonuses on offer. So, when you’re looking for a casino, check the Bonus section and see whether you can use the promotions on your favorite video poker game.
When it comes to bonuses, you should always make the most of them. You’ll have an opportunity to try out more games and increase your chances of winning.
Online casinos offer a wide variety of bonuses, but these are the most common ones:
- No deposit bonus — A favorite among all online video poker players. You simply register an account and get a certain amount of money to play with.
- Welcome bonus — Any type of bonus offered to you upon registration or your first deposit.
- Match deposit bonus — The most common casino bonus. The casino will match your first deposit up to a certain amount.
- VIP bonus — This type of promotion is reserved for loyal players and high rollers. The more money you spend, the more perks you’ll be able to enjoy.
Conclusion
Nowadays, every well-equipped online casino offers a wide range of video poker variants. This game has been a favorite among players for quite some time, and for good reason — it has a lower house edge than other casino card games and allows them to create unique strategies.
If you’d like to try your luck at this game, you should do it in a safe and reliable online casino that offers various online video poker games. Once you find a casino that meets your needs, start playing for real money, and enjoy the game!
