Video poker is one of the most skill-driven casino games, offering a unique blend of strategy, simplicity, and rewarding odds. But not all video poker games are created equal. The variant you choose can significantly affect your payout odds—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
In this guide, we’ll explore how different video poker variants impact your chances of winning, what payout tables reveal, and how to make smarter decisions—especially if you’re playing at non gamstop casinos.
Understanding the Basics of Video Poker
Video poker is a digital adaptation of five-card draw poker. You’re dealt five cards and can choose to hold or discard any number of them, aiming to build the strongest possible hand.
What sets video poker apart from slot machines is the role of skill. The decisions you make directly influence the outcome, giving savvy players a real edge. However, the variant you choose plays a crucial role in your overall odds.
Popular Video Poker Variants and Their Payout Structures
Let’s look at some common video poker variants and how their rules and payout tables affect the odds:
1. Jacks or Better
This is the most traditional form of video poker. You need a pair of Jacks or better to win. A full-pay version (9/6) offers a 99.54% return to player (RTP) if played perfectly.
2. Deuces Wild
All 2s act as wild cards, which creates more winning possibilities—but it also raises the bar for what counts as a winning hand. A full-pay version offers up to 100.76% RTP, making it one of the most favorable games for expert players.
3. Bonus Poker
This variant is similar to Jacks or Better but gives higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands. However, it often offers a lower payout for full houses and flushes, slightly decreasing the overall RTP.
4. Double Double Bonus Poker
This is a high-variance game that gives big payouts for specific four-of-a-kind combinations but can have lower payouts for more common hands. The RTP can still be good, around 98.98%, but the swings are much more volatile.
How Variants Affect Your Payout Odds
The odds of winning in video poker are heavily dependent on the paytable—a chart that outlines what each hand pays. Even a small difference in a single payout (e.g., 9 vs. 8 for a full house) can shift the RTP by over 1%.
For example:
A 9/6 Jacks or Better machine offers 99.54% RTP.
An 8/5 version drops the RTP to just 97.3%.
That’s a significant dip over time, especially for frequent players.
When you play at non gamstop casinos, you’ll find a wider range of variants and paytables. Some offer more generous payouts, while others might look appealing but pay less than expected. Always check the paytable before you start betting.
Tips for Choosing the Best Variant
Here are some tips to help you choose the right variant to improve your odds:
✅ Learn Optimal Strategy for the Variant
Each version of video poker requires a slightly different approach. What works in Jacks or Better may not apply to Deuces Wild. Learn the strategy specific to the variant you’re playing to maximize your returns.
✅ Compare Paytables Carefully
Always go for full-pay machines when possible. Even at non gamstop casinos, where you might have more options than traditional UK-licensed sites, you should still analyze the numbers.
✅ Start with Low Volatility Variants
If you’re new to video poker, start with games like Jacks or Better. They offer steadier returns and are easier to master.
Why Play Video Poker at Non GamStop Casinos?
Players who are self-excluded from UKGC-licensed casinos via GamStop often seek alternatives. Non gamstop casinos cater to this group by offering a broad selection of video poker variants that may not be available elsewhere.
Benefits of these sites include:
Greater selection of poker variants
More flexible bonuses and promotions
Fewer restrictions on deposits and withdrawals
Access even if you’re under GamStop exclusion
However, be cautious. Since these casinos operate outside the UKGC’s jurisdiction, not all are created equal. Choose platforms with proper offshore licensing (like Curacao or Malta) and strong reputations.
Final Thoughts
Video poker is a strategic and potentially high-yield game, but your payout odds are heavily influenced by the variant you choose. By understanding paytables, learning variant-specific strategies, and selecting your platform wisely—including trusted non gamstop casinos—you can greatly enhance both your enjoyment and profitability.
When in doubt, start simple, practice, and always check the numbers before you play.
