Video Poker
Video poker is a solo machine game based on five-card draw poker, paid on a fixed paytable. With correct strategy the best machines return over 99% — among the highest RTP in any casino — but the paytable, not the look of the machine, determines the odds.
| Type | Machine game (draw poker) |
|---|---|
| Best Rtp | Up to ~99.5% (full-pay) |
| Key | RTP depends entirely on the paytable |
| Strategy | Optimal hold/draw matters |
How video poker works
You are dealt five cards, choose which to hold, and draw replacements for the rest. The final hand is paid according to the machine’s paytable, from a pair of jacks up to a royal flush. Outcomes are decided by a random number generator drawing from a standard 52-card deck, so the odds are transparent and calculable.
Why the paytable is everything
Two machines that look identical can have very different RTPs depending on their paytable — the classic example is ‘9/6’ versus ‘8/5’ Jacks or Better, where the payouts for a full house and flush differ. Full-pay machines played with optimal strategy can return over 99%, but a worse paytable can quietly cut several percent. Always read the paytable before playing, and learn the correct strategy for that specific game.
Frequently asked questions
Is video poker really high RTP?
Full-pay machines played with correct strategy can exceed 99%, among the best odds in the casino — but RTP depends entirely on the specific paytable.
Does strategy matter in video poker?
Yes. Which cards you hold has a large effect on long-run return; each game has an optimal strategy worth learning.
Sources
- Video-poker paytable analysis
- Standard RTP references