Video Poker Rules and Game Explanation
Online video poker uses a deck of 52 cards. Jokers are therefore not involved. This game uses the “five-card draw” principle. This means you’re dealt five cards to begin with. Later in the game, you have the opportunity to swap cards. Top non GamStop casino list can guide you to platforms where you can play this game with ease and confidence. It’s up to you to decide whether to swap cards and, if so, which ones. After these cards have been swapped, the game ends, and your winnings are paid out.
What makes playing this casino game so much fun is that the online version is more comprehensive than the version you play in a brick-and-mortar casino. For example, with the online version, you don’t just have to play with one hand; you also have the option of playing multiple hands simultaneously. There are even online video poker versions that allow players to play up to 100 different hands, increasing your chances of creating winning combinations. This is especially interesting if you’re good at poker and enjoy a challenge.
Playing with multiple hands has a significant advantage: if a valuable combination depends on a single card or suit, that card will always appear in at least a few of your hands.
Video poker isn’t terribly complicated. The winning combinations are somewhat similar to those that score points in Yahtzee. For example, a full house, a straight, four of a kind, and three of a kind are common combinations from Yahtzee.
The Winning Combinations of Video Poker
The winning combinations used in online poker are the different poker hands you can get. These are the following poker hands:
- Pair: A combination of two identical cards. This is the lowest winning combination in video poker, and is not paid out by many non GamStop casinos.
- Two pairs: two combinations of two of the same cards, next to a fifth (other) card.
- Three of a Kind: a combination of three of the same cards.
- Straight: A combination of five consecutive cards, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- Flush: A combination of five cards of the same suit, such as all cards in diamonds.
- Full House: A combination of three of a kind and a combination of two of a kind. This is different from Three of a Kind, because with Three of a Kind you only have a combination of three of a kind.
- Four of a Kind: a combination of four of the same cards.
- Straight Flush: a combination of five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Royal Flush: The combination of ace, king, queen, jack and ten of the same suit.
In many video poker variations, the card combinations and payouts are the same. This allows you to practice creating combinations. This is useful, for example, if you’re training to become a professional poker player.
When do you win?
The goal of video poker is to create the right (winning) card combinations. You do this by either exchanging cards or not exchanging them after they are dealt. The better your card combination, the higher your payout.
Bet and winnings payout
The betting range varies from approximately €1 to €5. Some variants have a higher maximum bet. The same applies to the payouts. The amount of money you can win with a hand combination varies by video poker game. The most commonly played online video poker game is Jacks or Better, and the payouts for this variant are as follows:
| Hand | Payout (× Bet) |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250× |
| Straight Flush | 40× |
| Four of a Kind | 20× |
| Full House | 9× |
| Flush | 6× |
| Straight | 3× |
| Three of a Kind | 3× |
| Two Pair | 2× |
| Jacks or Better | 1× |
Pros and Cons of Video Poker
Still unsure about playing online video poker at non GamStop casinos? Our experts have listed the pros and cons of this game for you. This way, you can easily decide if video poker is right for you.
Advantages
• RTP can exceed 99%
• You can win up to 4,000 x your stake
• You can usually play with multiple hands at the same time
Disadvantages
• Different variants may have different rules and payouts
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered professional gambling advice, financial guidance, or a guarantee of winnings. Video poker outcomes—whether played online, offline, or at non GamStop casinos—are based on probability and chance. Strategies, explanations, or descriptions of winning combinations do not ensure success.
I am not responsible for any financial losses, gameplay issues, misunderstandings, or negative experiences that may occur as a result of using the information described here. Rules, payouts, and features can vary between casinos and game versions, and it is the reader’s responsibility to verify all details directly with the chosen gambling platform.
Online gambling laws differ by country and region. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with your local regulations before playing video poker or accessing non GamStop casinos. Always gamble responsibly, set personal limits, and seek help if you feel your gambling behavior may be becoming harmful.
