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Looking for the perfect mix of strategy and luck? Explore video poker at River Belle Casino. Our guide covers everything you need to know to play video poker online – no matter your experience level.
From top strategies to the best video poker online Canada has to offer, we've got you covered. And if you're curious about other games, check out our online slots page for more excitement.
What Is Video Poker?
So, what is video poker exactly? Imagine the strategic thrill of poker combined with the instant-play excitement of slot machines – that's video poker games in a nutshell. Originally developed as a physical machine in the 1970s, casino video poker has evolved into a popular online format available at any video poker online casino worth its salt.
Unlike online slots, where outcomes are entirely random, video poker gives players a chance to use skill and strategy. You’re dealt a five-card hand, choose which cards to hold or discard, and aim for the best poker hand possible.
How to Play Video Poker Online In Canada
Wondering how to play video poker? Here's a quick and easy guide to get you started with online video poker in Canada:
Choose Your Game: Select a video poker game from our collection.
Place Your Bet: Use the on-screen buttons to adjust your wager. Bets usually range from one to five credits per hand.
Deal Your Cards: Hit "Deal" and you’ll receive five virtual cards.
Hold or Discard: Click the cards you want to hold; the rest will be discarded.
Draw New Cards: Click “Draw” to replace discarded cards and complete your final hand.
Win or Try Again: If your hand qualifies for a payout, you'll be rewarded based on the paytable.
The intuitive interface makes it easy to play video poker online, even if you're new to it.
Popular Video Poker Variants
At River Belle, we offer some of the best video poker online Canada has available, including all the player favourites:
Jacks or Better: This classic video poker game rewards you for landing a pair of Jacks or better. It’s a go-to for beginners thanks to its simple rules and steady payouts.
Deuces Wild: In this exciting video poker variant, all twos (deuces) are wild cards. That makes it easier to form winning hands – but the paytable is a little tougher.
Bonus Poker: This version offers bonus payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially when they’re Aces. If you’re looking to maximise your wins, this video poker variant is worth a shot.
Video Poker Rules
Most video poker games online follow the basic rules of five-card draw poker. Here's what you need to know about the basic rules:
You’re dealt five cards.
Choose which cards to hold.
Draw new cards to replace the ones you’ve discarded.
Win based on the strength of your final hand.
Video Poker Strategy Tips
One of the best things about video poker is that it's not purely based on luck. Unlike slots, you can improve your chances with a solid video poker strategy. Here are some pro tips:
Learn Basic Strategy: Each variant has its own video poker basic strategy. A video poker strategy chart can help you learn which cards to hold in any given situation.
Start with Jacks or Better: If you're new, start with video poker Jacks or Better. It's easier to learn and has one of the most forgiving strategy curves.
Manage Your Bankroll: Don’t chase losses. Stick to a budget and play within your means – especially when playing online video poker real money games.
Use Multi-Hand Mode Wisely: Multi hand video poker allows you to play multiple hands at once, but it also increases your risk. Make sure you're confident in your strategy before diving in.
Video Poker Odds And RTP
When comparing video poker to other casino games, it stands out for its favourable odds and high Return to Player (RTP) percentages.
The best video poker games offer RTPs over 99% when played with optimal strategy. For instance:
Jacks or Better: Up to 99.54%
Deuces Wild: Up to 100.76% (in full-pay versions)
Different variants have different levels of volatility. High-volatility games like Bonus Poker offer larger payouts but less frequently, while others pay out smaller amounts more often. It’s all about finding the best video poker game for your style.
From Draw to Win – Your Video Poker FAQ Hub
Is there any strategy to video poker?
Strategy plays a major role in video poker. Learning when to hold or discard cards can dramatically improve your odds.
Should you hold a low pair in video poker?
It depends on the variant, but in many cases, holding a low pair is a solid play.
What is the goal of video poker?
The aim is to make the best possible poker hand from five cards and earn a payout based on the paytable.
Does video poker have good odds?
Video poker games often have some of the best odds in the casino – especially with proper strategy.
Does video poker have better odds than slot machines?
Generally, yes. Video poker odds can be significantly better than those of online slots, especially when using a solid strategy.
Can you play video poker for free?
Yes, many platforms offer free video poker games so you can practise without risking real money.