Best Real Money Video Poker Casinos 2024

Unlike many other casino games where players must rely on pure chance, in video poker you can use skill to beat the house. With a low house edge, and the availability of a pay table, online video poker offers players a great opportunity to win real money. On this page, you’ll find the best online video poker sites, the different types of video poker, instructions on how to play, and more.

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Best Online Casinos: US

How We Rate Casino Sites

With an ‘Excellent’ 4.9/5 TrustPilot rating, we’ve been providing expert recommendations since 2004. Each casino we review is carefully evaluated according to eight essential factors:

  • Safety & Security
  • Payout Speed
  • Banking Options
  • Software Quality
  • Game Variety
  • Bonus Offers
  • Mobile Compatability
  • Customer Service

Read more about our eight-step review process


Online Casino Blacklist

Some online casinos fail our testing standards to such a degree that we feel it necessary to publish them on our blacklist. An online casino can make it onto this list for a variety of reasons but typically means the casino has exhibited a history of bad behavior and receives lots of player complaints. Avoid any site we’ve listed on our casino blacklist.
Multiple barriers exist on site with the intention of obstructing your ability to retrieve your bonus; intentionally perplexing terms and conditions are deliberately confusing and customer support takes on an aggressive approach.
The use of a budget software provider by Lake Palace is evident in its performance. On top of this there are many problems related to payments: it does not support Neteller payments and refrains from processing withdrawals during Friday to Sunday. Additionally, there have been instances where the casino failed to compensate affiliates and advertisers when transitioning between regulators.
At Fenix Casino, it appears that bigger withdrawal requests undergo a prolonged processing period, and any accumulated bonuses are seized unless cashed out within 45 days.

Different Types of Video Poker

There are many different versions of video poker available at the top online casinos. We’ve listed five of the very best below.

This is the most basic form of video poker. There are no wild cards or other quirky rules; instead you simply need to make a hand consisting of a pair of jacks or better. You’ll have one chance to swap your cards and the game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards.

Players need to only get a pair of tens or better in order to win a prize. There is a trade-off as the increased chances of winning are balanced by the game offering slightly lower odds. A standard deck of 52 cards is used and there is only one chance to swap cards.

In this game, all twos (a.k.a deuces) are classed as wild cards. This means that they can replace any other card to form a winning combination. Due to the wild cards, there’s more chance of getting a good hand, however you’ll have to get three of a kind or higher to win a prize.

The title of this game comes from the fact that there are enhanced payouts for four of a kind hands, but only when they are made from aces or faces (jacks, queens and kings). As with the standard version of the game, the lowest hand eligible for a payout is a pair of jacks.

This is a version of video poker with 53 cards – the extra card is a joker. The joker plays a simple role, it can substitute for any other card and help create a winning hand. To even the odds out a bit, you’ll have to get a pair of kings or higher in order to win a prize.

Based on Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker offers large payouts for four of a kind combinations. The full-pay version of Bonus Poker returns 99.2% and the game has multiple versions featuring different bonus payouts based on the ranking of the four of a kind.


Why Play Video Poker?

The biggest advantage of video poker is the low house edge compared to other casino games, and the possibility of finding video poker variations with a payout percentage of 100% or more.

You can find the best video poker games by looking at the pay out table. No other casino game has this feature, giving the player a distinct advantage before playing.

The pay table lists the payouts for every coin and hand combination on a specific machine.

In comparison to slots, where there’s no accurate way of determining a slot machine’s payback percentage, by reading video poker pay tables you can figure out hold percentage, return on investment, expected value and more.


Real Money Video Poker vs Free Video Poker

Can’t decide between playing real money video poker games or free video poker games? Use our comparison table below to help you decide what’s best for you.

Real Money Video Poker

  • Chance to win real money
  • Will help you improve faster
  • Earn video poker bonuses
  • Tense but exciting atmosphere
  • Earn loyalty bonuses

Free Video Poker

  • No chance of losing real money
  • Great practice for beginners
  • Try different variations risk-free
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Try different video poker sites

How to Play Video Poker

  1. Choose how much money you want to bet.

  2. You’ll then be dealt five cards.

  3. Decide which cards to keep and which cards to swap for new ones.

  4. If you’re unsure, the game will always suggest your best possible option.

  5. Once cards have been swapped, you’ll have your final hand.

  6. If you have a qualifying hand, you’ll win a cash prize.

Learn how to play video poker in this comprehensive guide.


Types of Video Poker Bonuses

Freeroll

Freerolls

Freerolls allow you to play real money video poker games online for free. You can enter a game at no cost and keep any winnings.

Loyalty Bonus

Loyalty Bonus

Loyalty bonuses are given to players who regularly play online video poker at the same video poker sites. Often called a ‘VIP bonus’, loyalty bonuses can be quite large.

Deposit bonus

First Deposit Bonus

A deposit bonus is based on your first deposit at a video poker site. Normally set as a fixed percentage, most of the time you get 100% of your first deposit.

No deposit bonus

No Deposit Bonus

A no deposit bonus means you don’t need to deposit any of your own money to receive the offered bonus.

Percentage icon

Percentage Bonus

With a percentage bonus, the video poker site gives you a percentage of your deposit as additional bonus money to play with.

Refer a friend

Refer a Friend

If you refer a friend to some video poker sites, you’ll both be given access to bonus codes or other exclusive promotions.

Repeated deposit bonus

Repeated Deposit Bonus

Some video poker sites will offer you extra bonuses if you make frequent deposits.

Welcome Bonus

Welcome Bonus

Also called a ‘new customer bonus’, a welcome bonus is awarded to new players directly after their first registration.


How to Choose The Best Bonuses

  1. Read the bonus terms and conditions and make sure you understand the wagering requirements.

  2. Wagering requirements mean the amount of money that you need to wager in the game before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, if you receive a 100% bonus on a deposit of $100 but the wagering requirements are 35 times, then you have to wager a total of $3,500 before you can claim any winnings.

  3. If you cannot or do not want to use the maximum bonus, you can deposit a smaller amount and play with a smaller but still worthwhile bonus.


How to Win at Video Poker

There is no direct answer to how to win at video poker, and certainly no guarantee that you’ll ever see a short-term or long-term profit.

However, there are some steps you can take to give yourself the best edge possible.

Unlike regular online poker and other casino games, video poker is played against a computer, rather than against a real life dealer or opponent.

As a result, the video poker strategy you choose can be relied upon without the need to make adjustments for human instinct, emotion or error.

For the same reason however, guessing or gambling without a strategy is something you want to totally avoid.

Here are four tips to winning at Video Poker:

  1. Know your paytable

    Your first move should be choosing the right pay table. The house ‘edge’ on video poker is between 5% and 0.5% – so make sure you’re choosing the game with the lowest house edge possible. From there, an effective strategy can reduce the edge even further.

  2. Always play the max

    Play with maximum coins to make the most of your potential winnings. Jacks or Better Video Poker machines offer a top payout for a royal flush. So playing with maximum coins gives you the chance to get a bonus win when you hit a royal flush.

  3. Low pairs over a single high card

    If you’re dealt a pair, even if its low scoring, keep it. Don’t run the risk of having nothing at the showdown because you discarded a low pair to chase a potentially better hand. Choose low pairs over a single hand card every time.

  4. Know when to break up a straight or flush

    If you have a big chance of getting a royal flush (the jackpot), break up a straight or flush and go for it. However, if you’re still a few cards away, stick with what you’ve got and hope for the best.


    Top Real Money Video Poker Apps 2024

    Nowadays, it’s possible to use pretty much every smartphone and tablet to play video poker – you simply need a touchscreen and a decent Wi-Fi connection. There’s no need to compromise on quality either, as mobile video poker is equally as exciting as desktop versions. Check here to learn more about mobile casinos.

    Android

    All Android phones and tablets can be used to play video poker. Just log in to your chosen casino using your details and select the game you want to play. Alternatively, head over to Google Play and download your casino’s app, if available. Android casinos offer everything a player could want, including a wide range of games and a good chance of hitting some winning hands.

    • Best Games Provider for Android: Playtech
    • Best mobile video poker game for Android: 10s or Better

    iPhone

    iPhones are known to offer some of the very best graphics around, which will massively enhance your playing experience. Like Android devices, it’s possible to play via browser or an app, with the latter downloaded from the App Store. All versions of iPhones are compatible with playing video poker, plus you can also use an iPad to play as well, if you own one.

    • Best Games Provider for iPhone: Netent
    • Best mobile video poker game for Android: American Stars

    How to Sign up to a Video Poker Site

    1. Find the video poker site that suits you

    2. Click through to the video poker site and register as a new player

    3. Provide details such as name, address and age

    4. Enter the offered bonus code if applicable

    5. Confirm your account via email.

    6. Your account is now open and your bonus is normally applied instantly.


    FAQs

    How does video poker work?

    Video poker is very similar to five-card poker, with two main differences. Firstly, you only play against the computer, and secondly, you can’t lose more than your initial bet.

    The object of the game is to make the best poker hand possible out of the five cards you are dealt. You can discard one or more cards in exchange for others if you wish.

    The machine will then pay out for the value of the hand, which is posted on the pay table.

    Where can I find the best online video poker casinos?

    We’ve reviewed many of the world’s top online video poker casinos, offering our opinion on every aspect. Just look through our shortlist further up this page to see the video poker sites we recommend.

    Is video poker better than slots?

    There are two main differences between video poker and slots. Firstly, video poker is a game of skill, whereas slots is purely a game of luck. Secondly, all video poker games will show you their pay tables – meaning you know exactly what the RTP value is.

    Where can I play free video poker?

    You’ll find that every online casino we recommend gives you the chance to play free video poker, (most will require you to create an account before you can do so.) We would recommend playing for free to get your bearings, and then move on to real money games once you’ve learned the rules.

    What does Jacks or Better mean in poker?

    It means two things. Firstly, it’s the name of the original version of video poker. It also means that the lowest hand leading to a cash payout is a pair of jacks or higher. The majority of video poker games have the jacks or better rule, but some will have a higher threshold for prizes, so check the rules before you play.

    How can I win at Jacks or Better?

    When playing video poker, there’s no need to worry about strategy too much. This is because the game will give you suggestions, and these suggestions always match the best possible decision you can make from a statistical point of view. So, follow the suggestions to give yourself the best chance of winning.

    Can I win real money playing online video poker?

    Yes, you certainly can. In fact, some versions of video poker have RTPs of over 100%, meaning that perfect play over a prolonged period should lead to a profit. The most that can be won in a single hand is often in excess of 4,000:1, meaning you could win thousands from a single $1 bet!

    Is online video poker rigged?

    When you play at one of our recommended casinos you can be sure that the games aren’t rigged. This is because our recommended sites have strong oversight from a respected regulatory body and all games will use a random number generator that has been confirmed as fair by an independent organization.