Key Insights
Quick Answer:
Best X for Y: Best way to protect RTP: Read the paytable before playing
Best time to do X: Best time to check paytables: Before inserting money
Biggest mistake: Assuming all machines of the same name pay the same
Pro tip: Small payout changes can cost more than most players realise
What “Full Pay” And “Short Pay” Mean
Full pay refers to a video poker machine that offers the best-known paytable for that variant.
Short pay machines:
- reduce one or more payouts
- lower long-term RTP
- look identical at first glance
The game name alone does not guarantee fair payouts.
Why Paytables Matter More Than Game Names
The machine decides payouts, not the rules card.
Two machines both labelled “Jacks or Better” can:
- use different paytables
- return very different percentages
- feel similar in the short term
Only the paytable reveals the true quality of the game.
How To Read A Video Poker Paytable
Paytables show payouts for each hand, usually per coin.
What To Look For First
Start with the most important hands:
- royal flush
- straight flush
- full house
- flush
These four hands often determine whether a game is full pay or short pay.
Classic Example: Jacks Or Better
Jacks or Better is the easiest game to identify.
Full Pay Jacks Or Better
A full pay version pays:
- 9 coins for a full house
- 6 coins for a flush
This is commonly called “9/6 Jacks or Better”.
Short Pay Versions
Short pay versions may offer:
- 8/6
- 8/5
- 7/5
Each downgrade lowers RTP significantly.
Why Small Changes Make A Big Difference
One missing coin does not feel dramatic.
But over time:
- expected return drops
- losses increase
- comps do not make up the gap
Short pay machines quietly extract more money.
Other Variants Also Have Full Pay Versions
Many video poker variants have recognised full pay tables.
Examples include:
- Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
- Double Bonus Poker
Each variant has specific payout patterns that define full pay. Learning them protects EV.
Where Casinos Place Short Pay Machines
Short pay machines are often:
- near entrances
- near bars
- in high-traffic areas
Casinos rely on convenience and visibility to offset lower payouts.
Why Casinos Offer Short Pay Machines
Short pay machines:
- increase house edge
- protect profitability
- reduce comp costs
They exist because many players never check the paytable.
How To Check Paytables Quickly
You do not need to memorise every number.
Quick Identification Tips
- compare full house and flush payouts
- look for known full pay patterns
- avoid machines that hide paytables
If the machine makes paytables hard to view, walk away.
Using Online Resources And Apps
Some players use:
- paytable charts
- training apps
- casino databases
These tools help confirm whether a machine is worth playing.
Online Video Poker And Paytables
Online video poker often:
- publishes paytables clearly
- standardises versions
- removes guesswork
This transparency can benefit careful players.
Accepting That Not Every Casino Offers Full Pay
Not finding full pay does not mean you must quit.
Options include:
- lowering stakes
- shortening sessions
- choosing the best available table
Awareness still improves results.
FAQs On Full Pay And Short Pay Machines
Does Short Pay Mean The Game Is Rigged?
No. It simply has a higher house edge.
Can Short Pay Machines Still Win?
Yes, but expected losses are higher.
Are Full Pay Machines Rare?
They are less common but still exist.
Do Comps Offset Short Pay?
Usually not.
Should Beginners Avoid Short Pay?
Yes. They reduce learning value and bankroll longevity.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know how to identify full pay and short pay machines, the next step is understanding how casino layout influences where those machines are placed.
Next Article: Why Machine Placement in Casinos May Influence Player Perception (Article #37)
Next Steps
If you want tracking context, read: How to Track Your Video Poker Performance Over Time (Article #30)
If you want psychology foundations, read: The Psychology of Decision-Making in Video Poker (Article #31)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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