Video poker is a popular casino game in the UK that blends the strategy of poker with the quick-play excitement of slots. It’s essentially online casino poker for beginners and veterans alike, offering the fun of five-card draw poker without facing other players. If you want to learn how to play video poker online, you’re in the right place. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from the basics and key differences versus live poker to step-by-step gameplay, popular variants, and beginner-friendly strategy tips, focusing on UK online casinos.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a live poker enthusiast trying video poker for the first time, playing online is a convenient way to get started. Online video poker lets you practise at your own pace, often with free or demo versions available to build confidence without pressure. The game’s digital format means you can enjoy it anywhere, anytime – on your computer or mobile – making it easy to play video poker online UK and experience the thrill of hitting a winning hand from the comfort of home.

Our guide will teach you the ins and outs of online video poker. At The Casino Count, we’re all about helping new players find their footing. Be sure to check out our Beginner’s Corner: How To Play Online Casino Games for more easy-to-follow guides (including How To Play Texas Hold’em in an Online Casino for live poker fans) and visit The Casino Count Blog for additional tips and insights on online gaming. Now, let’s dive into the world of online video poker!

Highlights:

1. Video Poker Basics: Video poker is a single-player casino game based on five-card draw poker. You play against a machine (or software) rather than other players, and payouts are determined by a fixed paytable for each hand ranking.
2. Video Poker vs. Live Poker: We compare video poker and live poker, highlighting differences in gameplay, strategy (no bluffing in video poker!), and payout structures.
3. Step-by-Step Playthrough: An easy guide on how to get started at a UK online casino: choosing a game, understanding the paytable, placing bets, drawing cards, and evaluating your final hand.
4. Variants & Strategy: Introduction to popular video poker variants like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker, along with basic strategy tips to improve your odds. We also explain how RNGs (Random Number Generators) ensure fair play in online video poker.
5. Safe & Smart Play: Advice on picking reputable UK online casinos (e.g. Betway, 888casino, Grosvenor Casinos) for video poker, plus responsible gambling tips and resources to keep your play fun and in control.

What Is Video Poker?

Video poker machines resemble slot machines, offering a screen to deal and hold cards and a paytable displaying payouts for winning hands. Online casinos simulate this experience digitally so you can play video poker on your computer or mobile device as easily as at a casino.

At its core, video poker is a casino game based on five-card draw poker. This means the objective is to make the best five-card hand, but unlike traditional poker, you’re not competing against other players or a dealer. Instead, you’re playing against the machine. You place a bet, the game deals you five cards, and you choose which cards to hold and which to discard. The machine then draws replacements for the discarded cards, and your final hand is evaluated according to a paytable. You win the corresponding payout if you have a hand that ranks at or above the minimum winning hand (for example, a pair of Jacks in Jacks or Better). If not, you lose your bet.

Video poker appeals by offering a mix of strategy, skill, and luck. Unlike slots, which are pure chance, video poker allows you to influence the outcome by making optimal decisions on which cards to hold. At the same time, it’s more relaxed than live poker – there’s no pressure from opponents, and no need to bluff or read anyone’s tells. For many UK players, it’s the perfect middle ground: a game that’s easy to learn, with better odds than most slot machines (when played with good strategy ), and the potential for high payouts on top hands like a royal flush.

Video Poker vs Live Poker: Key Differences

While video poker is based on the same hand rankings as live poker, the experience of playing it is quite different. If you’re used to games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, it’s important to understand how video poker vs live poker compare:

• Solo Play vs Social Play: Video poker is a solitary game – you’re the only player at the machine (or screen). There are no opponents, just you and the RNG-driven dealer. In live poker, you’re facing other players. This means no bluffing or reading opponents in video poker; the only strategy is your card choices, not psychological tactics.
• Fixed Payouts vs Variable Pots: In video poker, every winning hand pays a fixed amount according to the game’s paytable. For example, a flush might always pay 5 to 1, and a full house 8 to 1, regardless of when or where you hit it. In live poker, the money you win depends on the pot accumulated from players’ bets – there’s no set value for a certain hand, and even a low hand can win if all other players fold. Video poker gives predictable payouts, whereas live poker’s rewards vary with each game.
• House Edge and Strategy: Each video poker machine has a built-in house edge determined by its paytable. Using an optimal math-based strategy, players can often achieve a very high return (some video poker variants have over 99% payout percentage with perfect play). In live poker, the house doesn’t set a fixed edge in the same way – instead, the casino usually takes a rake from the pot. Success in live poker depends not only on understanding odds but also on player skill, observation, and sometimes luck in how the cards and betting go. You can consult strategy charts and even get help or refer to notes while playing video poker (since you’re not competing against others), whereas in a live poker table, you’re on your own and advising another player or seeking advice during a hand is not allowed.
• Pace of Play: Video poker is typically much faster. You can play at your own pace and often get in dozens of hands in a few minutes if you like. There’s no waiting for other players to act. On the other hand, live poker has multiple betting rounds and can be slower – each hand might take several minutes with shuffling, dealing, and players deliberating.
• Game Variations: In a casino poker room or live online poker, you’ll mostly find games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Stud. Video poker, however, comes in many machine variations (as we’ll cover below, e.g. Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, etc.), all of which are essentially based on draw poker with different twists. If you’re interested in the live poker experience, check out our guide on How To Play Texas Hold’em in an Online Casino for a detailed look at playing poker against real opponents online.

In summary, video poker offers a more controlled and streamlined form. It’s just you and the machine, making it great for those who enjoy poker hands but prefer a private game where they can take their time to think. Live poker is a more complex social experience that involves reading people and adapting to unpredictable betting. Both are fun, but they cater to different tastes – video poker is perfect if you want a poker-like game without the hustle of a poker table.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Video Poker Online

Ready to give video poker a try? Follow these simple steps to start playing video poker at an online casino:

Popular Video Poker Variants

One of the exciting aspects of video poker is the variety of game types available. While the core mechanics remain the same (draw five cards, hold or discard, draw replacements), different variants have unique rules or winning hand requirements. Here are a few popular video poker variants you’ll encounter:

• Jacks or Better: This is the classic and most common video poker game – a great choice for beginners. In Jacks or Better, the lowest winning hand is a pair of jacks. Any hand of a pair of Jacks, Queens, Kings or Aces (or better) pays out. The simplicity of this game and its typically favourable paytable (full-pay Jacks or Better has about a 99.5% return with perfect play) make it a staple in land-based and online casinos.
• Deuces Wild: All four 2’s (deuces) are wild cards in this variant. That means a deuce can stand in for any other card to complete a hand. The paytable is adjusted because wild cards make it easier to form strong hands. For example, a natural royal flush (no wilds) might pay the highest jackpot, and the minimum winning hand is often three of a kind (since just a pair is too easy to get with wilds). Deuces Wild offers a fun twist and a higher volatility; you’ll see more four-of-a-kinds and five-of-a-kinds (a hand possible only with wilds) than in Jacks or Better.
• Joker Poker (Joker’s Wild): Joker Poker adds a 53rd card to the deck – a Joker, which acts as a wild. With one wild card in play, you get a hybrid of Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild style gameplay. A common rule in Joker Poker is that the minimum winning hand is Kings or Better (some versions require at least two pairs), since having a Joker can help you make pairs more easily. If the Joker appears in your hand, it will automatically take the value that gives you the best possible hand. Joker Poker is a nice middle ground for players who want some wild action but still mostly traditional play.
• Bonus and Double Bonus Poker: These are variations on Jacks or Better, where certain hands have bonus payouts. For example, Bonus Poker typically gives an extra reward for four of a kind (especially four Aces). Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus take it further, offering different bonus payouts depending on which rank of four-of-a-kind you hit (Aces being the most lucrative). These games usually have a slightly higher volatility – big wins for quads, but often slightly lower pay for two pair or other smaller hands to compensate.
• Tens or Better: Similar to Jacks or Better, but even a pair of tens will pay out here. It might sound easier to win, but the rest of the paytable is usually adjusted to give a bit lower returns, on the other hand, balancing the game. Strategy remains very close to Jacks or Better with just a few tweaks.

There are many other variants (Double Jackpot Poker, Aces and Eights, All American, and so on), but the ones above are some of the best to start with. Each variant may require a slight change in strategy, so it’s a good idea to read the rules or help section of the game before you play. The paytable will also list any special payouts or rule changes (for instance, some Deuces Wild games pay a bonus for four deuces).

How to Spot the Best Odds: The “9/6” Rule

Not all Jacks or Better games are created equal. Even if two games look identical, one might pay out significantly less than the other. To ensure you are playing on a machine with the highest possible Return to Player (RTP), you need to check the payouts for a Full House and a Flush.

• 9/6 (Full Pay): Pays 9 coins for a Full House and 6 coins for a Flush. This is the industry gold standard and offers an RTP of roughly 99.54% with optimal play.
• 8/5 (Low Pay): Pays 8 coins for a Full House and 5 coins for a Flush. This drops the RTP to around 97.30%.

Pro Tip: Before you place your first bet, glance at the paytable. If you see a 9 and a 6 next to the Full House and Flush, you’ve found a great game. If you see lower numbers (like 8/5 or 7/5), your money likely won’t last as long.

Video Poker Strategy Tips for Beginners

While video poker is more beginner-friendly than live poker, having some strategy will greatly improve your odds of winning. Here are some basic video poker strategy tips to keep in mind:

1. Learn the Paytable and Optimal Strategy: Before playing, take a moment to review the game’s paytable. Knowing the value of each hand will guide your decisions. For example, if you’re one card away from a flush that pays 5:1 but you currently have a high pair that pays 1:1, you might decide to stick with the sure pair or chase the flush based on the odds. Many resources provide strategy charts for common games like Jacks or Better, which tell you the mathematically best decision for every possible hand. As a beginner, you don’t have to memorise a chart immediately, but be aware that such strategies exist and can significantly cut down the house edge.
2. Always Hold on to Winning Cards: This sounds obvious, but it’s crucial. If your initial deal contains a paying hand (pair of Jacks or better, or two pair, etc.), do not break it up unless you’re making a very specific advanced draw (like four cards to a Royal Flush – a rare exception). The rule for beginners is to keep any hand that is already a winner. For instance, if you’re dealt a flush or a straight right off the deal, hold all those cards – you’ve already won; don’t get greedy trying to improve it and end up with nothing.
3. High Cards and Potential Draws: If you don’t have any made hands, keep the cards that give you the best chance of winning. Typically, this means hold on to high cards (J, Q, K, A) as they might pair up for a win. If you have two or more high cards of different suits, hold them (especially if one is an Ace or face card) instead of holding lower cards. Also, pay attention to draws: for example, if you have four cards to a flush, it’s usually wise to hold all four and draw one card, because the chance to complete the flush is fairly good and a flush pays well. Similarly, an open-ended straight draw (e.g. 7-8-9-10 of mixed suits) is often worth holding. But avoid “inside straight” draws (like 7-8-☐-10-J, where ☐ represents a missing 9 in the middle) unless you also have high cards – the odds aren’t as good.
4. Utilise Wild Cards Wisely: Adjust your strategy to the wilds in games like Deuces Wild or Joker Poker. Always keep a wild card, but think about the best hand you can form with it. For example, if you have a deuce and no other winning hand in Deuces Wild, you’ll generally hold the deuce and draw four new cards (the deuce can become whatever you need). If you have a wild and, say, a pair, you might hold the pair and the wild to try for a full house or four of a kind.
5. Manage Your Bankroll and Play Max Coins if Possible: Video poker generally has a low house edge, but only if you play long enough and use good strategy. Always set a budget for your session and stick to it – this is part of responsible gambling. Also, as mentioned, consider betting the maximum coins when you can, especially on Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker games, because the top jackpot (Royal Flush) usually pays significantly more at max bet. If the max bet is too expensive at your chosen coin size, drop the coin value (e.g. play 5 coins at £0.05 instead of 1 coin at £0.25) so you can still play max coins within your budget.
6. Practice with Free Games: Take advantage of free video poker games or demo modes. Many online casinos and casino apps offer the ability to play without real money. This is a fantastic way to practice your decision-making and get familiar with different variants. It’s risk-free learning. Once you feel comfortable with when to hold ’em and when to draw, you can transition to real-money play more confidently.
7. Don’t Chase Losses: This is a general gambling tip, but applies to video poker too. If you’ve had a string of bad hands, avoid the temptation to increase your bets wildly or play faster to win it back. Thanks to the RNG, each hand is random and independent – a losing streak doesn’t make a win “due”. Stick to your strategy and bankroll limit. Big hands like a Royal Flush are rare (about 1 in 40,000 hands in Jacks or Better), so patience is key. Enjoy the game, and the wins will come in their own time.

By following these tips, you’ll make smarter choices and extend your play time, increasing your chances of hitting a nice payout. As you advance, you can dive deeper into an optimal strategy for specific variants, but the above will give you a solid foundation.

The “Jacks or Better” Strategy Cheat Sheet

Video poker isn’t about guessing; it’s about following a hierarchy. When you look at your opening hand, find the highest combination on this list that you possess, and hold only those cards. Discard the rest.

1. Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or 4 of a Kind: (Hold all cards – you’ve already won big!)
2. 4 Cards to a Royal Flush: (e.g., A♠ K♠ Q♠ J♠ 3♥ – Hold the four spades, discard the 3).
3. Full House, Flush, or Straight: (Hold all cards).
4. 3 of a Kind: (Hold the three matching cards).
5. 4 Cards to a Straight Flush.
6. Two Pair: (Hold both pairs).
7. High Pair: (Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces).
8. 3 Cards to a Royal Flush.
9. 4 Cards to a Flush.
10. Low Pair: (Tens or lower).
11. 4 Cards to an Open-Ended Straight: (e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8 – you can hit a 4 or 9 to complete it).
12. High Card: (If you have none of the above, hold a Jack, Queen, King, or Ace).
13. Trash: (If you have nothing from this list, discard all five cards and draw fresh).

RNGs and Fair Play in Online Video Poker

One common question newbies have is: “Are online video poker games fair? How do I know the dealing isn’t rigged?” The short answer is that video poker is fair as long as you’re playing at a licensed UK online casino. Here’s why:

Online video poker (and all online casino games) use a technology called Random Number Generators (RNGs) to deal cards. An RNG is a software algorithm that constantly produces random sequences of numbers. When you hit “Deal”, the RNG randomly selects cards from a virtual deck. It’s just like shuffling a real deck of cards and drawing from it, but done electronically. A reputable casino’s RNG is designed to make each card draw completely random and independent.

In the UK, the UK Gambling Commission requires that all online casino games meet strict fairness standards. Casinos must have their RNGs tested and certified by independent auditors. All licensed UK casinos have their RNGs tested regularly by authorities to ensure games are fair and not rigged. That means the outcomes in video poker are purely down to chance and your decisions, just as if you were drawing from a real shuffled deck. The casino cannot tweak the game to cheat you; if it’s licensed and regulated, it operates under laws that protect players.

The concept of Return to Player (RTP) also comes into play. Video poker games publish an RTP percentage (often in the help or info section). For example, Jacks or Better might have an RTP around 99% with optimal play. This gives you an idea of the theoretical long-term payback. A fair RNG ensures the actual dealing aligns with that statistical expectation over time.

One thing to remember is that randomness has no memory. Since RNG deals each hand fresh, you can get 5 losing hands in a row or 2 royal flushes close together purely by chance. There’s no “hot” or “cold” machine phenomenon online – it’s all random. So trust the process and focus on making the best decisions each hand, rather than worrying about patterns.

For more on how RNGs ensure fair play (and to dispel myths about “rigged” games), refer to our article on How RNG Casinos Ensure Fair Play on The Casino Count Blog. The key takeaway is to stick to licensed UK casinos, and you can be confident that the game results are genuinely random and fair.

Choosing a UK Online Casino for Video Poker

As mentioned, picking the right online casino is an important first step. Here are some tips on choosing a UK online casino for playing video poker:

• UKGC Licensing: Ensure the casino holds a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. This information is usually found at the bottom of the casino’s website. A UKGC licence means the site has been vetted for fairness, security, and responsible gambling practices. Never play with real money on an unlicensed site.
• Game Selection: Not all casinos have a large video poker selection. Look for ones that explicitly list video poker games. Many major brands in the UK (like Betway, 888casino, Grosvenor Casinos, Ladbrokes, etc.) offer popular video poker titles. If you have a particular variant in mind (say you love Deuces Wild), check that it’s available. Some casinos might have only Jacks or Better and a couple of others, while others have a dozen video poker options.
• Reputation and Reviews: Do a quick check of the casino’s reputation. You can read reviews or player feedback on our The Casino Count Blog or other trusted review sites. A casino that pays out promptly, has good customer support, and a solid track record will provide a smoother experience.
• User Experience: A good online casino should have a user-friendly interface. This includes easy navigation to find games, a functional and visually clear video poker interface, and compatibility with your devices. If you plan to play on mobile, ensure the casino has a mobile-responsive website or a dedicated app offering video poker games.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Many casinos offer welcome bonuses or promotions. Check if video poker play counts toward wagering requirements (sometimes video poker is weighted differently than slots for bonus clearing). Even if not specifically, having a nice bonus can give you extra bankroll to play with. Just be sure to read the terms, and remember, never choose a casino solely because of a big bonus; the other factors above are more important for long-term satisfaction.
• Customer Support: Good customer service matters since you’re dealing with real money. Reputable UK casinos usually offer 24/7 support via live chat or phone. Responsive support is a lifesaver if you run into any issues (from account verification to withdrawal queries).

By choosing a reliable UK casino, you ensure that your video poker gaming will be safe, fair, and enjoyable. The UK has no shortage of quality online casinos, so you have plenty of choice – don’t hesitate to shop around and even try a couple of different platforms to see which you prefer.

Responsible Gambling Tips

Playing video poker online should be fun and entertaining. While the prospect of winning money is exciting, it’s crucial to approach gambling with a responsible mindset. Here are some responsible gambling tips to keep your play in check:

• Set Spending Limits: Before you start, decide on a bankroll for your session or week. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Setting deposit or loss limits can help – many UK casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps in your account settings to prevent overspending.
• Take Breaks: It’s easy to get absorbed in the game, especially with fast-paced video poker. Make sure to take regular breaks. Stepping away for a few minutes each hour can keep your mind fresh and prevent fatigue-based mistakes.
• Don’t Chase Losses: As mentioned earlier, every hand’s outcome is independent. If you’ve lost a bit and feel the urge to bet more or play recklessly to win it back, pause. Chasing losses often leads to bigger losses. It’s better to accept that luck isn’t on your side some days, and you can always try again another time.
• Use Casino Tools: UK online casinos provide various responsible gaming tools. These include reality checks (pop-up reminders of how long you’ve been playing), time-out or cool-off periods (where you can block yourself from playing for a short duration), and self-exclusion via services like GAMSTOP (which can block access to all UK gambling sites for a chosen period). If you feel your gambling is getting hard to control, don’t hesitate to use these tools.
• Seek Help If Needed: If you ever suspect that gambling is becoming more than just a hobby – for instance, if you’re playing with money needed for other things, or feeling anxious and preoccupied with gambling – it’s important to reach out for help. The UK has excellent resources like GamCare (free support and counselling) and the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). There’s also BeGambleAware and Gamblers Anonymous UK. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking advice or support.

Above all, remember that gambling games, including video poker, are meant for entertainment. Treat any money lost as the cost of entertainment and any winnings as a bonus. By staying within your limits and playing for fun, you ensure that online video poker remains enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Video poker is an exciting and accessible way to enjoy poker-style gameplay without the complexities of live poker. With its favourable odds and blend of luck and strategy, it’s no surprise that many players in the UK are drawn to play video poker online UK for both fun and potential profit. By learning the basics, understanding the differences from live poker, and following the step-by-step guide, you should feel ready to try your hand at this game.

We’ve covered how to get started, from choosing a reputable UK casino to grasping the gameplay and exploring popular variants. Remember the strategy tips – they will help you maximise each hand. And importantly, always keep the experience enjoyable by gambling responsibly. The best video poker games online are those you play with a clear mind and within your limits, so you can savour the thrill of that Royal Flush when it finally hits!

If you’re ready to take the next step, why not give online video poker a go? Many UK casinos offer free-play versions; that could be your perfect practice ground. When you feel confident, play for real and see how you do – who knows, you might hit a winning streak. For more insights, casino reviews, and gaming tips, visit The Casino Count Blog and other site sections. And if you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to contact us at info@thecasinocount.com – we’re here to help.

Good luck, have fun, and may the cards be in your favour when you play video poker online