Video poker combines elements of 5-card draw poker and slot machines. While slots rely entirely on random chance, video poker allows players to use skill to improve their odds. However, all video poker variants have different payout rates and house edges. By targeting full-pay deuces wild and other high return options, you can stretch each dollar further.
Understand Pay Table Importance
Every video poker game displays a pay table, listing the various winning hand combinations and payout amounts. These pay tables directly determine each machine’s built-in house advantage. Generally, the higher the overall payouts, the lower the house edge.
Machines with payback percentages exceeding 100% at RoyalReels Casino are considered “full-pay games.” This means perfect play yields a small positive return over extensive play. The highest paying full-pay video poker variants include:
- Deuces Wild – 100.76%
- Double Double Bonus Poker – 100.17%
- Jacks or Better – 99.54%
When assessing a pay table, check the payouts for each hand rather than just the royal flush. Comparing these amounts across the various machines can help identify options with the best returns.
Use Optimal Video Poker Strategy
While luck determines individual session results, video poker is not a game of pure chance. Proper strategy adjustments can overcome poor payback percentages. Strategy charts reveal the statistically optimal plays for every possible hand and situation.
By adhering to these guideline strategies, even less experienced players can gain an edge. Before playing, print off a basic strategy chart for the specific game variant. Pay special attention to tricky hands like small pairs, three card royal flushes and 4 card straights/flushes.
Join Player Rewards Programs
Most every casino runs a loyalty rewards program for slots and video poker. Players can sign up for free player’s club cards that track gameplay and offer comps and other benefits. While the advantages may seem small, they can add up substantially over hundreds of extended play sessions.
Player rewards programs incentives include:
- Cashback rewards on net losses
- Free slot play credits
- Discounted hotel room rates
- Coupons for free food, drinks, shows, etc
When combined with the already positive returns of full-pay machines, these loyalty perks provide even more value. Be sure to insert your player’s card to earn benefits every time you play.
Time Sessions Around Bonus Events
For holidays, special events or to attract mid-week business, casinos often run limited-time bonus payout promotions. These can add extra payouts for 4-of-a-kind and higher poker hands during a specified timeframe.
Additional bonuses can range from a few extra coins to 500X the normal award amount. But be especially vigilant for promotions paying 8/5 payouts (like 500 coins for 4-of-a-kind instead of 125). By timing sessions around these high-value events, players can drastically increase their effective returns.
Check with the player’s club desk each visit for info on the latest and upcoming video poker bonuses. Scheduling appropriately is key to fully capitalizing on the excess value available.
Keep an Eye Out for Progressives
A small subset of video poker machines features progressive jackpots in addition to the usual static payouts. With progressives, a percentage of each wager feeds into an ever-growing pooled top prize. Awards can climb into five or even six figures before some lucky player ultimately hits.
Some common video poker variants with progressives include:
- Joker Poker
- Triple Double Bonus Poker
- Super Times Pay Poker
The jackpot meter directly above the screen shows the current top prize up for grabs. Though actual wins don’t come along often, progressive machines add excitement with life-changing award potential. And some options still include 100%+ full-pay tables too.
Step Up Carefully to Higher Denominations
In general, dollar and higher denomination video poker games offer better returns compared to quarter machines. While lower limit games often pay back around 94-95%, dollar game pay tables climb closer to 98-99%. However, with higher betting limits comes higher volatility and risk as well.
Before moving up, first refine your skill and bankroll management playing lower stakes. Determine reasonable win goals and loss limits that align with larger bets. Applying conservative strategies paired with perfect play can make dollar video poker a profitable long-term option.
Locate the Most Games On and Off Strip
The glitzy Las Vegas Strip casinos cater to tourists focused on slots. As such, their video poker selection leaves something to be desired both in quantity and quality. Additionally, Strip properties modify formerly full-pay schedules to increase revenue.
For best options with lowest house edge, explore poker machines at local casinos off the Strip. Venues like Sam’s Town, Sunset Station and Fiesta Rancho offer hundreds of positive EV machines. Checking reliable sites helps pinpoint which casinos currently spread full-pay games.
In Closing
Using these tips can lead you to the most lucrative video poker machines on or off the Strip. Seek out full-pay titles first, sign up for player loyalty programs, take advantage of bonuses and employ skillful optimal strategy. Over time, those incremental edges will help your bankroll go much further.
So next time you sit down at a video poker terminal, utilize these tactics to maximize your overall EV and chances to walk away a winner. Carefully selecting the best games and harnessing additional value from progressive jackpots and loyalty perks provides a definitive advantage against the house.
