Make Money Playing Video Poker
- Can You Make Money Playing Video Poker
- Can You Make Money Playing Video Poker
- Can You Make A Living Playing Video Poker
- Make A Living Playing Poker
Real Money Video Poker
Video poker is a single-player video game that functions much like a slot machine; most video poker machines play draw poker, where the player bets, a hand is dealt, and the player can discard and replace cards. Payout is dependent on the hand resulting after the draw and the player's initial bet. When you do cross over from free play video poker to real money games, you will want to use banking options that you can trust. Putting money into your online casino account with a trusted payment. In this episode of Project Get Me Stackin' Evan answers that oh-so common question, 'Can you make money playing poker?' The answer is yes! In this video, Ev. Here is how much money you can make playing online poker in 2021 (for the average person). Pros like myself will make far more than this. NL2 - $150 per month NL2 (blinds 1c/2c) is the lowest limit that.
Video poker made its entry to the casino in the seventies; and is today one of the most popular forms of gambling. For the player who likes a game of skill, a low house edge, the possibility of large wins, and the anonymity of playing alone there is nothing else that can compare to video poker.
Video poker’s popularity has grown so much in recent years because savvy players know the game offers some of the best odds found in land and online casinos. Plus, the variety of video poker games can cater to both beginners and hardcore poker players. If you want to play a few hands of poker at the fast pace of classic casino table games like blackjack or a slot machine, look no further than the real money video poker games we have to offer at our online casino.
Our online casino offers a wide variety of real money video poker games that are accessible to all skill levels. Create an account today and take advantage of the highest odds in casino gambling with a complimentary welcome bonus and spins on the house. If luck is on your side, it won’t be long before playing our real money video poker games leads you straight to our exclusive VIP rewards section. All from the comfort of your own home.
All you need to start winning hands is an internet connection. Sign up today to claim your welcome bonus and use it to start winning real money at the video poker game of your choice. We are proud to offer a giant selection of video poker games, everything from Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and many more. So start playing today to find a game that’s going to make you rich!
Why You Should Play Video Poker
Video poker was first introduced to casinos in the 1970s and it’s been going strong ever since simply because it’s one of the few games where players have high odds while also having a chance to influence the game’s outcome. Unlike a game like roulette where you don’t have much say over where the ball will stop, players can use their skills to create winning outcomes, which is likely to happen given the low house edge.
Another reason why real money video poker has been a staple of both brick-and-mortar and online casinos is due to the lack of psychological warfare that is a key component of live poker games. Being an expert at reading body language is not a prerequisite for success in video poker. You don’t have to worry about hiding tells or calling bluffs in these popular casino games. There will be no pit bosses, dealers or players breathing down your neck. It’s just you versus the machine to claim a big fat jackpot.
And because your only opponent in video poker games is a machine, it makes each hand very winnable. All you need is a little bit of skill, strategy, knowledge of the game and, of course, luck and you are, on average, five times more likely to hit a royal flush when playing online video poker games than you are in just about any other kind of poker game.
How to Play Online Video Poker
The first step to playing, and winning, real money video poker is creating an account at our online casino. Once your account has been verified, you will be eligible to claim an exclusive welcome bonus and you can start playing any video poker, slot machine or classic casino table games on our dime. Whether you’re a new or experienced player, there’s nothing better than getting your feet wet on someone else’s bankroll.
Once your account is created and your welcome bonus has been collected, playing real money video poker is just a few simple clicks. It’s important to note that we offer many variations of video poker. And it’s a good idea to use the cushion of our exclusive welcome bonus to figure out which video poker variation you like best since your Jacks or Better strategy will be different from your Deuces Wild strategy.
Even though we offer a huge variety of real money video poker games that will require different approaches, virtually all video poker games are built on the mechanics of five-card draw poker. So, whether you want to play a popular variation like Jacks or Better or something a little bit more obscure, the first thing you should do to start winning at our real money video poker games is to understand these mechanics.
The objective of 5-card draw poker is to make the best five-card poker hand. For those of you who don’t know, these are the combinations from weakest to strongest:
High card One pair Two pair Three-of-a-kind Straight Flush Full house Four-of-a-kind Straight flush Royal flush
In real money video poker games, players will first place their wager and then press “Deal”. When they do, they’ll be given five cards at random. At this point, players must choose which cards to keep and which ones they’ll throw away.
Once players have selected which cards they want to keep, players will hit the “Draw” button and their cards will be replaced. Most games only allow for one round of discards, so choose your cards wisely.
After the discard, the amount players win is determined by the poker value of their hand and the posted paytable of that specific poker game. If you want to make real money playing video poker, the first thing you need to do is review the paytable. The paytable allows players to know the expected return before they are dealt a single card. And this is crucial information for all players since you’ll know whether or not any given video poker game is worth your time.
How to Play Jacks or Better Video Poker
There are tons of video poker variations on our online casino, but the one you’ll find no matter where you play is Jacks or Better. It is probably the most popular video poker variation, which is why it’s worth going over how to play so you’re equipped to win wherever you’re playing video poker.
Can You Make Money Playing Video Poker
Jacks or Better remains one of the most popular variations because it’s one of the simplest video poker games around. It’s perfect for new players to get a feel for real money video poker games. With Jacks or Better, players will receive an extra point for every pair of Jacks or higher they receive.
It may seem insignificant on paper, but the fact is that just by receiving a bonus for any pair of Jacks or higher can dramatically increase player’s earnings because the probability of getting a hand of at least a pair of Jacks or better is a lot higher than you might think.
Like any other kind of video poker game, it’s critical that you take a look at the paytable as well as get familiar with any kind of bonus you might be eligible for as it may influence which cards to keep and which ones to throw away. The reason this variation has become standard is that it offers players better odds. With better odds at a game that already offers some of the best edges over the house, Jacks or Better is the perfect place for newcomers to get familiar with the flow of the game and develop a strategy to win big.
How to Win at Video Poker
Can You Make Money Playing Video Poker
At the end of the day, the reason we all play is to win. Video poker, of course, is no exception. And so, how do you win at video poker? There are a number of ways to do it. As we’ve mentioned several times, winning begins with reviewing the paytable, going over the specific rules of any given variations and making sure you’re familiar with the bonuses you might be eligible for. Play with these principles and you’re set up for success.
That said, there are a few more tips that new and experienced players can benefit from.
Never discard a winning combination. If you have a pair of Jacks, but you throw it away for the chance at a flush, you are guaranteed to regret it. We all want to catch that white whale, but there’s no shame in playing it safe and building up your balance incrementally.
Never discard a wild card. If you’re playing Deuces Wild or some other kind of game that contains wild cards, it’s foolish to get rid of any card that can make your hand stronger, no matter what it ends up being.
Never keep three cards to chase a straight or a flush. Keeping three cards with the hope of grabbing a straight or a flush will leave you in a losing situation. The only time you should keep three cards is when you have a chance to get a straight flush or a royal flush. Otherwise, you’re better off discarding more or less cards. Getting rid of three cards to chase a straight or a flush puts probability against you, which is never a good thing in any kind of gambling.
Go slow. It’s important to remember that no one is going to call a shot clock violation on you when you’re playing video poker. A lot of players make the mistake of thinking that this is like any old poker game where other players or the dealer will push you to make timely decisions. You’re up against a machine who is always on the clock, so if you’re not sure what to do, take your time. Panicked, rushed decisions are rarely good ones, so make sure to slow down from time to time and make sure you’re making smart, deliberate choices on how to play.
Practice makes perfect. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that if you want to win at video poker, you have to invest some time into learning the minutiae of the game. You can read all the articles and books on video poker strategies you want, but eventually, you’re going to have to play. Ultimately, the best teacher is experience. So, if you want to win real money video poker, you need to play.
Of course, not everyone wants the process of getting familiar with a particular online video poker game to cost them. That’s why we offer players free play modes where they can get a feel for the interface and pace without risking a dime.
This is just one of many features we offer our players to ensure that they are having the most enjoyable online gaming experience possible. If there is anything we can do to improve upon your gaming experience, please do not hesitate to contact us. Otherwise, please sign up for an account today, collect your welcome bonus and start enjoying our games responsibly. We are proud to offer a huge variety of casino staples, including real money video poker games, that are compatible with desktop and mobile platforms.
If you are interested to get the best rakeback deals and private promotions on poker sites head on to PokerPro website (PS: there are plenty of options to choose from also for the USA players).
Playing video poker can be a tremendous amount of fun. For many people, it’s a perfect balance between the regular card game and slot machines. But is it a viable way to earn money?
So, can you make a living playing video poker? Yes, you can make a living playing video poker. However, it’s not easy. A lot of practice and research is required. You also need to have a deep knowledge of which games payout a positive RTP (return to player), otherwise you’ll lose money.
In this article, we’ll discuss in-depth how you can turn yourself into a video poker pro.
Why video poker?
There are a few reasons why people love to play video poker. It’s a game that you can play on your own and looks like a slot but plays a lot differently. There are also some other important things to note about video poker.
Easy to play
Video poker is easy to play, and you’ll likely understand the basics soon after sitting down at a machine. It doesn’t have the same intricacies of traditional poker, and you don’t have to worry about what other players are doing. That simply means you have little outside noise and can play hands very quickly.
It’s based on skill
Any game that’s not based on a level of skill is a long-term loser; roulette is a great example. Games that involve skill and strategy give you a much better chance of earning money once you’ve learned how to play them.
There are awesome jackpots
People love playing non-skill slot machines because of the prospect of winning a jackpot. This is especially true of progressive jackpots that grow as you play.
You get these jackpots in video poker without getting the terrible RTP that you get with some slot machines. That gives you the potential for great returns.
You’re playing solo
With regular card games, you get pit bosses looming over you, pushy dealers, and other players affecting your concentration and etiquette rules. With video poker, it’s just you vs. the machine, which appeals to a lot of people who don’t like the business of regular card games.
Why don’t you lose money?
Just to be clear: if you’re a terrible video poker player, you will lose money.
There are some key reasons, however, that you can avoid losing money with video poker when compared to other machines.
It’s the ability to make decisions based on logic that sets video poker apart from other games. With most slot machines and casino games like roulette, you simply make decisions based on randomness rather than a logical thought process, as there is no long-term winning strategy.
That need for logical decisions also makes video poker more stimulating, and you won’t ever fall into that zombie state of just putting coin after coin in a slot machine.
Video poker machines generally have a very high RTP or payback percentage. If a slot machine has an RTP of 95%, then that means over time a player will be expected only ever to win back 95 cents for every dollar they play – and that’s if it’s played perfectly.
That figure is crucial, as even a video poker machine with an RTP of 99.9% isn’t going to be profitable in the long term. You need to find machines that have an RTP of over 100% if you want to earn a living playing video poker.
Knowing the RTP
The biggest issue with slot machines is that you don’t know the odds of getting a particular symbol or combination of symbols. A cherry could come up once every 20 spins, whereas grapes would come up every 6 spins.
However, in poker, you already know the chances of any given card coming up, as there are only 52 cards in a deck. You also know the chance of getting a particular number or suit. The random number generators on video poker machines have to act as though they are using a real deck of cards.
The result of this is that you’re able to calculate your odds of winning on any given hand. You can then use this knowledge to see which machines pay a good RTP and ones which don’t. This means that if the RTP is 103%, then you’re guaranteed to win money in the long-term if you play a perfect game.
Knowing the math
Knowing math might not be all that exciting, but it’s crucial if you want to make a living playing video poker. You need to be able to know the RTP of a machine, and you also need to know the probability of the hand you’re playing if you want to make the right decision.
If you’re willing to put in the hours of research required, there are plenty of helpful resources out there for you to peruse. There are plenty of books on the subject, and also there are software programs where you will learn all about RTP and strategy. Here are a few of the best examples:
Best books for learning video poker
Best software programs for learning video poker
You don’t have to be some sort of genius to do this; you just have to invest some time in learning probabilities. The math isn’t complicated, but you need to know how to do it well and how to do it quickly.
Get ready to lose
If you want to get into a winning video poker mindset, you need to prepare yourself to lose.
What? That doesn’t make sense… right?
Actually, it does. Here’s why:
Say a friend makes a bet with you over the toss of a coin. You give him $1 if it’s head, and he gives you $10 if it’s tails. It’s a no-brainer bet. You’re getting 10X the potential winnings for a 50% probability.
However, your friend tosses 10 heads in a row, and you end up giving him $10 and walking away with nothing.
That’s an extreme example, but I think you get the point; as long as the odds are in your favor, you need to be willing to lose before you win.
The margins in video poker are much tighter than the above example. It’s just a reminder that even with the best odds and the best system, a lot of it will still come down to luck, and professional video poker players will have days where they make a loss.
The guaranteed winning isn’t over an hour, a week or a day; it’s over a long period of time.
This is why you need to stay calm if you’re losing money as you need to know that it’s not going to last forever. You’ll be winning eventually.
Walk before you can run
If you’ve not played much video poker before then, it’s time to put in the training and get comfortable with the math.
Jacks or Better is the simplest version of video poker and is a good introduction to it. I recommend playing that style before you move up to the more complicated games. Once you master that, then the more complicated video poker games will come easier.
With the margins being so tight, you need to be an expert before you can even think about making a living from playing video poker. Good Jacks or Better games will offer 9 to 1 payout on a full house with a 6 to 1 for a flush. These odds are often shortened to 9/6.
These machines often don’t have a positive RTP, but they are often close to 100%, making them a great training ground due to their simplicity. You also need to consider the volatility of the machine, which is very low in Jacks or Better.
A game with high volatility means that you’re waiting on low percentage hands for your winnings, and, therefore, most of the time, you are either winning small amounts or losing. If you don’t have enough bankroll, this can leave you without any money.
Simplify your strategy
Most video poker books will start you off with a fairly simple strategy that is quite easy to follow. You can get a list of hands that you’ll be able to reference and find out the correct decision to make. These often aren’t entirely accurate, but that’s because it’s simplified and easy to follow when you’re starting.
Want to jump straight into a complicated strategy? Don’t.
If you’re not confident with what you’re doing, then it’s going to be easy to make mistakes. As you build up your knowledge, you’re going to get better and be able to earn more.
Knowing the odds
Imagine this:
You press deal on the machine, and you find that it lands on all spades of 4, 10, jack, queen, and king. You’ve got a flush!
This is called a ‘pat hand,’ which refers to anytime you’re dealt a hand that would be able to pay out straight away.
Most people would thank their lucky stars and hold all the cards for the win, as you have a 100% chance of the 6 to 1 payout, which is what you’ll typically find on most machines.
While that would be great, you are just one card away from getting a royal flush but with a chance of around 2%.
Faced with a choice of a 100% chance or a 2% chance, most people would opt for the former. That’s the right call… right?
Actually, no. Although the 2% chance of landing the royal flush is quite small, the payout for a royal flush is often 800 to 1. If you’re in it for the long haul, the odds would tell you to go for the 2% chance and try for the royal flush.
Can You Make A Living Playing Video Poker
If it was for a dollar bet and you took the flush 100 times out of 100, you’d receive a payout of $600. (100 x $6 payout) but if you played for the royal flush, it’s a different story.
If you won the expected 2% of the time, you’d receive $1,600 (2 x $800 payout). Over the long run, you’d walk away with an extra $1,000, or triple the money you would have made otherwise.
It’s extremely important that you understand this. Even though you’d throw away a flush 98% of the time, your expected value is much higher by playing for the royal flush. By playing for the expected value here, you’d be losing a lot more often but winning nearly 3x as much when the cards finally come in.
The importance of bankroll
It’s time to focus on the importance of bankroll and volatility.
You have to have enough money to lose often and wait for the big wins. If you’re playing $5 bets and don’t hit it big 100 hands in a row, then you’re losing a lot of money pretty quickly. Professional video poker players play 1000’s of hands in a day, and you’ll have long losing streaks from time to time.
Due to this, a lot of players avoid placing large bets, preferring to play with bets as small as a quarter. This provides a lot less risk as if you have a losing streak; it’s a lot easier to cover. At the start, it’s a lot better to bet small.
The max bet on video poker machines with high RTP usually only goes as high as $2. Thi s is fine, as the daily rewards can still be quite good with a $2 max bet if you use the right strategy.
Different games = different strategy
Once you’ve mastered Jacks or Better, it would still be a mistake to think that you’re then set when it comes to strategy.
Each style of video poker will require its own strategy, and you’ll need to understand the complexities of the other versions before you start playing regularly. Even for the same game, there can be different strategies, such as the same game being ‘full pay’ or not.
The reality of video poker
If you think that mastering video poker is a great way to make your millions, then you’d be very wrong. The margins are far too slim to make a huge amount of money.
Make A Living Playing Poker
However, if you’re currently earning $25k a year and are looking for something better, video poker can a great way to earn more money.
With quarter bets (a safe amount until you have a high bankroll), you can expect to earn, on average, around 3.5 cents per hand.
If that sounds terrible, then you need to realize that a video poker master can play 1,000 hands per hour. That 3 cents then turns into $35 per hour, and if you play for 8 hours a day, that turns into $280 per day. Not too shabby for a day at the casino.
Say you play for 40 hours a week, which is the same as a standard job; you’d then be receiving $1,400 per week, which equates to $72,800 per year. The key here is that you have to play a lot to turn those small margins into significant revenue.
Finding the right machines
It can also be hard to find the right machines to play. Because it’s so easy with strategy and software now common, RTP-positive machines are rarer then they were during the 1990s when players had to work it all out themselves.
A video poker machine with a 99.9% RTP may sound great when compared to a slot machine, but it’s going to lose money in the long-term. You have to find machines with a positive RTP of around 102% or higher to make enough profit to earn a living off of.
All the figures above are very rough estimates. If you find a machine with a 100.7% return, then the returns are still going to be too low to make it worth your time. If you don’t live near an area that has sufficient machines, then you’re not going to be able to swing it.
These machines can also be very changeable. If a casino sees that they are losing money on a particular machine, they are going to be swapped out very quickly. There have to be enough losing players to disguise the winnings that professional players will get from the RTP-positive machines.
Conclusion
As we mentioned at the top of the page, you can make a living playing video poker.
However, you have to go into it with an open mind. If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it. You have to treat it like a real job, have enough bankroll, and become an expert in strategy.
In addition to this, you also need to research which machines will give you a positive RTP and where to find them. Professional players know this information like the back of their hand, but it can take years to develop that level of knowledge.
If you’d like to try earning a living with video poker, I recommend reading some of the books mentioned earlier in the article and beginning your training with an online Jacks or Better simulator.
Once you feel confident in your abilities to calculate odds, you can move up to the more complex versions of video poker. After you master those, you can start trying to locate RTP-positive video poker machines and placing small bets on your way to earning a living with video poker.