Video Poker Online (USA) — Best Full-Pay Games, RTP & Strategy
Independent guide to US-legal video poker. Compare full-pay tables (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better), wild variants, multi-hand formats, providers, and RTP. Includes strategy basics, banking advice, and FAQs — updated regularly.
Video Poker Basics: Paytables, RTP & Variance
Paytables Drive RTP
Small paytable tweaks change long-run returns dramatically. Example: 9/6 Jacks or Better ≈ 99.54% vs 8/5 ≈ 97.30%. Always prioritize full-pay or near-full-pay versions.
- JoB 9/6: 9 for Full House / 6 for Flush
- Bonus / Double / DDB: Quads schedules shift; study your table
- Deuces / Joker: Wilds change strategy and paytable completely
RTP & Strategy
Published RTP assumes perfect strategy. Learn the correct chart for your exact variant and paytable. For wild games, use dedicated charts (e.g., Deuces Wild differs from JoB).
Best US Casino Apps for Video Poker
All brands below are licensed in at least one US state. The “Bonus” shows headline offer; the note hints at typical payout speed.
| Casino | Bonus | Score | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
BetMGM
|
$1,000 Match + $25 Free
PayPal ≈30–60m
|
9.7/10 | Review Play |
DraftKings
|
100% up to $2,000
PayPal 1–12h (same day)
|
9.6/10 | Review Play |
BetRivers
|
100% up to $500 (1x)
Play+ Instant–2h
|
9.3/10 | Review Play |
FanDuel
|
Up to $1,000 Back
Play+ Instant–1h
|
9.5/10 | Review Play |
Caesars
|
100% up to $1,000
ACH 24–48h
|
9.2/10 | Review Play |
Full-Pay & Multi-Hand Friendly Picks
These apps frequently host strong JoB/Bonus/DDB lines and multi-hand formats. Availability varies by state and paytable.
| Casino | Bonus | Score | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
DraftKings
|
Strong JoB/Bonus lines; multi-hand
PayPal 1–12h
|
9.6/10 | Review Play |
|
BetMGM
|
Wide VP lobby; JoB/DDB/DW variants
PayPal ≈30–60m
|
9.7/10 | Review Play |
|
BetRivers
|
Good near-FP options; clear info
Play+ Instant–2h
|
9.3/10 | Review Play |
|
Caesars
|
Multi-hand lines; solid limits
ACH 24–48h
|
9.2/10 | Review Play |
Quick Video Poker Strategy
- Prioritize **paytables**. Small paytable changes swing RTP heavily (e.g., 9/6 JoB ≈ 99.54% vs 8/5 JoB ≈ 97.30%).
- Use the correct **strategy chart** for your exact variant and paytable (JoB, BP, DDB, DW, Joker).
- For wild games (Deuces/Joker), strategy changes significantly — learn dedicated charts.
- Multi-hand increases variance; lower coin value per hand to keep total stake steady.
- Always bet **max coins** if the game has a Royal Flush bonus at 5 coins (common in JoB/BP lines).
- Set loss/time limits; do not chase. Complete **KYC** early; use **PayPal/Play+** for faster payouts.
More Game Guides
Video Poker — FAQ
What does “full-pay” mean in video poker?
A paytable that yields the best-known RTP for a variant (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better ≈ 99.54%). Short-pay versions reduce returns by lowering key payouts.
Is 9/6 Jacks or Better always available?
Not always. Regulated apps may offer near-full-pay. If 9/6 isn’t available, compare alternatives and pick the highest RTP you can find.
Should I always play 5 coins?
Usually yes on JoB/Bonus lines because the Royal Flush jump at 5 coins boosts overall RTP. Adjust denomination so your bankroll can support max coins.
Are Deuces Wild and Joker Poker better?
They can be — with the right paytables and perfect strategy. But strategy differs from JoB, so learn the correct chart first.
Can I beat the house?
Published RTPs assume perfect play and specific paytables. Real results vary with mistakes and availability. Focus on highest RTP paytables and correct strategy.