Updated on: September 7th, 2020
Video poker is a game that tries to blend all the great aspects of slots and poker games together to create a truly unique experience. Since its inception in the 1970s, the game has grown to become one of the most popularly played casinos games in the United States.
Like with regular poker, many variations have spawned over the last 50 or so years. Some of the most popular variations include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, Double Bonus, and Tens or Better.
Naturally, with so many new players looking to pick up the game and old players looking to improve their skills, there are a lot of questions surrounding video poker. Below we try to answer as many as we can in the hopes of helping you become a more successful video poker player.
We also list our recommended video poker online casinos, so you can start playing as soon as you feel ready!
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Can you cheat at video poker?
Yes, you can cheat at video poker. Similarly to how you can cheat in slot games, you can also trick video poker machines in a variety of ways. Some of the most popular are:
- Hacking the machine’s software to manipulate payouts
- Fishing, which is largely ticking the machine by pretending that you have paid for a game
- Using an aid to lookup perfect strategies or combinations while playing
We wouldn’t recommend trying any of these cheats. At an online casino, tampering with the software will earn you a permanent ban at a casino. It is much worse at a brick-and-mortar casino, where trying these techniques could earn you a prison sentence, especially in Nevada.
Are video poker machines rigged?
Casinos can rig video poker machines if they want. However, very few do for a variety of reasons. Firstly, casinos could get into a load of trouble with the law if they are found to be rigging machines.
Secondly, they will lose the trust of players who often play games on the belief that they could one day win a big prize.
Generally, if you find yourself on a harsh losing streak, it isn’t due to the game being rigged. It’s due to the simple fact that casino games are purposely hard to win so that casinos can make money.
So, while video poker is a casino game with one of the best payout percentages, your chances of winning a game’s jackpot are still relatively low.
How often does video poker payout?
The rate at which a video poker game pays out is dependent on the machine and the variant. Overall, it is believed that Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and Joker Poker have got the best chances of paying you out.
These games often post percentages that near or exceed 100%. That being said, these payout percentages are not guaranteed. To be paid out at such a rate, firstly, you need to be very lucky.
Secondly, you need to be playing the game perfectly with regards to basic strategy, which is very hard to do in itself. In general, you should always approach every single gaming session with the idea that you are going to lose, but you get lucky and win.
What is the best way to play video poker?
The answer to this question is dependent on the player. We like playing online though because you can play at any time and saves you the hassle of a trip to a physical casino. But there are pros and cons to both playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino.
Generally, playing at a brick-and-mortar casino tends to be slightly more sociable than playing online. Casinos are often entertainment centers with other areas you can enjoy, such as restaurants, spas, and arcades.
However, playing online offers convenience, lower house edges, and the opportunity to capitalize on bonuses. You also get access to a greater selection of games, which is always a great advantage.
Is video poker better than slots?
This is another question whose answer will vary from player to player. Video poker games often have better house edges and payout percentages than slot games. However, they do require a player to have more knowledge about a game to win more.
Understandably, if you are a good poker player, you will be able to use these skills while playing video poker for better gains.
Slots, on the other hand, doesn’t require the expertise that video poker does. The general randomness lets any player play the game with an equal chance of winning. There are also a lot more variety in terms of games in relation to themes, payouts and game features.
However, slots aren’t good games to play if you are looking for consistent wins, which is usually a little bit more possible in video poker.
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What are the odds of getting a royal flush in video poker?
The odds of getting a royal flush in video poker is something like 1 in 649,740. This sounds like impossible odds, but it is estimated that in most physical casinos, a player lands a royal flush at least 46 times a day.
Again, the number of times a jackpot is won (or a royal flush comes up on the screen in this case) is dependent on a game’s odds. If a game has terrible odds, such as a progressive jackpot title, you probably won’t be seeing that royal flush hit 46 times a day.
What is full pay video poker?
Full pay is simply a term used to describe games that post high payout percentages. Payout percentages of full pay games range between 99% to even over 100%. In the past, paying full pay games was an aim for many video poker players due to the existence of short-pay machines – games with lower payback percentages.
Nowadays, however, there are games that surpass even the full pay metric. It is difficult to find them though as casinos don’t really advertise the payout percentages of all their games.
How do you master video poker?
The only way to master video poker is through playing the game consistently and mastering your strategy. Consistent exposure will eventually lead your reactions to become automated. And as such, you will win more games simply because you understand the dynamics of the game.
If practicing sounds like too much effort for you, you can try to cheat. But this will probably take just as much time as getting good at the game.
Can you make a living playing video poker?
Yes, you could make a living by playing video poker. But really, you would really need to be a pro at the game who knows all the possible outcomes for all situations. As such, this would take a lot of practice.
Most players don’t have that type of commitment, so we don’t really recommend that you chase this as your dream job unless you are really serious.
Should you hold a low pair in video poker?
Yes, because at the very least you are guaranteed some of payout in most games. You also stand a chance of building a better hand, such as the following:
- Three of a kind
- Two pairs
- Four of a kind
- Full house
So, don’t sell yourself short by throwing away what could potentially be a very good hand.
Is video poker a game of skill?
Yes and no. There is some skill to video poker. You need to know the strategies to employ in each possible situation. However, the randomness at which the cards are dealt can’t really always be accounted for.
So, you can have an effect on the outcome of a game, but it is not entirely in your control. If such a situation were possible, casinos would be bankrupt due to good players.
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