Online casinos in the US offer over five variants of video poker, each with similar gameplay but differing in payouts, RTP, and highest-hand rankings. Below, we’ve covered the most popular versions you should know:
Table of Contents
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most popular and straightforward video poker variant. The objective is to form a hand with at least a pair of jacks or better, which is the lowest paying hand. Anything below that results in no payout. Stronger hands like two pairs, three of a kind, and flushes offer higher winnings. Known for its simplicity, Jacks or Better also boasts favorable odds, with an RTP ranging from 97% to 99.50%, depending on the casino.
Tens or Better
Tens or Better is a variant similar to Jacks or Better, but with a slight twist. The goal is to form a hand with at least a pair of 10s or higher. If your hand contains at least two 10s, you’ll receive a payout. This version offers a slightly lower starting point for winning hands, making it a popular alternative for players.
Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is a video poker variant that adds a fun twist to the game with Wild cards, specifically the 2s (Deuces). These Wild cards can substitute for other cards, helping players form winning hands. For instance, if you have 3, 3, 2, J, Q, the 2 can become a 3, giving you a three-of-a-kind. However, Deuces cannot substitute for higher-ranking cards like J or Q. This variant is highly rated for its favorable RTP, often exceeding 100%, making it a popular choice for players seeking bonus-like features in video poker.
Joker Poker
Joker Poker is a variant that adds an extra Joker card, which acts as a Wild. Similar to Deuces Wild, the Joker can replace any card in your hand to help form a stronger hand. The main difference is that in Joker Poker, hands below two kings don’t earn a payout, which is why it’s often called “Joker Poker: Kings or Better.” With an RTP ranging from 98.47% to 100%, this variant offers favorable odds, making it a great choice for those looking to add an extra twist to their video poker experience.
Double Bonus
Double Bonus is a video poker variant that’s perfect for players seeking high payouts. It’s a spin-off of Jacks or Better, where you need a pair of jacks or higher to win. The key difference with Double Bonus is its increased payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially for four 5s or four Aces. While this offers the potential for significant rewards, the game comes with high volatility, meaning such hands don’t occur often. The RTP is slightly lower at 99.2%, but the higher payouts for strong hands make it an exciting choice for risk-takers.
All American
All American Poker is a popular video poker variant for US players, offering higher payouts for specific hands like straights, flushes, and straight flushes. The game is designed to reward players who land strong hands, making it ideal for those aiming for bigger wins. With an RTP ranging from 99.38% to 100%, All American Poker provides a solid return on investment in the long term. If you’re after a rewarding experience with higher payouts for top hands, this variant is definitely worth trying.
