Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Variant for High RTP: Full-pay Jacks or Better
- Best time to do X: Best Time to Compare RTP: Before choosing a machine
- Biggest mistake: Assuming all video poker games share the same RTP
- Pro tip: RTP is calculated assuming perfect strategy
What RTP Means in Video Poker
RTP (Return-to-Player) represents:
- the percentage of total wagers returned to players
- calculated over millions of hands
- based on math, not short sessions
An RTP of 99% means:
- $99 returned for every $100 wagered
- over the long run, not per session
Short-term results can still swing heavily.
Why RTP Differs Between Video Poker Variants
Each video poker variant changes:
- hand rankings
- payout values
- frequency of premium hands
Because RTP is calculated from those elements, changing the variant changes the return—even if the machine looks similar.
Common Video Poker RTP Ranges (Full Pay)
Approximate RTP ranges with optimal play:
- Jacks or Better (9/6): ~99.5%
- Deuces Wild (full pay): ~100%+ (with correct play)
- Bonus Poker: ~99%
- Double Bonus Poker: ~98–99%
- Joker Poker: ~99%
These figures assume:
- correct strategy
- full-pay tables
- max-coin betting where required
Why “100% RTP” Doesn’t Mean Guaranteed Profit
A game can have:
- positive expected value
- high variance
- long losing streaks
RTP describes expected return, not bankroll safety. Variants with very high RTP often rely on rare, high-value hands.
How Paytables Influence Variant RTP
Two machines with the same variant name can still:
- have different RTP
- use different paytables
- reward hands differently
A reduced full house or flush payout can drop RTP by multiple percentage points—regardless of the variant.
Strategy’s Role in RTP by Variant
Different variants require:
- different hold priorities
- different risk tolerance
- different error sensitivity
Some games:
- punish mistakes heavily
- lose RTP quickly with small errors
Others are more forgiving.
Error Rates Matter More in Some Variants
Variants like:
- Double Bonus Poker
- Deuces Wild
are:
- more volatile
- more sensitive to errors
Small strategy mistakes can reduce RTP significantly compared to simpler games.
Comparing RTP the Right Way
When comparing video poker RTP:
- Confirm the exact paytable
- Identify the variant
- Assume optimal strategy
- Consider volatility
Ignoring any one of these gives a misleading comparison.
Online vs Casino RTP Differences
Online video poker:
- often lists RTP clearly
- makes comparison easier
Casino floors:
- require manual paytable checks
- may mix full-pay and short-pay games
The variant alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
Why Casinos Still Offer High-RTP Variants
Casinos know:
- most players don’t play optimally
- short-pay versions reduce returns
- variance favors the house short-term
High RTP doesn’t equal high casino risk.
Choosing RTP Based on Your Goals
High RTP is best if you:
- play patiently
- follow strategy
- manage bankroll carefully
Lower RTP may still suit:
- casual play
- entertainment-focused sessions
The key is aligning RTP with your expectations.
RTP vs Volatility: Don’t Confuse Them
Two games can:
- share similar RTP
- feel completely different
High volatility means:
- fewer wins
- bigger swings
RTP doesn’t describe emotional experience—volatility does.
Common RTP Myths in Video Poker
False assumptions include:
- “All video poker games are high RTP”
- “Higher RTP means faster wins”
- “RTP applies per session”
None of these are accurate.
FAQs on RTP in Video Poker Variants
Do All Video Poker Variants Have Similar RTP?
No. RTP varies widely by variant and paytable.
Is the Highest RTP Always the Best Choice?
Not if volatility or strategy difficulty doesn’t suit you.
Does RTP Change During Play?
No. RTP is fixed by design.
Can Beginners Access High RTP Games?
Yes—but only with basic strategy.
Is RTP Higher Online or in Casinos?
Often online, but you still must verify paytables.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how RTP differs across video poker variants, the next step is learning how strategy directly affects those returns.
Next Article: The Role of Optimal Strategy in Maximizing Video Poker Returns (article #9)
Next Steps
If you want randomness explained, read: How Random Number Generators Determine Video Poker Hands (article #7)
If you want strategy next, read: The Role of Optimal Strategy in Maximizing Video Poker Returns (article #9)
Want the full framework? Use: The Complete Guide to Video Poker (pillar)
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