Best Video Poker Casinos in Canada (2026)
The most under-rated high-return game in the casino. With the right paytable and optimal play, video poker returns over 99% — the paytable is right there for you to read. These casinos offer the best variants for Canadians.
Why video poker is a hidden gem
Video poker is one of the best-value games in any casino, and one of the most overlooked. It's a solo game based on five-card draw poker: you're dealt five cards, choose which to hold, draw replacements for the rest, and get paid on your final hand's rank per the paytable. What makes it special is transparency and skill — the paytable is right there before you commit a cent, and your hold decisions directly affect the outcome. With the right variant and optimal play, top games return over 99%, far better than most slots. It rewards a little study, which is exactly why savvy players love it.
Read the paytable — it is the RTP
In video poker, the paytable literally sets your return. The classic benchmark is 9/6 Jacks or Better: "9/6" means 9 coins for a Full House and 6 for a Flush (per coin bet), which returns about 99.54% with optimal play. Lower-paying versions (8/5, 7/5) quietly cut the RTP. Full-pay Deuces Wild can theoretically exceed 100%. Before you play any video poker game, glance at the Full House and Flush payouts — that one check tells you whether you're on a good machine.
| Variant | Best paytable | RTP (optimal) |
|---|---|---|
| Jacks or Better | 9/6 | ~99.54% |
| Deuces Wild | Full-pay | ~100.76% |
| Double Bonus Poker | 10/7 | ~100.17% |
| Bonus Poker | 8/5 | ~99.17% |
The best video poker casinos we've tested
Betway & Jackpot City — deep Microgaming video poker
Both offer strong Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and multi-hand line-ups on top trust scores. See the Betway and Jackpot City reviews.
Bitkingz & Oshi — variety plus fast payouts
Both stock a range of video poker with quick cashouts. Read the Bitkingz and Oshi reviews.
How to play winning video poker
- Choose the best paytable — 9/6 Jacks or Better or full-pay Deuces Wild.
- Learn optimal strategy — there's a correct hold for every hand; a strategy chart makes it easy.
- Bet max coins — 5 coins unlocks the enhanced Royal Flush payout that boosts the RTP.
- Take your time — video poker is self-paced; think through each hold.
- Play where you'll get paid — see fast payout casinos.
Video poker vs slots
Both are solo reel/card games, but they're worlds apart on value and control. Slots are pure chance with RTPs typically 94–97% and no decisions. Video poker is skill-based, shows you the paytable up front, and rewards optimal strategy with 99%+ returns. If you enjoy slots but want more control and a better long-term return, video poker is the natural step up — see also our high-RTP slots for the best slot value.
Our verdict on video poker
Video poker is the thinking player's game — transparent, skill-based, and among the highest-returning games in the casino when you pick the right paytable. On our testing, Betway and Jackpot City lead for depth, with Bitkingz and Oshi for variety and fast payouts. Read the paytable, learn the strategy, bet max coins — and enjoy one of the best-value games online.
Explore more games
What is video poker?
Video poker is a solo card game based on five-card draw poker. You're dealt five cards, choose which to hold, and draw replacements; you're paid on the final hand's rank per the paytable. With optimal play, top variants like 9/6 Jacks or Better return over 99%.
Which video poker game has the best RTP?
Full-pay (9/6) Jacks or Better returns about 99.54% with optimal play, and full-pay Deuces Wild can exceed 100% in theory. The paytable is everything — always check the payouts for a Full House and Flush before playing, as they determine the RTP.
Which casinos have the best video poker in Canada?
Betway (Microgaming) and Jackpot City offer strong video poker line-ups, while Bitkingz and Oshi stock Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild and multi-hand variants. All are tested and scored by our team.
Is video poker skill-based?
Yes. Unlike slots, your hold decisions directly affect the outcome, and there's a mathematically correct play for every hand. Learning optimal strategy — often via a strategy chart — is what unlocks video poker's high 99%+ returns.
What does 9/6 Jacks or Better mean?
9/6 refers to the paytable: 9 coins for a Full House and 6 for a Flush (per coin bet). This 'full-pay' version returns ~99.54% with optimal play. Lower-paying versions (8/5, 7/5) reduce the RTP, so always check the paytable first.
Should I bet max coins in video poker?
Usually yes. Betting the maximum (5 coins) unlocks the enhanced Royal Flush payout, which significantly boosts the RTP. Adjust the coin value down if needed to keep your bet affordable, but bet 5 coins to get the full return.