Video poker stands apart from other casino games by combining luck with skill. Unlike slot machines, where outcomes are purely random, video poker rewards strategic play. When I was learning the ropes, I found that knowing which machines pay better dramatically changed my results.
Full-Pay Deuces Wild
Full-Pay Deuces Wild tops our list with a theoretical return of 100.76% when played with perfect strategy. This means over time, the game actually pays back more than you put in – something rare in the gambling world.
What makes this variant special is the wild deuces (2s), which substitute for any card to complete winning hands. The full-pay version specifically offers enhanced payouts for five-of-a-kind, straight flushes and four-of-a-kind hands.
You can recognize this version at QueenWin Casino by checking the paytable. A true full-pay Deuces Wild machine pays 9 coins for a straight flush and 5 for four of a kind when playing max coins. These machines have become harder to find, but they’re worth seeking out.
10/7 Double Bonus Poker
Double Bonus Poker rewards four-of-a-kind hands generously, with special bonuses for certain quads. The 10/7 version – named because it pays 10 coins for a full house and 7 for a flush – offers a 100.17% return with optimal play.
This machine demands solid strategy knowledge. The volatility runs higher than other video poker games, meaning you’ll experience bigger swings in your bankroll. The enhanced payouts for four aces (160 coins for five coins played) create most of the value.
9/6 Jacks or Better
Often called “full-pay” Jacks or Better, this classic video poker variant pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 for a flush when playing max coins. With perfect strategy, players can achieve a 99.54% return – nearly break-even gambling.
What makes 9/6 Jacks or Better appealing is its balanced nature. The variance remains lower than bonus poker games, making your bankroll last longer. For beginners, this machine offers the best combination of good payouts and manageable strategy.
Triple Double Bonus Poker
With correct play, Triple Double Bonus Poker can return 99.58%, putting it among the best video poker options available. This game pays massive bonuses for four-of-a-kind hands, especially four aces with a kicker.
Four aces with a 2, 3 or 4 kicker pays a whopping 800 coins for five coins played – even more than a straight flush. This creates tremendous upside potential but also high volatility. Players need a substantial bankroll to weather the swings while waiting for those premium hands.
Super Aces Bonus Poker
Rounding out our top five is Super Aces Bonus Poker, offering a 99.94% return with optimal strategy. As the name suggests, this variant pays enhanced bonuses for four aces – 400 coins for five coins played.
The strategy complexity falls between Jacks or Better and Double Bonus, making it accessible to intermediate players. What sets Super Aces apart is the balanced paytable that maintains decent returns even for common hands like two pair.
Comparing Payback Percentages
To better understand how these machines stack up, here’s a comparison of their theoretical return percentages and key features:
| Machine Type | Max Return % | Volatility | Key Feature |
| Full-Pay Deuces Wild | 100.76% | High | Wild 2s double as any card |
| 10/7 Double Bonus | 100.17% | Very High | Enhanced 4-of-a-kind payouts |
| 9/6 Jacks or Better | 99.54% | Medium | Balanced, stable gameplay |
| Triple Double Bonus | 99.58% | Extreme | Massive kicker bonuses |
| Super Aces Bonus | 99.94% | High | Enhanced aces payouts |
How to Identify Good Paytables
Finding the best video poker machines requires checking the paytables carefully. The payouts for full houses and flushes often reveal whether you’re looking at a good machine. Here are the key numbers to watch for:
- In Jacks or Better, look for 9/6 machines (9 for full house, 6 for flush)
- In Bonus Poker variants, check the four-of-a-kind payouts
- For Deuces Wild, examine the payouts for five-of-a-kind and straight flushes
Many casinos place machines with identical appearances but different paytables side by side. Taking thirty seconds to verify the paytable can substantially impact your expected returns.
Strategy Considerations for Maximum Returns
The theoretical returns listed above assume perfect play. In practice, most players make occasional mistakes that reduce their actual returns. To maximize your chances of winning:
- Use strategy cards or apps to guide your decisions
- Start with simpler games like Jacks or Better before moving to bonus variants
- Focus on one game type to master its strategy thoroughly
- Play at a comfortable pace to minimize errors
- Always bet the maximum coins to qualify for the full royal flush payout
The difference between basic strategy and perfect strategy can amount to 2-3% in expected return. That margin represents the difference between a winning and losing player in the long run.
Bankroll Management for Video Poker
Even the best video poker machines with positive expected value require proper bankroll management. The volatility of these games means short-term results can vary widely from theoretical returns.
For full-pay Deuces Wild or Double Bonus Poker, I recommend having at least 400 times your base bet to withstand the variance. For more stable games like Jacks or Better, 300 times your base bet provides adequate protection.
Remember that the royal flush – which pays 800 coins for 5 coins played – represents a significant portion of your expected return. You might play 40,000 hands before hitting one, so prepare for extended periods without this crucial hand.
Where to Find Better-Paying Machines
The highest-paying video poker machines typically appear in locations with intense competition. Downtown areas rather than tourist strips often offer better paytables. Locals-oriented establishments generally provide better value than those catering to tourists.
When traveling to play video poker, research ahead of time using video poker databases and forums where players share information about good paytables in various locations.
Final Thoughts on Video Poker Value
The beauty of video poker lies in its transparency. Unlike many casino games, the paytables are right in front of you, allowing savvy players to select machines with the best potential returns. By focusing on the five machines outlined above and learning proper strategy, you can enjoy some of the best odds in the casino.
Remember that even with positive expectation games like Full-Pay Deuces Wild, results can vary dramatically in the short term. Approach video poker with patience, proper bankroll and a commitment to strategic play, and you’ll maximize your chances for success at these excellent games.
