Quick Answer: The best video poker machines are not “loose” because of timing, location, or luck. They are better because they have stronger pay tables and higher theoretical returns. If you learn how to read the pay table, you can consistently choose machines that give you better long-term value.

Why Video Poker Is Different From Slots

Video poker is different from slot machines because your decisions matter. Slot machines are completely random once you press the button, but video poker gives you choices on every hand. The cards you hold and discard can affect your long-term results.

That is why smart video poker players do not just look for “hot” machines. They look for better pay tables, stronger returns, and games where correct strategy gives them the best chance to play longer and lose less over time.

The #1 Rule: The Pay Table Determines Everything

The pay table is the most important thing to check before playing a video poker machine. Two machines can look almost identical but offer very different payouts. A small change in the payout for a full house or flush can make a big difference in the overall return.

For example, 9/6 Jacks or Better pays 9 coins for a full house and 6 coins for a flush. That version returns about 99.54% with expert play. A weaker 8/5 version pays only 8 for a full house and 5 for a flush, dropping the return to about 97.30%.

Top 10 Video Poker Pay Tables Compared

Here is a comparison of popular video poker games and common full-pay or better-paying versions. Payback percentages assume expert strategy and may vary slightly depending on the machine, casino, and software provider.

Rank	Game	Pay Table	Key Pays	Max Return	Player Note
1	Deuces Wild	Full-Pay Deuces	25/15/9/5/3/2	100.76%	One of the rarest video poker games with a positive return when played perfectly.
2	Double Bonus Poker	10/7 Double Bonus	10 full house / 7 flush	100.17%	Excellent game, but strategy is more difficult than Jacks or Better.
3	Double Double Bonus Poker	10/6 Double Double Bonus	10 full house / 6 flush	100.07%	Popular because of large four-of-a-kind payouts, but more volatile.
4	Bonus Poker Deluxe	9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe	9 full house / 6 flush	99.64%	Strong return with extra value on four-of-a-kind hands.
5	Jacks or Better	9/6 Jacks or Better	9 full house / 6 flush	99.54%	The classic benchmark game and one of the best for learning proper strategy.
6	Bonus Poker	8/5 Bonus Poker	8 full house / 5 flush	99.17%	A solid option when better games are not available.
7	Double Double Bonus Poker	9/6 Double Double Bonus	9 full house / 6 flush	98.98%	Very common and exciting, but below full-pay return.
8	Deuces Wild	Not-So-Ugly Deuces	25/16/10/4/4/3	99.73%	A strong Deuces Wild variation when full-pay Deuces is unavailable.
9	Jacks or Better	8/5 Jacks or Better	8 full house / 5 flush	97.30%	Playable, but much worse than 9/6 Jacks or Better.
10	Bonus Poker Deluxe	8/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe	8 full house / 6 flush	98.49%	A noticeable drop from the stronger 9/6 version.

Important: These returns assume perfect strategy and max-coin play. Most casinos do not offer the best versions of every game, so your goal is to find the best available pay table in the casino—not necessarily the best theoretical pay table in existence.

How to Spot the Best Video Poker Machines

1. Check the Pay Table First

Do not choose a machine based on location, lights, sound effects, or whether someone recently won on it. The pay table tells you the true value of the game.

2. Look for Full-Pay Versions

Each video poker game has stronger and weaker versions. For example, 9/6 Jacks or Better is much better than 8/5 Jacks or Better. The machine may look the same, but the return is very different.

3. Play Max Coins When Possible

On most video poker machines, the royal flush pays much more when you play the maximum number of coins. If you play fewer coins, you may reduce the overall return of the game.

4. Use Correct Strategy

A good pay table only helps if you play the hands correctly. Video poker strategy changes depending on the game. Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, and Double Double Bonus all require different strategy decisions.

5. Manage Your Bankroll

Even good video poker games can have long losing streaks. Set a budget, understand the volatility of the game, and avoid chasing losses.

Common Myths About Loose Video Poker Machines

Myth #1: Machines Near the Entrance Are Looser

There is no reliable evidence that video poker machines near entrances, aisles, or bars automatically pay better. Always judge the machine by the pay table.

Myth #2: A Machine That Just Paid Out Will Not Hit Again

Each hand is random and independent. A previous jackpot does not make the next hand better or worse.

Myth #3: Certain Times of Day Are Better

Video poker machines do not become better or worse because of the time of day. The pay table and your strategy matter far more.

Myth #4: Watching Other Players Helps You Find Winners

Seeing someone win does not prove that a machine is “hot.” A machine’s long-term return comes from its pay table, not recent results.

Final Takeaway

The best video poker players are not trying to find lucky machines. They are trying to find better math.

If you want to improve your results, focus on three things: choose the best pay table you can find, play with correct strategy, and manage your bankroll carefully. You still cannot guarantee a win, but you can give yourself a much better chance of getting the most value from every dollar you play.