Casino Video Poker
In online casino video poker, just as in a game of 5 Card Draw, players aim to get the strongest hand by choosing whether to draw different cards or hold onto the ones that they already have.
All New Jersey casino sites offer video poker. The selection at some is better than others. The common theme is that the pay tables are better at the New Jersey online casinos than they are in Atlantic City in most limits.
- Play Video Poker at Atlantis Casino.
- Real money video poker is one of the best ways to gamble in a casino. Many beginners overlook video poker machines because they’re overshadowed by the slots, which tend to be flashier. It’s a mistake to do so, because online video poker USA games have a much lower house edge.
Best New Jersey online video poker
New Jersey online casinos offer better video poker than is found on most Atlantic City machines. Another bonus is that the limits are lower at New Jersey online casinos. Players can usually find full pay games at the nickel denomination at regulated New Jersey sites. Atlantic City casinos require at least $.25 denomination but often it is $1 or $5.
What’s the best video poker game at NJ online casinos?
Tropicana Casinoand Virgin Casino offers the best video poker game at New Jersey online casinos. It is called Deuces Wild and is only available on the Three- and Five-Play versions of the Game King machine.
This game plays like any other video poker game, in that players are dealt five cards, and must choose which ones to hold. However, all deuces act as wild cards. This changes the optimal strategy compared to traditional games like Jacks or Better by leaps and bounds.
Additionally, players receive smallerpayouts for made hands, because the wild card increases an average hand’s value dramatically. In fact, players need three-of-a-kind just to get their money back.
In multi-line games, players are dealt one hand, just like they are in single-line variants. The difference is that whatever cards they hold are applied to allhands (in this case three or five hands). Each hand outcome is determined separately, and the total payout is the cumulativetotal of all hand payouts.
Players have to ante up the same wager for each hand. So if they bet $1 on a five-play game, the cost per round is $5.
The version of Deuces Wild on Trop and Virgin is nicknamed Not So Ugly Deuces (or Ducks). It is characterized by 4 coins on Four of a Kinds, 10 on Straight Flushes, and 16 on Five of Kinds.
The game returns 99.73 percent to the player using adhering to optimal strategy decisions. Players won’t find a better game on NJ online casino sites, or on non-progressive video game terminals in Atlantic City.
Other great video poker games to consider
The best video poker game at most New Jersey online casinos is Jacks or Better. Nearly every casino platform in the state offers this game.
The game is called Jacks or Higher at 888 and Harrah’s but players will want to avoid that one, as it features reduced payouts for Quads and Straight Flushes.
The benefit of Jacks or Better is that is offers the easiest basic strategy. It is simple for a player to learn. Unlike higher variance games, perfect play will make sense to players familiar with the concept of poker.
The way that a player knows that Jacks or Better is the best game is because a full house will pay nine and a flush will pay six. Make sure to choose the Game King version distributed by IGT. The 9/6 Jacks or Better house edge is 0.46 percent with perfect play.
There is another version by Spin Games spread by some casinos, also called Jacks or Better. Make sure to avoidthis version. It short pays on the flush.
Golden Nugget’s online casino (and Caesars Casino) spreads the next best video poker game. It is called Deuces Wild Elite. This game is like Deuces Wild, except it’s the “bonus” version, paying augmented payouts on five-of-a-kinds, at the expense of reduced payouts on straights (even money). The house edge on this title is a slim 0.55 percent, but the volatility is through the roof.
Golden Nugget is also home to an exclusive higher paying video poker game. It is called Tens or Better. This is the lowest variance video poker game in New Jersey. It has a house edge of 0.86 percent on any wager and with perfect play.
What video poker games can I play at NJ online casinos?
| Online Brand | Game Name | Payback % | Min. Bet | Max. Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Virgin Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Virgin Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Virgin Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.51 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Virgin Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $300 |
| Virgin Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $500 |
| Tropicana Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Tropicana Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Tropicana Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Tropicana Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.51 | $0.25 | $100 |
| Tropicana Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $300 |
| Tropicana Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $500 |
| Golden Nugget | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Golden Nugget | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Golden Nugget | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Golden Nugget | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Golden Nugget | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $150 |
| Golden Nugget | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $250 |
| Golden Nugget | Deuces Wild (Spin) | 97.58 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Deuces Wild Elite | 99.45 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Double Double Regal Poker | 97.87 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Double Regal Poker | 97.81 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Jacks or Better (Spin) | 98.45 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Jester Poker | 97.19 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Regal Poker | 99.17 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Regal Poker Deluxe | 97.4 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Deuces Wild (NYX) | 97.97 | $0.01 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Double Double Bonus (NYX) | 98.98 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Golden Nugget | Aces & Faces | 99.26 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Golden Nugget | Tens Or Better | 99.14 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Golden Nugget | Jacks Or Better (NYX) | 98.36 | $0.01 | $25 |
| Golden Nugget | Double Bonus (NYX) | 99.11 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Golden Nugget | All American Poker | 98.11 | $0.01 | $25 |
| Betfair Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Betfair Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Betfair Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Betfair Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Betfair Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $300 |
| Betfair Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $500 |
| Betfair Casino | Deuces Wild (Betfair) | 97.97 | $0.01 | $300 |
| Betfair Casino | Jacks Or Better (Betfair) | 99.54 | $0.01 | $300 |
| Caesars Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Caesars Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Caesars Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $300 |
| Caesars Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $500 |
| Caesars Casino | Deuces Wild (Spin) | 97.58 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Deuces Wild Elite | 99.45 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Double Double Regal Poker | 97.87 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Double Regal Poker | 97.81 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Jacks or Better (Spin) | 98.45 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Regal Poker | 99.17 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Regal Poker Deluxe | 97.4 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Jacks Or Better (NYX) | 98.36 | $0.01 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Deuces Wild | 98.91 | $0.01 | $25 |
| Caesars Casino | Double Double Bonus (NYX) | 98.98 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Caesars Casino | Double Bonus (NYX) | 99.11 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Caesars Casino | Tens Or Better | 99.14 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Caesars Casino | Aces & Faces | 99.26 | $0.25 | $500 |
| Caesars Casino | All American 100 Hand | 98.11 | $0.01 | $25 |
| Harrah's Casino | Jacks Or Higher | 98.25 | $0.25 | $10 |
| 888 Casino | Jacks Or Higher | 98.25 | $0.25 | $10 |
| Borgata Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Borgata Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Borgata Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Borgata Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Borgata Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $150 |
| Borgata Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $250 |
| Party Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Party Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Party Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Party Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $50 |
| Pala Casino | Jacks Or Better | 99.54 | $0.10 | $25 |
| Pala Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.25 | $50 |
| Pala Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.25 | $50 |
| Pala Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.25 | $50 |
| Pala Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.25 | $150 |
| Pala Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.25 | $250 |
| Pala Casino | Deuces Wild (Pala) | 97.06 | $0.10 | $25 |
| Pala Casino | Deuces & Joker Wild | 96.06 | $0.10 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Resorts Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Resorts Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Resorts Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Resorts Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $300 |
| Resorts Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $500 |
| Resorts Casino | Deuces Wild (Spin) | 97.58 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Double Double Regal Poker | 97.87 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Double Regal Poker | 97.81 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Jacks or Better (Spin) | 98.45 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Jester Poker | 97.19 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Regal Poker | 99.17 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Resorts Casino | Regal Poker Deluxe | 97.4 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Jacks Or Better (Game King) | 99.54 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Mohegan Casino | Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.17 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Mohegan Casino | Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 99.11 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Mohegan Casino | Double Double Bonus Poker (Game King) | 98.98 | $0.10 | $100 |
| Mohegan Casino | Triple Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.30 | $300 |
| Mohegan Casino | Five Play Draw Poker (Game King) | Varies | $0.50 | $500 |
| Mohegan Casino | Deuces Wild (Spin) | 97.58 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Double Double Regal Poker | 97.87 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Double Regal Poker | 97.81 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Jacks or Better (Spin) | 98.45 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Jester Poker | 97.19 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Regal Poker | 99.17 | $0.05 | $25 |
| Mohegan Casino | Regal Poker Deluxe | 97.4 | $0.05 | $25 |
New Jersey video poker variants
There are more than 20 different versions of video poker in the regulated New Jersey interactive gaming market. These games are distributed by IGT, Spin Games, 888 and Amaya Gaming.
IGT owns six titles at online casinos. These are Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, Triple Play Draw Poker, and Five Play Draw Poker. Spin Games offers some of the single-line titles with lower pay tables, except Bonus Poker, which is the same.
Spin Games also offers Tens of Better and Jester Poker, which is Joker Poker with an unplayable pay table. Jester Poker only returns 93.2 percent, which is by far the worst game at New Jersey online casinos outside of slots.
Amaya Gaming duplicates a few titles and pay tables. It also offers a Deuces Wild game that only returns 97 percent. 888, which also powers Harrah’s, offers Jacks or Higher, which has a return of 98.25 — nearly 1.3 percent lower than the Game King version.
Of all the games featured on New Jersey online casino sites, video poker and blackjack afford gamblers the best opportunity to see a return on their investment.
However, in order to fully maximize expected value on either of these games, players must develop sound strategies. Now, that’s easy enough for blackjack, where basic strategy only varies slightly from variant to variant.
Video poker payouts
But mastering video poker is worlds harder, as both the gametype and the payout schedule dictate optimal playing styles. The good news is that with all the video poker strategy sheets and calculators on the web, even beginning players can readily look up and learn winning plays.
However, becoming a video poker wizard also requires recognizing the best payout tables.
Why? Because a seemingly slight change in the payout structure (for instance, a Full House paying 8 coins as opposed to 9) can result in a house edge that is four or five times as high when compared to what’s known as a “full pay” schedule.
Luckily, NJ online casinos offer some of the most generous payout tables on the web.
Locating them – now that’s the tricky part. The aim of this short guide is to turn you in the right direction.
Best beginner game – Jacks or Better by Game King
There are almost too many reasons to list why the Game King version of Jacks or Better is one of our favorite video poker games in New Jersey.
For one, at 99.54 percent it boasts the best return of any video poker game in the industry. We recognize this because the Full House pays 9 coins and the Flush 6 coins.
Secondly, the Royal Flush pays a full 800 coins regardless of denomination. Try finding a game in any brick and mortar casino that will pay that figure at denominations as low as $0.10 per spin – we doubt you’ll have much luck.
Jacks or Better is also a relatively straightforward game to learn – at least when compared to other video poker games. The optimal strategy consists of 36 basic rules, and just a handful of exceptions. Guidelines can be easily found on the web.
Lastly, it’s offered at a majority of NJ online casinos, including:
- Borgata/PartyCasinos
- Tropicana/VirginCasino
- Resorts/Mohegan Sun Casinos
- Pala Casino (Game King knock-off that requires 5 coin bet for 800:1 Royal Flush payout)
It’s certainly worth noting that many of these sites also offer other (non-Game King) Jacks or Better variants. Steer clear from them, as more often than not, they’ll only payout 5 coins for hitting a Flush, thus reducing the optimal return rate to 98.45 percent.
Best high volatility game – Double Double Bonus by Game King
The sole drawback to Jacks or Better is that it can be a bit dull, only offering jumbo sized payouts for the Royal Flush. On the other hand, video poker variants like Double Double Bonus Poker have become the game of choice for many gamblers because they offer souped-up rewards for hitting four-of-a-kind.
To offset the increased payouts for quads, Double Double Bonus only pays 1:1 for Two Pair (as opposed to 2:1 for Jacks or Better), and thus, is a far more volatile game that can just as easily create fortunes as wipe out bankrolls.
The best Double Double Bonus variant in New Jersey pays 9 coins for the Full House and 6 for the Flush (98.98 percent). A 10/6 version does exist, but because it pays slightly over 100 percent, is very difficult to find.
Again, we recommend you stick with the Game King version, as the Spin edition (entitled Double Double Regal Poker) once again only pays 5 coins for a Flush.
The NYX Gaming version (found at Golden Nugget Casino) does offer a 9/6 payout schedule, but only pays 800:1 for a Royal when betting 5 coins.
Thankfully, the Game King Double Double Bonus format is found at every NJ online casino that also offers Game King’s Jacks or Better. Better yet, players who prefer to straddle the middle line between the two will find single line 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17 percent) and 9/7/5 Double Bonus (99.11 percent) at these casinos as well.
Best multi-line game – Five Play by Game King
The overwhelming majority of online casinos in New Jersey have recently implemented Three Play and Five Play video poker terminals, both by Game King.
The upshot is that these terminals offer games that were previously unavailable in the market. Examples include Deuces Wild Bonus, Bonus Poker Deluxe and the highly volatile Triple Double Bonus.
However, it’s difficult to recommend these games is good faith, due to the often lousy payout schedules. For instance, at most online casinos Triple Double Bonus only pays 5 coins for a Flush – pushing the optimal return all the way down to a paltry 97.03 percent.
Other games aren’t much better, as even Jacks or Better pays just 8 coins for a Full House and 5 for a Flush for a return of 97.30 percent.
Thus, as tempted as you may be to play multiple hands, generally speaking you’ll want to resist the urge – with a few notable exceptions.
Borgata/Party offers a stronger payout table for its three and five line games, including a decentDeuces Wild variant (98.91 percent return, otherwise known as 4/4 or LV Airport/Illinois Deuces).
Other multi-line games on Borgata/Party generally return between 98-99 percent, which isn’t as good as their single-line counterparts – but less than optimal payout structures are generally par for the course with multi-line formats.
Play SugarHouse offers multi-line games with the same same payout tables as Borgata/Party.
Tropicana Casino and Virgin Casino have kicked things up a notch further. It’s multi-line games feature the same payout tables as its stellar single-line Game King games. This is rare, as most casinos make players pay for the reduced volatility of multi-line games by downgrading the paytables.
Not Trop/Virgin. In fact, its Deuces Wild variant offers the bestreturn of all NJ online casino video poker games: 99.73 percent. Play at one of these two online casinos whenever you can.
Biggest disappointment – Deuces Wild
The lack of a good single line Game King Deuces Wild game is a severe disappointment, and one this gambler hopes will eventually be addressed.
The previously-mentioned 98.91 percent return game on some NJ online casinos isn’t terrible for a multi-line game, but still pales in comparison to Not-So-Ugly-Deuces (99.73 percent return, and only found at Trop/Virgin), and Full Pay Deuces (100.76 percent return).
Granted, we’d likely never see the latter in New Jersey, but even a solid 99+ percent return single line game would attract the masses. The closest we get is Deuces Wild Elite, which returns 99.45 percent but is super swingy.
Otherwise, what we’re left with are non-Game King variants that boast abysmal payout schedules. For instance, Deuces Wild by Spin returns just 97.06 percent. At 97.50 percent, Pala Casino’s version is marginally better, but hardly worth playing (also stay away from its Deuces & Joker Wild game).
And that’s about it.
New Jersey mobile video poker
Most New Jersey online casinos offer at least six video poker games on the standard PC software. Android and iOS mobile apps also feature video poker games, but not as many.
Players looking for action on the go in New Jersey will have to settle for Jacks or Better, and other single line games, as Triple- and Five-Play titles have yet to make themselves available.
Will NJ mobile casinos show video poker games more love? Hopefully, but not necessarily, as most operators revolve their mobile sites around slots.
How to play video poker
A game of video poker starts with players deciding the coin denomination. Most sites start at the $.05 denomination. The limits can go as high as $5. The best return is at five coins per hand.
The best action is to play five coins per hand. This is because the payout ratio on a royal flush is usually over three times higher when betting five coins as opposed to four or less. This can add about 1.5 percent to the total return of the video poker machine. This is why it is important to play the denomination that you can most afford to play five coins on.
Once the denomination and number of coins are chosen, click the deal button and the game will deal five cards. The player decides which buttons to keep by clicking the cards with the mouse pointer or touching the screen on a tablet.
Click the draw button to see what cards replace the discards. This hand is then graded and paid based on the pay table listed.
Types of video poker
Jacks or Better
Jacks or Better is the most common video poker game. All New Jersey sites offer it. All of the “Bonus Poker” games are drawn on the same concept. The minimum hand to win is a pair of jacks.
The pay table is as follows:
• Royal Flush: 800
• Straight Flush: 50
• Four of a Kind: 25
• Full House: 9
• Flush: 6
• Straight: 4
• Three of a Kind: 3
• Two Pair: 2
• Pair of Jacks or Better: 1
888 is the only site that does not offer this pay table. It pays 8 on a full house and 5 on a flush. Jacks or Better is also the only video poker game spread by 888. All other sites offer the games described below.
Bonus Poker
Bonus Poker pays the same as Jacks or Better with a few exceptions.
• Four Aces: 80
• Four 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s: 40
• Full House: 8
• Flush: 5
Double Bonus Poker
This game drops two pair down to even money and loads the top hands.
• Royal Flush: 800
• Straight Flush: 50
• Four Aces: 160
• Four 2’s, 3’s or 4’s: 80
• Other Quads: 50
• Full House: 9
• Flush: 7
• Straight: 5
• Three of a Kind: 3
• Two Pair: 1
• Jacks or Better: 1
Double Double Bonus
Double Double Bonus has the same pay table as Double Bonus except that four aces with a 2, 3, or 4 kicker pays 400 and four 2’s, 3’s or 4’s with an ace, 2, 3, or 4 kicker pays 160.
Deuces Wild
Twos are wild in Deuces Wild. The lowest paying hand is three of a kind. A common pay table is:
• Royal Flush: 800
• Four Deuces: 200
• Wild Royal Flush: 25
• Five of a Kind: 15
• Straight Flush: 9
• Four of a Kind: 4
• Full House: 4
• Flush: 3
• Straight: 2
• Three of a Kind: 1
Avoid pay tables where Wild Royal Flushes pay 20, and Five of a Kinds 12, even if Straight Flushes pay 10. The return on these games is lower than 98 percent.
Joker Poker
Joker Poker has one wild card. The minimum winning hand is a pair of kings. The pay table is:
• Royal Flush: 800
• Five of a Kind: 200
• Wild Royal Flush: 100
• Straight Flush: 50
• Four of a Kind: 18
• Full House: 7
• Flush: 5
• Straight: 3
• Three of a Kind: 2
• Two Pair: 1
• Pair of Kings or Aces: 1
Guides to games at NJ online casinos
There are three primary ways to play video poker online, depending primarily on in which state you live, but also based on the type of video poker games you are looking to play.
Whether you are an expert at traditional poker or just interested in learning the game, there are tons of options available online. Free video poker games give you the chance to play the game without depositing a cent, so you can enjoy a fun hobby without worrying about deposits and withdrawals. It also has the advantage of letting you play from home, rather than traveling to a casino that might be miles away from you.
- Play free video poker online – Available in all states
- Play video poker for cash prizes at online sweepstakes casino sites – Available in all states except Washington
- Play video poker for real money – Available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia
Play Free Video Poker
Interested in playing free video poker online? Look no further – you can play right here on-site above. There is no download or sign-up necessary and it works on desktop along with mobile devices including iPhone, iPad and Android.
Best US Online Video Poker For Cash Prizes 2021
Best US Online Casino
on Chumba Casino's Website
Available on Web Browser - No Download Necessary
Best US Online Casino
Chumba Casino
4.9
Chumba Casino ReviewSign-up Offer
Purchase Offer
Chumba Casino is available in almost every state and is our editor’s choice for best US online casino. Their unique sweepstakes model gives players the ability to play their favorite online casino games and win real cash prizes. This includes online video poker games.
Pros
- 2 Sweeps Coins Free!
- Over 100 casino games
- Real Cash Prizes
Cons
Online Video Poker At Sweepstakes Casino Sites (Best Option For Most States)
Available in: All states except Washington state.
If you don’t happen to live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia your best bet is a sweepstakes online casino where you can play online video poker for cash prizes.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work
Online sweepstakes video poker is an alternative for those who aren’t in areas where real money poker is legal. These sites take old laws about sweepstakes and use them as a way to offer legal options for those who want to play poker recreationally.
Sweepstakes casinos use digital coins instead of real money as currency. Players accumulate digital coins by winning games and can later exchange them for cash prizes. Because sweepstakes casinos are not legally classified as gambling, they are popular among players who live in states that have not yet legalized real money online gambling. The sweepstakes format provides a similar, but legal alternative to the online casino experience.
In order to participate in a sweepstakes casino’s games, you must first buy their coins (or whatever they label as their sweepstakes currency). Your purchased coins typically come with a set number of free sweeps coins. You cannot directly deposit money into an account or withdraw money.
Your purchased coins are valid only for recreational gaming at the sweepstakes casino. Your free sweeps coins can be played on sweepstakes games, and your winnings can then be exchanged for real prizes.
Chumba Casino
Licensed by Malta Gaming Authority, Chumba Casino is arguably the most popular sweepstakes casino on the market. It has a large selection of slot games, blackjack, roulette, and video poker.
New players can take advantage of their no deposit bonus of 2,000,000 gold coins and two sweep coins. Additionally, the casino offers a first purchase deal of $30 gold coin package for only $10.
Chumba Casino is a great option as it offers both slots and table games. Its variety is what makes it a unique sweepstakes casino.
Playing Free Video Poker At Legal Online Casinos
When you want to play video poker for free at a legal online casino, you have a variety of options. There are tons of variations of poker, and you can find almost all of them in an online version so you can play from home. With the advent of free poker games, anyone who is over 21-years-old and in the United States can enjoy a game of poker whenever they feel like it.
Do Legal Online Casinos Offer Free Video Poker Games?
As more states legalize online casinos, having access to online video poker is becoming easier than ever. While most of these casinos offer real money games, there are also demo and practice modes where you can play without spending a single dime. Everyone can play free online slots, even those in states where online gambling is not yet legal.
The best option for choosing a reputable site for video poker is by looking at large brands you have heard of in the past. The websites that operate in partnership with physical casinos are an excellent place to start since they need to adhere to specific rules and regulations.
Do I Need An Account To Play Free Video Poker Games Online?
It depends on where you want to play. In some cases, you can play by just navigating to the site and clicking on a game. However, there are other instances where you must register to access the catalog of games at a poker site. If you prefer a quick and easy poker game, you’ll want to look for sites without registration.
Keep in mind that sites with registration may offer perks to those who become members, which can make signing up feel like less effort. When it comes to real money video poker sites, you must sign up to be a member just to play the practice games. If your privacy is important to you, you may have to use other websites for your video poker.
Is There Any Way To Win Real Money Playing Free Video Poker?
In most cases, the sites that have free video poker do not offer cash payments. Instead, you will typically be racking up virtual currency that cannot be turned into money. Free games are usually used by players who just want to have a good time or who want to practice outside of paid games to become better at a particular type of poker.
However, there are some exceptions in terms of free sites that offer real money. Most of them are going to be found in sweepstakes video poker sites, which we’ll look at in more depth below.
Free Online Video Poker
Best Online Video Poker For Real Money
Best New Jeresy Online Casino
Casino Video Poker Online
on Golden Nuggets' Website
Available on Web Browser, iOS & Android
Best New Jeresy Online Casino
Golden Nugget Online Casino
4.7
Golden Nugget ReviewNo Deposit Offer
Deposit Offer
Golden Nugget is the very best online casino in New Jersey. It offers live dealer casino games and has over 1,000 casino games. Golden Nugget has an amazing assortment of online slots with many of the same titles as you would find in las Vegas.
Best Pennsylvania Online Casino
on DraftKings Casino's Website
Available on Web Browser, iOS & Android
States Accepted Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia
Best Pennsylvania Online Casino
DraftKings Online Casino
4.7
DraftKings Casino ReviewDeposit Match
DraftKings Casino is one of the fastest-growing online casinos in the United States. DraftKings Casino has live dealer games along with many of your favorite casino games including online slots, blackjack, roulette, and more!
Best West Virginia Online Casino
on BetMGM Casino's Website
Available on Web Browser, iOS & Android
Best West Virginia Online Casino
BetMGM Online Casino
4.6
BetMGM Casino ReviewNo Deposit Offer
Deposit Offer
BetMGM casino is brought to you by the same company that operates MGM casinos across the United States including Las Vegas. BetMGM offers over 100 casino games including slots, blackjack, roulette, and more! All of your Las Vegas favorites are there.
Playing Las Vegas-Style Video Poker Online For Free
If you’re searching for legal online casinos in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that have Vegas-style video poker, you have plenty of options. Both of the states have a wide variety of casinos that offer video poker and many of the games are based on Vegas poker options. Three of our options for playing video poker online in these states are listed below for your convenience.
BetRivers Casino is partnered with the land-based Rivers Pittsburgh Casino and offers a selection of video poker options. Users can log in to play practice games or deposit money to play for cash if they are located in Pennsylvania. In addition to providing video poker, this casino also has hundreds of slot games, as well as table games like roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
Hollywood Casino is another online legal casino in Pennsylvania that provides the option to play poker. This was the first online casino to launch in the state and it partnered with IGT to power the gaming options on the website and apps. This casino also offers dozens of slot games, roulette games, blackjack, baccarat, and more.
Casino Video Poker Slot Machines For Sale
Those who are looking for New Jersey video poker will find it in various locations, including BetMGM. There are many variations of poker at this provider, including Regal Jacks or Better, Triple Play Draw Multi-Hand Poker, Bonus Poker, Texas Hold’em, and more. It also offers a variety of slot games and table games that you can peruse.
Playing Video Poker For Real Money Online
For those who want to spend money playing poker, there are several options available. However, this is only the case in states where you can legally gamble online. If you are not in one of those locations, real money gambling on video poker is not allowed. While more states are slowly allowing online real money poker, it’s a good idea to know what the rules are for your specific location.
States With Legal Online Video Poker
Before we delve into other specifics, knowing where online video poker is legal is essential. It might be surprising to learn that some states allow online poker but don’t allow online table games and slots, while others go in the opposite direction. Since it can be confusing to determine what states allow legal online video poker, we have provided a list of legal states below:
- Delaware
If you don’t see your state listed above, playing video poker for real money is not allowed in your state. There are two alternatives available to you if you want to enjoy video poker. The first is to choose a free online site that has poker available and the second is to use a sweepstakes gaming site like Chumba Casino.
How Many Different Video Poker Games Are Available?
Counting up all the different video poker games would leave you with a number that might be mind-boggling. Many types of poker have been introduced in an online version that you can play on your own without other players. In fact, if it’s available in a land-based casino, you can likely find it in a video poker option.
However, different websites and apps are going to have different games, so finding one that has your favorite type might take time if it’s a lesser-known variation. Those who are fans of games like Jacks or Better, on the other hand, will find this kind of poker on nearly any site that includes poker.
What Are The Smallest Stakes You Can Play Online?
This is another question that will depend on the provider you use for your video poker. However, what you should know is that video poker typically requires bets that are much smaller than traditional poker in a physical casino. While some of these poker games have high payouts, they don’t always require you to empty your wallet to try to win.
Because these games have lower stakes than a typical poker table, they make an excellent option for those who are just learning to play. They also feature the opportunity to get better for those with some level of experience without spending too much. Once someone is happy with the progress that they’ve made with video poker, they can try live games or traditional poker with more confidence in their performance.
Fundamentals Of Video Poker Strategy
Just like other forms of poker, video poker has many different strategies that players employ to ensure they win more from their hands. Different people enjoy different techniques, so there are many to choose from. Having a basic strategy you can use will help you do better at video poker, whether you are just beginning with the game or have been at it for many years.
Video Poker Strategy Basics
While games like slots rely only on luck, poker is a casino staple where the players have a lot of impact on how the game ends. Since you have more choices in terms of what cards you keep, which you discard, and what hand you play at the end, you can learn to play a hand that is the most beneficial and likely to result in a big payoff. However, a lot of players continue to rely only on play streaks or hunches to decide how to play a game.
The strategies that can help you win are based on math, which is excellent for anyone who has excelled at this subject in the past. Some approaches focus on getting royal flushes as often as possible, which is the best hand you can have in most poker games. Others are going to have a focus on winning every hand, even if it’s by a small amount through a hand that has less optimal cards.
Video Poker Strategy Charts
Those who are interested in serious strategy in video poker may choose to use a video poker strategy chart to do so. These charts will show that cards you can have to get the most significant return on the match. Below the best return, it will show the next best and continue in this way until you should discard an entire hand rather than saving any of it.
For example, when playing Jacks or Better, the chart would show a royal flush on top, followed by a straight flush, four cards of a royal flush, a full house, and so on. If you’re looking to improve your ability to play poker, taking a look at strategy charts can put you on top of your game.
Video Poker: The Five Minute Guide
No matter what kind of poker you like, you’ll find it in an online video poker version. This kind of poker involves one player against a computer dealer, rather than having several players at a table who are competing against each other. While the most common poker variations are Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild, you can also find a selection of different games to play.
Basic Rules Of Video Poker
Since there are dozens of video poker variations, going through the rules of each one would require a long article all of its own. However, since Jacks or Better is one of the most popular options, we’ll use that as an example to explain the rules of video poker.
Casino Video Poker Machines
The basic idea behind this kind of video poker is to acquire a five-card poker hand with a winning combination. The lowest winning combination is a pair of Jacks. Other combinations that can win a hand include the following:
- Two Pair – Two card pairs that have the same number or symbol
- Three of a Kind – Three cards with the same symbol or number
- Straight – Five cards that make up a sequential order of numbers
- Flush – Five cards that have the same suit
- Full House – A pair along with a three of a kind
- Four of a Kind – Four cards with the same symbol or number
- Straight Flush – Five cards of the same suit that are in sequential order
The Royal Flush is the best hand you can get and consists of cards of the same suit that go from 10 to Ace. The idea behind the game is to get the best hand possible to earn the most points. You are dealt cards and choose which to discard before being dealt more to make up your final hand.
Common Video Poker Variations
We already mentioned that Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better are two variations of video poker, but there are dozens of others. Aces and Eights is another version where you get additional coins or money for having Aces or Eights in your hands. Double Bonus is a video poker game where you get massive bonuses for four of a kind hands. Some of the other games you will commonly see include:
- Bonus Deuces Wild
- Deuces and Joker
- Double Double Bonus
- Jokers Wild
- Tens or Better
The House Edge In Video Poker
One of the reasons that so many people enjoy video poker is because the house typically has an exceedingly small edge. While a slot machine might return only 70 to 90 percent of what you spend on it, video poker at an online casino is more likely to offer a return of 95 to 99 percent. This means that playing video poker is going to be better for your wallet than many other online casino games.
However, keep in mind that different casinos have different odds and may have a unique house edge. This is also an excellent reason to choose a reputable site or app that lets you know what you’re getting into when you sit down to play a game.
Free Video Poker Online Play FAQ
Yes. Some websites that offer free video poker will allow you to play without making an account. However, other websites and apps may require you to register before you take part in games. In most cases, if you do register, you will get some kind of reward for doing so. If you prefer to play without registration, make sure that’s an option at the site you are visiting first.
Jacks Or Better Casino Video Poker
Yes. With sweepstakes video poker sites, you can often win real money or other premium prizes even though you are playing for free. At websites like Chumba Casino, you can earn coins that may be turned into real money for playing particular games, taking advantage of promotions, or making deposits to play additional games.
Yes. One of the best ways to get better at video poker is by playing free games. You can enjoy learning all the best strategies without worrying that you’re going to break the bank. Since these games are often the same as real money poker, you can take the knowledge you gain and use it to win cash once you’re happy with how you are playing.
No. Most of the free video poker games online do not require a flash player, although there are some exceptions. If you aren’t interested in a flash player, you will have no issues finding games that don’t require it. However, having one available may make your options more robust if you want to play a specific game or use a particular website.