Video Poker: The Best Odds In The Casino

When most players think of casino machines, they immediately picture the bright lights of traditional slots.


Video Poker bridges the gap between the solitary play of a machine and the strategic depth of card games.


If you play with optimal strategy, certain Video Poker variants offer a house edge of almost zero.


Because the game uses a standard 52-card deck, the probabilities of hitting specific hands are completely transparent.


Let's break down the mechanics of the game and explain how to identify the most profitable machines.

The Mechanics: How Video Poker Works

Every round begins with the machine dealing you five cards from a virtual 52-card deck.


Your only decision in the game is selecting which of the five cards you want to keep for the final draw.


Once you hit 'Draw', the cards you threw away are replaced, finalizing your final five-card hand.


The lowest winning hand in the most popular variant, Jacks or Better, is a pair of Jacks.


Because your decisions directly impact the final hand, your skill level dictates the overall payout percentage.

How to Spot a "Full Pay" Video Poker Machine

The most critical skill in Video Poker is the ability to read and evaluate the machine's paytable.


A 9/6 machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush on a one-coin bet.


Casinos often stealthily reduce these payouts to 8/5 or even 7/5 on machines that look exactly the same.


Therefore, your first task is always to hunt down the "Full Pay" versions of your chosen variant.


You must always play "Max Bet" because the payout for a Royal Flush jumps disproportionately on the 5th coin.

Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and More

Each variant alters the rules slightly and requires a completely different optimal strategy chart.


Because hands are easier to make, the lowest winning hand in Deuces Wild is usually Three of a Kind.


A "Full Pay" Deuces Wild machine (often called 100.76%) actually gives the player a mathematical advantage over the house.


These volatile games appeal to players who want larger jackpot hits without relying entirely on the rare Royal Flush.


Always match your tactical approach to the specific rules and paytable of the machine you are sitting at.

Key Tips for Video Poker Players

Look for the Full House and Flush payouts to determine the machine's value.
Always bet the maximum 5 coins. It maximizes the Royal Flush payout.
Use a strategy card. Never guess which cards to hold.
Never discard a high pair to draw for a straight or a flush.
Analyze every hand carefully; a single mistake costs you money.

How Paytables Affect Your Odds

Winning HandFull Pay (9/6)Short Pay (8/5)
Straight Flush5050
Full House98
Total RTP (Max Bet)99.54%97.30%


If you want the best possible chance to beat the casino, Video Poker should be your absolute go-to game.


By finding the right machines and playing perfectly, you can stretch your bankroll further than in any other game.


Keep a strategy card open on your phone or printed out next to your keyboard when playing online.


Protect your bankroll by refusing to play anything less than the optimal Full Pay games.


Play smart, follow the chart, and enjoy the strategic depth of this incredible casino classic.