Best Poker Sites to Play for Real Money

In the thrilling world of online gambling, poker holds a prominent place. It's a game of skill, strategy, and a little luck. In 2023, the poker landscape continues to evolve, with more and more poker sites popping up. The rising demand for web poker has seen the introduction of advanced poker sites 2023. Let's dive in to explore the landscape of poker for both beginners and seasoned players, particularly focusing on Irish players.

What is Video Poker?

Video poker, a variation of the classic game, is a wonderful fusion of traditional poker and slot machines. This game, often called online poker, is played on a machine or computer screen instead of a table. The rules remain the same as classic poker, but the game's pace is significantly faster. In video poker, you're not competing against other players but rather the machine, which generates cards randomly.

Real Money Poker vs. Free Poker

Choosing between real money poker and free poker depends on individual preferences, skill levels, and objectives. To help you make a solid decision, let's break down the pros and cons of each.

Real Money Poker

Pros:

• Real winnings;
• serious competition;
• a vast range of games and tournaments.

Cons:

• Risk of losses;
• can be intimidating.

Free Poker

Pros:

• Risk-free learning;
• experimentation;
• fun and stress-free.

Cons:

• No real winnings;
• lower skill level;
• less discipline.

Can the Irish Play for Real Money?

One of the biggest questions Irish players often have is about playing poker online for real money. The answer is a resounding yes! Ireland has a liberal approach to online gambling, and it's entirely legal for Irish players to play poker online for real money. Irish players have many options, from global sites to local Irish poker platforms.

Main Types of Video Poker

In the world of video poker, diversity thrives. Multiple game versions cater to a wide range of preferences and strategies. Let's explore three of the most popular versions: Deuces Wild, Jokers Wild, and Double Double Bonus.

Deuces Wild

Deuces Wild is an enticing version of video poker. The fundamental difference here is that all the twos (deuces) in the deck act as wild cards, substituting for any card to form a winning hand. This alteration significantly influences how to play poker, making the game more unpredictable and exciting.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Natural Royal Flush	300	600	900	1200	4000
Four Deuces	200	400	600	800	1000
Wild Royal Flush	25	50	75	100	125
Five of a Kind	15	30	45	60	75
Straight Flush	9	18	27	36	45
Four of a Kind	5	10	15	20	25
Full House	3	6	9	12	15
Flush	2	4	6	8	10
Straight	2	4	6	8	10
Three of a Kind	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	98.4%	98.4%	98.4%	98.4%	99.5%

How to Win at Deuces Wild

Mastering Deuces Wild requires understanding the unique strategy the game demands. Including wild cards shifts the balance, opening up new winning opportunities. Here are some smart tips to boost your chances in these poker games:

• Always hold deuces;
• avoid holding single cards;
• use five-of-a-kind and wild royals;
• don't chase low payout hands.

In the Deuces Wild landscape, adaptability reigns supreme. Be ready to shift your approach based on the cards you're dealt, especially when you have a deuce.

Jokers Wild

Jokers Wild, like Deuces Wild, introduces a wild card – this time, the Joker. This twist brings an exciting element to the game, making it a favorite among many players.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Natural Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Five of a Kind	200	400	600	800	1000
Wild Royal Flush	100	200	300	400	500
Four of a Kind	17	34	51	68	85
Full House	7	14	21	28	35
Flush	5	10	15	20	25
Straight	3	6	9	12	15
Three of a Kind	2	4	6	8	10
Two Pair	1	2	3	4	5
Kings or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	91.30%	92.06%	93.32%	92.57%	94.27%

How to Win at Jokers Wild

Playing Joker's Wild demands a unique approach. Acting as a wild card, the Joker can significantly boost your chances. Here are some winning tips for Jokers Wild:

• Hold the Joker;
• aim for the royal flush;
• don't break up winning hands;
• hold high cards.

Keep these strategies in mind when playing Jokers Wild. Understand the power of the Joker and use it to your advantage to win big in this online poker game.

Double Double Bonus

Double Double Bonus Poker is an exciting variant that offers extra payouts for different four-of-a-kinds. This version of the game can offer highly lucrative winnings, but it also requires a strategic approach.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Four Aces w/ 2, 3, or 4	400	800	1200	1600	2000
Four 2s, 3s, or 4s w/ A, 2, 3, or 4	160	320	480	640	800
Four Aces	160	320	480	640	800
Four 2s, 3s, or 4s	80	160	240	320	400
Four 5s through Kings	50	100	150	200	250
Full House	10	20	30	40	50
Flush	7	14	21	28	35
Straight	5	10	15	20	25
Three of a Kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pair	1	2	3	4	5
Jacks or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	91.10%	92.18%	93.33%	92.71%	94.18%

How to Win at Double Double Bonus

Winning at Double Double Bonus poker requires understanding the different payouts and adjusting your strategy accordingly. Here are some tips:

• Aim for four-of-a-kind;
• hold high cards;
• don't break up winning hands;
• keep pairs.

Mastering Double Double Bonus poker requires practice and understanding the game's unique payout structure. Utilize these tips to maximize your winnings in this exciting online poker variant.

Double Bonus

Double Bonus Poker is another exhilarating variant of video poker. It offers higher payouts for all four-of-a-kind hands, particularly four aces. This additional payout structure introduces an exciting layer of strategy to the game, making it a favorite among many players.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Four Aces	160	320	480	640	800
Four 2s, 3s or 4s	80	160	240	320	400
Four 5s through Kings	50	100	150	200	250
Full House	10	20	30	40	50
Flush	7	14	21	28	35
Straight	5	10	15	20	25
Three of a Kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pair	1	2	3	4	5
Jacks or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	90.82%	91.58%	92.96%	92.32%	94.19%

How to Win at Double Bonus

Winning at Double Bonus Poker requires understanding the game's unique payout structure and adjusting your strategy accordingly. Here are some winning tips:

• Target four-of-a-kinds;
• hold high cards;
• don't break up winning hands;
• keep pairs.

Mastering Double Bonus Poker involves consistent practice and understanding the game's unique payout structure. These tips can help maximize your winnings in this thrilling game.

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is perhaps the most straightforward and popular video poker variant. As the name suggests, you must have at least a pair of jacks or something better to win. It's an excellent starting point for beginners due to its simplicity.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Straight Flush	50	100	150	200	250
Four of a kind	25	50	75	100	125
Full House	9	18	27	36	45
Flush	6	12	18	24	30
Straight	4	8	12	16	20
Three of a Kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pair	2	4	6	8	10
Jacks or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	98.4%	98.4%	98.4%	98.4%	99.5%

How to Win at Jacks or Better

In Jacks or Better, the right strategy can significantly boost your winning chances. The game's simplicity doesn't mean it lacks depth. Here are some winning tips:

• Hold high pairs;
• aim for royal flushes;
• don't break up straight or flush;
• hold lower pairs.

Remember, while the game is simple, the strategy can be complex. Constant practice, patience, and strategic thinking are the keys to mastering Jacks or Better video poker.

Aces and Faces

Aces and Faces is a popular video poker variant that offers additional payouts for four-of-a-kind hands made up of Aces and Face cards. This unique payout structure makes the game exciting and introduces new strategic considerations.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Four Aces	80	160	240	320	400
Four Js, Qs, or Ks	40	80	120	160	200
Four 2s through 10s	25	50	75	100	125
Full House	8	16	24	32	40
Flush	5	10	15	20	25
Straight	4	8	12	16	20
Three of a Kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pair	2	4	6	8	10
Jacks or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	90.03%	91.25%	92.50%	92.75%	94.25%

How to Win at Aces and Faces

Winning at Aces and Faces requires grasping the game's unique payout structure and a strategic approach. Here are some tips to guide you in this exciting version of online poker:

• Target four-of-a-kinds;
• hold high cards;
• don't break up winning hands;
• keep pairs.

With these strategies, you can maximize your potential winnings in Aces and Faces. Remember, practice makes perfect in this thrilling variant of online poker.

Tens or Better

Tens or Better is a video poker variant similar to Jacks or Better but with a lower threshold for winning hands. As the name suggests, you only need a pair of tens or better to win, making it a favorite among beginners.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Straight Flush	50	100	150	200	250
Four of a kind	25	50	75	100	125
Full House	6	12	18	24	30
Flush	5	10	15	20	25
Straight	4	8	12	16	20
Three of a Kind	3	6	9	12	15
Two Pair	2	4	6	8	10
Tens or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	90.14%	91.37%	92.56%	92.63%	94.18%

How to Win at Tens or Better

Winning at Tens or Better requires understanding the game's lower winning threshold and a strategic approach. Here are some tips to guide you when exploring poker sites:

• Hold high pairs;
• aim for royal flushes;
• don't break up straight or flush;
• hold lower pairs.

Remember, while the game is simple, the strategy can be complex. Constant practice, patience, and strategic thinking are keys to mastering Tens or Better video poker.

Joker Poker

As the name suggests, Joker Poker introduces a Joker card into the game as a wild card. This twist adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the game, making it a unique and thrilling variant of video poker. The Joker can substitute for any card, creating new winning hands and strategies.

Payout Chart

	# of credits played
Hand	1	2	3	4	5
Natural Royal Flush	250	500	750	1000	4000
Five of a Kind	200	400	600	800	1000
Joker Royal Flush	100	200	300	400	500
Straight Flush	50	100	150	200	250
Four of a Kind	20	40	60	80	100
Full House	7	14	21	28	35
Flush	5	10	15	20	25
Straight	3	6	9	12	15
Three of a Kind	2	4	6	8	10
Two Pair	1	2	3	4	5
Kings or Better	1	2	3	4	5
Theoretical Return	90.92%	91.46%	92.72%	92.09%	93.78%

How to Win at Joker Poker

In Joker Poker, understanding the power of the Joker and incorporating it into your strategy is crucial. Here are some tips to get started:

• Joker is your best friend;
• don't break up winning hands;
• hold high cards;
• keep pairs.

Mastering Joker Poker requires practice and understanding the game's unique wild card feature. Remember, each hand is an opportunity for a new strategy. Happy gaming!

2023's Best Mobile Video Poker Games & Apps

In 2023, the landscape of mobile video poker has evolved, bringing thrilling games and user-friendly apps that offer a seamless gaming experience to your fingertips. Whether you're a novice or a regular player, there's a perfect app.

How We Rate Video Poker Games & Apps

Our rating process for video poker games and apps is thorough and objective. We consider various factors to identify the best online poker casinos, such as gameplay experience, user interface, security, payout rates, and customer service.

Mobile Devices You Can Play On

Mobile video poker is open whether you're an Android or iOS user. Both platforms offer many apps and mobile-optimized websites, ensuring a smooth gaming experience regardless of your device preference.

Mobile Casinos vs. Apps

Mobile casinos and dedicated apps each offer unique advantages. Mobile casinos allow you to play directly from your browser without downloads, while apps often provide a more tailored user experience for tablets and phones. Both ensure that you can enjoy video poker wherever you are.

The Basic Rules of Video Poker

Video poker combines elements of traditional poker and slot machines, offering a thrilling and strategic gaming experience. The basic goal is to create the best five-card poker hand possible.

Rule 1

In video poker, the game begins by placing a bet and pressing the "deal" button. You will then receive five cards and have the opportunity to hold or discard any or all of these cards in the hopes of creating a winning hand in the subsequent draw.

Rule 2

After deciding which cards to hold, press the "draw" button. The cards you rapidly discard will be replaced with new ones from the deck. Your final hand will determine whether you win or lose.

Rule 3

Payouts in video poker depend on your final hand and the paytable of the game you're playing. Higher-ranking hands have bigger payouts. Paytables vary between poker casinos, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with them before playing.

How We Rate the Best Video Poker Games

Quick Tips for Video Poker

1. Understand the Paytable
   Before you start playing, study the paytable of the game you chose. The payouts for various hands can significantly differ from one game to another, affecting your strategy and potential winnings.
2. Use a Strategy Chart
   One of the most valuable poker tips is to use a strategy chart, which guides you on what cards to keep or discard based on your initial hand. Following this can optimize your chances of winning.
3. Practice With Free Games
   Before jumping into real money games, take advantage of free video poker games. They offer a risk-free way to learn the rules, familiarize yourself with different game variants, and practice your strategy.

Poker Glossary

Term	Meaning
Action	Refers to the betting and raising during a poker hand.
Bankroll	The money a player has set aside for playing poker.
Cash Back	A loyalty program or reward system where players receive a percentage of the money they have wagered back as a bonus or cash.
Cycle	The period a video poker machine takes to complete its payout cycle and return to its initial state.
Drawing Hand	A hand that is not yet complete but has the potential to improve and become a strong hand with the addition of more cards.
Face Card	A card with a face, namely the King, Queen, or Jack.
Full Pay	Refers to a video poker machine that offers the highest possible payout for a specific hand.
House Edge	A site's statistical advantage over the players represented a percentage of each bet that the website expects to win on average in the long run.
Inside Straight	A hand missing one card in the middle to complete a straight (e.g., having 4, 5, 7, 8 and needing a 6).
Outside Straight	A hand missing one card at either end to complete a straight (e.g., having 4, 5, 6, 8 and needing a 7 or 9).
Kicker	The highest-ranking card in hand breaks ties between two players with the same hand rank.
Pay Table	A table shows each winning hand's payouts in a video poker game.
Progressive Jackpot	A continuously growing jackpot contributed to by a portion of each player's bet until it is won.
Short Pay	A video poker machine offering a lower payout for a specific hand than the standard payout.
RNG	A computer algorithm that generates random and unpredictable outcomes in online poker games.
Volatility	The measure of how much the results of a poker game can fluctuate.
Wild Card	A card that can be used as any other card to complete a hand, as determined by the game's rules.