Video Poker Online Casinos 2024

The first poker slots were introduced in the early 1970s, and the modern versions of this game have much in common with these machines. The game is very easy to play and requires no interaction with other players. All that you need to do is to go to a reputable best online casino Canada, choose your favorite video poker online Canada game version, and enjoy the gameplay!

However, video poker Canada adds an element of skill as compared to traditional video slots games. If you have never played online poker before, it’s time to try something new and test the gameplay. And in this comprehensive post, I’m eager to tell you more about this game, its rules, variations, and insightful tips on how to play. So get comfortable and have a look!

Overview of the Best Video Poker Casinos in Canada 2023

When surfing the net, you’ll undoubtedly find a massive collection of video poker sites, but can you be sure that all of them are trusted? First off, let’s list the best online video poker casinos with a solid reputation and an array of perks for Canadians. Check this list and choose a gambling platform that suits your requirements most of all!

Free Video Poker vs Real Money Poker

Free poker or real money video poker game, which option to choose? Well, a lot depends on your skills and experience. In fact, the only difference is that you can’t win money when playing free poker games. A free version is for inexperienced players that just want to test the gameplay and learn the poker rules. When you gain some experience, you can deposit funds and play video poker games online for real money. The second option is usually more exciting as in this case, you have a chance to hit a big win! Plus, there’s no need to go anywhere as you can enjoy playing your favorite casino game from the comfort of your office, home or play on the move!

How to Play Video Poker? 

This game features an array of variants, but the gameplay is based on a traditional five-card draw. And the players are usually dealt a five-card poker hand. Let’s take a closer look at the main directions on how to play video poker games:

1. Choose a reputable online casino and deposit funds;
2. Choose a game variation and place your bets;
3. Click on the “Deal” option to get your initial five-card poker hand;
4. Discard the cards that aren’t useful for you;
5. Get replacement cards from the “virtual deck”;
6. Get your winnings that are usually paid in accordance with the paytable.

When playing video poker real money, you should always check the paytable first because payouts for different hands vary greatly depending on the game.

Overview of the Winning Poker Hands

Eager to join the video poker craze? You’ve come to the right place! In the following paragraph, I’m going to review the rank of poker hands. This game is based on five-card poker hands, and their ranks are as follows:

• Royal flush: These are such cards as Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 of the same suite;
• Straight Flush: These are five cards of the same suite (for instance, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6);
• Four of a kind: These are four cards of the same rank (for instance, ace of spades, ace of hearts, ace of diamonds);
• Full house: These are three cards of one rank or two cards of another rank (for instance, three of diamonds or three of hearts);
• Flush: This term means five cards of the same suite;
• Straight: These are five cards of mixed suits;
• Pair of jacks: This is where a player has two queens, two kings, two aces, etc; 
• Three of a kind: This term means three poker cards of the same rank (for instance, 6 of hearts or 6 of diamonds).
• Two pair: This is where a player has two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.

All these winning hands are of utmost importance when it comes to playing video poker. You need to learn them and know how it all works before you immerse yourself in the gameplay. Nevertheless, you should also check the paytable before you start playing. It provides you with the information on respective payouts. Surely, pay tables also vary depending on the chosen game variation.

Video Poker Game Variations

As I have already mentioned, this game features a massive collection of game variations, and it’s up to you to decide which one to play. Each of them has its own rules, pay tables, and requires certain strategies to be used to maximize your return. My goal is to review all of them to help you choose the right option.

Jacks or Better

The main distinctive feature of this version is that it's very easy to play, and that's why this game is a number one choice by new players. The game boasts a relatively high RTP - 99,54%. Jacks or Better is the lowest-paid hand here, however, it is paid out evenly.

Another distinctive feature is that there's an option that allows you to double your winnings in a bonus game every time you receive a Jacks or Better hand. 

When choosing this game, players receive five cards, and each of them is face-up; all the remaining cards are unknown. And the key objective of a player here is to choose a card that has the highest value of the four cards.

Deuces Wild

This poker game variation can be found at any land-based or online casino. Just like the previous version, this one also uses a single deck of 52 cards. The main distinctive feature of this version is that all Twos and four Deuces are Wild Cards. This means that these cards usually complete a winning hand (it can replace any dealt card with a Deuce). Three of a Kind is the lowest hand in the paytable. There’s a massive collection of Deuces Wild variations, but unfortunately, all of them feature a low RTP. Therefore, it might be more convenient for you to stick to a full pay variant of the game.

Double Bonus

So far, it’s one of the funniest video poker game variations with a higher return. Due to extra-high payouts, the word “bonus” is added to the name of this game. The main distinctive feature of this version is that it pays for the larger payouts for a 4 of a kind (it reduces the payoff for two pairs from 2 to 1 to even money). This game variation is available at all the best bitcoin video poker casinos.

Double Double Bonus

By the way, this version was the first video poker game that used kickers. It also gives free credits every four hours and boasts the most realistic casino experience. This game increases the payout for all four of a kind hands and has the potential to bring players as close to the payouts as possible. The main idea of this game is to raise the chances for big payouts.

Video Poker Playing Tips

Let's review some of the most effective playing tips that might raise your winning chances and allow you to get the most out of this cool table game. Knowing how to win while playing video poker can be a game-changer. So check the below-listed tips:

Optimize your video poker strategy

If you are going to play Jacks or Better, you need to avoid keeping your kicker. Plus, you should also avoid keeping three cards to chase a flush or straight. In doing so, you minimize your winning chances in the long run. Remember, the only reason to keep the cards is in your pursuit of a straight flush. Another useful recommendation is to never break up a winning hand, hoping to get something bigger.

Never bet more than you have

It's the golden rule of playing a video poker online game and an array of other table games. You need to be doubly sure that you can control your emotions and your budget. Decide how much money you can spend on playing poker, and be sure that you can stop at the right moment.

Always use bonuses and promotions.

Promos and bonuses given by online casinos can drastically raise your winning chances. The thing is that video poker is a game with a low house edge. That's why you have a chance to find some incredible value with various playthrough vouchers and exciting promotions.

Opt for progressive bonus machines

A lot of video poker machines feature a progressive jackpot, and you know that that's a fair opportunity to win more. So if you see that a game offers a progressive jackpot, it's a sin not to test it. However, if you wish to play video poker for real money, you need to opt for only reputable casinos!

Always play at your pace

Never run before the hounds. Poker is not a game where you can rush things, especially if you are a first-time player and you are just mastering the basic game strategy. Make sure you control the situation. Play at your own pace, and gradually, you'll learn the rules!

So now you know everything about this game, and this means that it’s time to test your luck while playing one of the poker versions. So go to trustworthy Canadian video poker casinos that operate online, register your account, and start playing right away!