How to play video poker
Introduction
Video poker blends the excitement of slot machines with the skill of five‑card draw, and New Zealand players can enjoy it at venues like SkyCity Auckland or online at licensed sites. If you want a quick start, discover here for a reputable platform that accepts NZ$ deposits.
The game deals five cards, lets you discard any you don’t like, and then deals replacements from the same deck. Your final hand is compared against a pay table, and you win according to the ranking you achieve. Unlike pure chance slots, video poker rewards thoughtful decisions, which means you can improve your odds with practice.
Main Points
1. Understand the basic flow
You press “Deal” to receive five cards. The interface highlights each card with a checkbox or a tap‑to‑hold button. After you select the cards you want to keep, you click “Draw” and the machine replaces the discarded cards. The final hand determines your payout.
2. Choose a variant that matches your style
- Jacks or Better – the most common version; a pair of Jacks or higher wins.
- Deuces Wild – all twos act as wild cards, creating many strong hands.
- Joker Poker – a Joker serves as a wild card, adding extra excitement.
- Double Bonus – rewards high‑paying hands like four of a kind Aces with larger bonuses.
Each variant has a distinct pay table, so read the screen carefully before you start.
3. Read the pay table before you bet
The pay table lists how many credits you receive for each hand. For example, a typical Jacks or Better table pays 1 × bet for a pair of Jacks, 25 × bet for a straight, and 250 × bet for a royal flush. A higher‑paying table often reduces the house edge, so look for a 9/6 Jacks or Better layout (9‑to‑1 for a full house, 6‑to‑1 for a flush).
| Variant | Royal Flush | Straight Flush | Four of a Kind |
| Jacks or Better (9/6) | 250× | 50× | 25× |
| Deuces Wild (Full Pay) | 800× | 200× | 100× |
4. Place your bet wisely
You decide how many coins to wager per hand, usually from 1 to 5 coins. Betting the maximum (5 coins) unlocks the highest royal‑flush payout, which dramatically improves the long‑run return on investment.
5. Make disciplined draw decisions
Follow basic strategy charts that tell you which cards to hold for each possible initial hand. For Jacks or Better, keep any pair, any four‑to‑a‑flush, and any four‑to‑a‑straight. If you have no promising combination, discard all five cards.
6. Manage your bankroll
Set a session limit in NZ$ before you log in, and stop when you reach it. Treat each hand as a small experiment rather than a guaranteed win, and adjust your bet size if your balance changes significantly.
7. Use reputable software providers
Games from Playtech, IGT, and Scientific Games undergo regular audits by the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, ensuring fair RNG outcomes. Choosing a casino that features these providers adds an extra layer of trust.
8. Practice for free before risking money
Many sites, including Casino Wellington’s demo lobby, let you play video poker without depositing funds. Use this sandbox to memorize strategy charts and test different variants without financial pressure.
Author
Katarina Wozniak is a seasoned poker strategist who has covered international tournaments for over a decade and regularly contributes analysis to New Zealand gaming publications.
FAQ
What is the optimal number of coins to bet?
Betting the maximum five coins per hand usually yields the best overall return because it unlocks the highest royal‑flush payout.
Can I play video poker on a mobile device?
Yes, most licensed NZ operators offer responsive mobile apps or HTML5 browsers that run the same games as desktop.
Is video poker legal in New Zealand?
Yes, the Department of Internal Affairs permits online gambling with a valid offshore licence, and players must be at least 18 years old.
How does Deuces Wild differ from Jacks or Better?
Deuces Wild treats all twos as wild cards, dramatically increasing the frequency of high‑ranking hands and altering optimal strategy.
Do pay tables affect the house edge?
Higher‑paying tables lower the house edge, sometimes below 0.5 % for skilled players.
What should I do if I lose several hands in a row?
Pause the session, review your recent decisions, and consider lowering your bet size to protect your bankroll.