In its early days, video poker was played on large consoles with TV-like monitors similar to slot machines but it could not attract such crowds because it looked far less colorful and entertaining. Today, after four decades of development and technological advancements, video poker is available through various channels and is much more visually appealing to casino players. With the arrival of mobile applications, the classic game shifted to touchscreens and can be played conveniently from any iOS or Android phone or tablet on the market.
Many casino websites are now mobile compatible, while others offer native apps for different platforms so that punters can enjoy a great variety of virtual casino games, slots and video poker on the go. In fact, software developers are constantly creating new and better video poker games which in terms of diversity and sheer numbers can only be compared to the virtual slot games. There are hundreds of video poker variations and although they are based on the 5-card draw table poker, they feature different bonuses and pay tables that make them different and exciting. The low house edge and the relative simplicity of the games have made them incredibly popular around the world and most of them can be played for free or for real money from any modern portable device.
Playing Video Poker on Mobile Devices
Unlike regular poker where you play against other gamblers, video poker allows you to bet against the dealer, or against the computer, to be precise. The game follows the basic rules and card combinations of the casino classic but it is automated and considered to be much simpler than table poker. In order to start a game, the player first needs to choose the denomination and the number of coins he or she wishes to wager and then taps on the Deal button. Five cards will be dealt and after choosing which ones to hold, players need to tap on them. When they press the Deal/Draw button again, the cards they have discarded will be replaced by new ones. If the player has a winning hand, he or she will be rewarded the corresponding payout.
Of course, players can use the best poker strategies when playing one of these games in order to maximize their odds of winning and collecting attractive payouts. The truth is that if played accurately and with minimum mistakes, video poker decreases the house advantage to make the odds work in your favor.
How It Works
Video poker games are easily transferred to mobile devices and they are familiar to most players, as video poker machines in land-based casinos have already adopted touch screen interfaces. Software developers continue to release new titles and variations, but they are all based on the traditional video poker games, known for decades. So, everyone who has ever played video poker in a brick-and-mortar or online casino should be comfortable with the mobile gameplay. There are virtually no differences, except for the smaller screen of your phone or tablet. And of course, instead of controlling the game with a mouse, you will do everything using the touch screen capabilities of your device.
All popular variations can be found on mobiles – Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus Poker, and many others. Players can also choose from single or multi-hand versions of many of the games, depending on their level of skill and their budget. Many progressive jackpots are also available, as well as bonus games and varieties featuring wild cards. The games are designed in such a manner that they shift seamlessly from your computer to your phone or tablet whether it runs on Android, iOS, Windows 10 Mobile, or BlackBerry 10.
In addition, social gaming has become very important for many players as they can share their results with fellow players or friends on the social networks. As a result, there are many video poker games that feature leaderboards, where all the best gamblers are ranked. There are hundreds of free-play titles where you bet demo credits, but more importantly, real-money play becomes increasingly accessible. Mobile users can either play video poker from the mobile sites of their favorite casinos or download one of the many applications available for iOS and Android devices.
Mobile Apps
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to play video poker is to download a mobile app directly on the device. This way, players have instant access to their preferred video poker titles from the home screen of their phone or tablet. There are hundreds, probably thousands of apps on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, most of which can be downloaded for free, while there are some available for a small price.
An increasing number of online casinos offer dedicated apps which give mobile users access to a large part of the games from their websites. Most official casino apps allowing real-money play are available only on the App Store, as Google has a policy of not tolerating gambling applications. Many apps can also be downloaded directly from the casino sites, which is even more convenient for many players who prefer the security and fairness guaranteed by licensed gambling operators. Usually, these apps allow you to play 100-150 games on average and most casinos’ mobile libraries include no more than 4 or 5 video poker titles.
In addition to the native casino apps, mobile users can also choose from a wide variety of video poker applications, most of which are available only for iOS. However, Google’s Play Store also has a huge collection of video poker apps for free play. It should also be noted that in most unregulated markets, fewer if any, real-money apps are available.
In-Browser Play
Most online casinos today are fully mobile compatible and can be opened directly from the browser of your phone or tablet. Instead of downloading apps, users are able to play various video poker games easily in-browser by simply opening the casino site on their device. There are hundreds of mobile sites which are as smooth and as functional as their original, desktop versions. Players not only load their favorite games instantly but also log in, manage their casino accounts and authorize payments, so that they can play for real money.
Multiple platforms are supported, so customers can visit their preferred casino and place bets no matter if their device runs on iOS, Android, BlackBerry 10, Windows 10 Mobile, or Sailfish OS. Usually, this requires your device to have all of its latest software updates installed.
Advantages
The most obvious advantage of playing video poker from your phone or tablet is the mobility – you can place bets whenever you go and on any time of the day, instead of sitting in front of your desktop or laptop computer at home for hours. It is much more convenient and entertaining to play your favorite video poker game on your phone during a long, boring commute and looking for a fun, profitable way to pass the time. The social factor is also very important for many punters – although video poker is not played against other gamblers, it is always nice to be able to compare yourself to others and connect with people who share the same passion. Many apps allow sharing, post leaderboard results and hold regular tournaments.
A large part of the casinos also allows users to practice play without wagering any real money. Moreover, some gambling operators even offer players to test the games without registering an account. You can practice your video poker skills in-browser or if you are really into the game, you can also download one of the numerous applications for free-play video poker available for both iOS and Android devices.
If you are playing video poker at one of the many mobile casinos, there is a great chance that you will receive a special, mobile-users only bonus, along with the other casino promotions and rewards.
Disadvantages
Mobile casinos still offer a relatively small amount of games compared to the great abundance provided on their original sites. Most casino apps feature no more than 6 or 7 video poker titles and instead, focus on the slot games, which are, even today, the most popular type of casino games. However, there are some casinos with significantly larger mobile libraries where players can have a greater choice.
Another setback for some players is the small screen size of phones – sometimes, the letters and even the cards are too small and can make the gaming experience really challenging. This is why choosing a good casino with well-designed interface and games is essential when starting to play mobile video poker.
Mobile Video Poker Providers
As video poker games work very similarly on mobiles to the way they do on desktop or laptop computers, most players should encounter no difficulties at all. They should also be familiar with the particular mobile video poker games on offer as they are the same as in online and brick-and-mortar casinos. There are numerous variations of video poker and literally hundreds of titles by different software developers, but most of them are based on the classic Jacks or Better variant. It derives from the 5-card draw poker and the goal is to collect the highest paying combination of cards. It uses a standard hand ranking where the Royal Flush is the strongest hand, followed by Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, and Jacks or Better (a pair of Jacks or higher).
NetEnt Video Poker Games
NetEnt is a well-known name in the online game development industry and it has a nice collection of video poker titles that should be able to satisfy most players. The gaming studio has its own versions of some of the most widespread variations of the game – Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and All American. They are available in standard, single-hand options and in multi-hand variants, as well, where players can bet on up to 100 hands simultaneously. The provider also offers Joker Wild, a game with an additional card, a Joker, which serves as a Wild Card and can substitute for any other card in the deck.
The payback percentages of each game are posted by the developer and the theoretic return of 99.56% of the three Jacks of Better versions is the most attractive, followed by the All American games with return 98.11% and finally, the payback of only 97.97% for Deuces Wild and its versions.
NetEnt’s video poker games also come with a special Double Up feature which is activated after the player achieves a winning hand. He or she is then presented with face down cards in a bonus game where the goal is to guess correctly their color. A correct answer doubles the winnings from the hand, while a wrong one causes the player to lose them. The best thing about the video poker games from this provider, however, is that they are available in a large number of casinos. Their mobile versions have clear graphics and are of overall high-quality, which greatly enhances the gambling experience even on smaller screens.
Microgaming Video Poker Games
Even the most demanding players should be pleased with the great variety of video poker games offered by Microgaming. This is one of the largest software developers and currently, it has the most diverse selection of video poker with variations such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Aces and Faces, Aces and Eights, All American, Tens or Better, Deuces and Joker, Louisiana Double, and many others. Of course, some of these are available in multi-hand, or power variants. The games with the highest RTP (Return to Player) percentages are All Aces (99.92%), Jacks or Better Power Poker (99.54%) and All American (99.38%).
The graphics of the games are not as sophisticated as you would expect from a giant in the industry of casino software development such as Microgaming. However, their video poker variants are some of the most popular among players because of their simplicity and the low house edge. In most of the games, it is less than 1%, which means players have a real opportunity to beat the casino.
RealTime Gaming
RealTime Gaming is one of the software providers offering really beautiful, crisp graphics and although video poker is generally less graphically intense than video slots or even table games, the quality is always important. In this case, players can enjoy sharp, fast-paced games which are easy to operate and have a relatively good payback percentages. The gaming studio is also famous for the abundance of video poker titles it has in its portfolio. However, the number of the mobile offerings is somewhat limited.
Still, players can choose from video poker classics such as Jacks or Better, Bonus Deuces Wild, Joker Poker or Double Double Bonus Poker, as well as several multi-hand variations. They are designed in such a manner that they can run smoothly on any mobile device. But before starting to play any of their games, players need to know that the pay tables vary from one casino to another because RealTime Gaming allows gambling operators to modify the size of the payouts.
IGT Video Poker Games
When it comes to video poker, IGT is considered a pioneer – it created the first video poker machines in the 1970’s. A lot has changed since then, but the software provider is still a leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of video poker machines and virtual video poker games. In its portfolio, it currently offers nine unique titles, including Jacks or Better, Multi-Hand Draw Poker, Deuces Wild, Double Double Bonus Poker, Joker Poker, and Ultimate X Poker, which is available in several different multi-hand, bonus and multiplier variations.
In fact, most of IGT’s games come with various options to choose from and are practically packages which consist of multiple video poker variants. This innovative 9-in-1 solution provides mobile players with even more options to choose from. In the meantime, the games have simple, retro-looking interface, which is easy to work with – gamblers can instantly change the size of the bet and the speed of the game, or simply switch to another video poker variation.
Popular Mobile Casinos for Video Poker
There is a wide variety of video poker mobile apps available, but when it comes to real-money play, most users prefer fully licensed casinos which offer fair gaming and transparency. All video poker variations in respected mobile casinos use RNG (Random Number Generator) technology, which ensures that the results of each round are completely random and cannot be manipulated. Gambling operators have special certificates and the games they offer are regularly and independently tested. In addition, casinos provide secure payments and along with video poker, they host many other games of different types and genres designed to cater to the needs and tastes of every player.
Betway
A globally recognized gambling operator, Betway offers one of the most beautiful and sophisticated mobile casinos with a rich library of touchscreen compatible games. This is a Microgaming casino and it hosts hundreds of slots, video poker, and virtual table games, as well as a glamorous Live Casino and a popular sports betting section. The mobile version is compatible with most portable operating systems such as Android, iOS, Windows 10 Mobile, or BlackBerry 10. Players can make safe and instant deposits, as well as fast withdrawals from their phones choosing from multiple payment methods – major credit and debit cards, prepaid cards and electronic vouchers, digital wallets, and many others.
Betway Mobile offers several single and multi-hand video poker variations from Microgaming, including Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, All Aces Poker, Tens or Better, Bonus Poker Deluxe, and Joker Power Poker. The casino also has a dedicated iOS app where you can find six video poker titles and more than a hundred additional games.
The various promotions offered by Betway attract many desktop and mobile players. The welcome package, in particular, is really impressive – it gives new members bonuses on their first three deposits that can reach CA$1,000. The first deposit is doubled, the second one is matched 25%, and the third deposit is matched 50%.
JackpotCity
JackpotCity is another Microgaming casino and it offers a diverse collection of games, including popular slots, roulette, blackjack, as well as video poker. It impresses with its stylish, Vegas-themed design and its fully functional mobile casino which can be opened directly in the browser of your phone or tablet. All mobile platforms are supported, so players should easily play their favorite games on the go. The video poker section of the mobile casino features many classic variations such as Jack or Better and Deuces Wild, as well as popular titles like All Aces, Aces and Eights, Bonus Deuces Wild, and All American.
Along with the mobile site, JackpotCity Casino also has a native app that is even faster and has a smooth, simple interface. It is available for iOS and Android devices and comes packed with slot games, video poker, table games, and several attractive progressive jackpots. The casino accepts payments in various currencies, including EUR, USD, and CAD, and supports multiple methods for depositing and withdrawing – MasterCard, Visa, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, and Maestro. Mobile players can also enjoy fast payouts, 24/7 support through Live Chat, as well as a welcome bonus of up to CA$1,600.
Spin Palace
Spin Palace is a popular online casino powered by Microgaming and offering a software download for its desktop users. Mobile players can open it directly in the browser of their device as long as it runs a newer version of iOS, Android, or BlackBerry 10. The casino hosts a wide range of high-quality games across various major categories – online slots, virtual card and table games, as well as video poker and an excellent Live Casino supported by Evolution Gaming.
There are great video poker offerings which can be played for real money or in practice mode for those who are less experienced in this game. The collection includes Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker Deluxe, Joker Poker, All Aces, Aces and Faces, and Double Double Bonus 10 Play Poker. The games are classic looking, fast-paced and available in multi-hand versions, as well.
The casino offers new players a welcome bonus of up to CA$1,000 given over the course of the first three deposits. There is also a loyalty program which is available to mobile users, as well. The deposits are instant and the withdrawals are verified and secure, protected by the latest digital encryption technologies. The payment methods players can use include all major credit cards, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, EcoPayz, Paysafecard, and many others.
Crazy Vegas
Crazy Vegas is a modern, beautifully designed online casino which offers a smooth, functional and easy to navigate mobile version. It can be opened in-browser from any iOS, Android or Windows 10 Mobile device and offers a great selection of games from leading software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil, Quickspin, and many others. The casino used to work only with Microgaming but now it enjoys a successful partnership with multiple gaming studios. In fact, Crazy Vegas is now going through significant changes – it is merging with Maple Casino which is to be transformed into a casino review website.
As a result, the games offered at Crazy Vegas are even more and mobile players can enjoy plenty of slot games, virtual blackjack and roulette, and of course, a nice range of video poker titles. All the basic variations are here – Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Joker Wild, Tens or Better, Double Double Bonus Poker, Aces and Eights, and others. There are also several multi-hand versions of classic video poker titles.
Bodog
Bodog Casino was established in 1994, which means it is one of the oldest and most experienced online casinos you can play at. It offers an instant-play, a download and a mobile version, and it perfectly combines a casino, a sportsbook, and a poker room. However, it accepts players only from Canada, so it is no surprise that the only two currencies you can use are Canadian dollars and Bitcoin. The deposit methods are also somewhat limited compared to casinos with international audience – you can deposit via MasterCard, Visa and other online banking services. Bitcoin is also accepted. New members at Bodog are welcomed with a 100% match deposit on their first deposit and its maximum amount is CA$600.
The games at Bodog Casino are provided by RealTime Gaming and include hundreds of online slots, popular table games, and various progressive jackpot slots. There is also a very balanced section of video poker titles where you can find unique single-hand variations, as well as different multi-hand games if you are looking for more excitement and action. Among them are Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Joker Poker, Loose Deuces, and Double Double Bonus Poker.
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