Online video poker is a digital version of classic poker that combines elements of slot machines and traditional card games. The rules are straightforward, making video poker one of the easiest casino games to learn while still offering strong strategic depth.
Below is a clear breakdown of online video poker rules, explained step by step.
How Online Video Poker Works
Video poker is played against a machine, not against other players.
The game uses a standard 52-card deck, and each round follows the same basic structure:
- Place a bet
- Receive five cards
- Choose which cards to keep
- Draw replacement cards
- Get paid based on the final hand
Basic Video Poker Rules
Betting Rules
Before each round, players must:
- Select the coin value
- Choose the number of coins (usually 1–5)
- Place the total bet
Most video poker games offer higher payouts when betting the maximum number of coins, especially for top hands like a Royal Flush.
Dealing the Cards
After placing a bet:
- The machine deals five cards face up
- All cards are visible immediately
- There is no hidden information
At this stage, players decide which cards to keep.
Holding and Drawing Cards
Players can choose to:
- Hold any number of cards (0 to 5)
- Discard the remaining cards
Once the draw button is pressed:
- Discarded cards are replaced
- The final five-card hand is formed
This hand determines the payout.
Video Poker Hand Rankings
Standard Winning Hands
Most video poker games follow traditional poker rankings:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- Jacks or Better (or higher pair, depending on variant)
Hands below the minimum payout requirement result in a loss.
Minimum Winning Hand
In many popular variants, the lowest paying hand is:
- Jacks or Better (a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces)
Some versions use different thresholds, which are always displayed in the paytable.
Video Poker Payout Rules
Paytables
Each video poker game includes a paytable that shows:
- Winning hands
- Payout multipliers
- Differences between variants
Understanding the paytable is critical, as it directly affects RTP and strategy.
Maximum Coin Bonus
Most video poker games reward players who bet the maximum coins by offering:
- A significantly higher payout for a Royal Flush
- Better long-term RTP
This rule is standard across most online video poker titles.
Popular Online Video Poker Rules and Variants
Jacks or Better
- Most common version
- Simple rules
- Ideal for beginners
Deuces Wild
- All 2s act as wild cards
- Higher variance
- Different hand rankings
Bonus Poker
- Enhanced payouts for specific hands
- Slightly more complex strategy
- Popular in online casinos
Strategy Basics for Video Poker
Optimal Play Matters
Unlike slots, video poker outcomes are strongly influenced by player decisions. Correct card holding strategy can:
- Increase RTP
- Reduce house edge
- Improve long-term results
No Progressive Jackpots by Default
Most standard video poker games do not include jackpots unless explicitly stated. Payouts are fixed based on the paytable.
Final Notes on Online Video Poker Rules
Online video poker follows simple, transparent rules, but success depends on understanding hand rankings, paytables and optimal decision-making.
It is one of the few casino games where player skill has a real impact, making it a popular choice for strategic players.