Video poker basics

Video Poker is a casino game that is based on a 5-card draw poker. Much like a slot machine, it is played on a computerized console and requires token, money or ticket-in, ticket-out bar-coded paper to play.

It all started in the 70's when personal computers were first produced. It was still the primitive version then but SIRCOMA changed that by introducing Draw Poker to casinos in 1979. Throughout the 80's, video poker became popular in casinos. People find it less intimidating than playing table games. Also, people tend to patronize video poker because it offers lower denomination and has better odds.

The game starts by placing a bet into the machine and then pressing “deal” to draw cards. You can discard one or more cards if you wish, in exchange for a different card. The machine evaluates and offers a payout if it matches one of the winning cards. Some machines have the progressive jackpots for the rare hands like the royal flush.

A typical variation of video poker is the Deuces Wild where “2” serves as a wild card; a jackpot is paid for a natural royal or for four deuces. Jacks or Better is also a common variation available; payoffs start at a pair of jacks. Tens or Better is a variation of Jacks or Better; instead of minimum paying hand of jacks, payoffs start at a pair of tens.

The cards are randomly chosen and the game is fair. It is just a myth that there is a switch inside the machine that makes it looser or tighter. This is a game of chance. For players who like to try their luck, a low house edge, the anonymity of playing alone and the possibility of large wins – then video poker is definitely for you.