Millions of South Africans love poker, but not everyone wants to play with real people. Some gamblers simply want to enjoy the process, test different strategies, and not be tied to specific clubs. That's why we recommend choosing video poker as an alternative. This online casino game combines elements of classic poker with an innovation that allows South Africans to play non-stop. Here's everything you should know about this game.
General Information about Video Poker Online
Imagine that classic poker and online slots had a child. That's video poker, combining elements of both gambling casino games. Just like in classic poker, you need to gradually receive cards, creating a strong combination to win. But video poker online has some features that you should know about. The first goal is to form a five-card hand. The stronger the hand, the higher the chance of winning. By the way, this variation of poker does not require a live dealer. You will play against the machine.
Best Online Casinos to Play Video Poker
As gambling experts, we understand the significance of selecting a reliable casino. You can enjoy online video poker without any hitches or pitfalls by trusting a reputable gambling platform. Here are the casinos that are worth your attention:
You can rely on licensed and dependable gambling platforms by selecting these casinos. Additionally, these clubs offer generous bonuses that enable you to gain more advantages during your video poker sessions. Each casino on this list collaborates with top providers, ensuring a diverse gambling experience.
Video Poker for Real Money & Free Play
| Video Poker for Real Money | Video Poker for Free |
| ✅ Opportunity to win actual cash rewards. | ✅ Great for practicing and learning the basics. |
| ✅ Adds an element of excitement with real stakes. | ✅ No financial commitment is needed. |
| ✅ You can use bonuses to boost your winnings. | ❌ No real money winnings. |
| ❌ Risk of losing money. | ❌ No bonuses or promotions to apply. |
| ❌ It can be stressful if not managed responsibly. | ❌ Limited number of games. |
Types of Online Video Poker
Now, let's discuss the types of video poker variations worth your attention. We've analyzed the South African market and selected the top five games worth considering. Here is the list:
- Jacks or Better: The most well-known version where payouts start at a pair of jacks.
- Deuces Wild: All 2s are wild in this game, creating more dynamic and frequent winning combinations.
- Bonus Poker: Offers higher payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially with aces.
- Double Bonus Poker: Similar to Bonus Poker but with even higher bonuses for four-of-a-kind.
- Joker Poker: Includes a joker card that acts as a wild, potentially completing winning hands.
As you can see, each paid & free video poker variation has unique characteristics. We've compiled this list to provide more options for selecting an engaging game for your evening gambling session. Enjoy these choices!
Online Games and Slots with Online Video Poker
South African gamblers have plenty of choices regarding video poker games online. Dozens of gambling providers create intriguing slots that are worth your attention. But we want to introduce you to the most captivating options. Let's start with Jacks or Better by NetEnt. This game's first advantage is its high RTP rate, beautiful design, and simple rules. Players need a pair of jacks or better to win. The gameplay is fairly straightforward, and you can play free video poker in one click.
Playtech developed Deuces Wild is one of the many video poker slots we wanted to present as well. It is a good old game that has been around for a long time. However, this slot is still considered to be very straightforward and has high returns. Additionally, the game has an interesting feature: it changes all 2s into wild cards. This feature has a very high probability of lining up the winning combination. As you can see, there are many interesting games worth your attention. Pick any video poker strategy and play now!
How to Play Video Poker Online: Basic Rules
Finally, we've reached the most interesting part! Suppose you have chosen video poker games that interest you for certain reasons. We are ready to offer you a simple and understandable guide at this stage. Here are the key steps:
- Decide how much to bet. In most games, you can choose between one and five coins.
- Click the deal button to receive your initial five cards.
- Choose which cards to keep by clicking on them; the rest will be replaced in the next draw.
- Click the draw button to replace the cards you didn't hold.
- You will win if your hand matches any of the winning combinations.
Besides, you can always start with a free video poker no download option. The sequence of actions may vary slightly depending on the type of game and the provider you choose. However, we assure you that the gameplay will have a single goal. We've tested dozens of online video poker games and know what South Africans can expect.
Winning Strategies in Video Poker
Let's be honest: poker has hundreds of strategies, and each makes sense for a certain category of gamblers. But you should start with the Optimal Play Strategy. This gambling method involves making decisions that maximize your potential return based on the specific game rules and paytables.
These tactics demand players to memorize the best actions for various hands they might get. It is effective because it increases statistical chances of winning by reducing the house edge. This optimal strategy may be slightly changed to include different versions of video poker machines. But you should not forget that half of the success depends on luck and the random combination of cards you get.
Tips for Winning at Online Video Poker
As a newbie, you can try free video poker games for fun. But, surely, you want to improve your chances of winning, and we respect that. Our team has analyzed typical approaches to gameplay and is ready to share valuable insights. Here are tips worth your attention:
- Know the pay tables.
- Practice with free games.
- Use maximum coins to unlock higher payouts.
- Hold onto high cards.
- Know all video poker odds.
- Always manage your bankroll.
But don't think that you've found the Holy Grail! These tips will not affect how you receive certain cards, so treat every poker session as fun. Try play video poker free online and then switch to the paid version.
Payout Table
| Hand | Payout |
| Royal Flush | 250 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | 50 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 to 1 |
| Full House | 9 to 1 |
| Flush | 6 to 1 |
| Straight | 4 to 1 |
| Three-of-a-Kind | 3 to 1 |
| Two Pair | 2 to 1 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 to 1 |
How to Place a Bet
First, select paid or free online video poker games. Then, choose your bet amount. After setting your bet, hit the "Deal" button to get your cards. Voilà! Now, you must wait for the result and take the next step, depending on the cards you receive and the combination that will be formed. Or search for a free video poker no download no registration offer.
Best Video Poker Providers
As a team of gambling experts, we are familiar with the games of hundreds of video poker providers. In general, most of them offer a similar set of features, beautiful graphics, and addictive gameplay. We are more serious than ever: almost every provider is unlikely to disappoint you. But you can start your journey with games from such legends as NetEnt, Playtech, and Microgaming. So, play video poker online today!
Terminology in Video Poker
| Term | Meaning |
| Royal Flush | The highest hand. It comprises the 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same suit. |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit. |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank. |
| Full House | Three cards of one rank and two cards of another. |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards, regardless of suit. |
| Three-of-a-Kind | Three cards of the same rank. |
| Two Pair | Two cards of one rank and two cards of another. |
| Jacks or Better | A pair of jacks or higher. |
| Hold | It’s when you keep selected cards from your hand during the draw. |
| Draw | To replace discarded cards with new ones from the deck. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the most winning strategy in video poker?
It all depends on the poker variation you choose. Usually, Optimal Play Strategy is the best gambling winning technique.
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Can I play video poker with real dealers?
No, you can’t play video poker this way. This game is played against a computer algorithm, not with real dealers.
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Is it difficult for beginners to win video poker?
Yes, you may experience some difficulties. But everyday practice will help you improve the situation.
