Video poker occupies a unique space in the online casino landscape. Combining elements of traditional poker with the fast-paced thrill of slot machines, it offers both casual fun and strategic depth. Over the past decade, I’ve spent countless hours testing dozens of video poker variants—charting pay tables, tweaking my strategy, and chasing that satisfying feeling when a perfect draw turns a modest wager into a hefty payout. In this article, I’ll share my insights into the very best video poker games you can play online today, so you can bypass the trial-and-error and dive straight into those high-return sessions.
At its core, video poker is deceptively simple. You place a wager, receive five cards, and choose which to hold before drawing replacements for the discarded ones. The final hand determines your payout according to a preset pay table. What sets video poker apart from slots is that your choices directly influence the outcome. The right hold-and-draw decisions can elevate the return-to-player (RTP) percentage well above 99%, rivalling table games like blackjack and far exceeding most slot titles.
Before we dive into specific variants, it’s important to recognize the factors that turn a good video poker game into a great one. Pay tables should reward four-of-a-kind and full houses generously, bonus features ought to add extra excitement, and the user interface must be clean and responsive. Equally crucial is playing on a site that treats you fairly—one that uses certified random number generators, offers transparent terms, and processes withdrawals quickly.
For players in the United Kingdom, finding a trusted operator can mean the difference between smooth sessions and frustrating delays. I always recommend checking out well-regarded uk poker sites that specialise in both table and video poker offerings and boast strong licensing credentials. By signing up through a reputable platform, you avoid questionable practices and can focus on mastering your favorite video poker variants without worry.
What makes a video poker game stand out
When I first encountered video poker back in the mid-2000s, I was struck by how different each variant could feel. Even subtle adjustments to the pay table dramatically altered optimal strategy and long-term returns. Over time, I learned to evaluate each game on several criteria.
A high RTP baseline is paramount. Games like full-pay Jacks or Better can reach 99.54% with perfect play, while lesser versions might drop below 98%. Next, bonus features—such as multipliers for four-of-a-kind or mystery jackpots—add layers of excitement. User experience also matters: mobile-friendly layouts, clear animations, and quick draw sequences keep the game engaging.
Finally, flexibility in betting range can cater to novices and high-rollers alike. I often switch between penny denominations when testing speed strategies and maximum-coin play when chasing royal flush jackpots. Choosing a game that accommodates both small and large bets allows you to adapt your approach as your bankroll grows or contracts.
Jacks or Better: the classic benchmark
No article on video poker would be complete without Jacks or Better. Known as the “full-pay” variant when it offers the 9/6 pay table (9-to-1 for full house, 6-to-1 for flush), it remains the gold standard. The draw table is straightforward: only pairs of jacks or higher result in a win beyond the ante, so strategy focuses on holding high-card pairs and 4-card inside straight/flush draws appropriately.
With an RTP of 99.54% on the full-pay version, Jacks or Better rewards disciplined play more than any other video poker game. In my early days, I measured my improvement by how consistently I could memorize the correct holds for marginal hands—like deciding between holding a low pair versus two suited high cards. Once I mastered that, my variance dropped significantly, and I saw my session win-rate stabilize around zero to slight positive over hundreds of hands.
Deuces Wild: chasing bigger payouts
For players who crave wild-card action, Deuces Wild breathes fresh life into the formula. Here, every “2” acts as a joker, substituting for any other card to complete a winning hand. The trade-off is a lower base payout for a natural royal flush—often 800-to-1 instead of 4,000-to-1—because wild cards significantly boost hit frequency.
The best “Deuces Wild Bonus” pay table offers an RTP of around 100.76%, making it one of the few positive-edge games when played perfectly. Early in my video poker journey, Deuces Wild taught me to think differently: always keep wild deuces, evaluate four to a straight flush carefully, and aim for the highest-paying combinations. The extra wilds also made play more dynamic; there’s nothing quite like watching a wild “2” transform a busted hand into a three-of-a-kind or better.
Joker Poker: simplicity meets fun
Joker Poker introduces one joker to each deck, and winning hands start at a pair of kings. Though its optimal RTP of about 98.98% on the best pay table doesn’t match full-pay Jacks or Better, Joker Poker’s charm lies in its simplicity and frequency of wins. The single wild card elevates the excitement without overly complicating strategy.
I remember sharing a late-night session with friends where the screen lit up repeatedly with four-of-a-kind and straight flushes. The middle ground between high volatility Deuces Wild and low-variance Jacks or Better made Joker Poker ideal for social settings, where wins come often enough to keep everyone engaged without massive bankroll swings.
Bonus Poker and Double Bonus: extra rewards
Bonus Poker builds on Jacks or Better by offering higher payouts for four-of-a-kind—usually 45-to-1 for four aces, compared to 25-to-1 in the classic game. Its RTP can approach 99.17% with the 9/6 for full house and flush pay table. The strategy tweaks are minor but crucial: always hold three aces over a straight flush draw, for example.
Double Bonus Poker takes this further by paying out 10-to-1 for four-of-a-kind deuces and 20-to-1 for four-of-a-kind threes or fours. On the best pay tables, you can reach an RTP near 100.17%. When I discovered that variant, I spent an entire afternoon perfecting the hold strategy for three-of-a-kind hands—since sometimes you swap a draw to a straight flush for an immediate four deuces bonus.
All-American Poker: a balanced choice
All-American Poker resembles Jacks or Better but pays six-to-one for a flush instead of five-to-one, and offers different four-of-a-kind payouts. Its optimal RTP on the full-pay version is 99.54%, matching Jacks or Better. The slight pay table tweaks create new strategic nuances, such as holding four to a flush more often than in classic Jacks or Better.
This variant became my personal go-to when I wanted consistency with a dash of extra suspense. The incremental boost for flushes means the occasional 80-coin windfalls keep balance sheets slightly in favour of the player over long sessions—provided strategy charts are followed to the letter.
Video poker networks and progressive jackpots
If chasing life-changing wins appeals to you, look for progressive video poker games that link jackpots across multiple sites. Titles like “Million Dollar Joker” and “Royal Joker” accumulate a portion of each bet into a shared progressive pool, which can swell to six or even seven figures. RTP on these games may dip to the mid-90s, but the chance at a million-pound royal flush entices many players.
I ventured into these progressives during special events when I knew traffic was high (which pushes the jackpot upward faster). The trade-off of slightly lower RTP felt worth the adrenaline rush and social buzz around such massive prizes. Just remember to treat progressive video poker as entertainment—you’re effectively buying a lottery ticket with your wager, not playing pure EV-positive poker.
Tips for mastering online video poker
Becoming a proficient video poker player goes beyond choosing the right game. It requires study, discipline, and ongoing practice. Here are a few techniques I’ve refined over years of play:
First, use strategy charts. Many sites provide downloadable guides that outline the mathematically optimal hold sequence for every possible hand. Review these charts regularly until they become second nature.
Second, practice in free-play mode. Before risking real money, test your skill on demo versions. I often dedicate an hour per variant to sharpen my decision-making without the pressure of real stakes.
Third, track your sessions. Keep a simple log of hands played, wins, and losses. Over time, you’ll spot trends—like which games suit your style or which sessions yield above-average returns.
Fourth, manage your bankroll. Set loss limits and session time frames. Video poker’s low variance can lull you into marathon play; schedule breaks to stay sharp.
Lastly, stay updated on promotions. Online casinos periodically offer cashback on video poker losses, tournament entries, and reload bonuses. These can tilt the odds further in your favour if you time them right.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Even experienced players stumble. One trap I encountered early on was confusing denominational settings. Playing a “1-credit” game versus a “5-credit” game at maximum coins changes the bankroll required but not the hold strategy—yet many players switch stakes and inadvertently apply the wrong chart.
Another mistake is ignoring pay table variations. A game labeled “Jacks or Better” might only offer 8/5 on full house and flush, dropping the RTP below 97%. Before starting a session, always confirm you’re on the “9/6” or “full pay” version.
Emotional play can also derail your progress. Extended cold streaks tempt you to deviate from strategy, chasing losses with riskier holds. I’ve found that pausing after a frustrating run and reviewing strategy charts away from the screen helps reset my mindset.
Finding the right platform
With dozens of casinos offering video poker, your choice of platform matters as much as your game selection. Prioritize sites that hold reputable licences (such as the UKGC or MGA), use certified RNG audits, and feature transparent terms. Mobile compatibility is a plus if you like playing on the go.
For players who also enjoy casino poker variants or live dealer tables, exploring specialised uk poker sites can provide a seamless experience across multiple poker formats and table games. A dedicated poker hub often integrates both cash games and video poker, so you can switch effortlessly between different types of play without jumping between sites.
Final thoughts
Video poker stands out in the online casino world by marrying skill-based decision making with the excitement of chance. Whether you prefer the consistency of full-pay Jacks or Better, the wild-card thrills of Deuces Wild, or the jackpot allure of progressive variants, there’s a title tailored to your taste. By focusing on pay tables, honing your strategy, and playing on trustworthy sites, you position yourself to enjoy an engaging and potentially profitable experience.
Over the years, I’ve seen video poker evolve from basic draw mechanics to feature-rich, networked games that push the boundaries of online gambling. But at its heart, it remains a simple five-card draw that rewards the disciplined and punishes the impulsive. Armed with the insights in this guide, you’re ready to select the best video poker games online and start crafting your own winning legacy.
