Understanding Video Poker Payouts
Video poker combines the thrill of slots with the strategy of poker, but not all machines are created equal. The key to success lies in understanding the video poker odds and payouts, which vary between game types. A skilled player knows that selecting the right machine is the first step toward winning. Let's examine the payout structures for the most popular variations.
The game combines both skill and luck, and video poker odds and payouts are some of the best in the industry.
Jacks or Better Video Poker Pay Table
Jacks or Better is the most common video poker game and a great starting point for new players. The goal is to get a hand containing at least a pair of Jacks. The most favorable version is the 9/6 machine, often called "full pay" video poker.
| Hand | 1 Coin Bet | 2 Coins Bet | 3 Coins Bet | 4 Coins Bet | 5 Coins Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| 4 of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 3 of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 2 Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Pair of Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
The 9/6 in the name refers to the payout for a Full House (9 coins) and a Flush (6 coins) for a single coin bet. This version offers a theoretical payback percentage of 99.54% with optimal play. Be wary of other versions like 8/5 or 7/5, as their reduced payouts significantly lower your long-term returns.
Deuces Wild Video Poker Pay Table
In Deuces Wild, all four '2' cards are wild and can substitute for any other card to create a winning hand. This adds more winning combinations and excitement. The full-pay version of Deuces Wild can offer a payback percentage of over 100% with perfect strategy, making it one of the best video poker games for skilled players.
| Hand | 1 Coin Bet | 2 Coins Bet | 3 Coins Bet | 4 Coins Bet | 5 Coins Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush (Natural) | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 4000 |
| 4 Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Royal Flush (Wild) | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| 5 of a Kind | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
| Straight Flush | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| 4 of a Kind | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Full House | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Flush | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 3 of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
With optimal play, full-pay Deuces Wild has a payback percentage of over 100.7%, making it exceptionally favorable for the player.
Bonus Poker Pay Table
Bonus Poker is a variation of Jacks or Better that offers higher video poker payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands. Double Double Bonus Poker is a popular variant with even more nuanced bonus payouts. The best version to look for is the 9/6 game, which provides a payback of over 99.6%.
Decoding Video Poker Odds
Beyond payouts, understanding the odds of making each hand is crucial for making the best decisions. Stronger hands naturally appear less frequently. While the exact probabilities vary slightly with wild cards, the general odds for a standard 52-card deck game provide a solid baseline.
| Video Poker Hand | Odds |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 649,740 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | 72,193 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | 4,165 to 1 |
| Full House | 694 to 1 |
| Flush | 509 to 1 |
| Straight | 255 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 47 to 1 |
| Two Pairs | 21 to 1 |
| Pair of Jacks or Better | 7.7 to 1 |
| Any Pair | 2.4 to 1 |
These numbers represent long-term averages. You are never "due" for a win. A Royal Flush isn't guaranteed every 650,000 hands; it's an unpredictable event governed by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which makes the game exciting.
Are Video Poker Pay Tables Worth Learning?
Absolutely. A video poker pay table is a simple chart that tells you everything you need to know about a game's potential profitability. By learning to read them, you can quickly compare machines and focus your bankroll on the ones that give you the best chance to win. The information on this page serves as a great starting point for mastering this essential skill.
Ultimately, memorizing these charts helps you internalize the expected value of your decisions. Combining this knowledge with a solid video poker strategy is the most effective way to improve your results and get the most from your bets.
