Video Poker Odds
It may surprise many players to learn that video poker is probably the best odds game in the casino, in that it provides the House with the lowest edge. Casinos, both live and online, can afford to offer such great odds because they are only applicable with correct strategy, which most players do not use.
It is also important to note that you must know what payouts represent a full pay table. Machines that are not full pay offer a much higher edge to the casino.
Jacks or Better "Full Pay" Machine
A full pay machine is one that offers the best video poker odds, meaning optimal payouts for hitting hands. In a jacks or better machine, the typical machine where you need at least a pair of jacks for a payout, you use a full pay machine if a full house pays at least nine coins and a flush at least six.
Also referred to as 9/6 machines, your odds of winning using perfect strategy are better than with almost any other game in the casino, with a house edge of less than one percent. This means that on average the machine pays back more than 99 cents out of every dollar it puts in when played correctly. When played incorrectly, the House edge is much higher, which is why it is important to learn correct strategy before playing video poker.
Deuces Wild "Full Pay" Machines
In the deuces wild version of the game, in which a deuce can represent any card and you need at least three of a kind to win, the odds are actually in the player's favor with optimal strategy, with a player edge of close to one percent. However, these machines are hard to find and the maximum bet allowed is usually fairly low. A full pay deuces wild machine plays nine coins for a straight flush and five for four of a kind.