Play Video Poker Online in UK 2024
Many people play video poker online, so you can find it in virtually all UK casinos. However, not all experiences are desirable. There are various things to consider, especially if you intend to play casino games like video poker online. With so many sites to choose from, patience is key as you review the different options. Fortunately, reliable video poker casinos have various hallmarking traits you can use to distinguish them from others.
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In the next sections, we explore all the crucial aspects that encapsulate playing video poker games and how to find casinos that can guarantee quality experiences. You’ll learn more about free vs. real money poker games, online and video poker, return to player, rules, how to play and so much more. Our experts have also selected the best platforms you can join to enjoy online video poker games. Nonetheless, we encourage you to read the full article for exclusive insights.
What Is Video Poker?
Video poker games can be classified as gambling machines, yet they are not identical to SLOT machines. Despite significant distinctions between video poker and slot machines, they share some fundamental resemblances.
Slot machines and video poker games are in the same casino section. They both necessitate the use of cash to purchase credits on the machine. These credits are then utilized to take a shot at hitting different winning symbol combinations on pay lines.
Slot machines feature random symbols, often based on traditional motifs like bars and fruits. Some slot machines even incorporate a limited selection of playing card symbols.
Each symbol in these games is likely to appear on a pay-line. In the case of older mechanical slot machines, the probability of each symbol showing up was approximately equal. However, in modern, computerized slot machines, the appearance rates of these symbols can differ significantly.
The rewards for these combinations are determined by the odds of achieving that particular combination.
Free Video Poker vs Real Money Video Poker
It may seem like free video poker and real money video poker are distinct, but in reality, they’re very much alike. The main distinction is that one requires you to spend actual money, offering you the possibility to win some in return, while the other doesn’t.
You can play online video poker for free or real money. If you are new to the game, it is recommended to start with free games. Free games are ideal for practice and getting to know the different types of poker and their rules. Once you are ready to explore real money games, we offer the best casinos offering generous welcome bonuses on your first deposit so you can explore more games.
Understanding how these two types of games differ can assist you in picking the one that fits you best. We’ve detailed the primary contrasts between them in the following table:
Free Video Poker:
- No cost involved and zero risk in playing
- Provides a taste of the game
- Widely accessible
- No concern about managing a bankroll
- Helps you master the rules
Real Money Video Poker:
- Playing with real money brings more challenge
- Chance to earn monetary rewards
- Identical Random Number Generator as the one in free video poker
- Frequently paired with real cash incentives
- Broad selection of games
Reminder: Keep in mind that you must be over 18 years old to play video poker, whether for free or real money, in the UK.
Poker rules for beginners
There are many poker variants, each with unique rules. We will go through the poker rules in an easy to understand way, starting with the general and moving on to video poker in the next sections. The potential win from video poker depends on the strength of the cards you are dealt. Here’s what you should know.
Weak hands
A weak hand is when you have cards with the least likelihood of winning. You only have high cards and one pair, which are at the bottom of the list. Weak hands can be many different combinations, depending on the poker variant you are playing, like 7-2 off-suit in No-Limit Poker Hold’em.
Medium strength hands
Medium strength means you won’t come last in case of a showdown because your cards are higher up the rank. If you have two pairs, three-of-a-kind, straight, or flush, you are considered to have a medium-strength hand.
- Two pair refers to having two pairs of cards with the same rank, for instance 10J and on the board 10J.
- A set is when you have three cards of the same value, for example, holding 99 in hand and a 9 on the board. Three of a kind, also known as trips, is when you have for example, 9 10 in hand and 99 on the table.
- Straight is when you have five consecutive cards, like 7, 8, 9, 10, J.
- Lastly, flush occurs when your five cards of the same suit, such as five clubs or diamonds.
Strong hands
Having a strong hand is what everyone wants when playing a video poker game. A hand is considered strong when it contains a full house, four-of-a-kind, straight flush, or royal flush.
- A full house is when you have three of a kind and a pair, while Four-of-a-kind occurs when you have four cards of the same rank, like four kings.
- A straight flush is the second strongest hand in poker and features five consecutive cards on the same suit.
- Finally, a royal flush is the strongest hand in poker and consists of 10, J, Q, K and A, all of the same suite.
Popular Types of Video Poker Games for UK Players
Although there are countless video poker games accessible online, some versions of video poker are consistently popular among UK internet gamers. It’s worth noting that despite there being many variations of each type of poker, the majority of video poker games are based on two types: Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
If you’re still uncertain about the type of video poker to engage in, our experts have provided a handy guide to the most sought-after types of video poker. Continue reading to determine the video poker variation that fits your preference.
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better video poker is undoubtedly one of the most popular video poker games, offering plenty of excitement. Players receive five cards and can choose to hold as many as they want, after which the remaining cards are replaced with new ones. You need jacks or better to win!
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild video poker’s appeal is primarily due to the deuces. They serve as wild cards, substituting any other card to form a winning combination. Although the pay tables for this video poker variant are usually not as rewarding as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild continues to be a favorite due to its entertainment value and the numerous winning combos provided by the wild cards.
Aces and Faces Poker
Fundamentally, Aces and Faces is a variant of video poker that operates similarly to Joker Poker. The key distinction with this version, however, is that hands with a face card or an ace yield higher payouts.
Double Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker, which is grounded on the principles of Jacks or Better, is favored by some players due to its paytables that offer higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. It’s worth noting, however, that this poker variant has a higher variance than Jacks or Better, implying less frequent wins. Nevertheless, securing four aces can lead to substantial winnings.
Double Double Bonus
Double Double Bonus video poker offers the same extra reward as Double Bonus Poker, but it also provides an additional bonus based on the kicker remaining after you’ve achieved a four of a kind.
Multi-Hand Gaming Options
We also wanted to introduce the multi-hand versions of the game as one of the final formats. Almost all the video poker games mentioned earlier offer versions where you can play more than one hand simultaneously. Sometimes, you can play 3, 10, 50, or even more hands all at once. For some players, this presents a more thrilling way to enjoy the game.
The Joker’s Wild
As expected, this free poker slots game involves an extra Joker card. The Joker is a welcome sight in this variation because it can replace any other card as a wild card, and it can also increase the payout for certain winning hands. If you’re in search of a Joker’s Wild video poker game with better odds, consider exploring the Kings or Better variations.
Pick’em Poker
The gameplay of this video poker variant is quite unique compared to the other five games mentioned here. Rather than receiving five cards and deciding which ones to hold, you’re initially dealt two cards and then given an additional pair from which you must select one. Once you’ve made your selection, the unchosen card will “vanish”, and two more cards will be dealt to form a five-card hand.
Owing to the necessity of choosing only one card out of two, this version of video poker is less complex than the others.
Types of Bets
Grasping the various betting options is crucial when learning how to master video poker, as it can improve your odds of winning. These different wagering possibilities can impact both the level of risk and potential return on your Bet.
Whether you are a novice starting with minimal wagers or a seasoned player aiming for the highest rewards, being cognizant of your betting choices can make a considerable difference.
We have put together the following list to provide an overview of the most prevalent types of bets you can place when engaging in video poker:
- Single Coin Bet refers to the least Bet you can place in video poker. It implies that you are wagering just one unit or coin. The reward for a victorious hand corresponds to a single coin bet.
- Betting Multiple Coins: In numerous video poker games, players can wager more than one coin at a time, the maximum usually being five coins. The payout for a victorious hand corresponds to the number of coins wagered, except for a Royal Flush in a maximum coin bet where the payout is significantly larger.
- Maximum Coin Bet: This refers to the highest Bet you can place in a video poker game, typically five coins. As previously stated, the payout for a Royal Flush when betting the maximum number of coins is often disproportionately larger, making this wager potentially the most lucrative over time, though it carries more risk.
How to play video poker
Now that you know the different poker hands from strongest (royal flush) to weakest (high cards), it is time to get into specific examples and how to play video poker. As aforesaid, poker has many variants, each with unique gameplay rules. Here’s a quick overview of popular video poker variants you will encounter online.
Five card draw
This is the entry point to online video poker and also the simplest variant there is. At the start of the game, players receive five cards facing down and the first round of betting is played. If more than two players remain after the betting round, the first draw is performed. Each player is allowed to discard some cards and replace them from the deck.
If satisfied with your hand, you can “stand pat.” Another round of betting follows, after which, if there are more than two players, it goes to showdown. The remaining players show their five cards and the strength is determined. Playing five card draw is all about knowing when to draw and what to discard. Here are some tips:
- If you have one pair, discard the rest and draw three from the deck.
- If you have two pair, draw one card.
- If you have three of a kind, draw two cards.
- Stand pat if you have a strong hand.
Jacks or better
At the start of the game, you make a bet hoping to land jacks (J) or better (Queen, King and Ace). Unlike five card draw, you aren’t betting against other players. After the first round, you can discard and replace cards then the showdown determines if you have won or lost to the house.
Deuces wild
This is another popular poker variant you can play online and uses standard 52-deck cards. It is more like jacks or better but has a unique twist for all deuces (2 club, heart, diamond and spades) are wild. In this game, deuces can represent another card that you need to make a strong poker hand.
The game starts with five cards as usual and you can discard and replace some before the showdown. Make sure you retain your 2s, as they can represent another card for a strong hand. You need at least three-of-a-kind to win playing deuces wild and some games use jokers instead of 2s.
Five of a kind
Five-of-a-kind is a unique variant of video poker that’s only possible when playing games with a wild card or two decks of cards. In a classic poker game with one deck of cards, there are only four cards in every rank, so you can find 4 spade, club, diamond and heart.
However, when you have a wild, which can represent a card you wish to make a strong hand, or playing with multiple decks of cards, five-of-a-kind makes for very interesting gameplay. It ranks above straight flush in terms of strength and has a higher house edge than most poker variants.
Video Poker Terms You Need to Know
While video poker is a game that’s simple to pick up, it requires skill to excel truly. Progressing from a novice to an advanced video poker player necessitates understanding the unique language of video poker. By familiarizing yourself with the most frequently used terms before playing, you will be better equipped to respond immediately to the game’s cues.
In the following section, you will find our free video poker and real-money game slots glossary. You will be ready for any scenario once you are acquainted with these terms.
- Action: The term ‘Action’ refers to the process of using a video poker machine and the total amount you wager on it during a single game session.
- Credits: This refers to the sum of money (in real money games) or credit (in free play) in your account.
- Discard: After the video poker machine has dealt the initial hand, you can retain or discard any or all of these cards.
- Draw: This is the action used to obtain cards. You execute it once at the beginning and again after holding the cards you wish to retain.
- Hold: After receiving your first hand, you can keep one or more cards from that hand.
- Face Card: A face card is a card that features an image. Kings, Queens, and Jacks are all classified as face cards.
- Ace-High: This term is used when the player has no other card combinations except for a single Ace.
- House Edge: The house advantage varies from game to game. Video poker games, for instance, have a relatively low house advantage, implying that the likelihood of winning is higher than with other games, such as online slot machines.
- Inside Straight: If the only card you need to complete your winning hand is one in the middle of your sequence, you have an internal straight.
- Maximum Bet is the most significant sum you can stake or wager on a video poker machine.
- Multiple Hands: If you prefer playing more than one hand at a time, video poker games offering a multiple-hand feature are ideal.
- Pay Table: The payout chart is a guide that details the potential winnings for each hand.
- Pat Hand: This is when you have drawn a hand, and there is no card you could draw from the deck to enhance it. You are satisfied with what you have, and it stays that way.
- Pay Back: Also referred to as the game’s expected value, this term describes the return you can anticipate from a video poker game after millions of hands have been dealt.
Differences between online poker and video poker
Video poker and online poker are quite similar in terms of gameplay rules. However, there are various fundamental differences between these popular online casino products. In most cases, video poker gives you the chance to play against the machine, while online poker involves competing with other players. Here are the key differences.
Payout systems
The payout systems used in video poker and online poker have crucial differences. In online poker, you play against others and there’s a prize, such as a jackpot or pooled prize, to be won. This can be double your stake or a fixed rate.
On the other hand, video poker comes as a digitized version, like a video slot game. In this poker game, you are playing against the machine and there are unique rules for what results get you on the paytable. Some hands and combinations have fixed payouts, unlike jackpots and pools, where you either win or lose. Payouts also vary, depending on the poker game you play.
However, video poker is very much contained and restricted, with results exclusively dependent on the hand you have. There’s no telling what other players will do with their cards in online poker, which brings an edgy element and staying focused under pressure.
Video Poker Pay Table
We are grasping how the pay tables function, which is crucial in this game. We’ve dedicated an entire section to this subject but’ll also delve into it in depth here.
A payout chart displays the return on your wager when you land a specific combination on a gaming machine. This applies to both slot machines and video poker games.
One can visualize a video poker payout chart as a matrix. There is a column on the extreme left with a list of hands from the best to the worst. Across the top is a row indicating the number of coins you have wagered (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5).
Cross-referencing these columns and rows allows you to determine the payout for a specific hand with a specific bet.
Here is a crucial point:
When playing video poker, you should always wager five coins. In nearly all versions, the royal flush is the highest-paying hand. If you wager 1, 2, 3, or 4 coins, it pays out at 250 to 1. However, if you wager five coins, it pays out at a ratio of 800 to 1.
This disparity is significant and contributes significantly to the game’s payback percentage. If a 5-coin wager is beyond your budget, you should consider lowering your stakes to accommodate it. Otherwise, you are simply depleting your funds at a rate that benefits the casino more than it should.
All other hands have the same payoff, irrespective of the number of coins you have wagered.
| Coins/Hands | 1 Coin | 2 Coins | 3 Coins | 4 Coins | 5 Coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000* |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
We have specified the rewards for 1-5 coins adjacent to each hand’s name. The royal flush is the grand prize.
Other differences
Video poker is available in both land-based and online casinos as a standalone machine where single players play to get as many strong hands as possible. There are no particular strategies to video poker and the paytable rules are quite clear. You can also enjoy multi-hand poker (up to four hands a game instead of one).
Five card draw poker rules online poker games. Players can also enjoy jackpots and use multiple decks. If you prefer buffing with other punters, online poker and live poker offer the best experiences. However, if you want to get the hang of poker games and how they work, a standalone video poker machine will suffice.
Video poker as online poker practice
Online poker rooms are designed to resemble live poker tables found in land-based casinos. They are great for playing with friends and family and retain the same rules used in conventional gambling halls. However, the skill set is shared with video poker, which offers a chance to practice different poker variants.
You can play video poker and experiment with different strategies to learn how the game works. Practice will also help you make the best decisions when it is time to face other players online. The sites in Montycasinos.com offer generous bonuses you can use to play more games and practice your beginner and pro strategies.
Video poker RTP
A game’s Return to Player (RTP) is the percentage of total bets given back to players as winnings. For instance, a game with an RTP of 96% will return £96 of every £100 bet to the players. However, as each game result is unpredictable, the RTP is a statistical payout over a period, meaning some players will win while others will lose.
The return to player (RTP) in video poker is contingent upon the poker variant, the game’s specific rules, the strategy employed, and the player’s skill in predicting probabilities. The size of your wager and a jackpot also factor into the total payout you can win. Games such as Deuces Wild and Super Aces often offer the highest RTPs, and progressive jackpots may have fluctuating RTPs that increase over time. Some games even boast an RTP of 100%, so it is crucial to investigate the potential return before you start playing.
Given that the outcome of every video poker game is determined by chance, the odds can fluctuate depending on the specific hands dealt and the bets placed. Nevertheless, the average house edge for video poker is generally low, making it a lucrative game compared to other casino offerings. For instance, the RTP for Jacks or Better 9/6 video poker stands at 98.181% for a four-credit bet and 99.543% for a five-credit bet. This corresponds to a house edge of 1.819% and 0.457%, respectively.
Video poker bonuses
In online casinos, fewer topics generate as many questions as bonuses, considering their potential intricacy. We believe that casino bonuses carry worth as long as you acquire the best offers on the market:
- Sign-up bonuses are a prevalent element in almost every video poker website. These incentives are tactically crafted to attract new users, usually involving a deposit match bonus and free spins.
- Deposit Match Bonus. Every time you replenish your account, the platform will duplicate your deposit amount as bonus funds up to a sure cap.
- Recharge Bonus. After securing the welcome bonus, a recharge bonus is available for subsequent deposits. Although these bonuses might provide a lower percentage than the deposit amount, they always delight the players.
- Zero Deposit Bonus. Some online video poker casinos offer the chance to earn a bonus without requiring an upfront deposit. It is crucial to understand that the bonus amount in this case is usually small, and finding these types of bonuses can be difficult.
- No-cost Casino Betting Bonuses. The world of no-cost casino betting bonuses is teeming with various unique types. Despite the popularity of the bonuses mentioned above, many other enticements, such as cash-back offers and raffle contests, still need to be discovered. It is wise to check out the promotions page whenever you visit our suggested online video poker casinos to uncover the latest deals.
Play Video Poker on Mobile Casinos
Most video poker platforms and games utilize HTML5 technology, which ensures they are adaptable and optimized for mobile devices. This implies you can access top-notch video poker mobile casinos directly from your Android or iOS devices.
Several casinos also provide a dedicated app, which offers superior connectivity and improved mobile user experience. Moreover, you can configure app alerts to inform you about the latest casino games and special offers. Whether you prefer to engage in video poker via an app or a browser interface, some mobile casinos outshine others. Therefore, explore our recommended mobile video poker platforms to identify the most suitable option for on-the-go video poker gaming.
Video poker games selection
With so many online poker variants and casinos ready to offer these games, getting started can be overwhelming. If you are new to playing poker online, we have exactly what you need to get started. Here are our top suggestions to help you find the best video poker games and experiences online.
Best video poker game for UK players
If you have never played video poker before, we recommend you to explore montycasinos.com for free poker games and get the hang of how it is played. In this case, Five Card Draw is the best video poker variant to play. It has simple rules and low betting requirements.
Five Card Draw poker game is first paced with clear paytable guidelines, so you instantly know when you have won. On the other hand, if you have played video poker online and seek unique experiences, you can explore other variants available in top-rated casinos licensed to offer games for UK punters.
Top online video poker providers
Reviewing video poker providers is just as crucial as comparing casino deals. Online casinos rely on different software providers. Some have games from providers known for premium graphics, while others boast sleek volatile gameplay with high RTP. It is crucial to choose casinos that use top-rated providers with a growing reputation among players and the gambling community. More importantly, you should ensure the providers offer fair games with true random number generators. Several reputable providers serve video poker games to online casinos. The top three include:
- Real Time Gaming
- Microgaming
- Playtech
Video poker alternatives
Playing video poker can get pretty stale once you have played several five card draw games. Fortunately, there are alternatives if you are ready to try something else. Here are three great games to explore for a break from standard video poker:
- Texas Hold’em – Refers to a popular poker card game ideal when you still want to play poker, just something other than video poker.
- Caribbean Stud – Also known as casino stud poker, Caribbean stud is played against the house rather than other players.
- Blackjacks – Blackjack is a classic table game where a two-hand card consisting of two aces of hearts, totaling 22, is the strongest hand.
Tips for playing video poker
Playing video poker online can be an exciting and potentially rewarding experience. Nonetheless, you need to play responsibly, which starts with knowing the ins and outs of the game. Practice is essential for beginners and experimenting with different strategies can open your eyes to more winning ways.
Joining trusted casinos and game selection are also essential when playing real money video poker. The priority is to take advantage of the game’s weak points and maximize your potential win, which takes practice, strategy mastery and a little bit of luck. It is crucial to start with the simple variants, like five card draw, before progressing to more complex versions.
Video Poker – Our Conclusion
Video poker has been a casino staple for years and still draws many punters in both land-based and online gambling platforms. It is a traditional game you can enjoy online and offers a real chance of winning. However, not all experiences are equal. You should focus on finding the best casinos and video poker variants, which calls for careful review. Montycasinos already reviewed online sites offering video poker, so you can join and start playing immediately.
Expert’s Comment
Gambling is a hobby in many countries and if you chose to play online, video poker is one of the popular options you’ll sight on virtually all platforms. The game has roots in land-based casinos and is just as interesting as slots. However, video poker is interesting for practice and most pro players fancy online poker, which involves playing against other human opponents. Overall the game is decent and provides a chance to win huge profits from time to time.
Video poker – FAQ
Can I play video poker for free?
Yes, you can play video poker right here on Montycasinos and enjoy smooth gameplay that allows you to practice and polish your skills. There are several variants you can explore, and when you are ready to explore real money games, we have links to some generous bonuses.
Is video poker a good game for beginners?
Yes, video poker is provided as a single-player game with simple rules. It is a perfect introduction to online gambling and has enough variants to help you grasp a few basic concepts. It is also available for free play.
Is it possible to beat the casino in video poker?
Yes, video poker has high RTP percentages that slot machines and having a strong hand can pay multiple times your bet. Players can also enjoy progressive jackpots, with RTPs that grow to 100% and millions worth of prizes, so you can always beat the casino.
Do casinos offer a bonus for playing video poker?
Yes, some casinos limit their bonuses to specific games, like video slots and table games. However, most have a welcome offer and other bonuses you can use to play video poker. Simply read the bonus terms and games that contribute to wagering requirements.
What does Aces and Faces mean?
This is a poker game based on the same rules as jacks or better with a small twist, mainly in the payout system. You can get on the paytable in this game when you have aces and faces (joker, king, queen). Cards 2 to 10 don’t qualify for a payout.
