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Video poker odds: Why it pays better than slots; how to find the best games
Though perhaps not as popular as real money online slots, video poker odds actually pay better and more frequently at legal online casinos.
ByGrantLucas·Updated: May 17, 2026 11:54AM ET·7 min read
When it comes to gambling at legal online casinos in the U.S., most players flock to slots, with entertaining themes and mechanics creating excitement and thrills. While some slots do have more frequent payouts than others, it's actually another type of game that pays better, as video poker odds favor strategy and can create a steadier stream of wins.
Video poker vs slots: One has better returns than the other
It should come as no surprise that users typically prefer to play online casino games for real money that carry the best odds for winning. That's certainly true for players who flock to the highest RTP slot machines, as those percentages indicate the theoretical payout per $100 spent.
Yet the video poker house edge is even slimmer, with many titles offering RTP ratings of over 99%, while even the highest RTP slots, on average, sit between 96% and 98%.
What's more, players have more control over outcomes in video poker vs slots. Every hand users are dealt carries a calculated probability of winning that is based on the cards in the deck. Whereas slot machines' results are determined by random number generators, essentially leaving win potential in the hands of chance, video poker players can make strategic decisions that directly affect their odds of winning.
As such, using an ideal strategy heading into video poker can improve overall results. And a better understanding of video poker odds can lead to smarter decisions, which, in turn, can generate positive outcomes.
How to read a video poker paytable
Before players get into actual video poker gameplay with the best online casinos, they should be sure to review the paytables of their desired games, because they could indicate how strong the odds are of winning.
In the popular Jacks or Better variant of video poker, for example, users should seek a game with a 9/6 paytable structure. This will tell users that the game pays out 9:1 for a full house and 6:1 for a flush. That is obviously more desirable than games with 8/5 or 7/5 structures.
On top of that, 9/6 video poker titles generally lead to 99.54% of all wagers returning to players if they are playing with an ideal strategy. With 8/5, the maximum payout percentage decreases to 97.3%, while 7/5, obviously, is even lower at 96.15%.
Players can locate video poker paytables by opening the game of their choice and navigating to an icon – usually a lower-case "i," a question mark, or three dots – that will lead users to the help section of the game.
Jacks or Better strategy basics
One of the more popular variants for video poker is Jacks or Better, a game featuring video poker odds with minimum payouts for a pair of jacks or better.
There are a number of ways to approach this type of game, but these are considered some of the more common tips when it comes to Jacks or Better strategy:
If players have four cards as part of a straight or flush draw, they should consider holding all four of them and draw only one additional card.
With three cards as part of a potential royal flush, they should be held. Discard the other two, and perhaps that will lead to the big payout or, at worst, a pair of jacks or better.
Users with three cards showing toward a potential straight flush should discard the other two, creating chances for several winning hands, including straight flush, flush, straight or perhaps matching multiple cards for a two pair or better.
If dealt a pair, players may be wise to hold them and draw three more.
Should users face a hand with no matching cards or any reasonable straight or flush draws, holding one card that is equal to or higher than a jack might be the play. If no face card is there, draw five new cards.
There's no strategy or approach that guarantees win after win after win. However, should players ever have questions about video poker, there are strategy cards that exist online to help them come up with the best strategy for them.
Which variants have the best video poker odds
Naturally, players may want to know which titles have the best video poker odds. After all, what's more fun than winning, right? Fortunately, there are some variants that are considered casino games with best odds than others.
Deuces Wild: With an RTP of 99.73%, this is considered one of the top-performing video poker variants around. Winning hands start at three of a kind and increase in payouts up to a natural royal flush. As the name suggests, 2s are wild and can help players build higher-paying hands.
Jacks or Better: Perhaps the most popular video poker variant, Jacks or Better has a 99.54% RTP if it is a "full-pay" game, meaning one with a 9/6 paytable structure – one that pays 9:1 for a full house and 6:1 for a flush.
Double Bonus: While Double Bonus video poker has a 99.11% RTP, the variance is high, which means that players may lose more than they win in the short term. There are lower payouts for full houses and flushes, but winnings are higher for four-of-a-kind. In essence, Double Bonus video poker rewards risk-takers.
How to find the best-paying video poker games at US online casinos
As noted, one of the best ways to see if a video poker game is one of the better paying titles they should first examine the paytable and compare it with similar games.
First and foremost, though, users should be sure to find a legal online casino that fits their wants and needs. After creating an account, first-time customers can then make a real-money deposit and take advantage of welcome bonuses from those operators.
From there, the journey is as simple as locating the video poker lobby, finding games that look appealing, and then opening the paytables to do a little homework.
Quick video poker tips for playing online
Each video poker variant carries its own strategy, but in terms of general gameplay, these video poker tips can help players get the most out of their sessions:
Always play max coins: Doing so unlocks the potential for the best possible payout while also raising the overall RTP.
Learn the paytables before playing: As noted, users should review the video poker paytables before getting into the action. Among other things, it ensures that users are playing full-pay video poker games with the best return percentages.
Get comfortable with one variant first: There are multiple video poker variants that are enjoyable, but new players should first learn one game before branching out so they can pick up on the rules and potential strategies.
Manage your bankroll Above all else, players should be sure to set a budget before gameplay and stick to it, only wagering what they can afford to lose. Avoid "chasing licenses" and stay within your financial means to keep legal online casino gaming a form of entertainment.
Responsible Gaming
Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.
