Your Guide to Video Poker Casinos Online in Ireland

Video poker first began alongside the first personal computers in the mid-1970s. It combines five-card draw poker with slot mechanics. The game takes the strategy needed for poker and the luck needed for slot games to create an even-paced and entertaining game. 

Video poker is quite a straightforward casino game, but it does mix in some strategy as well which I like. It's five-card draw poker, and the goal is to make the best hand possible. There are quite a few variants of the game, like Deuces Wild, Joker's Wild, Bonus Poker, Tens or Better, and the most popular version, Jacks or Better.

Jack's or better is also my favourite variant of the game, and it's the one I’m going to focus on here. As it suggests in the name, you win with a pair of Jacks or better.  Here is a step-by-step guide on how to play video poker at online casinos in Ireland.

1. Pick your casino and choose the video poker title you want to play 
2. Before the draw, you place your bets
3. You then start the game by pressing ‘deal’
4. Your cards are dealt, and you discard the ones you don't want
5. Then, you draw new cards to replace your discarded ones
6. This is your final hand, and if it's good enough, you win!

While this game is found in the slot section of video poker casinos, and incorporates some of that style, it is not all about luck. There are strategies that players can use to increase their chances of winning. There is no better strategy than game knowledge, so here are some things you should know before playing video poker. 

As mentioned, there are different variations of video poker at Irish casino sites. Some have higher payouts for specific card combinations, and some have different minimum combinations that you can win with. Make sure you know the video poker odds and rules of the game you are about to play.

Look, this might seem simple to veteran players, but we all have to start somewhere. Getting to know the layout for someone who's never played poker or video poker can be tricky. Try a demo game first, just to familiarise yourself, so you know what to expect.

Poker is not a simple game. There are plenty of different, unique terms to remember that describe winning card combinations and phases of the game. It's the same thing at video poker casinos online in Ireland. You need to make sure you know terms like Hold and draw, among others. 

This is a continuation of the above point and is an important part of any video poker strategy guide. In Jacks or Better, the minimum to win is two jacks, but in 10s or Better, you can win with a pair of tens. Knowing hand rankings for each game is an important step toward winning.

Actual poker requires a little luck but a lot of strategy to win, and some of this can be transferred to video poker casino sites in Ireland. Knowing what cards to hold and what to drop, as well as understanding how the odds can change depending on your move, can help you gain an edge.

Let’s not forget that responsible gambling can be a tactic to help you win. If you manage your bankroll well, you can be quite successful at video poker. Try to create a unit size that you stick to with your strategy. This will stop you from doing unhelpful things like chasing losses.

There are certain strategies that video poker players use that increase their chances of winning. Before diving into that, I think it's important to admit that luck will still play a big part. You can know perfectly which cards to discard and which to hold, but you still need lady luck on your side because, in the end, the game is random.

The first thing to keep in mind when using video poker casinos online in Ireland is the game variants. Strategy is going to change a little depending on what game you are playing. This little change can be the difference between winning and losing. Whether you are playing Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Bonus Poker, make sure you know the rules and what you need to win.

The best video poker sites will have titles that are going to be very alluring and fun to play. That's why I consider knowing when to walk away a big part of any strategy and possibly the most important. This falls into place with bankroll management. Video poker may not be as fast as normal poker, but it's still a slot game, so bets are won and lost fast. That's why it's so important to know when to call it a day and not to chase losses.

Tadhg’s video poker tips

Here are some helpful tips that you can use when playing at video poker casinos. As I mentioned, Jack's of Better is my game of choice, but mostly, they can be applied to any variant of the game.

High pairs are your best friend

You should always aim to hold a high pair (Jacks or better) over chasing after low-value straights or flushes. This will help you maintain steady payouts and minimise losses over time. Slow and steady wins the race!

Make a strategy chart

You don’t necessarily have to make your own, as you can find some online, but a chart you can refer to for each game variant is a cheat code. The chart is based on the probabilities of winning depending on the cards you hold. For example, it’s almost always better to hold onto a deuce in Deuces Wild, as wild cards dramatically shift your hand’s potential to win or lose.

Don’t rush

If you are used to standard poker, video poker may be a little overwhelming due to its speed. It's important to remember you are still in control. Don’t rush, refer back to your strategy chart, and remember to be patient.

The casinos that offer the best video poker online in Ireland will have both free-to-play and real money options. Both have their benefits, and actually, new players can combine them as part of a strategy to get better at the game of their choice.

Free video poker: This will normally come in the form of a demo option at casinos. It's perfect for beginners or those just looking to hone their craft. You can apply and perfect a strategy or get to know how to play a new variant you wish to try. It's a great way for players to build up some experience.

Real money video poker: There’s not too much to be said here that hasn’t been said already. This is the real casino experience as the jeopardy of losing and winning real money is now involved. If you are a beginner and are ready to move from demo to real money, using the casino's welcome bonus to begin with is a good way to start.

For your own safety, it's vitally important that you choose video poker casinos online in Ireland that are licensed and regulated. In order to obtain a licence, a casino has to pass a number of tests, one of which is that its games must be fair and random. 

Look especially for casinos that have licences from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) [1] and the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) [2], as these are the best for Irish players. However, casinos that have licences from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board and the Autonomous Island of Anjouan go through rigorous safety checks as well and are considered safe for Irish players.

The main thing to look out for when it comes to the fairness of video poker casino sites in Ireland is that they use Random Number Generator (RNG) technology. Casinos that are the best in this area have their games regularly audited by independent third parties to make sure they are fair for players.

This has been an important part of any tips or strategy I have given out in this piece, but the casino can also help you with responsible gambling. There are tools that casinos have, such as limits on wagers and deposits, that can help you stay in control. 

If you feel you need a break, then you can ask the casino for a cooling-off period or self-exclude entirely. It's good to pick video poker casinos online in Ireland with plenty of responsible gambling tools, as it's a good sign that the brand actually cares about its players.

Video poker blends the strategy of poker with the simplicity of slot machines. Below, you'll find answers to common questions about how it works, where to play in Ireland, and the different game types available.

[1] https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/

[2] https://www.mga.org.mt/