Video Poker RTP Rankings 2026

Not all video poker games are created equal. The paytable determines your expected return. Here are the best video poker games ranked by maximum RTP with perfect play:

RankGameBest PaytableMax RTPDifficulty
#1Deuces Wild25/15/9/4/4/3100.76%Hard
#2Jacks or Better9/6 (9 for FH, 6 for flush)99.54%Easy
#3Bonus Poker8/599.17%Easy
#4Double Bonus9/7/599.11%Medium
#5Double Double Bonus9/698.98%Hard
#6Joker Poker (Kings or Better)7/598.65%Medium
#7Pick'em PokerStandard98.30%Medium
#8Bonus Deuces Wild10/4/3/2/198.06%Hard
#9All American Poker8/597.98%Medium
#10White Hot Aces9/697.80%Medium
📊 UNDERSTANDING RTP: RTP (Return to Player) represents the percentage of money returned to players over the long term. 99.54% means for every $100 wagered, you can expect to lose $0.46 with perfect play. Higher RTP = better for players.

#1 Deuces Wild — Highest RTP at 100.76%

Full pay Deuces Wild is the only common video poker game that offers a theoretical player edge with perfect play. All four 2s are wild cards, creating more winning combinations.

🎯 Full Pay Deuces Wild Paytable

  • Natural Royal Flush: 800 coins (4,000 with 5 coins)
  • Four Deuces: 200 coins (1,000 with 5 coins)
  • Wild Royal Flush: 25 coins
  • Five of a Kind: 15 coins
  • Straight Flush: 9 coins
  • Four of a Kind: 4 coins
  • Full House: 4 coins
  • Flush: 3 coins
  • Straight: 2 coins
  • Three of a Kind: 1 coin
💡 DEUCES WILD STRATEGY: Strategy is complex — hold one deuce over high cards, hold two deuces over anything else. Never hold three to a royal flush when you have a deuce. Learn full Deuces Wild strategy →

#2 Jacks or Better — Best for Beginners

Jacks or Better is the most popular video poker game. With a 9/6 paytable (9 for full house, 6 for flush), perfect play returns 99.54%. The strategy is straightforward, making it ideal for learning optimal play.

🎯 9/6 Jacks or Better Paytable

  • Royal Flush: 800 coins (4,000 with 5 coins)
  • Straight Flush: 50 coins
  • Four of a Kind: 25 coins
  • Full House: 9 coins
  • Flush: 6 coins
  • Straight: 4 coins
  • Three of a Kind: 3 coins
  • Two Pair: 2 coins
  • Jacks or Better: 1 coin

⚠️ WATCH FOR WORSE PAYTABLES

8/5 Jacks or Better returns only 97.30% — a 2.24% drop. 7/5 returns 96.15%. Always check the paytable before playing. Never play 6/5 or worse. The best casinos offer 9/6 or better.

#3 Bonus Poker — Higher Quad Payouts

Bonus Poker offers enhanced payouts for four of a kind. The 8/5 version (8 for full house, 5 for flush) returns 99.17% with perfect play.

HandJacks or BetterBonus PokerDifference
Four Aces2580+55 coins
Four 2s-4s2540+15 coins
Four 5s-Ks2525Same
Full House98-1 coin
Flush65-1 coin
🎯 BONUS POKER STRATEGY: Strategy is similar to Jacks or Better, but you should sometimes break a full house or flush when drawing to four aces. Advanced players can achieve 99.17% RTP.

#4 Double Bonus — Higher Four of a Kind Bonuses

Double Bonus pays even more for four aces and four 2s-4s. The 9/7/5 version returns 99.11% with perfect play.

  • Four Aces: 160 coins (standard 25)
  • Four 2s, 3s, 4s: 80 coins
  • Four 5s-Ks: 50 coins
  • Full House: 9 coins
  • Flush: 7 coins
  • Straight: 5 coins
🎰 VARIANCE ALERT: Double Bonus has higher variance than Jacks or Better. You'll experience more losing sessions but bigger wins when you hit four aces. Requires a larger bankroll.

#5 Double Double Bonus — Most Popular High-Variance Game

Double Double Bonus adds kicker bonuses for four aces with a kicker and four 2s-4s with a kicker. The 9/6 version returns 98.98%.

🎯 Double Double Bonus Special Payouts

  • Four Aces + 2,3,4 kicker: 400 coins (2,000 with 5 coins)
  • Four Aces: 160 coins (800 with 5 coins)
  • Four 2s-4s + A-4 kicker: 160 coins (800 with 5 coins)
  • Four 2s-4s: 80 coins (400 with 5 coins)
  • Four 5s-Ks: 50 coins
💣 HIGH VARIANCE GAME: Double Double Bonus is the most volatile popular video poker game. You'll chase big jackpots but experience long losing streaks. Only play this game if you have a large bankroll and can handle swings.

How to Identify the Best Paytables

Always check the paytable before playing. Here's what to look for in each game:

GameBest PaytableWhat to CheckAvoid
Jacks or Better9/6Full House (9), Flush (6)8/5, 7/5, 6/5
Deuces Wild25/15/9/4/4/3Wild Royal (25), Five of Kind (15)20/12/10/4/4/3 or worse
Bonus Poker8/5Full House (8), Flush (5)7/5, 6/5
Double Bonus9/7/5Full House (9), Flush (7), Straight (5)8/6/4 or worse
Double Double Bonus9/6Full House (9), Flush (6)8/5, 7/5

Video Poker Strategy Tips

  • Always play max coins (5): Royal flush bonus jumps from 250 to 4,000 coins — adds 1-2% to RTP.
  • Use strategy charts: Print optimal play charts for your chosen game and reference them while playing.
  • Practice for free: Master perfect play without risking real money.
  • Check paytables: Never play a machine without verifying the paytable first.
  • Bankroll management: Higher variance games require larger bankrolls. Start with Jacks or Better to learn.

Where to Play Best Video Poker Games

Find these top video poker games at our recommended online casinos:

Free Video Poker Practice →