Video poker has been a staple of both land-based and online casinos for decades, offering a unique blend of skill, strategy, and luck. For players in the UK, video poker provides an alternative to slots and table games, with the added appeal of potentially high returns when played with optimal strategy. With so many variants available, choosing the best video poker game can be challenging, especially with the evolving landscape of online casinos and regulatory changes. This guide will help you discover the top video poker games to play, what makes them stand out, and how to make informed choices when playing online, including at UK casinos not on GamStop.
Understanding Video Poker Basics
Before diving into specific games, it’s important to understand how video poker works. Video poker is based on five-card draw poker, where players are dealt five cards and can choose which to hold or discard. The machine then replaces the discarded cards, and the final hand determines the payout based on a predefined paytable. Unlike slots, video poker offers a transparent element of skill-your decisions directly impact your results.
Most video poker games use a standard 52-card deck, though some variants introduce jokers or extra wild cards. The best games reward optimal play with high return-to-player (RTP) percentages, sometimes exceeding 99% when using perfect strategy.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Video Poker
Selecting the best video poker game involves more than just picking the first available option. Consider the following factors to enhance your experience and maximise your potential returns:
- Paytable Structure: Different games and even different machines of the same game may offer varying payouts for hands. Favourable paytables are crucial for achieving high RTP.
- RTP (Return to Player): The theoretical percentage of wagered money a game will return to players over time. Higher RTP games are generally better for long-term play.
- Volatility: Some video poker games pay frequently but in small amounts, while others offer the potential for bigger wins but less often. Choose a volatility level that matches your risk tolerance.
- Bonus Features: Wild cards, multipliers, and bonus rounds can add excitement and increase potential payouts.
- Skill Factor: Games that reward optimal strategy allow players to influence their results more than pure luck-based games.
Top Video Poker Variants for UK Players
With a solid understanding of the basics, let’s explore the most popular and rewarding video poker variants available at online casinos, including those featured on the best casino sites non GamStop.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the classic video poker game and remains a favourite among enthusiasts. The objective is simple: achieve a hand of at least a pair of Jacks to win. The standard “9/6” paytable (where a full house pays 9x and a flush pays 6x your bet) offers an RTP of around 99.54% with perfect strategy, making it one of the most player-friendly options.
Why play Jacks or Better?
- Simple rules and easy-to-understand paytable
- High RTP, especially with the 9/6 paytable
- Widely available at most online casinos
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild introduces a twist by making all twos (deuces) wild cards, which can substitute for any other card to form winning hands. This increases the frequency of strong hands, but the paytable is adjusted to compensate. The best version, known as “Full Pay Deuces Wild,” offers an RTP of about 100.76% with optimal play, but these machines are rare.
Key features:
- Wild cards create more winning possibilities
- Potential for very high payouts with rare hands (e.g. natural royal flush)
- Requires more advanced strategy due to the presence of wilds
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker is similar to Jacks or Better but provides bonus payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands. For example, Four aces typically pay more than four of another rank. This adds excitement and the chance for bigger wins, though the overall RTP is slightly lower than Jacks or Better.
Why choose Bonus Poker?
- Extra excitement from bonus payouts
- Still features straightforward gameplay
- Good choice for players looking for a twist on the classic format
Joker Poker (Joker’s Wild)
Joker Poker adds a joker to the deck, serving as a wild card. This increases the odds of making strong hands, but the minimum qualifying hand is typically two pairs or higher. RTP varies depending on the paytable, but the best versions can approach 100% with perfect strategy.
Highlights:
- Wild joker card increases hand variety
- Requires a different strategy compared to standard video poker
- Fun for players seeking more action and unpredictability
Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker is a variant of Bonus Poker that further increases payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially four aces. The trade-off is that payouts for other hands, like two pairs, are reduced. This game is more volatile but can be highly rewarding for lucky players.
What makes Double Bonus Poker appealing?
- Huge potential payouts for premium four-of-a-kind hands
- Ideal for players who enjoy higher risk and reward
- Requires careful strategy adjustments due to volatility
How to Identify the Best Video Poker Machines
Not all video poker games are created equal, even within the same variant. Paytables can differ significantly, impacting the game’s RTP and your long-term results. Here are some tips for identifying the best machines or online games:
- Check the paytable: Look for the “full pay” versions, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better or full pay Deuces Wild. These offer the highest returns.
- Compare RTP: Many reputable casinos list the RTP of their games. Choose those with the highest percentages.
- Review game rules: Some games introduce subtle changes that affect odds, such as altered payouts for certain hands or the addition of wild cards.
- Try demo versions: Many online casinos let you play video poker for free. Use this opportunity to learn the rules and test different strategies without risking real money.
Where to Play Video Poker Online
Uk players have a wide range of options when it comes to playing video poker online. Traditional UK-licensed casinos offer a variety of games, but some players may seek alternatives due to self-exclusion schemes or a desire for broader game selections. In such cases, best non GamStop casinos can provide access to a wider array of video poker titles and potentially more favourable paytables.
When choosing an online casino for video poker, consider the following:
- Licensing and Security: Ensure the casino is licensed by a reputable authority and uses secure encryption to protect your data.
- Game Selection: Look for casinos with a broad range of video poker variants from top software providers.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Some casinos offer video poker-specific bonuses or allow video poker play to count toward wagering requirements. Always read the terms to understand how video poker is treated.
- Payment Methods: Choose sites that support convenient and secure payment options, such as debit cards, e-wallets, and, where available, cryptocurrencies.
- Customer Support: Responsive support is important, especially if you encounter issues with payouts or game functionality.
Video Poker Strategy: Maximising Your Chances
Unlike slots, video poker rewards skillful play. The decisions you make-specifically, which cards to hold and which to discard-directly affect your chances of winning. Here are some practical strategy tips for popular variants:
- Learn the optimal strategy for your chosen game: Each variant has its own best practices. For example, In Jacks or Better, always hold a high pair over four cards to a flush.
- Use strategy charts: Many resources provide printable or digital charts outlining the best plays for each possible hand.
- Practice in demo mode: Most online casinos offer free play, allowing you to refine your strategy without risking money.
- Always bet max coins for progressive jackpots: Some machines