Online Video Poker

Written by John Gold. Last updated:

Video poker combines the strategy of poker with the simplicity of slot machines. Major varieties include Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild, each offering unique game elements and payouts. In some varieties, such as Joker Poker, the inclusion of a wild card further influences strategy.

✓ Video poker RTP can be 99% and higher
✓ Jacks or Better is the most popular type of video poker
✓ Demo-versions games are available for training
✓ Video poker combines poker and pokies

The Best Casinos

Zoome
4.88

250% up to NZ$ 1,800

+250 Free Spins

  • Great welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions
  • Modern website with fast performance
  • VIP program
  • Multiple payment options
Playfina
4.92

up to $1,650

+200 Free Spins

  • Impressive library of over 8,000 games from 80+ providers
  • New players can take advantage of a multi-stage welcome bonus
  • VIP program features 33 levels
  • Exclusive VIP perks like faster withdrawals, dedicated account managers, and customized promotions

What is Video Poker?

The video type of poker is a symbiosis of pokies games and regular poker with its conventional combinations. While in other types of poker, you are playing against opponents, in video poker, you win by getting the highest possible combination of five cards. Depending on the type of video poker you play, the gameplay, hands required to win, as well as payouts will be different.

Top Casinos with Video Poker

Looking to play some video poker? Make sure to do it on a reliable site. We’ve put together a list of trusty casinos featuring different variations of the game. These are licensed platforms that guarantee player safety as well as fair and timely payouts.

M88 Mansion
4.98

100% up to $2,500

Betrino
4.97

200% up to $50

up to $4,000

+200 Free Spins

MrPacho
4.97

100% up to $1,000

+200 Free Spins

Stay
4.97

up to $5,000

+300 Free Spins

Dazardbet
4.96

100% up to €500

+200 Free Spins + 1 Bonus Crab

Instant
4.96

200% up to €7,500

Monster
4.96

275% up to $1,000

+250 Free Spins

Spinarium
4.96

400% up to $3,342

+200 Free Spins

225% up to $1,500

+100 Free Spins

How We Screen Out Video Poker Sites

Finding the best casinos with Video Poker on the web is a long and complicated process. To make sure our recommendation list consists only of top-notch gambling sites, they must meet a number of criteria listed below.

License and Security
License and Security

For online casinos, a license is a sign of trustworthiness. To obtain it, they are being audited by licensing authorities, the most popular ones of which are MGA, Curacao, and UKGC. The companies make sure that the audited casino uses modern encryption technologies for its users’ data safety, legitimate software, and RNG. A license also guarantees that the player will receive their winnings.

Customer Support
Customer Support

As a casino client, you may face some problems or have some questions to ask and you want your inquiries to be handled in a proper way. Good customer support is also easily reachable via multiple ways, such as live chat, email, or phone calls. We check if support is responsive, answering within several minutes, competent, and resolving your issue fast.

Game Library
Game Library

One of the most important things is whether a casino can offer a nice set of video poker games. That’s why we select casinos that not only have the game in their game library but also boast as many variations as possible.

Video Poker Bonuses & Promotions
Video Poker Bonuses & Promotions

Almost every single online casino you would come across has different bonus rewards. Not all of them, though, have dedicated offers for video poker. Rest assured that each and every casino you find on our list offers good bonus deals for players. Moreover, we make sure that all bonuses come with fair wagering requirements, so you won’t have to play through your deposit gift 70 times in three days.

Device Optimization
Device Optimization

Nowadays, online gamblers are not tied to just one device. They can use their personal computer to play at home, while tablets, laptops, or mobile phones can be used to play wherever they wish. It is vital that the casino compatible with Android and iOS-based gadgets are well-optimized. A dedicated application is a plus.

Banking Options
Banking Options

For everyone intending to play for real money, banking options are a top-priority matter. The best video poker casinos we recommend offer at least ten universal and more locally-used payment systems for Kiwi gamblers. Those can be bank cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrencies. Our team checks whether these banking options have fees and allow gambling-related operations.

Fast Payouts
Fast Payouts

The last thing you want to do when wanting to cash out your winnings is to wait for only God knows how long. Casinos offering fast payouts have a big advantage over those that do not, as many players prioritise timely withdrawals. The withdrawal time often depends on the amount and the payment method you use. We prefer websites that process withdrawals within 48 hours.

Video Poker Variations in New Zealand

Overall, the game's main principle lies in getting winning combinations and remains unchanged across its variations. The random number generator calculates a hand of five cards you get at the beginning of a round. Your task is to choose which ones to keep and which ones to swap. Despite that, different types of video poker have unique features. Below is brief information about the most widespread variations.

Jacks or Better

This type is the one most played by Kiwis and people all over the planet. To win, a player's hand must have a pair of jacks or a better combination starting from a pair of queens. We recommend you opt for the 9/6 version, as it implies bigger payouts and a higher RTP rate (99.5%).

Tens or Better

This one is almost no different from its twinned Jacks or Better variant. It is the same one-hand video poker, with the only difference being that the payouts start with a hand consisting of at least a pair of tens.

Deuces Wild

Many New Zealand video pokie lovers prefer Deuces Wild for its unusual twist: all the deuces here are wilds that can be used as a replacement to form a winning combination.

Aces And Faces

The gameplay in the Aces and Faces variant is no different from Jack or Better. However, it has increased bonus payouts for a four-of-a-kind combination of any of the face cards (jacks, queens, kings, aces).

Joker Poker

Unlike the conventional Jacks or Better, the lowest winning combination in Joker Poker is Kings or Better. Being a wild card, the Joker is a replacement for drawing up winning hands and creating new ones (like five of a kind).

Bonus Poker

This type of poker boasts increased winnings for some four-of-a-kind combos. There are quite a few versions of Bonus Poker, but the differences between them eventually come down to payout rates for various winning hands.

Bonuses for New Zealand Video Poker Players

Bonuses are pleasant addition to the exciting gaming content online casinos have to offer. Take a look at the most popular rewards to be found at the best casinos with Video Poker.

No Deposit Bonus
No Deposit Bonus

No deposit bonuses are given regardless of whether you made a deposit or not. The only thing you need to do to claim it is to sign up. A drawback of this reward is high wagering requirements.

Free Spins Bonus
Free Spins Bonus

This bonus most commonly comes as part of a welcome offer or for taking part in various promotions, including VIP programs. Free spins are mainly used in slot games, yet some promotions may apply to video poker. These are free rounds that you can play in the game with a chance to win real money.

Welcome Bonus
Welcome Bonus

Gambling sites give a welcome bonus after creating an account and making the first deposit. A typical welcome package includes free spins and/or a certain percentage of bonus money credited to your account. For instance, you may get a 100% bonus of up to NZ$100 and 20 free spins.

Crypto Bonus
Crypto Bonus

Nowadays, cryptocurrencies are a popular payment option in online casinos. Sometimes, gambling sites reward their customers for using crypto like Bitcoin. Most often, this promotion offer implies additional funds for deposits. So it’s the same 100% deposit bonus, but instead of NZ$, you get BTC, LTC, or any other crypto you deposit with.

Cashback Bonus
Cashback Bonus

Any gaming session implies increased risks that can be smoothed out by a cashback bonus. A cashback percentage depends on the casino, but it usually ranges between 1-2% to 15% or even 20%.

No Wagering Bonus
No Wagering Bonus

The absolute majority of bonuses, whether deposit or no deposit ones, have a certain wagering requirement that has to be completed. For example, you may need to bet 30 times the amount of the bonus to cash it out. No wagering bonuses, on the other hand, allow players to use it and withdraw winnings without meeting wagering requirements.

How to Play Video Poker in NZ

The game itself can hardly be described as complicated, which is why so many people want to try their hands there. Once you are ready to put theory into action to play online video poker, follow these simple steps:

  1. Pick a game to play. You are free to choose between such types as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, and others. 
  2. Get the money onto your casino account. You may as well play for free, but in order to have real winnings, you should deposit and play for real money. 
  3. Select a bet amount. However, there is always a minimum bet amount (from NZ$0.10 to NZ$1), so keep that in mind when setting your budget for a gaming session.
  4. Press the "Deal" button. Once you do it, you will be dealt five cards in one or multiple hands.
  5. Decide on the cards. As soon as the cards have been dealt, you are free to pick which to hold and which to cancel.
  6. Press the "Deal" button the second time. If there are some cards you decide not to hold, you will be given different ones. 
  7. Look at the outcome. If you end up with a winning hand, you will receive a payout in accordance with the paytable.

How to Sign Up to Video Poker Games

Before you are able to play online video poker and enjoy your winnings, you need to do the following:

  • Find a casino to play. It has to be licensed and suit your gaming needs.
  • Register. Complete the registration form to access what the casino has to offer.
  • Fill in your profile. Before being able to make real money transactions, you might be required to provide the casino with your personal information.
  • Use a bonus. If there is any bonus you can use for video poker, do not miss out on this opportunity.
  • Verify your account. You might be required to prove your identity and age by submitting a photo/scan of your ID or other relevant documents.
  • Enjoy the game. Now you can get into action!

Things to Do When Playing Video Poker

The underlying principle of winning in video poker is the same as with other poker types, which is getting a hand allowing you to win. That said, there are some tips that will help you improve your results in the game.

Know Video Poker RTP

RTP states the theoretical percentage of wagers returned to all players over time, not individual guarantees. For instance, with an RTP of 95%, you’ll win back NZ$95 out of the NZ$100 you wagered. Video poker has one of the highest RTPs among casino games. However, the RTPs of various types of games are different. In this regard, it is recommended to go for the most favourable RTP rates (99% or higher).

Any Pair Over One High-Value Card

After the cards have been dealt, if you have a pair, albeit a low one, it is better to keep it instead of a single high card. The reason is simple, with a low pair on hold, you still can get a three or four-of-a-kind, two-pair, or full house. So even though the chances are slimmer, a potential payout makes it worth it.

Breaking Up Winning Hands

Sometimes you might be dealt an already winning hand of flush or straight. Is there any scenario where you would break up that hand? The only situation where you can break up straight or flush is when your hand is lacking one card to royal flush. In this case, you will still have good chances for other winning hands even if you don't get it.

Other Things to Remember

Besides the aforementioned recommendations, you can use other tips, such as:

  • Opt for maximum coins
  • Always go for a higher RTP
  • Know the paytable
  • Use strategy calculators to screen out wrong plays

Must-know Video Poker Terms for Kiwi Players

To become a master in video poker, you have to know the terms used to describe a certain move, phenomenon, or detail. Below you can find a glossary of the most useful terms.

Essential Video Poker Terms
Bankroll a total amount of money available for a gaming session
Discard giving up the cards that are not held from the initial hand
Draw to redeal the cards that you don't want to keep in hand
Face Card jacks, queens and kings
Hold to keep one to five cards before going for a draw
Max Bet the button, allowing to set the maximum available number of coins
Paytable a table showing payouts for winning hands
RNG standing for "random number generator" it ensures that the game outcomes are not rigged
RTP a return to player percentage showing how much players will be paid back from their bets over time

Video Poker Winning Combinations

Payouts in an online video poker depend on a hand. These are the winning combinations:

Pair two same-value cards
Two Pair two pairs of two same-value cards
Three of a Kind three same-value cards
Straight five cards standing in order
Flush a hand consisting of any same-suit cards
Full House a hand consisting of a pair and a three of a kind
Four of a Kind four same-value cards
Straight Flush five same-suit cards standing in order
Royal Flush five same-suit cards from 10 to ace

Video Poker Apps in New Zealand

Any Kiwi gambler is exposed to playing the game via mobile devices, with gameplay being no different from that of a desktop version. The best casinos and software developers make sure their games are equally accessible to Android and iOS users.

Android Video Poker
Android Video Poker

Those with Android devices can play the game from a mobile browser or by downloading an app. Please mind that due to Google Play's policies, online casino apps are not available there, which is why you might need to install them directly from a casino's website.

iOS Video Poker
iOS Video Poker

When it comes to iOS gadgets, gamblers can also play video poker via a browser or app. The only difference is that casino applications can be downloaded from the App Store. A big advantage of using an iOS device is high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay.

Comparison of Real Money Video Poker & Free Video Poker

Should you risk your funds in video poker or play just for fun? Let's compare both of these ways to see which one would serve your needs better.

Play Video Poker for real money

  • There is always a possibility to win money
  • Ability to take advantage of bonuses and promotions
  • More excitement and thrill
  • The money can be lost

Play Video Poker for free

  • You play only for virtual credits
  • Can be played in a demo mode without having to sign up
  • Ability to try the game out and learn the rules
  • There is nothing to lose, as you don’t risk your funds
  • Less exciting to play

New Zealanders are exposed to a handful of payment options when playing video poker for real money. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Paysafecard

The world’s most popular prepaid payment method. You can buy a prepaid code online or offline and use it to deposit funds to your casino account.

Neosurf

Voucher-based prepaid option, Neosurf allows for fast transactions with maximum anonymity.

Prezzy Card

It is a widely used gift card among Kiwis. Prezzy Card can be used at any online casino accepting Visa.

Skrill

Being an internationally-recognised e-wallet, Skrill is loved by New Zealanders for its simplicity and fast payments.

Neteller

Another electronic wallet that made it to the list of payment methods of the biggest online casinos. Among the main features are a virtual card and low fees.

Ecopayz

This payment service is an easy-to-use payment system accepting NZD and boasting good customer support.

Muchbetter

Since Muchbetter was created specifically for online casino transactions, you can often expect additional bonuses for using it as a payment system.

Pay by Phone

Paying by phone is an easy and quick method typically used for small to medium-sized amounts.

Apple Pay

Designed for iOS devices, Apple Pay is a service that allows users to make transactions by adding bank cards.

Google Pay

It works just like Apple Pay but exclusively for Android users. With Google Pay, you don’t have to enter your bank card details each time you make a deposit, as it securely stores your bank card details, though authorisation is required for each deposit.

Crypto

All cryptos are blockchain-based virtual currencies that are extremely popular thanks to their decentralized nature, privacy, and instant transactions.

Thanks to software providers, we can enjoy top-notch online video poker games. Here are the studios worth noting:

Playtech
Playtech

With 20+ years of experience in the gambling market, Playtech has become the biggest software developer, with its gaming portfolio featuring more than 600 top-notch titles.

Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play is a Swedish-based innovative company making gambling content, such as slots and live casino games.

RTG
RTG

With huge experience in offline and online casino environments, RealTime Gaming offers more than 300 different games, among which are slots, card, table, and live games.

Microgaming
Microgaming

This is an iconic software developer whose main achievements include releasing such legendary games as Mega Moolah, Book of Oz or Thunderstruck. Overall, Microgaming has made more than 800 titles.

Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil is one of the youngest yet most progressive online gambling companies. The company has patented a number of breakthrough technologies like Redux or iSense.

Conclusion

Video poker blends elements of poker and slots, offering a variety of interesting options such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and Joker Poker, providing unique opportunities and payouts. With the RTP rates of 99% or higher, the game provides favourable odds for players. Strategic choices, such as having a low pair, can increase the odds of winning. However, breaking the winning hand should only be done in the case of the elusive royal flush.

I would like to note that players should also consider factors such as the maximum number of coins, paytable, and strategy calculator to optimise their gameplay. I hope the personal experience I've gathered in this guide will help you understand the nuances of the game and enjoy playing effectively.

John Gold

John Gold

After a decade in gambling, I've transformed from a casual player into an industry expert. Having tested over 500 pokie machines, I'm ready to share insider tips for an optimal gaming experience.