Video Poker

Playing video poker is somewhat easier than live poker games, as the market for virtual poker is still quite large. In fact, some Australian online casinos have tens of video poker games on offer, covering some really fun versions. And, it’s especially fun as video poker is known to have one of the highest casino game RTPs out there, often as much as 99.93.

However, finding them is not always easy, as some casinos hide them away in their virtual or RNG table game section, while others simply don’t offer any at all. We’ve taken the time to find the best video poker games, give you an idea of how to play them and offer some top tips to get ahead.

Written by: Christofer Johansson

Last Updated: 24 August 2026

How to Play Video Poker Online

There are different video poker options available, so knowing exactly how to play depends on the version you are playing. However, the basics remain the same across all video poker games.

First, this is entirely run on software, just like virtual table games or pokies. As such, they’re regularly tested for gaming fairness to ensure the outcomes can be trusted. The top providers will be independently audited and have the results clearly displayed to ensure complete transparency.

Essentially, video poker is a digital version of the standard five-card poker game. You don’t play against anyone (not even a dealer), but play solo. You get five cards and choose which one to hold and which to fold. Any folded cards are replaced with new ones, and this is your final hand. If you have a winning combination such as two pairs, you’ll get the payout based on that game’s paytable. Video poker only uses a single 52-card deck unless you’re playing a specific variant. Each round, the full deck is shuffled.

Hands in Online Video Poker at Aussie Casinos

The most important thing to get to grips with in video poker is the value of the different hands. Here’s a quick breakdown we’ve put together to help you out:

Royal Flush: the highest-ranked hand, this is when you get the 10 to Ace in the same suit.
Straight Flush: this is getting any straight (numbers in consecutive order) from 3 to 7 (for example) in the same suit.
Quads: four of a kind, where four cards have the same value.
Boat: a full house, where three cards have the same value, and the remaining two cards have the same value.
Flush: five cards of the same suit, but can be any value.
Straight: five consecutive cards in terms of value, but can be any suit.
Trips: three of a kind, where three cards have the same value.
Two Pairs: two pairs where 2 sets have the same value, but not the same as each other.
Pair: two cards have the same value
High: no matching cards, but you pick the one with the highest value. This is the weakest hand.

Types of Video Poker at Online AU Casinos

There are a variety of video poker games on offer, many of which are similar. Different providers also offer their own version of the same game, but understanding what each game offers is key.

Jacks or Better

This is the standard video poker version and is a good one to start with. The rule is a simple one in that the lowest paying hand must be a pair of Jacks or higher. Anything lower than that doesn’t pay. Most versions of this have an RTP of 99.54%. Standard paytables for this game include 800x for a Royal Flush and 50x for a Straight Flush, decreasing in value to 1x for a Jacks or Better pair.

Deuces Wild

Using a similar game mechanic to Jacks or Better, this one has two wild cards in play. This makes it easier to get strong hands as the wilds can be used as any card you like. However, this means that some hands in the paytable will pay less. The pair pays nothing in this version, so you need at least Trips to get a win. Twos can represent any card in the pack, resulting in this version of video poker having an RTP of 100.75% if played well. That being said, it’s the most technical version of video poker, with more complex strategies required. Some of the top payouts include 800x for the Royal Flush, 200x for 4 Deuces and 25x for a Wild Royal Flush.

Joker Poker

This version of video poker adds an extra Joker to the deck, making it a 53-card deck. The Joker acts like a wild card and can complete any hand even the highest ranking Royal Flush, though this impacts the final payout. With the Joker in play, some hands are easier to get, so the paytable is changed to match this. The lowest paying hand is a pair of kings and this version has a lower overall RTP between 97-99%. Payouts include a Natural Royal Flush at 800x, Five of a Kind at 200x and a Wild Royal Flush at 100x.

Tips for Playing Video Poker in AU

Depending on the version you are playing, there are different strategies you can employ. With this in mind, we’re going to just look at the best way to play if you’re playing Jacks or Better as this is a solid game to start out with.

Always Keep

Any paying hand like a pair of Jacks
4 to a Flush
3 to a Royal Flush
Two High cards

Sometimes Keep

A single high card if there are no other good options

Get rid of

Inside straight like 3-7
Low cards that aren’t connected
Small card combos that have gaps

Playing Online Video Poker in Australia

Video poker is a lot of fun as it’s one of the casino games where your decisions can actually have an impact on the outcome. On top of that, it’s got some of the highest RTPs of any casino game out there, giving you a solid chance to reap some returns. Simple to learn and a lot of fun, following an optimal strategy will give you a great leg up when playing.