Video Poker for Real Money in Canadian Online Casinos

Video poker

When it comes to the exciting world of video poker, Canadian online casinos are home to some of the best variations around. From the tried and true classics like Jacks or Better to the innovative and thrilling Bonus Poker, there's no shortage of the best video poker in Canadian online casinos for players looking to test their luck and skill. Of course, with so many different types of video poker available, it can be tough to know where to begin. Each game has its unique set of rules, paytables, and strategies, meaning players must do their homework before diving in. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the ins and outs of the most popular types of video poker in Canadian online casinos. From the basics of playing online video poker to advanced betting strategies, we'll give you all the tools you need to maximise your chances of winning big. So whether you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, read on and discover the excitement of video poker.

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Michael P. Written & published: 22.12.2020 By author Michael P.
Brad I. Reviewed & updated: 29.09.2024 By gambling expert Brad I.

About online video poker game

Video poker is a popular online casino game that is based on the classic card game of poker. In video poker, the player's objective is to make the best possible poker hand from the cards dealt to them. The game is played on a virtual screen similar to a slot machine, and the player interacts with the game by tapping buttons on the mobile or desktop device.

The history of video poker can be traced back to the 1970s when the first electronic video poker machines were introduced to casinos. These early machines were primitive by modern standards, with only basic graphics and limited functionality. Over the years, video poker has evolved and become more sophisticated, with improved graphics, sound effects, and gameplay mechanics. Today, many video poker variations are available at online and land-based casinos, each with unique rules and payouts.

One of the main advantages of online video poker games is that they typically have a higher payout percentage than most other casino games. The return to player (RTP) for video poker can be as high as 99% or more, depending on the game and the player's strategy. This makes video poker a popular choice for gamblers looking to maximise their chances of winning. Some popular video poker variations include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, and Bonus Poker. Each game has unique rules and payouts, so players need to familiarise themselves with the game they are playing before placing any bets.

Online video poker interface

  • Online video poker interface
  • Online video poker interface
  • Online video poker interface
  • Online video poker interface

Rules of online casino video poker

The rules of online casino video poker are relatively straightforward. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how the game is typically played:

  • The player selects a video poker game from the casino's game lobby and places a bet. This bet amount can be adjusted using the "+" and "-" buttons on the game interface.
  • Afterwards, the player is dealt five face-up cards by the computerised dealer. The player can then choose which cards to keep and which ones to replace.
  • The player selects the cards they want to keep by clicking on them or tapping them on the game interface. The discarded cards are then replaced with new cards from the deck.
  • At this point, the game software will evaluate the player's final hand and pay out winnings based on the game's paytable. The paytable outlines the payouts for each possible hand rank, from lowest to highest. We’ll explore the payouts and the paytable later in this guide. 
  • If the player wins, they can choose to collect their winnings or gamble them in a double-or-nothing bonus game. In the bonus game, the player is dealt one card face-up and must choose from four face-down cards to try and find a higher-ranked card. If the player succeeds, their winnings are doubled. If they fail, they lose their original winnings. Please note that the gamble feature is not present in every video poker version. 

Video poker hands

In video poker, a poker hand is a combination of five cards dealt to the player. The game's objective is to make the best possible poker hand from the cards dealt, with the highest-ranked hands paying out the most in winnings. The possible poker hands in video poker are the same as in traditional poker and are ranked in order from lowest to highest. These hands are

  • High Card: The lowest-ranked hand and consists of five cards that do not form any other ranked hands.
  • One Pair: Two cards of the same rank, such as two aces.
  • Two Pair: Two pairs of cards of the same rank, such as two aces and two kings.
  • Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank, such as three jacks.
  • Straight: Five cards in numerical sequence, regardless of suit, such as 4-5-6-7-8.
  • Flush: Five cards of the same suit, such as five hearts.
  • Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank, such as three jacks and two sevens.
  • Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank, such as four queens.
  • Straight Flush: Five cards in numerical sequence and of the same suit, such as 6-7-8-9-10 of diamonds.
  • Royal Flush: This is the highest-ranked hand and consists of a 10, jack, queen, king, and ace of the same suit.

In almost every video poker game, the winning hands' table is displayed on the main screen inside the game. This table shows the rankings of the different poker hands, as well as the corresponding payouts for each hand rank. This makes it easy for players to understand the game's rules and aim for the highest-paying hands while they play.

Video poker payouts

Video poker payouts are determined by the paytable of the machine you are playing on. The paytable shows the different winning combinations and their corresponding payouts. Video poker variations have different paytables, which can significantly affect the expected return to the player (RTP).

In general, the payouts for video poker games increase as you move up in rank from weaker hands to stronger hands. For example, in the standard Jacks or Better video poker variation, the payouts are as follows:

  • Pair of Jacks or Better: 1x your bet
  • Two Pair: 2x
  • Three of a Kind: 3x 
  • Straight: 4x 
  • Flush: 6x 
  • Full House: 9x 
  • Four of a Kind: 25x
  • Straight Flush: 50x
  • Royal Flush: 250x 

It's important to note that the payouts can vary depending on the specific machine and paytable. Some titles may offer higher payouts for certain hands, such as a bonus payout for a royal flush with a maximum bet. Always check the paytable before playing to ensure you are familiar with the payouts and bonus features.

Additionally, it's essential to understand the expected return to the player (RTP) of a specific video poker variation. The RTP is the percentage of all bets returned to the player over time. In general, video poker online has a higher RTP than most slot machines and table games, with some variations offering an RTP of over 99%.

Best online video poker varieties

Video poker has dozens of variations that differ in the set of winning hands and paytables. We take a closer look at the five most popular video poker varieties:

  • Jacks Or Better

    Jacks Or Better

    Jacks Or Better is one of the best online video poker variations and is based on the classic poker game of five-card draw. In this game, players aim to get a hand that contains at least a pair of jacks or higher to win. The payouts for this game can vary, with the highest one reserved for a royal flush.

    Read more

  • Deuces Wild

    Deuces Wild

    Deuces Wild is another popular video poker variant and is similar to Jacks Or Better. However, in Deuces Wild, all four twos (deuces) are considered wild cards, meaning they can substitute for any other card to form a winning hand. This increases the chances of getting a win, but the payouts for some hands, such as a full house, are lower than in other video poker varieties.

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  • Joker Poker

    Joker Poker

    Joker Poker is similar to Deuces Wild, but instead of four wild cards, there is only one: the Joker. This joker can substitute for any other card to form a winning hand, but unlike in Deuces Wild, it is impossible to get five of a kind in Joker Poker. The highest payout in this game is reserved for a natural royal flush, which means that the royal flush is achieved without the help of the joker.

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  • Aces and Faces

    Aces and Faces

    Aces and Faces is a video poker variety that pays extra for hands that contain aces or face cards (jacks, queens, or kings). The payouts for this game are generally higher than in Jacks Or Better but lower than in Deuces Wild or Joker Poker.

  • Bonus Poker

    Bonus Poker

    Bonus Poker is similar to Jacks Or Better, but with a different paytable. In this game, there are bonuses for certain four-of-a-kind hands, such as four aces, which can lead to higher payouts than in Jacks Or Better. However, the payouts for other hands, such as two pairs, are lower.

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Video poker games highest RTP

Online Video Poker Game RTP (%)
1️⃣ Full-Pay Deuces Wild (Microgaming) 100.76
2️⃣ Full-Pay Double Bonus Poker (Microgaming) 100.17
3️⃣ Full-Pay Double Double Bonus Poker (Microgaming) 100.07
4️⃣ Full-Pay Jacks or Better (NetEnt) 99.56
5️⃣ Bonus Poker Deluxe (Microgaming) 99.64
6️⃣ Double Jackpot Poker (RTG) 99.63
7️⃣ Super Aces Bonus Poker (RTG) 99.94
8️⃣ All American Poker (NetEnt) 99.38
9️⃣ Pick 'Em Poker (RTG) 99.95
🔟 Tens or Better (Microgaming) 99.14

Mobile video poker

mobileMobile video poker has become increasingly popular among players who enjoy playing their favourite game on the go. This allows players to access various video poker games from their mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, making it convenient and easy to play anywhere and anytime. Players can enjoy the excitement of playing with real money or practise their skills and try out different strategies without risking their own money by playing in free mode.

Mobile video poker also comes in a wide range of options, such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker, among others. Players can choose from a variety of game types and payouts, allowing them to find the game that suits their style and offers the best odds. Furthermore, many mobile online casinos that offer video poker come with bonuses and promotions, such as welcome bonuses, which can increase players' chances of winning and provide them with more opportunities to play.

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Video poker winning tips 

When it comes to playing online video poker for real money in Canada and winning big, some tips can help increase your chances of success. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:

1

Bet on the max number of coins

To maximise your potential payouts, it's important to bet on the maximum number of coins when playing video poker games that offer a bonus payout for a royal flush with a maximum bet. By betting the max, you can ensure you are eligible for this top payout.

2

Never keep your kicker

In video poker, a kicker is an additional card that does not contribute to the value of the player's hand but can potentially break a tie with another hand of the same rank. In most cases, keeping the kicker when playing video poker is not advisable because it reduces the player's chances of achieving a stronger hand. For example, in Jacks or Better, keeping a kicker with a pair of Jacks will only pay out for the pair, while discarding the kicker and drawing three new cards gives the player more chances to improve their hand to a three-of-a-kind or higher.

Furthermore, holding onto a kicker may cause the player to miss out on potentially better hands. In a game like Deuces Wild, where all 2s act as wild cards, keeping a kicker with a wild card can prevent the player from creating a stronger hand, such as a five-of-a-kind or a Royal Flush.

3

Know when not to bet max

While betting the max can be beneficial in certain situations, there are times when it's not the best strategy. For example, if you have a limited bankroll, it may be better to bet fewer coins and play for longer periods. Additionally, some video poker games may not offer a bonus payout for a maximum bet, so it may not be worth the extra expense.

4

Use a video poker strategy chart

Many experienced video poker players rely on strategy charts to guide their gameplay decisions. These charts outline the optimal plays for every possible hand combination based on the paytable and rules of the game. Using a strategy chart, you can maximise your chances of winning and minimise your losses.

5

Play video poker for free

One of the best ways to practise your skills is to play free online video poker. Most online casinos offer free demo versions of their video poker games, allowing you to try different strategies and get a feel for the gameplay without risking any real money. This can be a great way to build your confidence and improve your overall strategy before you start playing for real money.

Play video poker for free

Conclusion

Video poker is a thrilling and rewarding game that offers players the chance to win big in Canadian online casinos. By understanding the rules, payouts, and strategies of each variation, players can increase their chances of success and maximise their winnings. We've explored the most popular types of video poker, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, Aces and Faces, and Bonus Poker. Each variation has its unique features and payouts, making it important to choose the one that suits your style of play and offers the best odds.

We've also provided tips and strategies for increasing your chances of success, such as betting on the max number of coins, knowing when not to bet the max, and using a video poker strategy chart. By following these tips, players can improve their overall gameplay and potentially win big. So, if you're looking for the best video poker in Canadian online casinos, make sure to try out these popular variations and apply the strategies we've shared. You could be the next big winner with some luck and skill.

Video poker FAQ

Is video poker available in Canadian online casinos?

Yes, video poker is available in Canadian online casinos. We have also listed the best video poker online casino sites on this page you can choose from.

How to win in online video poker?

To win when playing video poker online for money, you need to know the hand rankings and try to collect the best hand.

How much can I win in video poker?

The amount you can win in video poker depends on the machine's paytable, your bet size, and the winning hands you get. The maximum payout is usually for a royal flush (about 5000 coins).

Which video poker has the best odds?

Video poker with the best odds is usually the full-pay version of Jacks Or Better or Deuces Wild. These games come with RTPs of over 99%.

Can I play video poker on a mobile device?

Yes, you can play video poker on a mobile device, as most online casinos offer mobile-compatible versions of their games.