Video poker blends the excitement of slots with the skill of poker, and you can start playing on the site today. Whether you prefer a quick five‑card hand or a more strategic wild‑card variant, understanding the core mechanics will help you enjoy the game and protect your bankroll.
Understanding the Basics of Video Poker
The Game Flow: Bet, Deal, Hold, Draw
First, you choose a bet size that matches your comfort level and the machine’s minimum stake. After you press the “Deal” button, the machine deals five cards face up. You then decide which cards to keep by selecting the “Hold” button under each card you want to retain. Finally, the “Draw” button replaces the discarded cards, completing your hand.
This four‑step cycle repeats until you cash out or switch to a different game. Because the computer shuffles after each round, every hand starts with a fresh random deck.
Hand Rankings and Paytables
Video poker uses the same hand hierarchy as traditional poker, from a high card up to a royal flush. Each hand corresponds to a payout value listed on the machine’s paytable. The paytable shows how many credits you earn for each winning combination based on a one‑coin bet; most machines multiply that amount when you bet the maximum five coins.
Understanding the paytable is essential because subtle differences—such as a 9/6 versus a 9/7 Jacks or Better machine—can affect your long‑term return by several percentage points.
| Hand | Typical Payout (5‑coin bet) | Example at William Hill Casino | Example at Betfair Casino | Example at Royal Vegas Casino |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
| Straight Flush | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 |
| Full House | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Flush | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Straight | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Two Pair | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Key Strategies to Improve Your Odds
Which Cards to Hold and When – Basic Strategy for Jacks or Better
Basic strategy charts assign a numerical value to every possible hand, telling you which cards to keep for the highest expected return. For example, if you are dealt a low pair, you should hold the pair and discard the other three cards. If you have four cards to a flush, hold those four and draw one new card.
Following the chart reduces the house edge to under 0.5 % on a full‑pay Jacks or Better machine, making the game one of the most favorable casino options for skilled players.
The Importance of Full‑Pay Machines and How to Spot Them
A full‑pay, or “9/6,” Jacks or Better machine pays 9 to 1 for a full house and 6 to 1 for a flush. You can spot a full‑pay machine by checking the paytable before you start. Look for a 4,000‑credit royal flush payout when you bet five coins; this indicator usually means the machine offers the optimal return.
Choosing a full‑pay machine dramatically improves your long‑term profitability compared with reduced‑pay versions that lower payouts for the same hands.
Popular Video Poker Variants
Jacks or Better – The Standard Choice
This variant rewards any pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces as the lowest winning hand. Its simple rules make it ideal for beginners, and the abundance of full‑pay tables gives it the best overall return.
Deuces Wild – The Wild Card Twist
In Deuces Wild, every deuce acts as a joker that can substitute for any card. This flexibility creates more frequent high‑value hands such as five‑of‑a‑kind. However, the increased variance requires disciplined bankroll management.
Bonus Poker – Higher Pay for Four of a Kind
Bonus Poker adds an extra payout tier for four of a kind, often paying 200 to 1 or more. The variant also offers a “bonus” hand—four of a kind with an Ace kicker—that earns an even larger prize, appealing to players who enjoy high‑risk, high‑reward gameplay.
Where to Play Video Poker Online
Top Casinos Offering Video Poker – William Hill Casino, Betfair Casino, Royal Vegas Casino
William Hill Casino hosts a range of Jacks or Better tables, including several 9/6 machines that display clear paytables. Betfair Casino offers Deuces Wild with generous bonus structures for new players. Royal Vegas Casino features Bonus Poker with a progressive jackpot that can reach NZ$5,000 during promotional periods.
What to Look for in an Online Casino for Video Poker
- Transparent paytables that match full‑pay standards.
- Fast, reliable software that ensures fair shuffling.
- Secure NZ$ deposits and withdrawals with reputable licensing.
- Responsive customer support that can answer technical questions promptly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Chasing Bonus Payouts Instead of Optimal Strategy
Many players focus on large welcome bonuses while ignoring the importance of playing on a full‑pay machine. The bonus can disappear quickly if you lose more money than the bonus value due to a poor strategic approach.
Playing Without a Strategy Chart or Training Mode
Skipping the strategy chart leaves you guessing which cards to hold, increasing the house edge. Most reputable online casinos provide a training mode; use it to practice before you wager real NZ$.
Author
Dimitri Marek is a veteran analyst who specializes in casino bonus terms and wagering requirements, helping players maximize value across New Zealand’s online gambling market.
FAQ
What is the best video poker variant for beginners?
Jacks or Better offers the simplest rules and the most favorable odds for new players.
How do I read a video poker paytable?
You match each winning hand with its corresponding credit payout, adjusting the amount based on the number of coins you wagered.
Is video poker a game of skill or luck?
Both elements matter, but skillful decision‑making can significantly lower the house edge.
Can I use a strategy card while playing at online casinos?
Most online platforms allow you to keep a strategy chart on screen or nearby while you play.
What is the difference between video poker and slots?
Video poker lets you influence the outcome by choosing which cards to hold, whereas slots rely entirely on random spins.