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Online Video Poker

Video Poker was first introduced in the early years of 1970. At the time of launch it was called as “Poker Slots” because there are some similarities between Slots and Video Poker.

Some of the similarities are:

  • Both the games can be used and played easily
  • Both of them don’t require any interaction with any other player or dealer.
  • A random number generator is present in both the games. It governs card combination in Video Poker and reels in Slots.

But basically there are certain differences between Slots and Video Poker

Slots are completely a game of chance but Video Pokers require skills along with luck. You are required to make decisions while playing Online Video Poker and take decisions while dealing with the randomly shuffled deck of 52-cards.

People Prefer Online Video Poker than Other Table Games – Why?

It has been found out that many people like to play this more than table games like Poker or Blackjack. The main reason is:
Many a times, it has been found out that people want to play a skillful game and don’t want to rely on luck itself. At the same time they don’t want to play by sitting on a table with other players and thus want to avoid the intimidation factor of the table games. Many players feel that their play may seem foolish to other players in a table game and thus avoid them. Thus, they opt for a video game where they don’t have to face a dealer or other players. Video Poker enables you to use your skills to play a gambling game and at the same time you don’t have to face the players like those in the table games.

Online Video Poker and Table Poker – Similarities and Differences

Rules are exactly the same as that of Poker.  But there are some differences too and they are:

  1. You have to play with the Video Poker machine and not with the players in a table poker game.
  2. You don’t have to deal with the dealer of a poker game. Rather you have to deal with the Video Poker machine.

Common Video Poker Terms

Before you actually begin to play Video Poker you need to get familiar with the terms used in this game. Here is a gambling guide for such terms.


   Action

Money amount that is wagered by a player.

   Average Payback

The average amount of money paid back to the player.

   Bet Max

The maximum amount bet for a single play.

   Cash Out

To take the money out of the game.

   Comps

Benefits obtained by a player from playing.

   Credits

Comps gained by a player.

   Denomination

The amount or value of a given chip or money bill.

   Discard Cards

To get rid of cards being held.

   Double Up

To double the bet after splitting cards.

   Draw

To receive a card; to tie a hand with the dealer.

   Edge

The amount in percentage or absolute terms the dealer has over the player in a game.

   Expected Return

The amount one expects to win.

   Flush

In poker five cards of the same suit.

   Four of a Kind

In poker four cards of the same value.

   Full House

In poker a hand that has three cards of the same value along with two cards of the same value.

   Full Pay

To receive the full amount in pay.

   Hand

The cards which a player or dealer has in possession.

   Hold

To keep the cards one is holding.

   Hopper

The container where coins are received.

   Inside Straight

A sequence of cards in which one of the cards to fulfill the sequence is missing.

   Jackpot

To hit the biggest amount one can win in cards or slots

   Kicker

In poker, an odd high card that does not contribute to a straight.

   Maximum Coins

The maximum number of coins one can bet.

   Odds

The chance of winning a hand or slots.

   Pat Hand

In poker, a hand that does not need any more hands.

   Pay Back

The amount one wins back.

   Pay off

Winning amount.

   Pay Table

The area where one gets their winning.

   Random Number Generator

Software that generates random numbers so as to introduce fair play.

   Royal Flush

Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 (A,K,Q,J,10) of the same suit.

   Straigh

Five cards in sequence.

   Straight Flush

Five cards in sequence with all of them having the same suit.

   Suit

Any of the four types of cards: spades, diamonds, hearts, or clubs.

   Three of a Kind

3 cards having the same value

   Two Pairs

A hand that has two cards of the same value, twice.

   Wild Card

A joker that has any value.

   Winning Hand

The hands that wins in a game.

Online Video Poker – Procedure of Play

Here is a point-wise account of playing Video Poker:

  1. While playing Video Poker, the machine will display 5 cards on its screen.
  2. Now, you have the option to draw 5 new cards. But you may not choose 5 such cards.
  3. If you want to keep some card then you can do that by pressing “Hold” button corresponding to the card you want to keep.
  4. Now, have you done the choice? If yes, then press “Deal” button.
  5. If you have rejected any card then it will be replaced by a new card on the screen.
  6. You may be wondering – “When do I win the game?” It will be decided after you play the final hand and press “Draw” button.
  7. What’s the amount did you win? Just look at the pay table that is given in front of your Video Poker machine to know the amount won by you.

It is always advisable to play free video poker and then try out with money.

Poker Variations – In Short

For the past hundred years or more, poker has evolved into the present-day form of a lot of variations from Deuces Wild to Jacks or better. So you must know which variation you are playing and what the optimum strategy for the game is. It is better to start gambling for less money than to dive into the deep end and not know how to keep your head above the water. When you start gambling for fewer wagers then you have a better chance of not losing a lot of money. Then you won't feel so bad about losing if you've only lost a little. But don't worry - the more you play the better you will understand the poker variation and as you get more comfortable you can start betting more money and consequently start winning more.

Video Poker - Dos & Don'ts

While playing Video Poker one must keep in mind certain things that will enhance the prospect of winning the game. Dos and Don’ts while playing Video Poker is given below:

Do's

  • Memorize the best pay tables
  • Should be aware of the strategies
  • First play free online video poker and then use money
  • Getting involved with the casino mob or the VIP program is helpful
  • A planned budget is always advisable
  • Remember that no one is always a winner and losing is also a part of the game

Don'ts

• Chase losses
• Take money out of the daily budget
• Drink alcohol as it is injurious to your health and affects your decision making

Video Poker Payout – A Bird’s Eye view

A pair of jacks could be the minimum payout on the typical poker game. Payouts are determined by the pay-tables which are calculated by the probability of having that hand. To play Video Poker efficiently, learn the rank of your poker hand first.

To attract more players, the game also offers progressive jackpots for a Royal Flush (more mentioned below). There are definitive strategies on how to play but the point is really to get the highest hand possible, which will give high pay-outs.

Common Illusions about Video Poker

Misconceptions have also affected the game:
• A 100% + payback machine always makes a player win
• Every move or combinations are pre-programmed
• One can avoid or change winning or losing by playing with slot cards
• Presuming hot and cold cycles in the video poker machine
• Multi-hand machines enhances to win

Why Video Poker is Unique and Playable?

If we look at the current scenario of online casinos then it's quite apparent that video poker is one of the most popular online casino games. There are various reasons why one should play this game. It is quite obvious that not all the poker machines have 100 per cent and above payouts, but it could be distinctive by simply looking at the pay out tables which makes this game different compared to others. While Video Poker is often beaten by online blackjack (played with a single-card deck), it is still one of the most popular online casino games. One of the most awesome features about Video Poker is that it gives an advantage lower than 0.46 per cent. The best part about the game is that you know the odds unlike other online casino games. Another thing about online poker is that you can play progressives. This means that if you bet for the progressive jackpot and you get a Royal Flush then you win the progressive jackpot.