Best video poker variants available in casinos
If you’ve ever sat at a casino and been torn between playing slots or poker, then video poker is your perfect middle ground. Especially in South Africa, where casinos like Sun City and GrandWest are buzzing with players, video poker has its own cult following. It’s quick, it’s thrilling, and guess what? It can actually have some of the best odds in the whole casino! Let’s dive head-first into the best video poker variants you’ll find while spinning reels and pressing buttons at South African casinos.
Why South Africans Love Video Poker
Video poker has quickly become a favorite among South African casino players, and for good reason. Unlike slots, where every spin is purely based on chance, video poker offers players a chance to influence the outcome. The game is all about making strategic decisions, such as which cards to hold and which to discard. Each choice can dramatically affect the outcome, which appeals to South Africans’ love for strategy. Whether it’s analyzing the best move or taking calculated risks, video poker allows players to feel like their actions have a direct impact on their success. This sense of control is a big draw for those who prefer a game where skill plays a major role in achieving a win.
Another reason video poker has captured the hearts of South African players is the game’s unique combination of luck and skill. While luck certainly has its place, especially when drawing the right cards, there’s a significant strategic component involved. The ability to study the pay table, understand optimal strategies, and apply them to each hand can give players an edge. This makes it a perfect game for those who like to put their minds to work, thinking through their next move rather than simply relying on random chance. In a country where sports strategy is deeply ingrained — think of the tactical nature of rugby — video poker offers a similarly engaging experience that requires a blend of luck, wit, and experience.
Furthermore, video poker variants often come with a favorable house edge, which is another reason South African players gravitate towards this game. The house edge is the percentage advantage that casinos have over players, and in video poker, it can be surprisingly low compared to other casino games like slots or roulette. For some variants, the Return to Player (RTP) can exceed 99%, which means that for every hundred rand wagered, players can expect to get back a substantial portion over time. This is a significant draw for those who are serious about maximizing their chances of winning. The low house edge makes video poker one of the more player-friendly games in a casino, offering better value for the money spent.
Lastly, video poker is not only about beating the odds, but it also provides the thrill of potential massive wins. With the combination of favorable odds, strategic decision-making, and a bit of luck, players can chase higher payouts, especially when playing progressive jackpot versions. These jackpots can grow to life-changing amounts, adding an exciting level of anticipation to every hand dealt. For many South African players, the allure of video poker lies in this perfect blend of strategic play, favorable odds, and the chance to win big — making it a top choice for both casual players and seasoned veterans alike.
The Top Video Poker Variants in South African Casinos
| Variant | Description | Why It’s Popular | Key Features | Payout Table (Hand & Payout) |
| Jacks or Better | The Classic Favorite | Simple rules, High RTP (up to 99.54%), Available everywhere | – Easy to learn and play. – Payouts are consistent. – Great for beginners. |
Royal Flush: 250x (4000x with max coins) Straight Flush: 50x Four of a Kind: 25x Full House: 9x Flush: 6x Straight: 4x Three of a Kind: 3x Two Pair: 2x Jacks or Better: 1x |
| Deuces Wild | When Twos Become Your Best Friend | Insane hands, Wild cards make gameplay electrifying, Low house edge with perfect strategy | – Every 2 (deuce) is a wild card. – Offers Five of a Kind. – Can form strong hands quickly. |
Five of a Kind: 500x Royal Flush: 250x Straight Flush: 50x Four of a Kind: 25x Full House: 9x Flush: 6x Straight: 4x Three of a Kind: 3x Two Pair: 2x |
| Bonus Poker | Extra Love for Four of a Kind | Larger payouts for Four of a Kind, More excitement due to higher variance | – Higher payouts for Four Aces, Four 2s, 3s, or 4s. – Offers big wins for specific hands. – Adds excitement with high variance. |
Four Aces: 80x Four 2s, 3s, or 4s: 40x Four 5s-Kings: 25x Full House: 9x Three of a Kind: 3x Two Pair: 2x |
| Joker Poker | The Wild Card Fun | Wild Joker, Higher chances of hitting rare combos, Minimum hand often Two Pair | – Joker acts as a wild card. – 53 cards in the deck. – Adds variety with the Joker card. |
Royal Flush: 250x Straight Flush: 50x Four of a Kind: 25x Full House: 9x Flush: 6x Straight: 4x Three of a Kind: 3x Two Pair: 2x Joker Wild: 1x |
Best South African Casinos to Play Video Poker
Whether you’re in Jozi or Cape Town, you’ll find tons of places offering juicy video poker action. Here’s a detailed list of the best casinos in South Africa where you can enjoy video poker:
- Sun City Resort
Location: North West
Best Known For:- Massive selection of machines
- A wide range of video poker variants
- One of the most famous resort casinos in South Africa
- Luxurious environment and top-tier customer service
- GrandWest Casino
Location: Cape Town
Best Known For:- Luxurious vibe and aesthetic appeal
- High-quality, top-notch video poker terminals
- Premium gaming experience with numerous poker variants
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options
- Montecasino
Location: Johannesburg
Best Known For:- Vegas-like experience with a wide variety of slot and video poker machines
- A large gaming floor filled with various poker variants
- Live shows and a wide array of dining options
- Stylish atmosphere and excellent customer service
- Emperors Palace
Location: Kempton Park
Best Known For:- VIP poker and slot rooms
- A luxurious experience with both traditional and video poker games
- Exclusive gaming areas and a wide selection of poker tables
- Five-star dining options and entertainment facilities
- Sibaya Casino
Location: Durban
Best Known For:- Stunning coastal views combined with poker fun
- Excellent video poker options, catering to all types of players
- Relaxed, resort-style setting with scenic views
- Known for hosting large-scale events and top-tier entertainment
Online Video Poker in South Africa
If you can’t make it to a physical casino, there’s no need to fret. South Africa is home to a variety of online casinos that offer the thrill of video poker from the comfort of your own home—whether you’re lounging on the couch or relaxing in bed. Online video poker gives you the same excitement and potential rewards as a land-based casino, but with the added convenience of playing whenever and wherever you choose.
One of the main advantages of playing video poker online is the flexibility it offers. Many online casinos allow you to play for free or wager real money, depending on your preferences. If you’re a beginner or just looking to practice, playing for free is a fantastic way to get the hang of the rules and strategies without any financial risk. Plus, many online casinos provide demo versions of their games, so you can familiarize yourself with the gameplay before placing any real bets.
Another perk of online video poker is the sheer variety of games you can access. While land-based casinos might have a limited number of video poker machines, online platforms typically boast a much broader selection. From popular variants like Jacks or Better to more niche games like Joker Poker or Deuces Wild, online casinos offer an extensive array of options to suit every player’s taste. The added variety allows you to try different strategies and find the games that suit your style.
Additionally, online casinos in South Africa often come with attractive bonuses. When you sign up for an account, you’ll often be greeted with welcome offers, such as free cash or bonus credits, to boost your initial deposit. These bonuses give you extra chances to play and increase your winnings, making it even more appealing to try out online video poker. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of video poker, the convenience, variety, and bonuses offered by online casinos make them an enticing choice for South African players.
Basic Video Poker Strategy Tips
| Strategy Tip | Description | Why It’s Important | Example | Mistake to Avoid |
| Always play max coins | Playing the maximum number of coins gives you a chance to qualify for the royal flush jackpot. | Maximizes your potential payout, especially with a royal flush. | If you bet 5 coins, hitting a royal flush gives you the full jackpot (4000x). | Playing with fewer coins limits your chances of winning the jackpot. |
| Never break up a winning hand | Always hold onto a winning hand unless you’re trying to chase a royal flush. | Protects your chances of winning with a decent hand. | Keep a pair of Jacks or better instead of discarding them for a low chance at a better hand. | Discarding a winning hand can lead to unnecessary risk. |
| Hold high pairs | Always hold high pairs (Jacks or better) when you have them. | High pairs are solid starting points for a good hand. | Holding a pair of Jacks or Queens offers a strong base to build upon. | Discarding high pairs in hopes of a rare hand can be a costly mistake. |
| Discard low pairs when chasing better hands | When you’re aiming for a higher hand, like a straight or flush, discard low pairs. | Helps focus on more promising hands that offer higher payouts. | Discard a pair of 2s if you’re hoping to hit a straight. | Holding onto low pairs can block your chances of hitting a stronger hand. |
| Don’t ignore wild cards | If playing a game with wild cards, always factor them into your decision-making. | Wild cards can turn weak hands into strong ones. | If playing Deuces Wild, a 2 can be used as a wild card to complete your hand. | Ignoring wild cards can lower your chances of hitting big hands. |
Advanced Strategies for Serious Players
If you’re looking to step up your video poker game and take it from casual play to a more calculated and strategic approach, these advanced tips will help elevate your performance and boost your chances of winning. Here’s a detailed list of strategies that every serious video poker player should know:
- Memorize Strategy Charts
- Strategy charts are an essential tool for any serious video poker player. They provide the optimal strategy for every hand, helping you make the best decision in any situation.
- By memorizing these charts, you’ll be able to reduce the house edge and play like a pro.
- You can find strategy charts for different video poker variants like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker, tailored to help you maximize your winnings.
- Calculate Expected Values Before Discarding Cards
- Understanding the expected value (EV) of a hand before you make a decision is crucial for maximizing your return.
- Each possible hand has an EV associated with it, and knowing which card to discard can be the difference between a good play and a bad one.
- Take time to think about how your hand might evolve after discarding certain cards and whether it’s worth the risk.
- Stick to Full-Pay Machines
- Full-pay machines are video poker machines that offer the highest possible payout for a given hand, usually around a 99% RTP (Return to Player) or higher.
- These machines are your best bet, as they give you the most favorable odds over time.
- Avoid “short-pay” machines, which offer lower payouts, as they can quickly eat into your bankroll and reduce your chances of success.
- Manage Your Bankroll Ruthlessly
- Bankroll management is key to long-term success in video poker. Always set a budget for your play and stick to it, no matter how tempting it may be to bet more after a loss.
- Dividing your bankroll into smaller sessions helps avoid blowing through your funds too quickly.
- Serious players keep track of their wins and losses, adjusting their bets accordingly and knowing when it’s time to walk away to avoid going over their set budget.
- Understand the Importance of the Paytable
- Different video poker variants come with different paytables, and understanding them is crucial for making informed decisions. Paytables indicate how much you’ll win for each type of hand, and knowing these payout structures helps you decide which game offers the best odds.
- Always compare paytables before choosing a machine. The best paytables are typically found in full-pay video poker machines.
- Practice Bankroll Growth Strategies
- In addition to managing your bankroll, developing strategies for growing it is essential. Some players use progressive betting systems, while others prefer flat betting or conservative approaches. Choose a strategy that suits your risk tolerance.
- It’s vital to track your progress and adjust your betting patterns based on your winnings and losses.