Video Poker: the best casinos to play VideoPoker & our advice

Video poker is the result of a mix between the rules of poker and the operation of a slot machine, i.e. both. Games the most popular in the history of gambling. Besides, how about becoming a real expert on the subject? Welcome to our video poker guide!

1. The origins - How was English video poker born? The story of a game with a tumultuous past

One could easily believe that video poker, now playable on electronic machines and online, only made its appearance in the iGaming market not too long ago. However, its origins actually go back to the 20th century. Having trouble imagining being able to play video poker without a screen? How did they do it back then? We have uncovered the mystery for you.

1.1. Slot Machine + Poker = Video Poker? A brilliant equation that gave video poker France

The very first video poker machines were created as early as 1970: did you know that video poker games were neither colorful nor electronic back then? Yes, they were mechanical games, not very glamorous - it must be admitted - and the winnings were not always paid out or, if they were, in candies!

These are two American engineers who are at the origin of the game in its early stages: a device randomly distributes cards mechanically (using a lever and a few coils). The player chooses to keep the most advantageous ones and is given a second round of cards to complete theirs in order to obtain winning combinations.

If video poker had found a certain audience that was not playing with much interest at that time, it cannot be said that everything was put in place to ensure the success of the game from the outset...

1.2. Despite a difficult start, video poker is now a rising, rising, rising star...

Average profitability, light promotion and not very well mastered, but also the rise of its counterpart - the very popular (and lucrative) game of slot machines: video poker will take time to establish itself on the forefront of the scene. The battle is long, but in 1970, a rapid technological evolution is serving every sector, and the gaming industry is no exception: we are talking about the rise of electronics and computers. It didn't take long for the first electronic models of video poker to be commercialized. The idea? Combining video poker machines with television screens: a first successful bet with the introduction of online video poker games.

Finally, the true "propeller" of video poker makes itself known: in 1979, the company SIRCOMA - formerly International Game Technology, launches the game Draw Poker™. Thanks to some additional developments (such as the addition of new variations) but also the waning novelty effect of slot machines, video poker finally meets its audience and attracts players from around the world. It invades casinos and seduces discreet players, stressed by the fervor that reigns around the gaming tables.

Obviously, the peak of the internet and online gaming websites a few years later brings a new breath to the casino poker machine game. Today, very popular on the internet thanks to constant evolutions and innovations, video poker is at its peak... and still has bright days ahead of it!

2. The rules - Simple and quick to learn, one of the great strengths of video poker

The video poker, concretely, what is it? A game of chance that allows you to play with the spirit of poker against a machine, the latter strongly resembling slot machines. Even today, if you go to a land-based casino, you will have a hard time distinguishing a slot machine from a video poker machine. But beware, despite its resemblance to the game of slots or poker, the functioning of video poker is specific. And with a new game comes new rules... to be aware of:

2.1. Quiz - Do you really know the difference between a slot machine and a video poker machine in a casino?

As we mentioned, a traditional video poker machine greatly resembles a slot machine found in casinos. Behind the metal dial, you will find the heart of the "casino poker machine" known as the "random number generator": this allows players to enjoy a fair draw each game. Below the screen, which highlights the poker cards, there is a keyboard with various buttons, allowing users to select their desired actions. There is also a slot for inserting coins and tokens, and a container positioned at the bottom of the machine to help players collect any possible winnings.

2.2. What is the purpose of video poker? Are there big differences with poker? The slots?

Winning against the artificial intelligence that controls the machine: that is the goal of video poker. To do this, the player must try to accumulate as many winning hands as possible. At the start of the game, the player places an initial bet and receives five cards. The player has the option to keep them or exchange them for other cards:

• 1. If the player's hand is stronger than the computer's, he wins the game.
• 2. If he loses the game, he must abandon all the stakes already placed in play.

2.3. To teach you how to play video poker, what better than a detailed mock game?

To explain the rules of video poker simply, we have decided to describe a typical game step by step (fictitious player - Mr X):

• Mr X makes a bet, i.e. he determines the amount he will play in this game.
• Mr X clicks on the "deal", the cards are dealt: he receives 5.
• After examining his cards, Mr X identifies potential hands. The playable combinations, as we remind you, are directly inspired by poker. Therefore, the user who already has experience with this card game will have a clear advantage in video poker, which can be considered a simplified version of poker (possible combinations below).
• Choice: Mr X can either keep his hand or exchange the cards of his choice.
• Mr X wants to swap 3 cards out of 5, so he receives 3 new ones. He then builds the combination he can and receives gains accordingly. The stronger the combination, the higher the winnings will be.

2.4. Very useful memo - Here are the video poker combinations you absolutely need to know at your fingertips

As mentioned before, the combinations are identical to those of classic poker. Here is the summary table:

When you have …	The combination is called...
2 cards that are identical	A pair
2 X 2 cards that are identical	A double pair
3 cards that are identical	A set
5 consecutive cards	A straight
5 cards that have a similar color	A flush
1 set + 1 pair	A full
4 cards that are identical	A square
1 straight that has a similar flush	A straight flush
1 straight flush (from the Ace to the number 10)	A royal flush

The combinations are listed here from weakest to strongest.

3. Variants - Before clicking on “play video poker”, discover its different facets

Do you want to explore the variations of video poker? Great news because you will have plenty of choices! Jacks or Better, Flush Plus, Joker Poker, Tens or Better, Deuces Wild, and even Bonus Poker, just to name a few, online video poker has - very - many facets! But be careful, you will have to make the right choice when it comes to betting: it will have to adapt to your playing style and the techniques you master, in order to maximize your profit.

3.1. Quiz - What are the 5 most famous and favorite video poker variants to date?

• Jacks or Better in a nutshell: To record winnings in a game of Jacks or Better, you must show a pair of jacks or better.
• The Ten or Better in a nutshell: it's exactly the same rules as in Jacks or Better except that in Ten or Better, the minimum combination required is a pair of 10.
• Deuces Wild in a nutshell: the four "2" will play a key role, that of the Joker. You understand that it is rather easy to make a combination in Deuces Wild, to the point that casino operators require three of a kind in order to enter the payout table.
• Joker Poker in a nutshell: Joker Poker is a variant that will allow you to insert an additional card into the game - the joker, obviously, which will take the place of any card if you have it in your hand.
• Aces and Faces in a nutshell: if you manage to bring together figure combinations, you will be able to claim remuneration well above the average, especially for the squares.

3.2. Each variant of video poker has its own strategy: we will help you choose it well

When you are on your online casino looking for a variant, before clicking on “play video poker”, you will need:

• Discover the payment tables of the different versions of the game: these are not the same, depending on the virtual gaming establishments.
• Choose a variant that fits your budget: once the amount of your bankroll has been established, select a variant with betting limits adapted to it.
• Also adapt your choice according to your knowledge: favor the simplest variants at the beginning, those which allow players to win thanks to very simple combinations and which are… guess what?

3.3. Focus on Jacks or Better: The Easiest Video Poker Variant - Try It First

Here is the most played variant in all casinos combined! Know that the jacks or better is also the basis for many variations of video poker. The rules of the game are simple and strictly follow what we have communicated to you in the "game rules" paragraph. To win, a pair of jacks or better will be enough: nothing too complicated! With a very satisfying payout rate (up to 99.5%), simple rules, and the potential for quick winnings, this variation of video poker proves to be ideal for beginner players.

3.4. Focus on Deuces Wild: the most lucrative variant of video poker - to consume without moderation

In second place in the ranking of the most simple, popular and lucrative video poker variants (up to 98.91%), we call the … Deuces Wild Most resembling iSlots - particularly thanks to the Jokers, called Wild in English, used on slot machines - we quickly understand why this variant is one of the most popular on the internet.

4. Strategies - Is there really a video poker strategy to maximize your winnings? YES !

How to improve your chances of winning at video poker, a game that is completely controlled by a computer? Random number generator, computer software used, commission taken (house advantage): winning at this casino game seems impossible! However, shoutmix.com has gathered tips in the form of "video poker strategy" that will allow you to increase your chances of winning:

4.1. The use of a riser or a video poker martingale: a proven technique

One of the "video poker strategies" that the player can use is to use a progressive or martingale betting system. While martingales are generally used in the context of roulette, their potential can also be exploited in video poker. The progressive betting system can be valuable in a difficult financial situation during the game. For example, by purposely over-betting, the player can - in the event of a winning bet - make up for their losses and recoup the lost money. The benefit of martingales is to increase the player's bet amount to allow them to win a large sum and help bridge the gap. At the same time, once the player has regained a comfortable financial situation, they should decrease the amount of their bet to avoid any risk of losing money.

4.2. The use of mathematics and video poker statistics: nothing complicated, see our table

Another video poker strategy? As with any casino game, statistics are available for video poker: they guide the player in the choices they should make. Mathematically, certain bets, numbers or combinations tend to pay out more than other casino games. Below, you will find a table on which you can rely at any time. It presents the average amounts that a player can win in video poker based on the number of coins played and the combinations won.

	Piece x 1	Piece x 2	Piece x 3	Piece x 4	Piece x 5
Straight Flush	250	500	750	1000	3000
Fifth	50	100	150	200	250
Edge	25	40	60	80	100
Full	6	12	18	30	35
Flush	5	10	15	24	25
Following	4	8	12	16	20
three of a kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pairs	2	4	6	8	10
Valet	1	2	3	4	5

5. Golden tips - Here are 4 exclusive tips to win and have fun at videopoker for sure

Video poker can be a very interesting gambling game for players seeking winnings. Although the value of the cards, which will be dealt during the game, depends on luck, players will have the opportunity to gain an advantage from winning combinations by respecting a few sacred rules. So stop typing "how to win at casino poker machines?" into your search engine, we provide you with 4 golden tips to keep in mind to maximize your chances of winning the video poker jackpot.

• 1. The right game, you will choose

  Before getting started, you will have to browse through the game library of your online casino in order to select your game. So take the necessary time to select the game that will bring you big winnings: some variations of the game offer very different advantages.

• 2. Your capital, you will define

  Before starting, it is absolutely essential to define your capital, down to the cent. Once you have completed this step, you will have to respect, at all costs, the fixed amount, even if you win fabulous profits or experience losses. Only in this way will you be able to perfectly take advantage of each game: show self-control.

• 3. Bonuses, you will enjoy

  We strongly advise you to use the free bonuses offered by video poker casinos. Firstly, they will significantly increase the amount of your winnings. Secondly, certain video poker games will also allow you to win additional bonuses during the game. So make sure to take advantage of them, while of course being careful to read the various conditions of these promotional offers.

• 4. Rationally, you will play

  The worst mistake you can make in video poker is to confuse the game with slot machines and primarily bet on instinct. You must use the strategies specific to the game to maximize your chances. If you know how to apply them perfectly, you should be able to make an interesting profit from the games at your video poker casino.

6. Lucrative extras - Take advantage of progressive jackpots and video poker bonuses

If you are used to playing games of chance, you probably know the concept of "progressive jackpot" as well as that of "bonus". However, few players know that these fabulous gaming options also exist in video poker:

6.1. Video poker bonuses: where can you find them? Let the bargain hunt begin!

The most popular bonus at video poker is the same as the one in slot machines, namely the "free spins" which are called "tours gratuits" in English. As the name suggests, these allow you to play without having to wager any money. Very interesting for players, the video poker bonus greatly increases the chances of winning: indeed, the more you play, the more you bet, the higher your chances are.

If you prefer to play multi-hand video poker, it would be particularly wise to use your video poker bonuses: they will allow you to greatly increase the amount of your bankroll. This way, you can fully enjoy the benefits of multi-hand gameplay, even if you have a low starting capital. And thanks to shoutmix.com, you don't even need to go hunting for video poker bonuses: we have done it for you.

6.2. Video poker progressive jackpots: your winnings will skyrocket thanks to these magic pots!

Yes, indeed, a jackpot - whether progressive or not - can be won in video poker just like in slot machines. Unlike slots that rely primarily on luck, in video poker, the jackpot can be reached if you manage to make the best game combinations (most of the time, this would be a royal flush). By choosing to play progressive video poker games, you can therefore win several thousands of euros if you manage to obtain the ultimate combination.

Attention, even if progressive video poker games are very advantageous, you will need a substantial bankroll to play them: usually, you will have a chance to win video poker jackpots, if and only if, you bet the maximum amount. Just like with progressive slot machines, be careful to choose a game with a substantial common jackpot - like All American Video Poker Progressive™ - if you want to win astronomical winnings.

7. Tournaments - Do you know these unmissable events dedicated to online video poker?

Poker is the first casino game to have developed into tournaments: these are extremely popular among players and can also be broadcast live on television channels, for example, depending on the importance of the event. Virtual casino operators therefore had the idea of developing these tournaments on many other games. Thus, you can now participate in this type of event on blackjack and roulette tables, on slot machine games and of course online video poker:

7.1. How does a video poker tournament work? As long-time experts, we tell you

Did you know that video poker tournaments can bring together thousands of participants? Prizes to be won can be astronomical for the winners, but not only that: online casinos usually offer prizes to the top ten, twenty, thirty, forty or fifty players in the ranking. To be among the best players, you will need to accumulate a certain number of points during your games. The more you win, the higher you will climb the steps to the top of the 2018 video poker ranking.

7.2. Take advantage of our experience: we have listed the tips for winning a video poker tournament

To clinch first place in a video poker tournament - or simply maximize your chances of winning, you're going to need to use a few tricks:

• 1. Keep an eye on the leaderboard It is important to take into account a valuable indicator, commonly called "leaderboard": this is the ranking of the top players in the tournament. By using this factor, you will be able to evaluate your progression during the event, and you will know what actions to take to succeed in being ranked among the top positions in the leaderboard.
• 2. Control your bankroll very precisely You will need to have the necessary intuition to vary the amount of your bets, depending on the value of your hands. Do not hesitate to increase it if you feel luck is turning in your favor. On the contrary, be reasonable and propose lower bets if you find yourself in more delicate playing situations.

8. The Must-Haves - Play Only the Best of the Best Video Poker: Have a Pro's Eye

To complete our special video poker file, the shoutmix.com team has chosen to explore the web in order to find you the best video poker: ranking of virtual casinos for indulging in your favorite game and top providers not to be missed. Discover, without further delay, our selection:

8.1. Think about it: the best video poker casinos offer you a (very) wide choice of variants

Online video poker comes in a multitude of variants, each one more interesting than the other. However, not all virtual gaming establishments integrate them into their game libraries. While some only offer two or three versions of the famous game, others provide a wide range of variants.

8.2. Don't forget: the best video poker casino offers you the crème de la crème of gaming software

It is also important to know that different game software do not all have the same payout percentage on a casino poker machine: some are preferred if you want to win many prizes in your games. We strongly advise you not to make this choice randomly, as the different software that power online establishments have different advantages for players. So here is an exclusive selection - today's best video poker game providers to prioritize are:

• Rival
• Microgaming
• 5 Dimes
• Grand Virtual

9. The advantages - In a video poker casino, who wins the duel house advantage vs. player?

If you are used to frequenting land-based and online casinos to win prizes, you probably know that there are games that players should prioritize. Indeed, the casino's advantage is not the same in roulette, blackjack, slot machines or video poker. It is therefore essential to keep these different data in mind:

9.1. A few numbers! Excellent news: the video poker advantage will be totally in your favor

Ladies and gentlemen, video poker enthusiasts, we have some very good news to announce to you! Rejoice, as online video poker is THE game that has the lowest house advantage among all other casino games. The numbers speak for themselves, as the house advantage of a "video poker machine casino" - another nickname for the game of video poker - is only 0.4%. We are therefore far from the one of slot machines, which varies between 10 and 15%, or even from that of roulette, which tops out at 5.4%.

As you will have understood, the lower the percentage, the higher your chances of winning will be maximized. If you want to discover other games with a low house advantage, you can try your luck at baccarat, blackjack, and craps, as they have an advantage ranging from 1 to 1.5%.

9.2. What are the most lucrative variants to favor to obtain video poker winnings?

If you want to win big on a video poker casino, we strongly recommend choosing a variant with a favorable payout rate. For example, the Jacks or Better version, which is the most common in online casinos, has the highest payout rate (RTP up to 99.5%). Joker Poker and Deuces Wild (RTP up to 98.91%) are also very interesting variants for players.

10. Profiles - Quiz: in the game of video poker, what type of player are you or will you be?

Over the years, we have met many video poker enthusiasts. By talking with them, we quickly realized that their profiles were very different from each other. That is why we came up with the idea of developing this topic: in which portrait of a video poker player will you recognize yourself?

• The "cautious"

  It is important to remember that video poker has very low betting limits. Thus, players who prefer to bet only small amounts of money, or those who do not have a large capital, have quickly been attracted to this game of chance: this kind of players represents 70% of video poker players.

• The “Poker Fan”

  The Star game is heavily inspired by the rules of poker and naturally attracts enthusiasts of this discipline. For these players, there are two possibilities: poker players who wish to extend their passion by playing a completely different game, and fans of poker rules who prefer the simplicity of this version.

• The “bitten” of strong emotions

  You need to have a strong heart to play video poker, a game of chance. Some players are addicted to this adrenaline rush and will not hesitate to increase the amount of their bets to play with their nerves and enjoy even more suspense.

• The lucky "

  These players often attract the wrath of gambling regulars. Although they are novices, they seem to attract fortune like a magnet and can succeed in counting a royal flush on their first try. However, they must be careful to leave the game at the right time to leave with their precious winnings and not unconsciously put them back into play.

• The "regular"

  Very methodical and knowledgeable about the game, this type of player prefers to calculate numerous statistics and multiple percentages in order to know when to bet big and win large sums of money. These are often the players who win the most money in video poker. Therefore, you understand better why it is important to master the game from A to Z before venturing into it: this is the whole point of this special feature.