Michael | Last updated on: June 4th, 2025
Video poker odds are closely tied to how the game is played. To develop the best strategy, it’s essential to first understand how video poker odds work. Although video poker and slot machines may appear alike, they operate quite differently.
One key distinction is that slot payouts are fixed and generally offer lower odds, whereas video poker rewards strategic play, allowing you to improve your odds with the right decisions.
Understanding How Video Poker Odds Work
Understanding how video poker odds work is key to making smarter betting decisions. Unlike slots, video poker uses a standard deck of cards, meaning the odds are based on real probabilities.
This allows players to calculate potential outcomes, evaluate payout tables, and use skill-based strategies to influence the game’s return over time.
What Are Video Poker Odds?
- They represent the probability of forming a winning hand based on a standard 52-card (or 53-card) deck.
- Unlike slot machines, outcomes are influenced by player decisions and known card distributions.
- Odds vary between game types, but all are grounded in real math, not random outcomes alone.
Odds of Landing Specific Hands
- Common hands like a Pair of Jacks occur frequently and form the base of payouts.
- Higher hands like Full Houses, Flushes, and Royal Flushes have lower odds but much higher returns.
- Probabilities change slightly between game types, such as Bonus Poker or Deuces Wild.
Payout Schedules Explained
- A “9/6” machine pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 for a Flush, typically the best standard payout.
- Small changes in payouts can shift the overall return-to-player (RTP) percentage significantly.
- Choosing machines with full-pay schedules gives you the best long-term winning potential.
Best Video Poker Strategies for Winning Play
Winning consistently at video poker requires more than luck, it demands smart, strategic play. The best video poker strategies focus on understanding the rules of the game, recognising the value of each hand, and knowing when to hold or draw.
By learning to read paytables, applying optimal decisions based on expected value, and avoiding common mistakes, players can significantly increase their chances of long-term success.
Comparing House Edge Across Video Poker Variants
Not all video poker games offer the same odds of winning; each variant comes with its own house edge. By comparing the house edge across popular versions like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Bonus Poker, players can identify which games offer the best return to player (RTP).
Understanding these differences is key to making informed choices and maximising your potential profits over time.
Comparing RTP and House Edge
Deuces Wild offers the highest RTP, making it the best choice for players looking to maximise returns with an advanced strategy.
However, Jacks or Better provides a solid balance of ease and decent RTP, while Bonus Poker offers increased payout opportunities for four-of-a-kind hands but with a slightly lower RTP.
| Game | Five Credit Bet | One to Four Credit Bet | |
| Return Rate | House Edge | Return Rate | |
| Jacks or Better | 98.449% | 1.551% | 97.080% |
| Jacks or Better | 98.392% | 1.608% | 97.020% |
| Jacks or Better | 97.298% | 2.702% | 95.929% |
| Jacks or Better | 96.147% | 3.853% | 94.778% |
| Jacks or Better | 94.996% | 5.004% | 93.627% |
| Deuces Wild (full pay) | 100.762% | -0.762% | 99.457% |
| Deuces Wild (regular pay) | 99.569% | 0.431% | 98.303% |
| Double Bonus | 100.172% | -0.172% | 99.058% |
| Double Double Bonus | 100.067% | -0.067% | 98.718% |
Tips for Playing Video Poker
Mastering video poker requires more than just luck, these final tips for playing video poker like a pro will help sharpen your strategy, enhance your decision-making, and increase your chances of winning. From proper bankroll management to knowing when to max bet, follow these expert insights to take your game to the next level.
Bankroll Management Strategies
One of the most crucial aspects of playing video poker like a pro is mastering bankroll management strategies. Learn how to set betting limits, manage your funds across sessions, and avoid common pitfalls that drain your bankroll quickly. Smart money management ensures you can play longer and capitalise on winning streaks.
When to Max Bet & When to Hold Back
Knowing when to max bet and when to hold back is a game-changer in video poker. This section explains how to recognise high-value opportunities for max bets and when it’s smarter to play conservatively. Timing your bets can significantly impact your long-term success and profitability.
Using Strategy Charts for Better Results
Increase your win rate by using strategy charts for better results. These charts offer optimal play decisions for every possible hand, helping both beginners and seasoned players reduce house edge and play like a pro. Discover how to read and apply these tools to improve every session.
FAQs for Video Poker Odds
In 2025, the best video poker games for high RTP include Deuces Wild (full pay) with an RTP of 100.76%, followed closely by Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus, both offering over 100% RTP with optimal play. These games reward skillful strategies, so understanding payout tables and proper hand decisions is key to maximizing returns.
Video poker offers much better odds than slot machines because outcomes are based on a standard deck of cards and player decisions, not fixed algorithms. While slot machines rely purely on luck, video poker allows you to influence results using strategy, making the house edge significantly lower—often under 1% on full-pay machines.
A “9/6” video poker machine refers to a payout of 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush on a max bet. This is considered a full-pay machine, offering the highest RTP for that game variant. Playing on 9/6 machines—especially in games like Jacks or Better—ensures better long-term winning potential compared to reduced paytables.
Yes, using optimal strategy can dramatically improve your odds in video poker. By learning when to hold or discard cards, referencing strategy charts, and understanding expected value (EV), players can reduce the house edge and increase the chance of winning hands like Flushes, Straights, and even Royal Flushes. Skill plays a critical role in video poker success.
The house edge varies widely between video poker variants. For example, full-pay Deuces Wild has a negative house edge (-0.76%), meaning it’s profitable in the long run with perfect strategy. Jacks or better typically ranges from 1.5% to 5%, depending on the paytable. Always check the RTP and house edge before choosing which game to play.
