Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Indicator of a Good Machine: Full pay
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Check: Before sitting down
- Biggest mistake: Assuming all machines with the same name pay the same
- Pro tip: A single reduced payout can quietly erase thousands over time
What “Full Pay” Actually Means
A full pay video poker machine offers the highest standard payouts for a specific game variant. These payouts:
- follow established payout benchmarks
- maximize theoretical RTP
- reward correct strategy
For example, in Jacks or Better, a full pay version is commonly referred to as 9/6 Jacks or Better, based on its full house and flush payouts.
What “Short Pay” Means in Practice
A short pay machine reduces payouts on certain hands—usually common ones.
Typical reductions include:
- full house
- flush
- two pair
The game still looks and feels the same, but the math is worse.
Why Casinos Use Short Pay Machines
Casinos introduce short pay machines to:
- increase house edge
- reduce skilled-player advantage
- keep casual play profitable
Because most players don’t check paytables, these machines blend in easily.
How Small Payout Cuts Add Up
A reduction of:
- one coin on a full house
- one coin on a flush
might not feel significant. But over thousands of hands, that difference compounds quickly.
This is why experienced players care so much about full pay.
Why the Game Name Alone Is Misleading
Two machines can both say:
- “Jacks or Better”
- “Bonus Poker”
Yet:
- one is full pay
- one is short pay
The name tells you the rules.
The paytable tells you the truth.
Full Pay Doesn’t Mean You’ll Win
Important clarification:
- full pay does not guarantee profit
- variance still exists
- losing sessions still happen
What full pay does is reduce long-term loss when strategy is correct.
How Short Pay Affects Strategy
In most cases:
- strategy stays mostly the same
- RTP drops noticeably
In some edge cases:
- optimal holds change slightly
- certain hands become less valuable
This makes short pay machines worse in two ways.
How to Spot Full Pay Machines Quickly
Before playing, always:
- check the full house payout
- check the flush payout
- check the max-coin royal flush payout
These three numbers usually reveal whether a machine is worth your time.
Online vs Casino Floor Differences
Online video poker:
- often offers full pay versions
- displays paytables clearly
Casino floors:
- vary widely by location
- may mix full pay and short pay machines
Being able to recognize short pay protects you everywhere.
Common Misconceptions About Full Pay
Some myths:
- “Full pay machines are tighter”
- “Short pay machines hit more often”
- “Casinos adjust payouts mid-session”
None of these are true.
Why Full Pay Matters More for Skilled Players
The better your strategy:
- the more full pay matters
- the more short pay hurts
Casinos rely on players not noticing these differences.
Is Playing Short Pay Ever Acceptable?
Sometimes, yes:
- if it’s the only option
- if you’re playing casually
- if comps or convenience matter more
The key is knowing the tradeoff, not stumbling into it.
FAQs on Full Pay vs Short Pay Machines
What Does “Full Pay” Mean in Video Poker?
It means the machine offers the highest standard payouts for that variant.
Are Full Pay Machines Rare?
They can be, especially on casino floors.
Can a Short Pay Machine Still Be Fun?
Yes—but it’s mathematically worse.
Do Online Casinos Offer More Full Pay Games?
Often, yes.
Should Beginners Avoid Short Pay Machines?
Ideally, yes—learning on full pay is better.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know how to identify full pay vs short pay machines, the next step is understanding why video poker offers better returns than many other casino games.
Next Article: Why Video Poker Has a Higher RTP Than Most Casino Games (article #6)
Next Steps
If you want paytable basics, read: How Paytables Work in Video Poker & Why They Matter (article #4)
If you want RTP explained, read: Why Video Poker Has a Higher RTP Than Most Casino Games (article #6)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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