Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best game for small bankrolls: Jacks or Better
- Best time to do X: Best time to size bankroll: Before choosing a variant
- Biggest mistake: Playing high-variance games with low funds
- Pro tip: RTP tells you the return; bankroll tells you survival
What “Bankroll” Really Means
Your bankroll is:
- the total amount you’ve set aside to play
- separate from rent, bills, and savings
- money you can afford to lose
It’s not:
- your session buy-in
- your deposit amount
- your last $100
Bankroll exists to absorb variance, not to chase wins.
Why RTP Alone Is Misleading
RTP answers:
- how much a game returns over time
It does not answer:
- how deep losing streaks go
- how often big wins appear
- how wild sessions feel
Bankroll requirements come from variance, not RTP.
Low-Variance Games: Smaller Bankrolls
Examples:
- Jacks or Better (full pay)
- some Joker Poker variants
Typical characteristics:
- frequent small wins
- smoother sessions
- fewer brutal dry spells
Suggested bankroll:
- 200–300 bets minimum
These games forgive mistakes and suit conservative players.
Medium-Variance Games: Moderate Bankrolls
Examples:
- Bonus Poker
- Double Bonus Poker
Characteristics:
- less frequent wins
- higher reliance on premium hands
- streakier sessions
Suggested bankroll:
- 400–600 bets
This range absorbs normal downswings without panic.
High-Variance Games: Large Bankrolls Required
Examples:
- Double Double Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
Characteristics:
- long dry spells
- heavy reliance on rare hands
- extreme swings
Suggested bankroll:
- 800–1,200+ bets
Playing these games underfunded feels punishing—even with perfect strategy.
Why Deuces Wild Is Especially Demanding
Deuces Wild:
- removes mid-tier payouts
- shifts value upward
- increases draw dependence
That means:
- fewer frequent wins
- bigger gaps between payouts
This is why Deuces Wild bankrolls must be larger than they look on paper.
Single-Hand vs Multi-Hand Bankroll Needs
Multi-hand play:
- multiplies exposure
- compresses variance faster
- drains bankroll quicker
A Five Play game effectively requires:
- 5x the per-hand cushion
If your bankroll can’t handle single-hand variance, multi-hand will magnify the pain.
Session Size vs Total Bankroll
Important distinction:
Bankroll
- total funds allocated
Session size
- amount you risk per sitting
Smart players:
- split bankroll into sessions
- stop at session limits
- avoid all-in play
This prevents emotional decisions during downswings.
How Bet Size Changes Everything
Increasing denomination:
- raises volatility instantly
- reduces number of hands you can survive
Example:
- $1 to $5 doesn’t feel big
- bankroll stress increases 5x
Always scale bankroll before scaling bets.
Why Beginners Bust Faster
Beginners often:
- choose flashy high-variance games
- overbet relative to bankroll
- ignore session limits
The math doesn’t punish ignorance—it just works.
Professional Bankroll Discipline
Experienced players:
- choose games that fit bankroll
- don’t chase jackpots
- size bets conservatively
- accept long downswings calmly
Bankroll discipline keeps strategy effective.
Online vs Casino Bankroll Differences
Online play:
- moves faster
- increases hands per hour
- compresses variance
That means:
- bankrolls drain faster online
- discipline matters more
Same math—faster impact.
Common Bankroll Myths
- “Good strategy prevents busting” — false
- “High RTP means safe play” — incorrect
- “I’ll stop if I’m losing” — unrealistic
Only bankroll planning protects you.
How to Choose a Game Based on Bankroll
Small bankroll:
- choose low variance
- play single-hand
- use small denominations
Large bankroll:
- tolerate higher variance
- explore premium variants
- stay disciplined
Bankroll decides the game—not preference.
Warning Signs You’re Underfunded
You’re underbankrolled if you:
- feel stressed each bet
- chase losses
- shorten sessions involuntarily
- abandon strategy
These are math problems, not mindset problems.
FAQs on Video Poker Bankrolls
How Big Should My Video Poker Bankroll Be?
It depends on variance—200 to 1,200 bets is common.
Does Perfect Strategy Reduce Bankroll Needs?
No. It only improves long-term return.
Are Online Bankrolls Different?
No—but speed increases risk.
Should I Increase Bankroll Before Changing Games?
Yes. Always.
Can I Play High-Variance Games With a Small Bankroll?
You can—but expect short sessions.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand bankroll requirements, the next step is learning how to practice video poker without risking real money.
Next Article: How to Practice Video Poker Using Training Software (article #22)
Next Steps
If you want hand-decision context, read: Understanding “Pat Hands” vs “Drawing Hands” (article #20)
If you want practice tools next, read: How to Practice Video Poker Using Training Software (article #22)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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