Video poker is sometimes referred to as “the thinking man’s slot machine,” as it offers an element of strategy that’s not present in slots. This gives a player using perfect strategy a chance of making a profit over the long haul, which is why video poker has always maintained a solid following among astute American gamblers.

The game debuted in the middle of the 1970s, about the same time that personal computers were hitting the market. These games were laughable by modern standards, but this started to change in 1979 with the release of a game called Draw Poker.

Since then, the video poker market has continued to grow, although it has failed to approach the popularity of slots and their more lucrative payouts. Another explanation for this disparity has to do with the social aspect of the game. While slots are often accompanied by fanfare and small crowds when a win occurs, video poker machines tend to lead a more solitary existence.

Full-Pay vs Short-Pay Video Poker Games in the United States

The highest-paying version of a video poker game is known as “full-pay,” while those that offer fewer winnings are referred to as “short-pay.” It can often be difficult to tell the two apart, but consulting the pay table should provide the necessary information.

For example, Jacks or Better traditionally pays 9 coins per each coin wagered when the player gets a full house. With a flush, the payout is 6 coins for each token that’s risked. This is the best payout for the game, so it’s a full-pay machine known as 9/6 Jacks of Better.

Another version of Jacks or Better, however, might only offer 8 coins for a full house and 5 coins for a flush. This would be expressed as 8/5 Jacks or Better. Since it offers less than the maximum payout, it’s an example of a short-pay machine.

Popular Types of USA Video Poker Games

The next time you’re prowling the casino in search of a video poker machine, keep an eye out for the types of games listed below. They constitute some of the most popular and profitable VP games.

Jacks or Better – Sometimes referred to as “Draw Poker,” this is the most common version of the game found in casinos across America. In order to receive a payout, you need at least a pair of jacks. Getting a royal flush offers the largest payout.

Joker Poker – Payouts begin with a pair of kings or better, and a joker is added to serve as a wild card. A natural royal flush normally pays 4000 coins, while the wild version pays 500.

Deuces Wild – In this game, all twos are considered wild cards. A natural royal flush pays 4000 credits when played with the maximum number of credits, while a wild royal flush pays 125.

Double Bonus Poker – Payouts occur with a pair of jacks or better, but increased payouts are available for different hands featuring four-of-a-kind (with four aces paying the most). The full-pay version is traditionally 10/7.

Double Double Bonus Poker – If you have four of a kind, the fifth card is known as the “kicker.” This game was the first to make use of the kicker, offering the largest such payout for four aces with a two through four kicker. The royal flush still offers the largest overall payout, with winnings starting with a pair of jacks or better.

Faces N’ Deuces – This variant of Jacks or Better offers a special payout for four deuces plus a face card, and getting this combination on the initial deal offers a payout equal to a royal flush.

Power Quads – Made by IGT, this unique game keeps track of the player’s history and awards a bonus once the player has achieved a four of a kind on the draw for all 13 ranks. The bonus can range from 500 to 2000 coins, depending on the game’s setting.

Progressive Jackpots – Any type of video poker machine can be linked into a progressive jackpot network. When a wager is made on one of these machines, a small amount is deposited into an ever-growing jackpot. The jackpot is won when a player gets the necessary hand, and the payout can be massive when multiple machines are connected.