Be a smart shopper – Know your pay tables.

One of the greatest things about video poker is transparency – you can actually see the “price” of the game. The pay table indicates what each winning hand will pay out – for example, a flush pays 8 and a straight pays 5 on a single-coin bet. The combination of these payouts determines the game's overall return percentage. If you know the pay table's return percentage, you can know what financial return to expect if you make all the correct holds. This is why video poker can be one of the best values in the casino and, in some cases, a beatable game.

Casinos adjust a machine’s return by selecting from pay tables with varying win amounts on certain hands, most often full houses, flushes, and four-of-a-kinds (sometimes straights and three-of-a-kinds as well). In most cases, the full house/flush payoffs are the clearest indicators of a machine’s overall payback percentage. Finding the best pay tables is key if you want to stretch your bankroll, earn more comps, and maximize your chances of coming out ahead.

For example, in a Bonus Poker game where a flush pays 8 and a straight pays 5 on a single-coin bet, you’re looking at what’s called an 8/5 game. With correct strategy, the expected return on 8/5 Bonus Poker is 99.166% – a relatively “loose,” high-paying setup.

Different games balance payouts in different ways. Some offer bigger jackpots on four-of-a-kinds by reducing the return on common hands like straights or two pairs. That’s why players often choose games based on their style:

• Jacks or Better attracts serious players who want lower volatility and steadier returns.
• Double Double Bonus Poker offers bigger jackpots but with more swings—a “wild ride” favored by those who like the gambling thrill.

The golden rule: always play the best pay tables you can find. Sometimes different machines in the same casino will have different pay tables for the exact same game. Bar-top machines are often tighter, but they come with perks like faster cocktail service or a convenient TV view. Recreational players might value that, but serious players avoid bars, booze, and distractions—because focus is what makes video poker profitable.

Finally, remember that payback percentages are calculated over thousands of hands. Short-term results will vary. If you’re serious, study strategy cards or practice with video poker training software.

To see the return percentages for hundreds of video poker pay tables, click here.