Video poker was created in the 1970s and consists of a slot machine’s random numbers and video screens. It was created as an alternative to land-based poker and modified to match the buzz and rising popularity of slots, offering a different but exciting experience. As a result, it wasn’t long before almost every casino had a video poker slot machine.

Fast-forward to today, and it’s one of the most popular online casino games, requiring a combination of skill and luck. But unlike slot machines, winning requires the player to make decisions that can influence the outcome, and there’s a documented video poker strategy that players use to increase their odds of winning.

Take a look at why so many people enjoy the game and the different hands that can help you win.

Why Do People Play Video Poker?

Regarded as one of the best casino games, video poker mixes slot machine excitement with the classic game of poker, as well as a bit of strategy if players decide to employ it. Also, the combination of extremely high RTP (return to player) odds and a low house edge helped to make it one of the most popular casino games played for money.

Another much-loved factor is the element of skill involved, meaning the player has greater control over the outcome, as they can leverage video poker tips and tricks (such as using a video poker strategy card) and their own poker knowledge to increase their wins. Moreover, the accessibility and array of ever-evolving game variations keep the machines fresh and exciting. Since it transitioned from being a physical machine to the online sphere, it can be played anywhere, anytime.

Ever wondered if there was a difference between playing video poker online and in a casino? One of the key differences is that playing online offers more games and bigger jackpots, and you can play from the comfort of home at any time of the day or night.

Ranking and Payout of Video Poker Hands

If you’re interested in learning how to win at video poker, the first thing to master in your video poker strategy is the value of each hand. That said, the value of each hand varies from game to game. With this in mind, note that this blog values cards based on the most popular video poker slot, Jacks or Better. This video poker guide explains the combination of each hand, from high to low video poker hand rankings, along with the maximum payout.

Royal Flush

This five-card combination is the highest-ranking hand in video, online, and table poker. A royal flush is rare but lucrative and will result in a generous jackpot for those making a maximum bet. 

The hand: A-K-Q-J-T of the same suit (spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs).

Payout: The jackpot can pay out up to 250x your original bet. 

Straight Flush

Similar to a royal flush, it consists of five consecutive cards in the same suit. The difference is that it can happen anywhere in the order of available numbers. 

The hand: Five consecutive cards of the same suit, for example, T-9-8-7-6 of clubs.

Payout: Because it’s more common on Jacks or Better, the payout will be 50x your original bet. In other game variations, it ranges from 40x to 60x.

Four of a Kind or Quads

As the name suggests, this occurs when you get four of the same card values in different suits. 

The hand: Four cards of the same value, for example, four (4) fives, one of each suit.

Payout: In Jacks or Better, it is 25x the amount you bet. In other games, this varies between 20x and 30x. 

Full House

A full house is made up of a pair and three of a kind. 

The hand: Three cards of one number and two cards of another number. For example, 7-7-7-2-2 combines a set of sevens and a pair of deuces to complete a full house.

Payout: For Jacks or Better, your payout can be 9x your original stake.

Flush

A flush has the fifth-highest value of returns and consists of five cards, in no order, but of the same suit.

The hand: Five cards of the same suit, for example, K-J-8-5-2 of hearts.

Payout: Jacks or Better has a payout possibility of 6x the bet. Other games offer up to 5x.

Straight

One of the likeliest hands to win occurs when you have five numbers in a row.

The hand: Five consecutive cards of any suit, for example, 9-8-7-6-5 of any suit combination.

Payout: A typical payout in Jacks or Better is 4x your bet. In other game variations, it ranges from 3x to 4x the amount. 

Three of a Kind

Three of a kind is simply three cards of the same value. The odds of getting three of a kind are one in 50 hands.

The hand: Three cards of the same rank, for example, 9-9-9.

Payout: 3x the wager across all games.

Two Pair

Occurring once every 20 hands, it’s the second most common victory in video poker.

The hand: Two cards of one value and two cards of another, for example, 9-9-7-7.

Payout: 2x the wager across all games.

Pair

A pair is one of the most common combinations, but not all video poker games apply the same rules. In Jacks or Better, a pair of jacks or higher will help you win about one in every five hands.

The hand: Two cards of the same number or value, for example, J-J.

Payout: 1x your stake. This means you receive your wager back without winning or losing anything. 

Video Poker Games at BetMGM

BetMGM is a powerhouse name in online casino gaming and online poker. Video poker seems to blend the two worlds, but of course, you can practice poker cash games and tournaments on BetMGM Poker first, before switching over to video poker. Once you have a login for one of the two, you can go back and forth between the gaming styles.

To practice before joining BetMGM Poker, here are three of the most popular video poker games hosted on BetMGM Casino, along with some information from the video poker guide for each.

1. Game King Video Poker

Game King Video Poker is a great choice for players who enjoy variety. Instead of offering just one version of video poker, it includes several popular paytables in a single game, allowing you to switch between classics like Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker. Each variation has its own payout structure and strategic considerations, making it easy to try different styles without leaving the game.

Gameplay follows the familiar video poker format: place your wager, receive five cards, choose which ones to hold, and draw replacements in the hope of building a winning hand. Whether you’re looking for traditional gameplay or want to experiment with wild cards and bonus payouts, Game King Video Poker offers plenty of options for players looking to sharpen their skills while enjoying a range of poker variants.

2. Ultimate X Poker Triple Play

Ultimate X Poker Triple Play adds an extra layer of strategy by letting you play three video poker hands at once. Players can choose from nine popular paytables, including Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Joker Poker, and Deuces Wild, making it easy to find a variation that matches their preferred style of play. The multi-hand format also creates more opportunities to build winning combinations on every deal.

One of the game’s standout features is the Ultimate X multiplier. By opting into this feature with a higher wager, qualifying winning hands can award multipliers that carry over to the next round, increasing the potential payout on future hands. Combined with its range of video poker variants and strategic decision-making, Ultimate X Poker Triple Play offers a fast-paced experience for players looking for something beyond traditional single-hand video poker.

3. Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is hugely popular among players because of its exciting and engaging high-quality graphics. Deuces can replace any card, though the payouts for hand combinations are lower than in games like Jacks or Better if a deuce is used to make the combination. On some platforms, the game’s RTP can be as high as 100.75% under very specific circumstances. 

Play Now on BetMGM

With plenty of video poker games to choose from, why go anywhere else but BetMGM? The titles shared here are not only a lot of fun but also offer enough variety to keep any video poker player satisfied.

Sign up today to play poker with real money, and use the online poker welcome bonus on BetMGM Poker to play with an exclusive offer.