Best Online Video Poker Bonus Sites

Video Poker Online

Poker is a card game that’s been played in various forms for centuries. Its popularity and universal appeal meant that it was ideally suited to adapt, and it was one of the very first games created in machine form.

This history of poker and video slots are interconnected as the early forms of machine poker didn’t offer the full functions of the card game. Instead, they were much closer to slots as they were based on luck rather than skill and strategy. With no facility to draw or hold cards, the reels were spun to create a random poker hand, similar to a line of slots. However, it didn’t take long for the design to evolve, and by 1901 the first true poker machine was created: Skill Draw. The spin of the five reels created a poker hand with the player then able to hold the cards they chose and spin the remaining reels. These machines only had 50 cards, typically excluding the ten of spades and jack of hearts. This slashed the probability of getting a royal flush in half.

Of course, these early machines weren’t video poker games. These didn’t arrive until 1970 when Dale Electronics Corporation created the Poker-Matic. This used TV screens, and although it was installed in Vegas casinos never really achieved the popularity they hoped.

A few years later, William “Si” Redd patented a game called Video Poker, and in 1979 the first game was released: Draw Poker. Redd joined forces with Fortune Coin Company to create a company called Sircoma, which the following year would rebrand into a name that’s very familiar in the industry today: IGT.

During the 1980s, IGT was responsible for a surge of popularity in video poker, introducing new variants such as Jacks or Better, Double Bonus and Deuces Wild.

With the arrival of the internet, Microgaming was the first company to develop online video poker in 1994. New variants were gradually added with broader betting options, including progressive jackpots. Today, an enormous number of video poker games are available online from different developers, giving players choice and convenience.

Popularity and Variants

Traditional poker comes with many different variants and styles of play, and online video poker has followed the same path. All of the games pay out higher prizes for more difficult hands, but the gameplay itself can be quite different.

Some of the most common variants of online video poker include:

Jacks or Better

This was the original variant of video poker developed by Si Redd, and it still remains the most common version seen today. Also known as Draw Poker, it usually forms the basis for other variants of video poker. Different to traditional poker rules, the lowest possible winning hand is a pair of jacks or a pair of “better” cards, i.e. queen, king or ace.

Some developers also offer a version of Jacks or Better known as All American. The rules are the same, but there’s a higher payout for flushes, straight flushes and straights. Conversely, the prizes for two pairs and a full house are lower. This isn’t as popular as other types of video poker but is offered by some.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better follows the same rules as Jacks or Better but drops the lowest winning hand to a pair of tens.

Double Bonus

Another game with its roots in Jacks or Better, Double Bonus switches things up by offering an extra payout on four of a kind hands. On the flip side, the payouts on the Two Pair is reduced to evens.

Aces and Faces

Very similar to Double Bonus, Aces and Faces offers an even higher payout for four of a kind, especially aces and face cards.

Joker’s Wild

A fun and fast-paced version of video poker, Joker’s Wild, adds a joker to the standard pack of 52 cards. Acting as a wild and able to substitute for any other card, the joker makes it easier to create winning combinations. It also means there is a new type of winning hand: five of a kind (four of a kind plus the joker).

Deuces Wild

In Deuces Wild, there is no joker in play. But all the cards with a face value of 2 act as a joker instead. This means if you have been dealt a 2 in your hand, it can be used to substitute for other cards and make up a win.

Pick’em Poker

This one is slightly different from other types of online video poker. Nine or better is the lowest winning hand. Players begin with just two cards and have to choose between two different stacks of three for their remaining cards. The catch is that these stacks only have the top card visible, so you can’t be sure whether you’ll be able to make a winning hand.

Playing Video Poker Games

With lots of different video poker games online, it’s tempting to just jump into the first casino and start playing. However, as we’ve seen above, not all video poker games are the same, and you may end up with something that doesn’t suit you so well.

Before you start playing video poker online, it’s advisable to decide what type of video poker you want to play. You can then search for this online rather than just googling “video poker”. The RTP of a video poker game will show you the potential rewards. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of a higher payout. It’s, therefore, a good idea to compare the RTP on different casinos to get the best deal from the video poker game you want to play.

Finally, before taking the plunge and signing up, you might want to search for any bonus codes. This could give you free credit and make your online experience even more lucrative!

Video Poker Strategies

Before you get started with video poker, it’s advisable to find out more about how to play and the best winning strategy to adopt. Here’s a look at the different types of video poker and what you need to know.

Basic Rules of Video Poker and How to Play

If you already know how to play traditional poker, you’ll be off to a flying start with video poker. The rules are slightly tweaked, so they’re not exactly the same, but the general principle is similar. Although there are many different variants of video poker, they all have the same basics.

You will begin with five cards. The computer is your opponent; you won’t be playing against real-life individuals. This is where it differs from traditional poker games, including live poker tournaments.

You check the cards you have been dealt with and identify any winning combinations. Decide which cards you want to keep and which ones you want to discard. New cards will replace the cards you have chosen to get rid of in a single random draw. At this point, your hand will be assessed for any winning combinations and the corresponding prize paid.

The amount you will win depends on the variant of video poker you’re playing and the casino you have chosen.

The main winning hands are:

• A pair of cards with the same face value
• Two different pairs
• Three of a kind – three cards with the same face value
• Straight – five cards that run in a numerical sequence such as 9, 10, J, Q, K
• Flush – five cards of the same suit
• Full house – a hand made up of a pair and three of a kind
• Four of a kind – four cards with the same face value
• Straight flush – five cards that run in a numerical sequence and are of the same suit
• Royal flush – five cards from the same suit in a numerical sequence that runs from 10-A

Not all variants of video poker will include every type of hand, and others may have other winning hands. Deuces Wild is an example of this where there is a five of a kind win using a wild card.

Choosing the Right Video Poker Game

As we’ve already seen, there are many different types of video poker, and as your experiment, you may notice that you develop a favourite. However, there are more factors to consider than just whether you enjoy the style of play.

The amount of money you have to bet with is a factor in the game you choose. Every game and casino can set individual limits for betting. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll need to look for a video poker variant that starts the play low. Conversely, if you’re playing for big money, you will want to bet high. In this scenario, you’ll need a poker game that has a generous max bet.

Although the betting range is essential when picking your game, the variance will also take a toll on your deposit. A high variance game will deliver less frequent wins, but the prizes will typically be higher. A low variance game will provide lots of smaller wins and only occasionally pay out the higher sums. If you’re on a budget, a high variance poker game may stretch your funds too far, while a low variance game may deliver enough prizes to keep you in play.

Alongside the frequency of the wins, the RTP should be taken into account. If you’ve played other casino games such as slots, you’ll be familiar with the term. Return to Player – or RTP – measures the average sum paid out in prizes for every 100.00 spent. Video poker, in general, tends to have a high RTP compared to other casino games, another reason for its popularity. The RTP isn’t guaranteed as it’s measured over a very prolonged period of play. Your actual experience may be very different. However, as a guide to how much the game pays out, the RTP is a helpful statistic to check. Look for a game with an RTP of 99% or higher for the best chances of a win.

How to Win on Video Poker?

If you’ve played traditional poker before, you’ll need to adjust your mindset slightly for video poker. When you play online video poker, you don’t need to beat an opponent to win; you just need to create a winning hand. This is why although the technical rules of creating a winning combination are the same, the game feels very different.

This means that the winning strategies for video poker are much simpler as you only need to focus on your own hand and not worry about anyone else. One golden rule is to bet with five coins wherever possible. The reason for this is that the payout on the elusive royal flush is significantly higher if you have five coins in play.

Frequently you may look at a hand and see several possibilities. Having an order of priority can help you to make the best decisions. In general, this is how you should prioritise the cards:

• Pair of high-ranking cards
• 3 cards in a royal flush
• A four-card flush
• Pair of low-ranking cards
• 4-card open-ended straight

If you look at your hand and don’t see any real potential, don’t waste your money chasing nothing. Just dump them all and redraw the lot.

Understanding the different hands and how much you could win on each will help you make the best decisions. Studying the paytable before you play will therefore help you to focus on the best potential wins. It’s also a good idea to look around for a video poker game with the highest RTP for the best chance of winning more.

What Makes Video Poker So Special?

The diversity in casinos is one of the things which makes them so attractive. Filled with table games, roulette, slots and more, there’s a multitude of ways to play. However, video poker stands out as one of the best options, offering both entertainment and the chance to win.

The RTP of online video poker is one of the best you’ll find in a casino. Slots and other games have a much larger house edge, slashing your chances of winning. Although there are never any guarantees, there are many video poker games with an RTP close to 100%. Compared to an average of 96% for slots, that’s a significant advantage.

Video poker offers a unique combination of skill and good fortune. You will need Lady Luck on your side for the cards to fall in your favour, but it’s not simply a case of hitting the buttons and hoping. Understanding the rules of poker and making smart strategic decisions will increase your chances of a lucrative win. The skill element of poker sets it apart and why it’s so attractive to many players.

Video Poker Terms

Unlike slots, video poker is a game that requires some knowledge of the rules and strategy before starting play to get the best results. However, the good news is that it’s a game that’s very easy to learn, even if you’ve never played cards before.

In order to be able to follow the rules quickly, you’ll need to know the leading terms. Below is a guide to some of the most common phrases and words used in online video poker:

• Deuces Wild: a variant of video poker that is more advanced but very popular with players. The ROI/RTP is very high, 100.76%, which is one of the reasons why it’s so sought after. Play differs from some other variants as the deuces are nominated as wild and can substitute for other cards to make more winning combinations.
• Flush: a poker hand made up of five cards that are all of the same suit.
• Full house: – a poker hand which is made up of three of a kind and a separate pair.
• High Card: a card which is higher than a 10 ie/jack, queen, king, ace.
• House Edge: this describes the advantage that the casino has over players. This is achieved by the way the game is designed and the probability of a win. A house edge applies to all types of casino games and tips the scales very slightly in favour of the casino. The larger the house edge, the greater the advantage the casino holds. Unusually, there isn’t always a house edge in video poker as there are some games that offer an RTP of more than 100%. This is typically only offered on games that require more advanced skill and expertise because the casino can profit from less experienced players who lose more frequently. An RTP of more than 100% is only possible when players have the expertise to follow an optimal strategy.
• Inside straight draw: drawing a straight hand with one card missing from the inside of the run. An example of this would be 7,8,10, J – the 9 is missing for the straight.
• Jacks or Better: one of the simplest and most popular types of video poker, Jacks or Better, has an ROI/RTP of 99.54% from an optimal strategy.
• Low card: a card which is lower than a jack ie/one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten.
• Odds: odds means the probability of being able to complete your hand or hitting a required combination. For example, assuming you are playing with a deck of 52 cards and are currently holding four cards of the same suit, your chances of achieving a flush are 19.15% or 9:47. This is because there are only nine cards out of the remaining 47 which would successfully complete the required combination.
• Open-ended straight draw: a poker hand where you could complete a straight from either side. For example, if you’re holding 8, 9, 10, J, you could draw either a 7 or a Q and complete the combination.
• Optimal strategy: this is a strategy for play that enables you to achieve the best possible ROI/RTP on the variant of video poker you are playing. You can get very close to the best ROI/RTP in many types of video poker without employing an optimal strategy. Even a simple approach can sometimes yield outstanding results. However, for the very best potential returns, the optimal strategy must be followed precisely, and this may be complex and require significant practice to succeed.
• Quads: a poker hand that contains four cards of the same value, such as four jacks.
• Return On Investment (ROI): also known as RTP or Return To Player, ROI is a way of expressing the expected amount of returns you could expect if you played the game over a long period of time. This statistic is another way of describing the house edge. The ROI/RTP is always expressed as a percentage and explains how much would be returned if £100.00 were bet. For example, an ROI of 99% means that for every £100.00 bet, the player would on average, win £99. This would be the equivalent of a house edge of 1%. It’s important to understand that the ROI/RTP is theoretical and represents the probability of the game was played over a very extended period. The actual experience a player has may be much lower or higher than the published ROI/RTP. Nevertheless, the ROI/RTP is a valuable indicator of how often the game is expected to payout. Video poker is unusual because the RTP can exceed 100% for some variants, typically those which are more complex.
• Royal flush: a poker hand that contains the five top value cards of the same suit in a numerical sequence, i.e. 10, J, Q, K, A of hearts.
• Straight: a poker hand that contains a numerical sequence of five cards of any suit, i.e. 8, 9, 10, J, Q.
• Straight flush: a poker hand that contains five cards in a numerical sequence from the same suit, i.e. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of spades
• Three of a kind: a poker hand with three cards of equal face value ie/three queens.
• Two of a kind/a pair: a poker hand with two cards of equal face value, i.e. two aces.
• Two pairs: a poker hand that contains two different pairs
• Wild card: a card which is nominated to be able to substitute for any of the other cards. This makes it easier to create winning combinations. Some games use a joker as an additional card to create a wild, such as in Jokers Wild, while others use a regular number card from the pack, as seen in Deuces Wild.

Reasons to Play Video Poker Online

Video Poker Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Online video poker is based on the same principles as traditional poker, but without the need to beat other players at the table. This creates a more relaxing experience as all you need to do is focus on your own hand and create a winning combination. If you enjoy the adrenaline of psyching out other players, you won’t get the same rush from video poker as your only opponent is the random number generator that picks the cards! However, some big prizes can be won on video poker, especially if you’re playing for a progressive jackpot, and that can be exhilarating enough.

There are scores of different types of online video poker, so it’s possible to find a variant that suits your playing style. Although they all have the same basic rules, the gameplay, prizes and winning combinations can all vary significantly. This variety means video poker is great for those playing on a budget and those chasing the high wins alike. It’s possible to find video poker games with both low and high volatility, with the latter paying less frequently but typically delivering bigger prizes. All of this means that it’s possible to pick a video poker game that suits your personal playing needs.

The RTP for video poker, in general, is much higher than in other casino games. It applies to both low and high volatility variants. You can expect to find an RTP of at least 99% when playing video poker, which indicates the potentially superior win rate.

Lastly but certainly not least, online video poker requires an element of skill. It’s not just about good luck; the best players are those who have a good understanding of the rules and strategy. This ability to influence the potential payout and increase your success rate is a large part of why video poker is so popular worldwide.

Video Poker Welcome Bonus

There are many different factors to consider when finding an online casino to play at, and there are some elements that should never be compromised, such as regulated play. However, if you’re trying to whittle down your choices, look out for casinos offering a welcome bonus for video poker.

There are different ways to redeem a bonus. In some cases, you might be directed through a referral site. If this is the case, you may need to click on a promotional link or enter a unique code to claim your free bonus. At other times, the casino may offer a welcome bonus to any new player that signs up so you can just register as usual on their site. If there is a particular promotional code or link to click, make sure you follow this procedure before registering. If you don’t follow the correct process, you’ll be unable to claim any special deals as a new player after you’ve already signed up.

Welcome bonuses can enhance the potential for profits, but make sure you understand the conditions before you begin playing. Some bonuses only apply if you make a deposit first, while others have high wagering requirements that must be met.

Best Video Poker Games to play at Online Casino

If you start searching for video poker games to play online, you’ll quickly discover there’s an enormous variety. Picking the wrong variant could be disastrous, especially if you’re a new player. Some types of video poker are more complex and could leave you feeling out of your depth. It’s a good idea to start with the simpler variants and work your way up to the more complex games, for example, those with multiple hands.

Some of the most popular video poker games that are played online include:

• Jacks or Better – this is an excellent game for beginners to get started with
• Deuces Wild – a more complex video poker that is difficult but has high payouts
• Jokers Wild – played with 53 cards instead of the standard 52
• Double Bonus – a high-value video poker with two bonuses on four of a kind combinations
• Multi Play – an advanced variant where you can play with as many hands as you want simultaneously.

Before you choose a game to play, don’t forget to look for the RTP to make sure you’ve got the best chance of winning.

Quick Tips for Video Poker Play Success

There is a huge variety of different types of video poker, and writing a strategy for winning could take up an entire book on its own! There are some basic tips that anyone can follow to enjoy the best possible success:

• Choose the right type of video poker for your experience level – some variants are more complex than others.
• Don’t assume you know the rules just because you’ve played video poker before – each game is slightly different.
• If you’re a beginner, start out with Jacks or Better
• Play the demo version first before betting with real money
• Never play beyond the budget you have available
• Avoid Deuces Wild until you have more experience – there are high payouts, but it’s tougher to win.
• Look out for casino bonuses wherever available.
• Don’t chase losses – accept that you won’t win on every hand
• Understand the pay structure and how much you could win before you bet
• Play with maximum coins wherever possible
• Stop playing if you’re getting frustrated – you’ll make poor decisions and won’t be at your best

Real Money vs. Free Games

If you want to win the big cash prizes, the only way to play video poker is by opting for a real money game. You’ll be wagering with your own funds, but if you win, you’ll receive a real-life prize.

But not everyone plays video poker hoping to win lots of cash; some people just enjoy the fun of playing. If this is the case, free games might be a good option to consider. You won’t need to deposit any money as you’ll be playing with a simulated bankroll.

All of the rules of the game are identical, and you’ll have the same experience as any other player. The only difference is that if you win, the “money” just goes back into your simulated account, and you won’t receive any cash in real life!

Often known as demo games, free games can be helpful for all video poker players. If you’re just starting out or considering a new strategy, free games are a great way to get experience without spending any of your own money. Once you are confident in your play, you can move back to the actual games and try to use your newfound skills to win real money prizes!

Conclusion

It’s not unusual to find video poker bonuses on offer at casinos. Make sure the casino is regulated and licensed before signing up. Never play at non-game stop EU Casinos, no matter how good the bonus offer is.

Some bonuses are time-limited, so if you find a good deal, don’t wait to claim it. However, do check the small print to make sure you understand exactly what’s on offer. A tempting bonus might not be as good as it seems if it has high wagering requirements or it’s not available on the game you want to play.

Online Casino Bonuses for Video Poker are a great way to make your cash go further and to win money without having to spend your own funds. Don’t be afraid to register with more than one casino to claim the latest new player bonuses on offer.

Mobile Video Poker – Where to play?

Although video poker can be played on a laptop, desktop computer or tablet device, many players prefer to use their smartphone. With the modern large screen and fast connection speeds, smartphones offer a convenient way to play wherever you are.

There are different ways to play while on a smartphone. You can start by visiting the relevant app store for your device, such as Google Play for Android.

Search for “mobile video poker“, and you should be offered a selection of different casino apps to download. However, if you have a particular casino in mind, you can visit their website in your browser, and you should be able to play directly online without any need to download. Some will direct you to an app if they offer one, but it’s not strictly necessary in many cases.

Mobile play is such a common requirement, the vast majority of casinos are optimised for mobile play. This means you won’t need to worry about part of the screen being lopped off while you’re playing video poker.

The criteria for choosing a good mobile video poker casino is similar to playing on a desktop or other device. Look for a casino that offers welcome bonuses, low fees, minimum restrictions and speedy payouts on withdrawals. And of course, be certain to make sure they offer the variant of video poker you want to play!

Play Video Poker with Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a method of payment that is rapidly becoming more popular. As a result, an increasing number of casinos are offering it as a means of payment. If you’re keen on crypto, you’ll be pleased to know that you can use it to play video poker – but you’ll need to find the right casino.

There’s nothing to stop you holding accounts at multiple casinos, so even if you are already registered at one, look around for those offering the best deals for crypto players. As it’s still an emerging technology, not all casinos accept every type of cryptocurrency so you’ll need to double-check yours is on the list. Bitcoin is the most common and universally accepted but other popular crypto includes dogecoin, litecoin and ethereum.

The same stipulations apply to crypto as fiat currency: look for speedy withdrawals and low/zero fees. It’s common for there to be terms and conditions which apply to bonuses, but you should be able to withdraw your winnings to your crypto account once you meet the wagering requirements. It’s advisable to check the terms for withdrawals before depositing any of your crypto funds.