Overview of Video Poker

Updated: November 8, 2026

Video Poker appeared in its current form in the 1970s and has been a favorite of advantage players ever since. This is because, when played perfectly and with the right paytable, it can actually erase the house edge and give the customer a strong chance of turning a consistent profit. But despite this major selling point, it is often overlooked by players lured by the flashing lights and graphical superiority of slot machines.

The credit for creating the game goes to Si Redd, a gaming distributor who saw the potential for a casino option based on poker. When Bally executives showed little interest in his project, he struck out on his own and founded the company known as Sircoma (which later became International Gaming Technology). Within a decade, his machines could be found in every major Las Vegas casino, and Bally executives are still kicking themselves for letting this potential cash cow slip through their fingers.

Video Poker Rules

Although it can take some time to master, Video Poker remains one of the easiest casino games to learn. It is similar to five-card draw poker, and the game begins when the player decides the size of their bet. Many beginners enjoy trying this game.

Once the financial matter is settled, the game offers the player five virtual cards across the screen. It is then up to the player to decide how many of these cards to keep and how many to discard. The most common method of keeping one or more cards is to press (or click) up to five corresponding icons.

Types of Video Poker

There are numerous versions of Video Poker on the market, and new games are being released all the time. However, the following remain the most popular options and are the ones most likely to be found in online and land-based casinos.

Jacks or Better

The most common version of the game, it gets its name from the fact that the player needs a pair of Jacks or better to receive a payout. The game (with the correct paytable) offers an expected return of 99.54% to players using the optimal strategy.

Jacks or Better Guide

Bonus Poker

This machine offers bonus payouts for various four of a kind hands. The full payout version of the game is 8/5, and the expected return is 99.17%. Along with Jacks or Better, this is one of the most popular versions of Video Poker.

Deuces Wild

The deuce cards can substitute for any other card in this Video Poker variation. If you can find a full-pay version and use basic strategy to guide your playing session, you can expect to enjoy a 100.71% edge over the house.

Joker Poker

In order to win any money, you must build a hand with a pair of Kings or better. You will be helped by the Joker, as it acts as a wild card in the game. If you can learn and apply the basic strategy, you can expect an average return of 100.64%.

Double Bonus Poker

As with most VP games, the player needs a pair of Jacks or better to get paid. However, the biggest payout comes from a four of a kind hand. The full payout version of the game is 10/7, and the expected return for players using strategy is 100.17%.

Double Double Bonus Poker

Similar to the previous entry, although the full pay version of this game is 10/6. The expected average return is 100.07% for anyone using basic strategy.

General Video Poker Advice

No matter which version of Video Poker you play, the following tips should serve you well. Don't expect them to work miracles, however, as the key to long-term success at the game still revolves around basic strategy.

Fortunately, Video Poker is not a difficult game to learn, and the strategies are not nearly as involved as something like card counting. With just a few hours of memorization and practice, you should be ready to take on any casino and its despicable house edge.

All video poker machines, virtual or otherwise, have a pay table that lists the various cash prizes available for certain hands. In order to find the most profitable game, I suggest you take a long look at these tables before spending your money.

Video poker games are divided into "full pay" and "short pay" machines. The former pays the maximum amount for a full house and a flush, while the latter pays a lesser amount. In most cases, a 9/6 machine is full pay, with a full house paying 9 times the bet and a flush paying 6 times the bet. An 8/5 machine, on the other hand, pays less and results in the player losing money almost 6 times faster. If you have the luxury of choosing between these two options, making the right decision should be a no-brainer.

While the objective of all Video Poker games is the same, there are a wide variety of machines available to players. Understanding the different types can mean the difference between making a profit and just breaking even.

In later sections, I will provide some examples of video poker strategy. These charts are simple to use and require only that you play the highest hand listed on the chart. These strategy charts are available for all variations of VP, and you should never start a game without one. If you do, do not be surprised if your expected return drops significantly.

Poker Strategy Guide

Most online casino software can be played for free before you try your luck on the real money machines. Take advantage of this every chance you get, as it is an excellent way to learn the different VP games and practice your strategy.

Your success or failure at Video Poker has everything to do with the poker hands that determine whether or not you receive a payout. If you do not know the rank of your hands, it is impossible to consistently apply your strategy and make the best possible decisions.

One of the best tips I can give video poker players is to take their time and focus on making the right decisions during the game. Slots players often work in the opposite direction, pushing the button as much as possible to get the maximum number of spins per round. But slots are a game of chance, while video poker requires proper strategy to achieve long-term success.

While smaller bets can still result in respectable wins, most VP machines offer bonus money if the player risks the maximum amount allowed. If you are the type of player who likes to look at the big picture, this strategy can put you ahead in the long run.

Players who stare at a video screen for too long can become disoriented and blurry-eyed. Before you begin a session, it is a good idea to set a time limit on how long you will play. This will ensure that your mind stays relatively fresh, allowing you to make the right moves for each hand. If you prefer not to limit yourself in this way, then at least try to take a break every hour to stand up, stretch, and look at something other than the computer terminal.

Proper bankroll management is important for any casino game. Otherwise, you run the risk of an unpleasant gaming session and possible financial disaster. Before entering the casino, evaluate your bankroll and determine how much you are willing to lose during the upcoming session. If you are unlucky enough to reach this quota, stop playing immediately. While no one likes to end on a losing note, it is preferable to dipping into funds that are earmarked for basic needs such as food and shelter.

Strategy for 8/5 Bonus Poker

This type of video poker can be found in almost all casinos, so having a strategy sheet for it should have you well prepared for your next gaming session, whether you are playing online or in a brick and mortar establishment. When executed properly, this strategy should yield a return of 99.17%.

When your five-card hand is dealt, examine it to determine all the different combinations that can be made. Then choose the highest available option from the following table:

9/6 Jacks or Better Simplified Strategy

To give you a few options, I have also included this basic strategy chart for 9/6 Jacks or Better. While this simplified way of playing adds 0.08% to the house edge over the optimal strategy, it is much easier for the novice player to memorize and understand. The difference is also negligible, leaving you with an expected return of 99.46%.

As with the 8/5 Bonus Poker strategy, you first look at your five-card hand. Next, find the highest hand on the board that exists within your hand.

Video Poker Strategy

While most casino patrons flock to the slots, veteran players know that the video poker machines are some of the best bets for advantage players. If you can find the right paytable and apply the perfect strategy, you can actually gain an advantage over the house. And as anyone who has gambled a lot can tell you, this is not something to be taken lightly.