Video poker combines elements of traditional five-card draw poker with the convenience of online casino gaming. Unlike regular online slots, video poker allows players to make decisions about which cards to hold and which to replace. These decisions influence the game's theoretical return, making paytables and strategy particularly important when comparing different versions.
Betway is our #1 overall online casino recommendation for video poker players in Canada in 2026. Its combination of casino games, mobile functionality and sportsbook access makes it our preferred all-round platform. However, players should confirm which video poker variants are available in the current Betway casino catalogue.
Other casinos worth comparing include BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings and FanDuel, where legally available. This guide covers popular video poker variants, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker and Bonus Poker, while explaining RTP, house edge, paytables, basic strategy and responsible gambling.
Betway ranks first in our overall casino comparison, followed by four alternatives. Our ranking considers the broader casino experience, including game selection, mobile usability, banking and account functionality. It does not represent a verified count of video poker titles at each operator.
| Rank | Online Casino | Best For | Video Poker Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Betway | Best overall casino experience | Check current game catalogue |
| 2 | BetMGM | Casino game variety | Check current game catalogue |
| 3 | bet365 | Casino and sportsbook | Check current game catalogue |
| 4 | DraftKings | Mobile casino gaming | Check current game catalogue |
| 5 | FanDuel | Casino and sports betting | Check current game catalogue |
Important: Individual video poker games may not be available at every operator or in every Canadian province. Players should verify the current catalogue and inspect the paytable of each game before playing.
Betway takes our #1 position for the overall Canadian online casino experience. Its platform combines online slots, table games and other casino products with mobile functionality and sportsbook access, depending on the player's jurisdiction.
Players interested in video poker should explore the Betway casino lobby for available poker-style games. It is important to distinguish video poker from live dealer poker, casino hold'em and other poker products because their rules and mathematical models differ.
When evaluating a video poker title, Betway players should check the paytable, minimum stake, maximum stake and the number of coins that can be wagered per hand.
Betway also provides mobile casino access, allowing eligible players to use compatible games on smartphones and tablets.
We rank Betway first for its overall casino functionality rather than an unverified claim that it offers the largest selection of video poker games in Canada.
BetMGM provides online casino products in supported Canadian jurisdictions, including digital casino games and live dealer entertainment.
Players comparing BetMGM with Betway should check whether traditional video poker variants are available and review their individual paytables.
Different versions of the same video poker game can offer different theoretical returns, even when the basic gameplay is similar.
Betway remains our preferred overall casino, while BetMGM offers another option for eligible players interested in comparing casino catalogues.
bet365 combines casino gaming and sports betting in supported Canadian markets. Its platform may appeal to players who prefer accessing different gambling products through one account.
Like Betway, bet365 should be evaluated based on the specific video poker titles available to eligible players.
Players should examine whether a game follows standard Jacks or Better rules, includes wild cards or uses a modified paytable.
Betway ranks ahead of bet365 in our overall comparison, although bet365 remains a relevant alternative for Canadian casino and sportsbook users where available.
DraftKings provides online casino gaming in supported Canadian jurisdictions, with mobile functionality forming an important part of its platform.
For video poker players, mobile usability is especially important because each round involves selecting cards to hold before drawing replacements.
Players comparing DraftKings with Betway should check the available video poker variants and ensure that the hold, draw and betting controls are easy to use.
Betway remains our #1 overall recommendation, while DraftKings provides another platform for eligible Canadian mobile casino players.
FanDuel combines casino and sportsbook products in supported jurisdictions, making it another platform for Canadian players to consider.
Players should examine the current FanDuel casino catalogue to determine whether traditional video poker games are available in their location.
Compared with Betway, FanDuel may appeal to players already familiar with its sportsbook environment.
Betway takes first place in our overall casino ranking, while FanDuel completes our shortlist of alternatives.
Video poker is a casino game based on poker hand rankings, most commonly using a five-card draw format.
Players receive an initial hand of five cards and decide which cards to keep. The remaining cards are replaced during the draw, and the final hand is evaluated against the game's paytable.
Unlike traditional poker played against other participants, most video poker games award payouts based on predetermined winning combinations.
Betway players should understand that video poker is not the same as playing poker against a dealer or other players. The objective is to create a qualifying hand according to the selected game's rules.
Video poker typically follows a simple sequence:
Betway players should review the hold and draw controls before playing. Accidentally discarding a valuable card can change the outcome of a hand.
Video poker decisions influence the expected return, but they cannot guarantee a winning result.
Several video poker variants are commonly discussed by casino players, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker and Joker Poker.
Each version uses different winning combinations, payout structures or special card rules.
| Video Poker Variant | Main Feature | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | Standard five-card draw format | Check full house and flush payouts |
| Deuces Wild | Twos act as wild cards | Strategy differs from standard poker |
| Bonus Poker | Enhanced payouts for selected four-of-a-kind hands | Paytable affects RTP |
| Double Bonus Poker | Additional emphasis on four-of-a-kind payouts | Can have greater payout variation |
| Joker Poker | Uses a joker as a wild card | Winning hand requirements vary |
Betway players should confirm whether these specific variants are available in the current casino catalogue.
Jacks or Better is one of the most recognizable video poker variants. It follows a five-card draw format and generally awards a payout for a pair of jacks or a higher-ranking qualifying hand.
Standard winning combinations include two pairs, three of a kind, straights, flushes, full houses, four of a kind, straight flushes and royal flushes.
Betway players should pay particular attention to the full house and flush payouts. These values can significantly influence the game's theoretical return.
For example, a commonly referenced full-pay Jacks or Better configuration is known as 9/6 because it pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush per coin wagered.
Not every Jacks or Better game uses this paytable.
Deuces Wild is a video poker variant in which all four twos act as wild cards.
Wild cards can substitute for other cards to help form qualifying combinations.
Because of this feature, the game uses a different payout structure and requires different decisions from Jacks or Better.
Betway players should not apply a standard Jacks or Better strategy chart to Deuces Wild.
Players should review the paytable carefully because different Deuces Wild configurations can have substantially different theoretical returns.
Bonus Poker variants modify the payout structure of traditional video poker by offering enhanced rewards for selected four-of-a-kind combinations.
Double Bonus Poker places additional emphasis on these hands, often creating a different balance between frequent smaller payouts and less frequent larger rewards.
Betway players should compare the complete paytable rather than focusing exclusively on the advertised four-of-a-kind payout.
Higher rewards for one combination may be offset by lower payouts elsewhere.
Joker Poker is a video poker variation that includes a joker as a wild card.
The joker can help complete qualifying hands, but the payout structure differs from standard five-card draw poker.
Some versions require a pair of kings or better as the lowest paying combination, while others use different rules.
Betway players should confirm the minimum qualifying hand and the game's specific wild card rules before playing.
Most video poker games use familiar poker hand rankings, although qualifying combinations and payouts vary by variant.
The following table shows an illustrative full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better paytable for a five-coin wager.
| Winning Hand | Payout for 5 Coins |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 4,000 coins |
| Straight Flush | 250 coins |
| Four of a Kind | 125 coins |
| Full House | 45 coins |
| Flush | 30 coins |
| Straight | 20 coins |
| Three of a Kind | 15 coins |
| Two Pair | 10 coins |
| Jacks or Better | 5 coins |
This is an example of a specific Jacks or Better configuration, not a confirmed Betway paytable. Other games can use different payouts.
Betway players should always use the paytable displayed in the selected game.
Return to Player, or RTP, represents the theoretical proportion of wagers that a game is expected to return over a very large number of hands.
Unlike many slot games, video poker RTP can depend significantly on the player's decisions.
For example, a full-pay 9/6 Jacks or Better game has a theoretical RTP of approximately 99.54% when played with an appropriate optimal strategy and the required stake for the full royal flush payout.
That figure does not apply to every Jacks or Better game or every style of play.
Betway players should review the specific game's RTP and paytable rather than assuming that all video poker titles provide similar theoretical returns.
Even games with relatively high RTP can produce substantial short-term losses.
The house edge represents the casino's theoretical advantage under the assumptions used to calculate a game's expected return.
For example, a game with a theoretical RTP of 99% corresponds to a 1% house edge.
However, video poker calculations often assume a particular strategy and paytable.
Betway players should understand that incorrect decisions can reduce the actual expected return.
A low theoretical house edge does not guarantee that a player will win during an individual session.
Paytables determine how much a video poker game awards for each qualifying hand.
Two games with the same name can have different theoretical returns because their payouts differ.
For example, a Jacks or Better game paying 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush per coin wagered generally offers a higher theoretical return than a version paying 8 and 5, assuming otherwise equivalent rules.
| Paytable Type | Full House Payout | Flush Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 9/6 Jacks or Better | 9:1 | 6:1 |
| 8/6 Jacks or Better | 8:1 | 6:1 |
| 8/5 Jacks or Better | 8:1 | 5:1 |
| 7/5 Jacks or Better | 7:1 | 5:1 |
Betway players should check the complete payout schedule, including royal flush rewards and any stake-dependent payouts.
Video poker basic strategy involves selecting which cards to hold based on the initial hand and the game's paytable.
Different decisions have different expected values because they affect the possible combinations available after the draw.
For example, a player holding a completed high-value hand may make a different decision from someone holding four cards toward a royal flush.
Betway players should use a strategy chart designed for the exact video poker variant and paytable.
Strategy charts for Jacks or Better may not apply to Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker or Joker Poker.
Even mathematically informed decisions cannot guarantee a profitable result.
Many traditional video poker games allow players to wager between one and five coins per hand.
In some configurations, the royal flush payout increases disproportionately when the maximum five-coin stake is selected.
For example, a conventional paytable may award 250 coins per coin wagered for a royal flush at lower stake levels but award 4,000 coins for a royal flush when five coins are wagered.
However, this structure is not universal.
Betway players should review the payout table before choosing a stake. Increasing the number of coins also increases the amount of money at risk.
Players should never increase stakes beyond an affordable entertainment budget solely to qualify for a larger advertised payout.
Single-hand video poker involves one initial five-card hand per round.
Multi-hand video poker allows players to use an initial selection of held cards across several independently completed hands, depending on the game's rules.
| Feature | Single-Hand Video Poker | Multi-Hand Video Poker |
|---|---|---|
| Hands per round | One | Multiple |
| Initial card decision | One hand | Often shared across hands |
| Total stake | One hand's wager | Combined wagers across hands |
| Game pace | Generally simpler | Can produce more outcomes per round |
| Guaranteed profit | No | No |
Betway players should confirm whether multi-hand video poker is available and review the combined cost of all active hands.
Video poker and online slots are both casino games, but they differ in how player decisions affect outcomes.
Video poker generally requires players to select which cards to hold, while standard online slots determine results without comparable card-selection decisions.
| Feature | Video Poker | Online Slots |
|---|---|---|
| Main gameplay | Draw and hold cards | Spin reels |
| Player decisions | Can influence expected return | Generally limited to stake and features |
| Payout structure | Poker hand paytable | Game-specific symbols and features |
| Strategy | Variant-specific decision strategy | No strategy that predicts random outcomes |
| House edge | Depends on rules and decisions | Depends on game mathematics |
Betway players should choose the format that matches their preferences while recognizing that both involve financial risk.
Video poker is generally played against a fixed paytable rather than against other participants.
Live dealer poker-style casino games may involve different rules, betting structures and dealer comparisons.
For example, casino hold'em is not equivalent to Jacks or Better video poker.
Betway players should review the game category and rules before assuming that a poker-branded title uses traditional video poker mechanics.
Video poker includes a decision-making component because players choose which cards to hold.
Mathematically appropriate decisions can improve the expected return compared with poor decisions under the same rules.
However, the cards dealt and drawn remain random, and skill does not eliminate the house advantage in games where one exists.
Betway players should understand the distinction between making informed decisions and controlling outcomes.
No video poker strategy guarantees profits or prevents losing sequences.
Some online casino games offer demonstration modes that allow players to explore the rules without wagering real money.
Free-play availability depends on the game provider, operator and jurisdiction.
Betway players should check whether a demonstration mode is available for their chosen video poker title.
Demo play can help players become familiar with hold and draw controls, but it does not predict future real money results.
Some video poker games are designed for compatible smartphones and tablets.
Mobile interfaces typically include controls for selecting held cards, adjusting stakes and starting the draw.
Betway provides mobile casino functionality, although individual video poker titles and their device compatibility should be confirmed.
Players should ensure that card selections and betting amounts are clearly visible before completing each hand.
Casino promotions may apply differently to video poker than to online slots.
Some offers exclude video poker or assign reduced wagering contributions because certain variants can have relatively high theoretical returns when played with an appropriate strategy.
Betway players should review the terms of any available casino bonus before using promotional funds on video poker.
Important conditions include eligible games, wagering requirements, maximum stakes, expiry periods and withdrawal restrictions.
Players should not assume that every video poker variant contributes equally toward bonus wagering requirements.
Online casino regulation varies across Canadian provinces. Ontario operates a regulated private-operator market, while other provinces follow different gambling frameworks.
Players should verify that their chosen casino is legally available where they are physically located.
Betway players should also confirm that their preferred video poker titles are offered in their province. Game catalogues can vary by jurisdiction.
Players must meet the applicable minimum gambling age and other eligibility requirements.
Canadian players should compare video poker availability, paytable transparency, betting ranges, mobile functionality and casino banking conditions.
Betway ranks first in our overall casino comparison, but players specifically interested in video poker should verify which variants and paytables are available.
| Factor | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Video poker selection | Confirmed game variants |
| Paytables | Payouts for each qualifying hand |
| RTP | Theoretical return under specified strategy |
| Betting limits | Minimum and maximum stakes |
| Multi-hand options | Number of simultaneous hands |
| Mobile compatibility | Clear hold and draw controls |
| Banking | Deposit and withdrawal functionality |
| Responsible gambling | Spending limits and player controls |
Betway players should prioritize transparent paytables and suitable betting limits rather than selecting a game solely because it advertises a large royal flush payout.
Betway takes our #1 overall position because our comparison considers casino usability, game selection, mobile functionality, banking and responsible gambling features.
For a dedicated video poker ranking, confirmed game availability and clearly published paytables are essential.
| Ranking Factor | What We Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Video poker selection | Confirmed variants in supported markets |
| Paytable transparency | Accessible payout information |
| RTP information | Published theoretical returns and assumptions |
| Betting flexibility | Available stakes and coin options |
| Mobile experience | Compatibility and interface usability |
| Banking | Deposit and withdrawal functionality |
| Player protection | Limits and responsible gambling tools |
Betway remains our preferred overall casino, while the best operator specifically for video poker depends on the variants, paytables and betting limits available to individual players.
Betway is our #1 overall online casino recommendation for Canadian players interested in video poker in 2026. Its combination of casino gaming, mobile functionality and account management makes it our preferred all-round choice.
BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings and FanDuel provide additional alternatives for eligible Canadian players where available.
However, players should verify which video poker variants are offered and compare their paytables, RTP and betting limits before selecting a casino.
Video poker offers more decision-making opportunities than standard online slots, and appropriate strategy can influence theoretical returns. Nevertheless, all video poker games involve financial risk, and no strategy guarantees a profitable outcome.
Betway players should treat video poker as entertainment rather than a way to earn money. Games with relatively high theoretical RTP can still produce substantial losses, especially during repeated or high-stakes play.
Players should establish affordable spending and time limits, avoid chasing losses and use available responsible gambling controls when necessary.
Only adults who meet the legal gambling age and applicable requirements in their Canadian province or territory should participate.