Best Online Video Poker casinos in Canada
If you are looking for a game that combines cards, slots and skill, video poker is the right choice for you. Traditional poker is the one you see in the movies, with tournaments or cash games held between players who bluff and raise their way to a big stack. Casino poker is a traditional casino game played between the player and the dealer, like blackjack.
So what makes online video poker unique? Itâs a digital casino game you can play online, where your objective is to make the highest-ranked hand possible. In real life, youâd play on a casino machine, just like a slot game.
Our experts have compiled a list of key information you need to get started. This includes what online video poker is, how to play, and what the key differences are between regular poker and video poker. And of course, our hand-picked Canadian casinos with the hottest promotions and highest RTP.
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What is online video poker
Online video poker is an electronic casino table game which takes place between the player and the house. Physical machines are popular, but there are now many online versions too, making it easy to play online video poker in Canada.
There are many variations of video poker games. Jacks or Better is one of the most popular variants, alongside other titles such as Tens or Better, Jokerâs Wild, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker and many more. Some versions of online video poker even have a progressive jackpot, giving you the chance to win big money if you hit that elusive royal flush.
What to look for in a Video Poker casino
You can play online video poker in almost every casino, but do they all rank the same? Some casinos fare much better than the others, therefore you will have a better shot at winning and enjoy a more thrilling experience. Our reviews are heavily influenced by these factors:
Return to Player
The return-to-player (RTP) percentage is an indicator of how much you can expect to win or lose from the casino over time. For almost all games, this number is below 100%. An RTP of over 100% means youâd make a profit from the casino. However, you can find online video poker with odds that exceed 100%.
Full Pay Deuces Wild is an example of online video poker with 100% odds. To be precise, the RPT on that machine is 100.76%. These machines are very difficult to find, especially these days. It is even possible to make 9/6 Jacks or better yield a respectable 99.54% RTP.
Promotions
The best way to begin your journey at a casino is with a hefty welcome bonus. The prizes however, do not stop there, as you can also claim Reload Bonuses, Cashback Offers and Free Spins. We also check the terms and conditions of each casino bonus, to make sure they are legit and give you a fair chance to win.
Game variety
When it comes to the games you can choose from, you can count on the more, the better rule. A lobby of thousands of titles shows that the casino has done a lot of work to cater to as many players as possible. This has given them many wagering opportunities. Aside from many video poker machines, we also appreciate a big number of online slots and other table games like blackjack and roulette.
Licensing
Our recommended casinos are regulated by a reputable authority, such as the MGA, the UKGC or the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). We know how critical it is to play in a safe environment and know your funds are secure. Providing responsible gaming tools such as Time Outs and Deposit Limits will also earn the casino extra points.
Mobile Gaming
Most of us play mobile video poker and that is also a fact about the vast majority of those who gamble online. Therefore an app that works smoothly on iOS and Android is almost a standard among even new online casinos. If an app is not available yet, a mobile optimised version of the casino will do the trick.
Interface
A relaxing but also thrilling theme can do wonders for your overall entertainment at a casino. It can make you want to stay longer and try new games and features that can be hidden gems. Lively colours and advanced graphics can make the difference among two equally-rated casinos.
Banking options
Multiple payment methods are a big advantage as they allow you to use credit/debit cards (like Visa and Mastercard), Interac, and wallets (Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard and more). Increasingly, more casinos accept cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and others), giving players faster payments and more privacy.
Customer Support
In case that you run into an issue or have a question it is imperative that you can get a quick and accurate answer. Top-notch customer support will do just that, and nowadays it is available 24/7 via Live Chat and email. Some casinos also have Phone support or take questions on social media.
Which are the best Online Video Poker casinos
You do not have to limit yourself when choosing your next online video poker casino, as most reputable brands offer these games. However, some stand out from the rest as they excel almost everywhere. Here are our favorite picks.
1st: 888Casino
One of the most trusted and popular brands in the industry, 888casino counts more than 25 years in the industry. A library of 2000+ games, MGA & UKGC licenses and a lucrative welcome bonus are some of the strongpoints of the casino. A quality sportsbook with thousands of matches daily is an excellent addition.
- No deposit free spins for new players
- 888-exclusive casino titles
- Huge list of payment methods
- No live chat
- Withdrawal times could be quicker
2nd: Amok Casino
As a no-account casino, Amok saves you a lot of time in the sign-up process. Just your mobile number is enough and you can register, so you enjoy 100 Free Spins with no wagering, 4000+ casino games, and several banking options. The MGA license is a seal of reliability, so you know that you play on a legit casino.
- No wagering welcome bonus
- Vast selection of games
- MGA License
- Various banking options
- Limited promotions
- Withdrawals take a little longer
3rd: Dunder Casino
A massive lobby of 3000+ games awaits players once they visit Dunder Casino. Sakura Fortune, Big Bad Wolf and Vikings Go Berzerk are some of the trademark titled, where several progressive jackpots are also available. The casino includes some of the top providers in the industry with names such as Betsoft, Elk and Merkur standing out. You can make a great start at Dunder by signing up from our page and getting a C$50 welcome bonus plus 50 free spins.
- Lobby of 3000+ games
- Progressive Jackpots available
- MGA License
- High withdrawal limits
- Not so many bonuses
- Lack of a sportsbook
4th: Mount Gold Casino
An impressive lobby of 3000+ games from NetEnt, BetSoft, Thunderkick and more providers, no registration requirement and high withdrawal limits are some of the factors that make Mount Gold Casino an excellent choice. Join and get 100 Free Spins with no rollover requirements and 10% unlimited weekly cashback.
- 3000+ games from first-rate providers
- High withdrawal limits
- License by the MGA
- 24/7 customer service
- Limited bonuses
- No mobile app
5th: Club Riches
A Crypto-friendly casino, Club Riches boasts more than 7000 games from some of the industry's best providers, various banking options and 24/7 Live Support. New players can get a massive sign-up bonus of C$3000 + 100 Free Spins on Tower of Fortuna. There are also regular cashbacks and tournaments.
- Huge library of games from top providers
- Massive first deposit offer
- Various banking options including Crypto
- Smooth navigation
- Deposits & withdrawals might be subject to fees
- No Loyalty or VIP Program
How to play
Most of the leading online video poker sites for Canadian players offer a version called Jacks or Better. So, for the purpose of this guide, weâll focus on that version when discussing how to play online video poker.
When you begin a game of online video poker, youâll be dealt five cards. Note that this is three more than youâd receive in Texas Holdâem, the most popular version of regular poker. Instead, this is more like five-card draw poker.
Stick or twist
Once you've dealt your hand, you need to decide how many cards to keep. Your aim is to get the highest-ranked hand possible. So, if you were dealt 5-6-7-8-9, youâd already have a straight and would keep all five for a guaranteed win. If you had 5-6-7-8-Q, youâd likely keep the 5, 6, 7 and 8 and âtwistâ on the Q in the hope of hitting a 4 or 9 for the straight.
You can save anywhere from zero to five cards. Any discarded cards are replaced with the next cards in the deck. You only have one opportunity to switch cards per round.
Win or lose
In order to win anything, you must make at least a pair of jacks. That will make you even more money in the long run. Anything less than a pair of jacks â like a pair of 8s, or simply an ace-high â wins you nothing.
After the hand concludes, a new five-card hand is dealt to begin the next round. If youâre wary of playing for the first time, most online video poker sites in Canada also offer free video poker.
Video poker hand rankings
If youâre already familiar with regular poker hands, youâll pretty much know the hand ranking order for online video poker â itâs almost exactly the same. The royal flush is the best hand, working down to one pair.
The only difference is that online video poker has the lowest relevant hand jacks. Anything below that counts as a loss.
Here are the standard poker hand rankings from best to worst, including online video poker odds:
| Hand | Probability | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Royal flush | 0.000025 | 800 |
| Straight flush | 0.000109 | 50 |
| Four-of-a-kind | 0.002363 | 25 |
| Full house | 0.011512 | 9 |
| Flush | 0.011015 | 6 |
| Straight | 0.0112299 | 4 |
| Three-of-a-kind | 0.074449 | 3 |
| Two pair | 0.129279 | 2 |
| Jacks + | 0.214585 | Evens |
| Other | 0.545435 | N/A |
Online video poker vs regular poker
Regular poker and online video poker have the same hand rankings, but the similarities donât extend much beyond that.
In regular poker, youâll play against real-life opponents. There are cash games and tournaments, and your job is to raise, call and fold when appropriate in order to build your chip stack. You also need to bluff, which requires strong nerves and a solid poker face.
Online video poker is different. Thereâs no need to bluff, and youâre not playing against real people. Instead, your focus is on making the best possible hand. Both games require strategy, but online video poker has far fewer variables. You can even use a cheat sheet.
There are many fans of regular poker who also like online video poker, because they use the same hand rankings and itâs a nice alternative when you just want to pick up and play for a few hands, rather than investing hours or even days of your time. But there are stark differences between the two. Online video poker is arguably closer to blackjack than poker in terms of its âstick or twistâ style of gameplay.
If you love the thrill of playing live poker, but prefer the gameplay of online video poker at Canadian sites, you can always try live dealer video poker, which uses real-life dealers.
Online video poker strategy
Online video poker strategy requires a mixture of luck and skill â much like regular poker. But unlike regular poker, you donât need to factor in other playersâ behaviour â you can simply do your homework and plan the best strategy in advance.
There are tonnes of online video poker machines in Canada, many with different payouts. First, hunt down a casino that offers the best value so that, when you do hit big, you get paid accordingly. If you like, you can check out the top casinos recommended on this page. Theyâre all suitable for Canadian players and all offer online video poker.
Here are some top tips for online video poker:
Donât chase straights or flushes
There are circumstances where holding cards in the hope of hitting a straight or flush makes sense, but not when youâve only got three cards. For example, if you have 4-5-6, thereâs no point holding them in the hope of hitting two perfect cards â the odds are just too slim.
Bet the max
First off â only bet within your means. With that said, the max bet pays out much more when you finally do hit those mega hands. If youâre not betting on the maximum, youâre hampering your potential winnings.
Follow logic
As with regular poker, donât get carried away with a hand because it feels lucky, or because you think youâre on a hot streak. Pragmatic approaches are always preferred. If youâve got a dud hand, just try to make the minimum pair required for an even win.
Mobile Video Poker
If you love playing mobile video poker (like most of us do), we have some very exciting news. All of our listed casinos have either a dedicated iOS/Android app or a smartphone optimised version of their desktop pages. In some cases, you can also enjoy some exclusive bonuses and games.
Our top mobile casinos in Canada allow you to bet on your phone without missing any features, with impressive visuals and special perks.
How to find the best Online Video Poker Casino
You have literally hundreds of choices when it comes to your next casino with video poker machines. However, that is not always a positive thing since it can be overwhelming. To narrow it down, you can check factors like RTP, game variety and bonuses that are relevant to all players.
Or you can save time and hassle by choosing one of our shortlisted video poker casinos. They rank highly across all boards and have received very positive feedback from numerous players. Names like 888casino, N1 Casino and Mount Gold are backed by extensive testing and a huge member base.
Online Video Poker FAQ
It is a mix of poker and slots, where you play against the house and not other players. You are dealt five cards, and aim to have the strongest hand at the end of the game.
You can choose any of our recommended casinos with video poker slots as they adhere to our strict criteria and have received high ratings from their members. A quick top-3 would be Amok Casino, 888casino and Mount Gold.
Sure, as almost all of our casinos have some first deposit offer, to boost your initial bankroll. And if you stick with it for a while, you can benefit from free spins, cashback offers and reload bonuses.
You must have the strongest hand at the end of the game. That depends on the cards you are dealt, but video poker has some of the highest RTP in the casino. Full Pay Deuces Wild has an RTP of 100%, while 9/6 Jacks or better has 99.54%.
Yes, you can use the Demo version of every video poker machine and test the game without risking your money. After trying it out, you can deposit money and play for real money if you like it.
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