Video poker stands out as one of the best games to play in a casino for several reasons, rooted in its blend of skill, strategy, and favorable odds compared to many other casino offerings.
First, it offers some of the highest return-to-player (RTP) percentages. With optimal strategy, certain video poker variants—like Jacks or Better—can have an RTP exceeding 99%, and in rare cases (like full-pay Deuces Wild), it can even creep above 100%. This means the house edge is razor-thin or, theoretically, nonexistent, unlike slots (where the RTP often hovers between 85-95%) or table games like roulette (with a house edge of 2.7% or higher). For example, a “9/6” Jacks or Better machine (paying 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush) can yield an RTP of 99.54% if you play perfectly, which is tough to beat.
Second, it’s not purely luck-based. Unlike slots or keno, where you’re at the mercy of random number generators, video poker lets you influence the outcome through decisions—holding or discarding cards based on probabilities. This skill element rewards players who study basic strategy (like knowing to keep a low pair over a single high card in most situations). It’s not as complex as blackjack, but it still gives you agency, which can feel more engaging and less like throwing money into a void.
Third, the variance is relatively low compared to other games. While you won’t hit massive jackpots like on progressive slots, the payouts are steady—frequent small wins keep you in the game longer. A royal flush might pay 4,000 coins (at max bet), but you’re more likely to see consistent returns from two pairs or three of a kind. This makes it less of a rollercoaster than, say, betting on a single number in roulette.
Finally, it’s widely available and often has low minimum bets, making it accessible. Casinos tend to cluster video poker machines in high-traffic areas, and you can find them with bets as low as a quarter. Plus, in some spots—like Vegas—comps like free drinks flow while you play, stretching your entertainment value.
That said, it’s not flawless. You need to learn the right strategy to maximize RTP, and not all machines are equal—casinos tweak paytables (e.g., dropping to 8/5 Jacks or Better cuts the RTP to 97.3%). Still, for a mix of control, solid odds, and prolonged playtime, video poker’s tough to top.
Here’s a handy free video poker simulator where you can try it out: VideoPoker
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