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Video poker is one of the most exciting and rewarding games you can play at an online casino, especially in the UK. One of the best things about video poker is that it’s not just about luck; strategy and skill can make a big difference in your overall experience. If you’re familiar with the concept of Return to Player (RTP), you know that this is one of the most important factors in determining your potential long-term winnings. But with so many video poker games available, how do you know which ones offer the best RTP?
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about video poker RTP, the best games to play to maximise video poker winnings, and some essential tips to get you started. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just beginning your video poker journey, understanding these concepts can significantly enhance your gameplay and give you an edge over the competition. Let’s dive in!
Understanding RTP in Video Poker
To start, let’s break down what RTP (Return to Player) actually means. RTP is essentially the percentage of the total money wagered on a game that is returned to players over time. For example, if a game has an RTP of 99%, you can expect to get back 99p for every £1 you wager on that game, on average, over a long period.
In video poker, RTP is a crucial metric because it tells you how much you can expect to win back. While no game is completely predictable, playing games with a higher RTP increases your chances of getting a better return on your wagers. It’s essential to note that video poker RTP can vary significantly depending on the variant you choose to play.
The thing that excites me most about video poker is that, unlike other casino games like slots, you can actually influence the RTP through your strategy. A solid strategy can push the RTP up by a few percentage points, potentially making a big difference to your overall winnings. By playing the right games and mastering the strategy, you can truly maximise video poker winnings.
Factors That Affect RTP in Video Poker
Several factors impact RTP in video poker, and understanding these can help you choose the best game for your playstyle. Let’s take a closer look at what influences RTP:
- Paytable: The paytable is one of the most significant factors affecting RTP. Video poker games with better paytables typically have a higher RTP. For instance, a Jacks or Better game that offers a full-pay version with 9/6 (meaning nine coins for a full house and six for a flush) will have a higher RTP than one with a lower paytable.
- Full-Pay vs. Short-Pay: Full-pay video poker games offer the highest RTPs, while short-pay games have lower payouts and, therefore, a lower RTP. Always look for games that offer full-pay versions to ensure the best return.
- Strategy: While the RTP of a game is set, your ability to play optimally impacts how much of the RTP you can realise. With the right strategy, you can play to your game’s full potential. This is where understanding Deuces Wild tips and optimal play becomes essential.
- Game Variants: Different variants of video poker can have widely varying RTPs. For example, Deuces Wild offers a different paytable and rules compared to Jacks or Better, which affects its RTP.
Now that we understand the basics of RTP, let’s explore some of the best video poker games with high RTP.
Top Video Poker Games with High RTP
If you want to maximise your chances of winning, you’ll want to focus on video poker games with the highest possible RTP. Below, I’ve listed some of the best video poker games that offer excellent returns:
- Jacks or Better (99.54% RTP)
This is one of the most popular video poker games, and for good reason. The Jacks or Better variant offers a straightforward structure with an RTP of 99.54%. If you’re looking for a game with high RTP, this is a solid choice. With optimal strategy, it’s one of the easiest games to learn and still has a relatively high payout. - Deuces Wild (100.07% RTP)
Deuces Wild takes video poker to another level with a RTP of over 100%, making it the perfect option for those who want to push their RTP as high as possible. The key to Deuces Wild tips is knowing when to hold the wild cards (2s), as they can substitute for any other card. With the right strategy, you can achieve the highest possible RTP in this variant. - Bonus Poker (99.17% RTP)
Bonus Poker offers a slightly lower RTP compared to Jacks or Better, but the potential for larger payouts, especially for hands like four of a kind, makes it a fun choice. With an RTP of 99.17%, this is still a solid option for players looking to maximize their returns. - Double Bonus Poker (100.17% RTP)
If you’re looking to push your RTP even further, Double Bonus Poker might be the game for you. This version rewards players with a higher payout for four-of-a-kind hands, resulting in an RTP of 100.17%. This is perfect for those who like taking a bit of risk for higher rewards. - Joker Poker (99.64% RTP)
With the addition of the Joker as a wild card, Joker Poker offers exciting gameplay and an RTP of 99.64%. The Joker can substitute for any other card, making it easier to form winning combinations and enhancing the overall RTP. - Tens or Better (99.14% RTP)
This game has a simple structure and offers a relatively high RTP of 99.14%. If you’re new to video poker, Tens or Better is an excellent starting point. The payouts are solid, and the rules are easy to follow, making it great for beginners while still offering a good return.
Choosing the Right Video Poker Game with High RTP
Now that you know about the games with the highest RTP, how do you choose the best one for you? Here are some tips to help you select the right video poker game:
- Know Your Budget: Your budget will influence your choice. If you’re playing on a smaller bankroll, games with lower variance like Jacks or Better are a safer choice. If you have a larger bankroll and can handle more risk, you might prefer Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker for the higher potential payouts.
- Consider Your Skill Level: If you’re a beginner, stick with games that are easier to play and understand, like Jacks or Better or Tens or Better. As you gain more experience, you can explore more complex variants like Deuces Wild.
- Play to Your Strengths: Every player has their own strengths. If you’re confident in your ability to manage wild cards, Deuces Wild is a great choice. If you prefer a more traditional experience, stick to Jacks or Better.
- Test Free Games First: Many online casinos offer free versions of video poker games. This is a great opportunity to practice your strategy before you start playing for real money. This can help you get comfortable with the paytable and strategy required to maximise video poker winnings.
Maximizing Your RTP with Strategy
To truly maximise video poker winnings, you need to incorporate strategy into your gameplay. Here are a few essential tips for improving your chances of winning:
- Learn Optimal Strategy: Each video poker variant has its own optimal strategy. For instance, in Jacks or Better, you should always hold onto high pairs and discard low cards. In Deuces Wild, you should hold onto 2s and other strong hands. Learning these strategies can increase your RTP significantly.
- Understand When to Hold or Discard: Knowing when to hold or discard cards is crucial. In Deuces Wild, for example, holding onto wild cards can be a game-changer. In Jacks or Better, always hold onto a pair of Jacks or higher, even if you don’t have any other good cards.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play and practice, the better you’ll get. Use free games to practice your strategy without any risk. As you become more familiar with the different hands and strategies, your RTP will improve over time.
Where to Play High RTP Video Poker
If you’re looking for a place to play high RTP video poker, look no further than reputable UK online casinos. Many online casinos offer a variety of video poker games, including those with the best RTP. Here are some tips on where to play:
- Licensed Casinos: Always choose casinos that are licensed and regulated by authorities like the UK Gambling Commission. This ensures that the games are fair and that you’re playing in a safe environment.
- Look for Bonuses: Some casinos offer bonuses or promotions specifically for video poker players. These can help boost your bankroll and give you more chances to play and maximise video poker winnings.
- Check the Game Selection: Make sure the casino you choose offers a wide selection of video poker games with high RTP. Many casinos allow you to filter games by RTP, which makes it easier to find the best options.
Conclusion
Video poker is a game of skill and strategy, and understanding video poker RTP is crucial to ensuring you get the best possible return. By selecting games with high RTP, like Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild, and using the right strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of winning. Remember, the key to maximising video poker winnings lies not just in luck but in playing the right games with the right approach.
Play responsibly, always know your limits, and enjoy the thrill of video poker!