Information about video poker games
Video poker is one of the classic online casino games and many iGaming websites have a section dedicated to it.
Yet, while it often gets associated with Texas Hold'Em and other land-based poker games, video poker is quite different, focussing on quick, simple gameplay rather than the bluffs and poker faces you see round the table at Las Vegas.
To help you navigate the world of video poker, we've created this page to show you how to find free online video poker games that you can play without spending any money.
Note: This is a good idea for two reasons. In case you ever plan on playing real money video poker, playing in demo mode first is a good way to familiarize yourself with the game and the rules. Second, it's a way of enjoying a casino game without the stress of staking money.
Keep reading to find out how you can play the best free video poker games, video poker strategies and much more.
Contents
A brief overview of free video poker games
Video poker comes in hundreds of different varieties, with each type of game having various internet versions from different game providers.
To give you a better idea of which video poker versions to expect, here's a summary of a few of the most popular.
- Jacks or Better
Probably the most popular video poker game out there, Jacks or Better's is also one of the simplest. You bet on ending up with hand that has a pair of Jacks or better. If not, you lose your stake. Popular examples include Jacks or Better by NetEnt or Red Rake Gaming.
- Pick 'Em Poker
While a relatively new game, Pick 'Em Poker still attracts players who like its easy-to-learn game play. In this, you simply pick from two hidden hands based on a visible top card.
- Deuces Wild
Deuces Wild is classic video poker with a twist: you must try to get the best hand possible, but all 'two' cards (deuces) count as wild cards, hence the name.
Note: This means that if you hold a pair of Queens and a deuce, you'll actually have three-of-a-kind Queens, because the wild counts as a queen.
This variant has a higher return to player (RTP) thanks to these rules.
- Double Bonus Poker
This, along with its sister version Double Double Bonus, pays out bonuses for excellent hands (often a set of Aces). This makes it a more volatile game than other video poker versions.
How to find the best video poker games
Upon opening this page, you'll see a list of free online video poker games available for you to play right away.
The games are automatically ordered by how popular they are. The most popular games will be located at the top of the list, so these might be good places to start.
Note: You can also filter games out of the list according to game provider. To do this, you can go to our 'Advanced filter' list and choose from the list of game providers.
Once you've got the list you want, you can start trying out each game to find out which one you like best – and it won't cost you a penny!
How to play free video poker
Once you like the look of a game, it's very easy to start playing it. You start by just hovering your arrow over its intro screen, then clicking 'Play for free' once it appears.
Next, you'll see an information page which will tell you the game's RTP (Return to Player), similar games you might like, and, crucially, the casinos offering it.
Remember to always go with the best online casinos if you do play for real money. You can see which ones we think are worth it by their unique expert rating which you can see when you click on the casino's review section.
Note: In case you would like to try more free online casino games in demo mode, not just video poker, you can find a selection of other casino staples such as free slots or roulette here at Casino Meter.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to play free video poker with a strategy?
Video poker is largely a game of chance, but you can improve your chances of winning by using a strategy. While this won't land you any money if you play for free, it does stand you in good stead if you do play for real.
For more information on video poker strategies, check out the video poker strategy guide that will take you through different types.
Can I win money on free video poker games?
No, you can't. You must play video poker games for money to win a cash prize. However, playing online casino games in demo mode is an excellent way of familiarizing yourself with the rules and the gameplay in case you ever do decide to play real money poker.
That said, you could use a no deposit bonus that's eligible for video poker games. This way you don't have to put any money down and you could win a small prize.
To find these, go to our list of no deposit bonuses and select 'Video poker' in the 'Casino Games' filter.
Which is the best free video poker game?
This is a very complex question because to answer it, we would need to consider the never-ending range of tastes among casino players.
The only way is to find out for yourself by clicking on the games you like the look of. Let us know what you think by liking the ones you enjoy!