Video poker is one of the most lucrative casino games you can find online. With an RTP that can exceed 100%, many video poker games offer excellent winning odds. That said, it comes as no surprise that players see video poker as a perfect chance to win some extra cash.
However, fun is a crucial part of online gambling. Players often forget this and use specific casino games strictly for profit. Aside from being risky and irresponsible, this approach will, sooner or later, cost you more than you can afford. Again, online casino games are supposed to provide a fun experience in the first place. Profit is never guaranteed.
If you need a reminder of how exciting the games by themselves are, you can try out playing demo versions for free. Aside from reminding you of the fun part of online gaming, free casino games also provide a unique chance to practice. This is especially important in the case of video poker. Namely, this lucrative game has a lot to do with decision-making, expertise, and skills. In conclusion, video poker isn’t a simple game of chance.
How to Play Free Video Poker?
If you want to play free video poker, you need to find an online casino that offers demo games first. Some online gambling platforms provide “play for fun” options, and others don’t. In addition, many online casinos lack video poker games in general. Thus, you should do your research well before choosing an adequate virtual gambling venue.
Also, you may want to check out a comprehensive video poker guide to learn about different game types. Considering the diversity of video poker games, you can face some difficulties when choosing the one you like. They come with varying paytables, features, and rules.
Nonetheless, a typical game you’ll encounter most often is based on five-draw poker. Unlike poker table games, these appear more like slots. After all, they, too, are machines of some sort. But don’t let that fool you – video poker is an entirely different game than a slot machine.
Five-draw poker is simple to both learn and play. Once you start the game, the machine will deal you with five cards. You get to discard some of them and draw new ones. The hand you’ll form in the end may or may not bring you a specific amount of credits. To determine how much a particular hand pays out, you should consult the paytable.
When playing video poker for free, you’ll get some imaginary credits in the beginning. Thus, you should use that credit to practice money management as well. Before you get cards, you’re supposed to set a bet size. You can later change it between rounds.
Who Should Play Free Video Poker?
Free-of-charge video poker is an excellent game for a majority of casino enthusiasts. This exciting game provides you with the possibility to practice money management, decision-making, and self-control simultaneously. And when playing for free, you don’t risk losing any money.
Additionally, video poker is ideal for players who lack experience. Every poker player needs to gain some skills before switching to actual gambling. What’s more, five-draw poker is an excellent starting point for the exploration of this thrilling game. Unlike other poker variations, five-draw is highly straightforward. If you start with Texas Hold’em or Caribbean Stud, you may get confused.
By playing for free, you’ll get the opportunity to explore different video poker games. Also, you may try to implement some video poker strategy when you feel ready for it. These are all necessary steps to take before starting to play for real money.
When Is the Right Time to Switch to Real-Money Video Poker?
As long as you feel less confident about your skills, you should stick with free video poker. Even though it seems easy to play, every poker game is demanding and far from random. Thus, you should take as much time as you need to practice for free.
Furthermore, it’s up to you to determine when it is the right time to start playing for real money. Before that moment comes, you should learn how to successfully manage your bankroll, implement strategies, and control your gaming sessions. When you master these skills, you’ll feel confident enough to switch to real-money video poker games.
Most Popular Free Video Poker Games
Well-supplied online casinos usually have several different video poker games to offer. These games have diverse RTP, features, payouts, and, as a result, rules. However, they are typically based on five-draw poker, and that’s one thing they have in common. These are some of the most in-demand video poker games you can find online:
Jacks or Better
If you’re into video poker games, you have probably heard of Jacks or Better. This video poker game is the most common one and, accordingly, easiest to find online. Hence, numerous gambling platforms offer both free and real-money Jacks or Better games.
This video poker version offers high payouts for specific combinations. Only pairs of Jacks or better bring you more credits. The pairs of cards of lower rank don’t count. However, payouts for a full house, royal flush, and other high-ranking hands are pretty high. The royal flush may even bring you 800 times your bet!
Deuces Wild
Another video poker game that features a high RTP (100.76%) is Deuces Wild. However, this one offers more than high payouts. All deuces are treated as wild cards. As a result, they can replace any other card and bring you a considerable profit.
Bonus Poker
The last free video poker game from our list of popular video poker games is Bonus Poker. Namely, this lucrative game delivers a vast amount of money in specific situations. For example, if you get four Aces, the game pays 80:1. In addition, four 2s, 3s, or 4s pay out 40:1. Other four-of-a-kind combos have a payoff of 25:1.
Whichever of the above video poker games you choose, you can enjoy it for free and use your chance to gain some knowledge and skills before switching to the real deal.