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Playing Video Poker for Real Money

A. Antonova (editor) |

Introduction to Real-Money Video Poker

There is no shortage of online casinos offering real-money video poker. Furthermore, depositing players are often treated to exclusive bonuses and promotions that enable them to extend the duration of their video poker sessions. Several important factors bear consideration before you start betting real cash in your favorite variations, however. Aspects like licensing, game diversity, and payout percentages can make or break your overall gaming experience.

We cover all this and more in the following article. Additional tips on bankroll management are also provided to help you make informed money-management decisions. Real-money players must also find a suitable payment method to fund their accounts and cash out their profits after winning sessions. Honing your strategy skills by practicing with the demo versions of the games is highly recommended before you transition to real-money play. Without further ado, here are more details on the most important aspects to consider when playing video poker for cash.

Overview

Video Poker MachinesWhile video poker has both advantages and disadvantages, some variations of the game are more beneficial for real-money players than others. Unversed gamblers often fail to identify these favorable games and end up spending their money on variants that offer poorer winning odds. Winning combinations and paytables vary significantly across variations and online casinos. It is essential to consider these factors before playing for real money. When it comes to video poker, there are some universal rules you can remember and apply whether you play online or at a brick-and-mortar casino.

In general, the most advantageous video poker games are those that offer fullpay paytables. One good example of such a game is 9/6 Jacks or Better. Here Full Houses pay 9 to 1, while Flushes offer payouts of 6 to 1. Another important thing to consider whenever you play video poker for real money is the so-called Gamble or Double-Up feature. It is recommended to take advantage of this side game occasionally as it offers fair odds and has no house edge, which basically means it has a theoretical return equal to 100%.

Important Things to Consider Before Playing

Video Poker Royal Flush DrawTo make the most of every video poker game and enjoy yourself to the fullest, you should consider several things before playing. First of all, you should always set aside a separate budget intended for gambling purposes only. Bankroll size is highly individual and depends on various factors such as your risk tolerance, average bet size, and the variance of the games you intend to play. It is also recommended to split your total bankroll into several smaller bankrolls, depending on the number of sessions you plan on playing. It is important to set a loss limit that will prevent you from losing more than what you can afford.

As strange as it may sound, setting a win goal per session is also a good idea. This will not only prevent you from losing all your winnings back to the house but will also considerably improve your overall gaming experience and ensure you end your winning sessions on profit. For further information on win goals and loss limits, we recommend you read our article on money management in video poker.

Strategy is another important aspect worth discussing when it comes to playing video poker for real money. Making mathematically optimal plays helps increase your chances of winning and reduces the house edge grinding against you. In turn, you will be able to play more hands without having to replenish your video poker bankroll. Unlike most casino games, your playing decisions matter in video poker and have an impact on your expected return in the long term.

Deciding which cards to keep and which ones to discard may seem like an easy decision at first glance but many recommended strategy moves are counterintuitive and must be committed to memory. Mastering the optimal video poker strategy is essential for your longevity as a video poker player as it helps preserve your bankroll for longer. Keep in mind that strategy adjustments are often required when you transition from one video poker variation to another.

Video poker requires a strategy, which is the main thing that sets it apart from slots and other casino games where chance is a deciding factor for the outcome.

What It Takes to Play Online Video Poker for Real Money

The Jack of Spades Video PokerReal-money video poker is available at nearly all landbased casinos but players also have the option to enjoy the game remotely on their desktop computers and mobile devices. If anything, online casinos sometimes offer better paytables and shorter odds of winning in certain cases. Additionally, you will benefit from a wealth of variations conveniently available in the palm of your hand.

Playing at licensed online casinos is secure, simple, and convenient as all you need to do is register a real-money account and add some funds to its balance. The best video poker casinos support a wide range of trusted payment methods you can use to top up your account in a split second without incurring additional processing fees. From digital wallets and online banking to credit cards and standard bank transfers, there is no shortage of secure payment solutions for depositing video poker players. Keep in mind that many casinos cater to customers from specific jurisdictions with local payment methods like Interac for Canadians and iDeal for Dutch players. Deposits are instant in most cases, so you can start betting real cash right away.

The quickest and easiest way to fund your real-money balance is to use digital wallets like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. These are highly secure as there is no need to disclose any sensitive financial information when using them.

Further Thoughts

Video poker is a casino game that gives you the opportunity to impact the outcomes by applying a strategy. Playing this game for real money is certainly exciting when you know the decisions you make can sway the odds in your favor. Before you start placing real-money bets, it is recommended to build enough experience by practicing in demo mode. Nowadays, many online casinos allow you to play free versions of the game where you risk none of your own funds.

Video Poker Basic Strategy
Screenshot of Video Poker Basic Strategy

This way, you also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the virtual layout of the game and the game controls without worrying about losing money. Also, when you play video poker in fun mode, you can practice your strategy until you fully master it. Once you feel confident enough in your skills and knowledge, you can open a real-money account at a regulated casino and transition to cash bets.

Conclusion

Video poker is a highly entertaining and potentially profitable casino game you can find at hundreds of online gambling sites. It is a skill-based game and as such, you should keep in mind that the outcomes can be influenced by using a reliable strategy. Before you decide to play video poker for real money, you should have a reliable plan not only for your moves but also for your funds.

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