Video poker, a popular casino game in South Africa, combines the thrill of slot machines with the skill of poker, creating an engaging and strategic gaming experience. Typically played with a five-card hand, video poker allows players to compete against the house rather than other gamblers, making it an attractive alternative to online slots. To offer you the best gambling sites with video poker, we conducted our research.
Thanks to our experience, we assessed each top-tier SA casino on numerous parameters, such as bonus program, availability of video poker variations, website usability, mobile compatibility, and more. We signed up, topped up, and played on each platform for real money to evaluate all the points. Thus, we formed a 100% honest rating and shared it with you. Select the best casinos and win the biggest rewards.
Variations of Video Poker
During our research, we made a list of the most popular types of video poker:
- Jacks or Better. Securing a victory necessitates that a player concludes the game with a great hand comprising, at the very least, a pair of jacks. All other hands lose. Payments start at 1x for any pair taken into account and up to 8000x for a Royal Flush.
- Deuces Wild. The minor winning hand in this game is a series, but as the name suggests, both are jokers. There are additional winning hands, such as royal flush fifths with Joker and the Four Twos.
- Joker Poker. Commonly referred to as “Joker’s Wild” it is played with a 53-card game in which one of the cards is a Joker and can be used instead of any other card when it comes out.
Players can choose any videopoker game, depending on their preferences.
Popular Video Poker Providers
Here is our list of three of the best software developers on the market.
- Microgaming. Founded in 1994, Microgaming has nowadays over 800 games, the most popular of which are Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, and Bonus Deuces Wild.
- NetEnt. The most appreciated games from this provider are Joker Wild, Deuces Wild Double Up, and All American Double Up.
- Rival Gaming. Here, players can have fun with more than 200 titles. Deuces and Joker, which has a massive jackpot, is one of the most popular on the market.
These companies have stood out from the crowd by the quality of the offered entertainment.
Mobile Compatibility of Video Poker
As a result of our tests, we determined that most South African sites offering this game for free are designed with HTML5 technology. If you’re looking to engage in casino gaming with bonuses, whether they require a deposit or not, you can conveniently do so using your Android or iOS smartphone.
How to Play Video Poker
Video poker transcends mere chance, offering a richer and more strategic gaming experience. As with all games, if you aspire to play like a pro, you must familiarize yourself with the game’s rules.
The primary goal of online video poker is to collect the most valuable combination of cards. After the bet and the beginning of the game, 5 cards will be dealt, which you must evaluate. To do this, you must know the winning combinations of the poker game.
Strategies
Combining the knowledge of rules with these video poker strategies, you can boost your winnings significantly:
- Increase your bets. If you have a chance to collect a very paid combination, you can make the maximum bet. Thus, you will receive a big reward by collecting a royal flush in an online casino.
- Break a color or a squint in time. If a player has a chance to make a color or a suite simultaneously, it is better to separate them and try to make a royal color.
- Hold the couples. Even if you only have a low pair in your hand, try to keep it and get a high card. By dropping a pair, you risk ending up with nothing.
If you want to put your video poker strategy knowledge into practice without risk, we recommend engaging in video poker without cost.
Glossary
Achieving proficiency in online casino video poker requires familiarizing yourself with the fundamental terminology of the game:
| Terms | Understanding |
| Face Card | It is a card with a valet, a queen, or a king on the front |
| Ace-High | A situation in which the player’s only combination is an ace |
| Max Bet | This is the size of the player’s maximum bet for a video poker game session |
| Hold | After the distribution of the cards, the player evaluates the hand and leaves, keeps the cards he needs |
| Multi-hand | It is a game type where players have two or more hands with cards at the same time |
With the knowledge of these terms, the player can advance further in video poker understanding, and thanks to this, gain more enjoyment and win money.
Bonuses in Video Poker
The casinos, that provide video poker online games, draw in both novice and seasoned players with a bunch of available bonuses, such as:
- Welcome bonus package;
- Reload bonus;
- Weekly promotions;
- Cashback bonuses;
- VIP and Loyalty Program.
These bonuses are ideal for enhancing the captivating video poker gaming experience.
What are wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements are the number of times you need to bet the bonus amount before you can fast withdraw any winnings from the bonus. They depend on the casino website – starting from 5x and up to 50x or more. Look at the terms and conditions to determine your bet amount.
How to choose the best Video Poker?
If you want to enjoy the Video Poker experience fully, you should pick the top possible option. The main factors to consider while choosing the Video Poker game are:
- Return To Player (RTP).
- Popularity and rating amongst customers.
- Availability of bonuses and promotions.
- Recommendation of the casino, which hosted the Video Poker game.
All these factors are essential, but the best advice is to try the game by yourself with no or a little bit of money to see if it fits you.
Real Money vs Free Video Poker
A few things differ from free video poker online to real money video poker. After trying this both options, we have highlighted some essential points:
| Free Online Video Poker | Real money Video Poker |
| Risk-free game | Possibility to earn real money |
| Possibility to play unlimitedly | A wide choice of variants is available |
| Ideal for training and learning a strategy | Risk of loss of money |
| No possibility of earning money | Potentially limited game sessions |
| No stakes, so it is dull in the long run |
If you are a beginner in video poker, opting for the demo mode is ideal. This version allows you to learn the basic rules and apply strategies without spending money. The real money mode is intended for players who master the game and want to win jackpots.
How to Start Playing
To play videopoker games, you must prepare a little. Take a responsible approach in your preparation to play with the lowest possible risk level and avoid future mistakes. To initiate video poker gameplay, adhere to these steps:
- Firstly, the player should find a reliable platform with respected payment options and software providers.
- Then you should register on the platform or login on it.
- After that, the player should deposit money in the account.
- You should find the best video poker option and start enjoying it.
First, players must familiarize themselves with video poker’s principles, characteristics, and basic rules. Then, it would help if you studied the winning hands of the game and the main varieties of video poker.
Pros and Cons of Playing Online Video Poker
Here are the main positive and negative aspects of video poker for players:
- A redistribution rate of more than 100%
- You can earn a lot more money than you put in if you use the proper technique
- The availability of poker games with a Joker machine
- Perspective field for further software development
- There is a chance to lose your funds without a thoughtful strategy
- The obligation to make big bets during multi-hand mode
These disadvantages can be privileged as advantages for the casino that offers this genre, which is undoubtedly why everyone appreciates the game.
Tips for Gambling Responsibly
The idea of safe gambling involves a series of special tips to help you master potentially impulsive behaviors to make the game pleasant once again.
- Do not consider games as a way to earn money.
- Always play for the amount of money you are not afraid to lose.
- Never try to regain your losses.
- Don’t forget to set the financial limits.
- Pay attention to the time limit.
If you have noted some problems, we advise you to call special services such as BeGambleAware or Gambling Therapy.
Conclusion
Try video poker online, whether you are an experienced or a novice player looking for something new and exciting to play on gambling platform. Our research highlighted easy-to-understand rules and the ability to control the gaming experience. So, if you want an easy way to start your gaming journey without complicated rules, try video poker today.
FAQ
Officially, online poker is prohibited in South Africa. Despite efforts to relax these rules, land-based casinos’ opposition has kept online gambling largely restricted. However, many South African players access international poker sites to play online.
Playing on international platforms is generally safe for South African players. These sites are globally recognized and hold valid gaming licenses. Choosing a trusted website, like those we recommend, ensures a secure online poker experience.
Begin by registering on a chosen website. You can play for free or deposit funds to play online. Select a game or table that matches your stakes preference, and you’ll be dealt into the game once you’re seated or the event starts.
Winning real money in online poker is certainly possible. Remember, it requires skill and a bit of luck, and responsible gambling practices are crucial. Treat online poker as a fun activity rather than a primary income source.
Yes, major online poker sites like Intertops and Partypoker support mobile play. You can play via their website or a dedicated app, provided you have a stable internet connection.
Given the legal situation, the best options for South African players are international platforms. Intertops is a great choice, offering a generous welcome bonus and mobile compatibility.
You can use various payment methods, including Visa, MasterCard, e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill, and bank transfers. While credit cards offer speedy deposits, e-wallets are also quick and widely accepted.
Many websites offer the option to play poker for free. This is ideal for testing the site and practicing without financial commitment. You can switch between free play and real money games as you wish.
Your winnings in online poker depend on the stakes and tournaments you choose. There’s no cap on potential winnings, but it’s important to focus on skill development and remember that poker should primarily be fun.
