Read our article to learn about online video poker machines which are among the most popular casino games today. We cover the basics of how video poker works and is played, various types of popular video poker games and playing video poker online for free and for real money.
How Basic Video Poker Machines Work
A video poker machine plays using a simulated deck of 52 cards or 53 cards if playing a variation that includes the Joker. The cards are generated by a random number generator using the same odds and probability that you would find in a deck of cards. Once a bet is placed 5 cards are randomly dealt to the player to give them their starting hand. The player will then select which cards they want to keep and which they want to hold based on the different payouts the particular machine offers for particular hands. Any discarded cards are then replaced in the second deal. The cards now being held by the player is the final hand, and if the hand is good enough, the player will be paid based on the particular pay table for that machine.
Common Types of Video Poker Games
Video poker games have been around for awhile, first in physical casinos and more recently in online casinos. Many of the games found in casinos can also be played on online betting sites. There are a large number of video poker variations with more being developed on a regular basis but there are some that will be found in almost any online casino.
Probably the best known variation of video poker is the “Jacks or Better” game. As the name indicates a winning hand is a pair of Jacks or better. Another well known a popular game is “Joker Poker”. This particular poker video game introduces a Joker into the deck that can be substituted for any other card. Obviously this improves your chances for a good hand, but the minimum hand to win is generally higher such as a pair of Kings, a pair of Aces or even two pairs. “Deuces Wild” is yet another well known and popular game. In this version of video poker all the twos in the deck are wild, great improving your chances to put together a big hand. Naturally this mean the minimum hand required to win is higher, generally three of a kind.
Australian Poker Slots
When first checking out video poker games online, many people mistakenly believe that they are the same as slots. They are even sometimes referred to as video poker slot machines. However, video poker differs from slots in one major way. Slot machines are based purely on luck. The only way you can affect play is in the slot machine you choose and how much you bet. On the other hand, video poker machines introduce an element of skill and your knowledge and the strategy you employ can affect the outcome of the game. The cards you keep or discard influence your chances of winning as well as how much you can potentially win. The ability to influence the outcome is part of what makes the online video poker game so popular in Australia. An additional reason that players like video poker is it offers good odds when played correctly. On some games machines offer a return of over 99 percent as opposed to 95% on some other types of games. There are many online casinos with video poker that Australian players can choose from. A new casino online that is making a good impression on many players is King Billy. They offer a great selection of poker games that include old classics like “Jacks or Better” and “Deuces Wild” as well as many other variations.
Play Online Casino Poker for Real Money
It is exciting to play casino online real money video poker and what makes it even better is that you can do it from your own home or anyplace that has internet. When your money is on the line and skill is involved it helps to be able to focus. There is no having to deal with crowds and other distractions at an online casino. As previously mentioned some of the best odds in casinos can be found on video poker but only if played correctly which requires concentration. If you are serious about hitting the big jackpots in video poker then you need to play the maximum amount of coins. For most poker machines the maximum number of coins must be played to get the big payouts. King Billy is a great online casino AU players can visit to play video poker. They offer a good selection of poker games where you can put your skills to the test and win real money.
Play Video Poker Online For Free
There is actually skill involved when playing video poker games and if you want to do well it is advisable to learn the game and the strategies involved before playing for real money. Your best option is to play video poker for free and learn the ins and outs of the game before you start betting for real money. Many online casinos offer free video poker to players. King Billy Casino provides players a “Demo” option for every video poker game on their site. Just go to the poker game you want to play and click “Demo” in order to play the game for free. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play the game. When the game comes up in your browser, just click the icon in the upper right corner to see the rules and instructions for how to play.