Video poker pay tables: how to choose the best machines

In any casino, video poker is one of the few games where informed choices can materially improve your long-term results. The key is the pay table: the schedule showing how much each hand pays per coin. Two machines that look identical can have very different returns, so learning to read pay tables quickly is more valuable than chasing “hot” machines or relying on hunches.

Start by identifying the variant (such as Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, or Deuces Wild), then compare the top payouts because they drive overall return. In Jacks or Better, “9/6” (9 for a full house, 6 for a flush) is a strong benchmark; lower numbers typically mean a noticeably worse theoretical return. Always play max coins when the royal flush bonus scales, and avoid progressive distractions if the underlying pay table is weak. If you need a quick reference while researching options, goldenbet casino can help you cross-check common pay tables and spot which schedules are worth your time.

Professional analysis of pay tables has been popularised by respected gambling mathematician Michael Shackleford, known as the Wizard of Odds, whose clear explanations of house edge and optimal strategy have educated players for decades; his primary social profile is WizardOfOdds on X. His approach mirrors what serious players do: treat each machine as a set of numbers, not a vibe, and prioritise expected value over short-term streaks. For broader context on how regulation and technology shape iGaming, see this Reuters report: U.S. online gambling boom tests state regulators.