Introduction: The Classic Casino Crossover
Video poker is one of the most enduring casino games, combining the luck of slots with the skill of poker. Originating in land-based casinos in the 1970s, its digital format quickly found popularity worldwide – including Australia and New Zealand – thanks to straightforward rules, strong payout percentages, and strategic depth.
By 2025, online video poker is even more attractive, offering numerous variations, mobile compatibility, and real money play in AUD and NZD. Whether you’re a casual Aussie punter in Melbourne or a Kiwi player in Auckland, online video poker gives you the chance to enjoy one of the fairest casino games, with house edges often under 1%.
This in-depth review explores everything AU/NZ players need: how to play, game variants, strategies, RTP, bonuses, mobile experiences, responsible gambling, and tips to choose the best casinos.
Why Video Poker Stands Out
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High Return to Player (RTP)
Unlike pokies, where RTP is usually around 95–96%, video poker can reach 99% when played with optimal strategy – one of the best rates in the casino world. -
Skill + Luck Hybrid
Unlike pokies, you have control over the hand. Decisions on which cards to hold/discard impact results. -
Simple to Learn
If you know five-card draw poker, video poker is easy to follow. -
Variety of Versions
From Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild, each variation offers a different payout structure and house edge. -
Accessible in AU & NZ
Trusted offshore casinos offer video poker in both free demo mode and real money AUD/NZD play.
How to Play Video Poker
Video poker is based on five-card draw poker. The aim is to build the best poker hand possible, following standard poker rankings.
Basic Gameplay Steps
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Place your bet (typically 1–5 coins).
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Receive 5 cards.
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Choose which cards to hold and which to discard.
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New cards replace discards.
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Final hand is evaluated against the paytable.
Common Payouts (Jacks or Better example)
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Royal Flush: 250:1 (or 800:1 with max coins)
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Straight Flush: 50:1
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Four of a Kind: 25:1
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Full House: 9:1
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Flush: 6:1
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Straight: 4:1
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Three of a Kind: 3:1
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Two Pair: 2:1
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Jacks or Better: 1:1
Popular Video Poker Variants
1. Jacks or Better
The most famous version. A pair of Jacks or better is the lowest paying hand. With optimal play, RTP reaches ~99.54%.
2. Deuces Wild
Twos (deuces) act as wild cards, creating more winning opportunities but slightly altering paytables. Maximum RTP ~100.7% in some versions.
3. Joker Poker
Adds a Joker as a wild card, increasing your chances of strong hands like five-of-a-kind.
4. Aces and Faces
Huge payouts for four-of-a-kind Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jacks.
5. Tens or Better
Similar to Jacks or Better, but with a lower threshold (pair of Tens or higher).
6. Multi-Hand Video Poker (e.g., 10, 25, 50, 100 Hands)
Play several hands simultaneously – popular with experienced players looking for faster action.
Video Poker in Australia & New Zealand
Legal Landscape
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Australia: Under IGA (Interactive Gambling Act), local casinos can’t provide online pokies or video poker, but Australian players can legally access offshore sites.
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New Zealand: Offshore gaming is permitted, and locals enjoy video poker on trusted platforms alongside standard pokies and table games.
Banking Options (AUD/NZD supported)
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POLi (Australia-only)
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Visa & Mastercard
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Bank Transfer / PayID
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e-Wallets: Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, MuchBetter
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Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin
Online Video Poker vs Land-Based Machines
Advantages of Online Play:
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Better RTP (97%–100% online vs approx. 92% land-based).
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Variety (dozens of versions not usually offered at pubs or clubs).
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Lower stakes (play from $0.10 per hand).
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24/7 access on mobile.
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Bonus offerings (free play, cashback).
Bonuses for Video Poker Players
Online casinos often include video poker in their promotions:
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Welcome Bonus: Deposit matches up to $500–$1,000 AUD/NZD.
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Cashback Offers: E.g., 10% weekly cashback on video poker losses.
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VIP Rewards: Comp points when betting on video poker contribute to loyalty status.
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Free Play Credits: Some casinos include video poker chips in no-deposit offers.
⚠ Note: Video poker may contribute less (e.g., 10–20%) towards wagering requirements than slots.
RTP & House Edge
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Jacks or Better (Full Pay 9/6): RTP 99.54%
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Deuces Wild (Optimal rules): RTP 100.76%
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Double Bonus Poker: RTP ~100.17%
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Joker Poker: Typically 98%+
This makes video poker one of the most player-friendly casino games available online.
Video Poker Strategies for AU/NZ Players
Basic Strategy
Always hold the combination that statistically gives the best long-term return.
Examples:
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Always hold a Royal Flush or Straight Flush.
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Hold a high pair (Jacks or better) over four to a flush/straight.
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Keep all cards to a made flush/straight/full house.
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For four cards to a Royal Flush, discard the fifth and chase the Royal.
Bankroll Management
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Bet 5 coins per hand for maximum payout on Royal Flush.
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Set daily/weekly limits to extend play responsibly.
Practice First
Use free demo modes to practice strategy before real-money play.
Live Dealer Video Poker
Though not as common as live blackjack or baccarat, some AU/NZ-friendly casinos are introducing live video poker tables or hybrid RNG/video poker games with live hosts.
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Entertainment Factor: Adds human interaction.
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Limited Availability: Still developing worldwide.
Mobile Video Poker in 2025
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All major providers optimise video poker for mobile (iOS & Android).
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HTML5 versions play directly in browsers.
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Casino apps offer more advanced graphics and quick banking integration.
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Multi-hand video poker suited for tablets, while classic versions work perfectly on smaller phones.
Responsible Gambling in AU/NZ
Video poker can be fast-paced – responsible play is vital.
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Set budgets before playing.
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Use deposit and session limits offered by casinos.
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Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue-driven mistakes.
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Support providers: Gambling Help Online (Australia), PGF Services (New Zealand).
What to Look for in a Top Video Poker Casino
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Licensing (MGA, UKGC, Curacao, or AU/NZ-friendly regulation).
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RTP Transparency with published paytables.
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Fair RNG Testing by iTech Labs or eCOGRA.
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Multiple Variations (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Aces and Faces).
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Mobile Optimisation for gaming on the go.
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Fast Payments in AUD/NZD.
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Customer Support: Accessible during AU & NZ time zones.
Player Experiences & Reviews
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Australian players: Enjoy improved payouts online compared to club video machines.
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NZ players: SkyCity Online and offshore casinos expand options.
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Feedback highlights: Higher RTP, more versions, and fairer outcomes online.
Future of Video Poker
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VR Platforms: Virtual reality rooms with video poker integration.
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Skill-Based Enhancements: More hybrid games mixing arcade and poker skills.
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Blockchains: Provably fair video poker powered by decentralised systems.
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Social Play: Multiplayer formats and tournaments now emerging.
Conclusion: Why Online Video Poker Thrives in 2025
For Australian and New Zealand players, video poker remains one of the fairest and most strategic casino options. With high RTP, simple gameplay, smart strategy potential, and real money access in AUD/NZD, it appeals both to casual players and serious gamblers seeking low house edge.
The combination of tradition with digital innovation ensures video poker continues to shine in 2025—on desktop, mobile, or tablet. Whether enjoying classic Jacks or Better, chasing a Royal Flush in Deuces Wild, or experimenting with multi-hand excitement, video poker is the perfect blend of skill, fun, and big win potential for Aussies and Kiwis alike.
Summary
Video poker in Australia & New Zealand (2025): Explore top casinos offering Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker & more. Play real money AUD/NZD video poker online with high RTP, mobile gameplay, fast payouts, generous bonuses, and responsible gambling features.