Video poker games have become a staple at many online casinos. Like most casino games, it requires a combination of luck and skill to beat the odds and walk away a winner.
Many video poker players are very passionate about these games as it involved a great knowledge of skill and strategy to get the best odds possible. With the right strategy, you can increase your chances of winning on a regular basis.
That’s not to say that these games are only suited to experienced players. In fact, many casinos often run free versions of these games to help players improve their skills and prepare for real money games. If you are willing to learn the intricacies of these games, it is well worth it as many of these machines offer the best return to players of almost any online casino game.
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Many of the same games available at land-based casinos can be played online, you just have to find the right online casino. That said, video poker online offers the same great odds, thrilling gameplay and vibey atmosphere as its land-based counterparts, just from the comfort of your home. In this review, we will look at:
- The benefits to playing online video poker, including bonuses and promotions
- The types of video poker machines available
- Why you should play real money video poker
Best Online Video Poker Bonuses & Promotions
There are numerous online casinos that feature video poker games. In addition to an extensive library of video poker games, many casinos also boast a wide range of exciting bonuses and promotions to new and existing players. Many of these bonuses are tailored for video poker. There are many different kinds of online bonuses that can be used to play video poker, including the following:
Deposit Bonuses
Deposit bonuses function in one of two ways – the casino can match whatever deposit you make (match deposit bonus) or afford you free funds without the need to make an initial deposit (no deposit bonus).
No Deposit Bonuses
As mentioned above, no deposit bonuses are rewarded to new players when you sign up to join the casino for the first time. Players will receive funds for simply opening an account, without having to make a deposit.
While not that prevalent, no deposit bonuses are still available at quite a few online casinos and are a nice way to attract new players to the site. These are the most sought-after bonuses as you are being rewarded for simply joining a casino without having to spend any of your own money. It also gives you a chance to test out the casino’s real money offering completely free.
Welcome Match Deposit Bonuses
Here, players are required to make a deposit to claim the welcome match deposit bonus. Sometimes, casinos will offer no deposit and match deposit bonuses, which is the best bonus a casino can give a new player.
Once you make your first deposit, the casino will match your deposit, which can then be used once the wagering requirements have been met. That said, not all casinos allow video poker games to contribute to this wagering requirement, or it will contribute less than, say, online slots. Make sure to check the terms and conditions beforehand.
Regular Bonuses
Once you are an official member of the site, you will also stand a chance to claim ongoing bonuses and promotions offered at the casino. Almost every online casino offers bonuses and promotions in some shape or form, so whenever you get the chance to claim a video poker bonus, take it.
Benefits of Playing Video Poker Online
If you like your casino games with a bit of strategy and skill involved, then video poker machines are the way to go. In addition to that, most video poker games offer the best odds, therefore learning to play the game will be very beneficial to you. Not only that, developing the best video poker strategy is key to the success of the game. At many online casinos, video poker games can offer potential returns of over 99%, making them some of the best games around for players looking to really get the most bang for their buck.
Playing video poker online means you get to experience the thrill and excitement of the games without having to leave the comfort of your home. You will also be afforded the chance to claim the many bonuses and promotions offered at online casinos that are not necessarily available at land-based establishments. And, for added convenience, players can even take their gaming on the move as most online casinos are mobile-friendly, allowing you to access your favourite video poker game anytime, anywhere, directly from your mobile device.
Online Video Poker Real Money vs Free Play
Video poker is a game of strategy, so it definitely pays to get in some practice before you start wagering any real money. This is where free video poker comes into play. Free video poker allows players to test the waters and develop your skills without having to risk any money, which is something not available at land-based casinos.
Many online casinos allow players to play for free, which is a great benefit that players should certainly take advantage of. Once you are ready for real video poker action, simply switch to the real money version to start playing for massive rewards.
Types of Online Video Poker
Like many casino games, online video poker has plenty of variations to suit a number of needs, preferences, skill levels and budgets.
Jacks or Better – Jacks or Better is probably the most common video poker game and the perfect option for new players. This game will be found at many online casinos, although in some cases it will be called Draw Poker. Here, players must get a Jack or better in order to get a payout.
Aces and Faces – This is a variation of Jacks or Better, with similar gameplay. The small difference is that there’s a higher reward for 4-of-a-kind results with aces and faces cards. The game makes use of a standard 52-card deck and is a great alternative to Jacks or Better.
Joker Poker – If you like wild cards, then this is the game for you. Unlike other video poker games, Joker Poker uses 53 cards by including the joker. Here, the joker acts as a wild card, meaning you can use it to make a winning combination, adding to the excitement of the game.
Deuces Wild – This is a fun version of video poker that makes winning so much easier as the deuces becomes a wild card. This can be any other card in a standard 52-card deck and can contribute to a winning hand. While the payouts aren’t as generous, this version offers something a little different, adding some variety to your gaming experience.
Tens or Better – This is another easy version of video poker, making it perfect for new players. This game offers slightly smaller but more easily attainable payouts compared to other games. The game is similar to Jacks or Better, but as the name suggests, you need to get tens or better in order to win.
Progressive Video Poker
Many people associate progressive jackpots with slot machines, but that is not always the case. In fact, many other casino games offer the chance to win life-changing payouts with a progressive jackpot – video poker games included. In fact, plenty of online casinos offer video poker players the chance to try their luck with a range of progressive variations with massive winning potential.
The most popular type of progressive video poker game is based on Jacks and Better, the most common and widely played video poker game. That said, the twist in this is that the Royal Flush earns you the jackpot, not just the standard payout.
That said, video poker jackpots rarely offer ‘full pay’ and there are usually adjustments in the payouts for specific high-ranking hands. This should not deter players from giving it a go, though, as there is still plenty of fun and rewards to be had playing progressive video poker.
Winning Video Poker Tips
Video poker is a game of both skill and chance. It requires players to use a good strategy in order to be successful. While developing this strategy takes times and effort, there are some tips you can use to enjoy the best gaming experience.
Be knowledgeable – It is important to go into video poker with some knowledge of the game. That’s where free video poker is helpful. You should know what game you want to play, whether it should be low house edge or low variance and what these terms actually mean. Video poker games require a good level of strategy and skill, so learn as much as you can about the game before betting any real money.
Be prepared – Once you have decided on the game you want to play, you must learn how to play using a proper strategy. It is important to practice this strategy until you are completely comfortable with it. Prepare yourself mentally so you can have the most successful gaming experience.
Observe – If you have the time, a good idea would be to visit a land-based casino and observe some video poker games. Take a walk around and visit the different types of video poker games, including Tens or Better, Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, Deuces Wild and more.
