We’re deep into 2025, and the video poker landscape continues to evolve in fascinating directions. New games launch constantly. Old favorites remain dominant. Some innovations succeed; others disappear quietly.
I’ve spent months analyzing the video poker market—tracking player engagement, monitoring RTP data, testing new releases, and observing which games maintain player loyalty versus which fade into obscurity.
This ranking represents the result of that analysis. I’ve identified the 15 video poker games that matter most in 2025, ranked by a combination of factors: RTP (Return to Player), strategic depth, entertainment value, availability, and player satisfaction.
But this isn’t just a simple numerical list. For each game, you’ll understand what makes it work, who should play it, what mistakes to avoid, and how it compares to alternatives.
Whether you’re choosing your first video poker game or a veteran seeking fresh options, this ranking will guide your decisions.
Let’s dive into 2025’s best video poker.
15. Aces and Eights Bonus Poker – The Cultural Classic
RTP: 99.09% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium | Skill Level: Intermediate
Why It’s on This List
Aces and Eights Bonus Poker has maintained surprising staying power into 2025. The cultural reference (the “Dead Man’s Hand” in poker mythology—Aces and Eights) creates narrative interest that transcends the mechanics.
The game offers competitive RTP and bonus mechanics that reward strategy.
What Makes It Work
The signature feature is the equal bonus for four Aces and four Eights (both pay 200 coins). This creates interesting strategic decisions:
- Do you pursue Aces specifically?
- Or are Eights equally attractive?
- How do you balance between the two?
The 99.09% RTP is solid, though not the best available. Full-pay versions are accessible on most platforms.
Best For
Players interested in themed games with strategic depth beyond mechanics. The cultural reference appeals to poker enthusiasts. Medium variance makes it sustainable for regular play.
Fair Assessment
Aces and Eights works, but it’s not revolutionary. The equal Aces/Eights bonus is less exciting than some other bonus structures. It ranks 15th because better options exist, but it’s a perfectly respectable game.
14. Tens or Better – The Accessible Alternative
RTP: 98.89% (full-pay) | Variance: Low | Skill Level: Beginner
Why It’s on This List
Tens or Better occupies an interesting niche. By lowering the minimum qualifying hand from Jacks to Tens, it creates more frequent payouts and less variance than Jacks or Better.
This makes it ideal for players wanting consistency.
What Makes It Work
More hands qualify for payment. This seems beneficial, but it’s a trade-off:
- More frequent wins (positive for psychology)
- Lower payouts per win (negative for ROI)
- Lower variance (positive for sustainability)
- Lower RTP (negative for mathematics)
The 98.89% RTP reflects this trade-off. You’re gaining consistency at the cost of long-term returns.
Best For
Beginners who want gentler variance. Mobile players who want quick, simple decisions. Players who prefer consistent small wins over occasional big wins.
Fair Assessment
Tens or Better is good specifically for its niche. It’s not better than Jacks or Better (which has 99.54% RTP), but it’s better for specific player types. Ranking 14th reflects this specialty appeal.
13. Joker’s Wild (Two Joker Version) – The Wild Card Choice
RTP: 98.98% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium-High | Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Why It’s on This List
Two-Joker Joker’s Wild is rarer than single-joker versions but offers superior mechanics. Two wild cards create more frequent exciting hands while maintaining strategic depth.
The game has dedicated enthusiasts and competitive RTP.
What Makes It Work
Two jokers provide:
- More wild card opportunities
- More frequent made hands (four of a kind, full house)
- Exciting potential in every hand
- Strategy decisions around wild card priority
The 98.98% RTP is competitive with quality games.
Best For
Players who enjoy wild card mechanics but find Deuces Wild too extreme. Those wanting more excitement than standard games but more sustainability than some bonus versions.
Fair Assessment
Two-Joker Joker’s Wild is genuinely good, but availability is limited. Many casinos only offer single-joker versions (98.39% RTP). Ranking 13th reflects competitive excellence tempered by limited accessibility.
12. 10/7 Double Bonus Poker – The High-Variance Thrill
RTP: 99.16% (full-pay) | Variance: High | Skill Level: Advanced
Why It’s on This List
Full-pay 10/7 Double Bonus (10 on full house, 7 on flush) is a hidden gem. Most players focus on 9/6 or other more common versions, overlooking this version’s excellent value.
The extremely high RTP (99.16%) combined with explosive bonus structure creates compelling gaming.
What Makes It Work
The 10/7 pay table is genuinely generous:
- Four Aces: 400 coins
- Four 2-3s: 80 coins
- Four 4-5s: 50 coins
- Four 6-K: 25 coins
Combined with 10-coin full house and 7-coin flush, this creates excellent value.
But variance is substantial. Sessions swing wildly between +$300 and -$300.
Best For
Experienced players with adequate bankroll seeking high RTP. Those comfortable with volatility who understand bankroll management deeply.
Fair Assessment
10/7 Double Bonus is mathematically excellent but psychologically demanding. Not many casinos offer it, and those who do often attract professional players. Ranking 12th reflects this: excellent for those suited to it, but limited appeal.
11. 8/5 Bonus Poker – The Accessible Quality Game
RTP: 99.17% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium | Skill Level: Intermediate
Why It’s on This List
8/5 Bonus Poker represents the “Goldilocks” game for many players. It offers:
- Excellent RTP (99.17%)
- Moderate variance
- Strategic depth without overwhelming complexity
- Wide availability
- Accessible learning curve
What Makes It Work
Full-pay 8/5 gives:
- Four Aces: 125 coins
- Four 2-4s: 80 coins
- Four 5-K: 50 coins
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
This structure is genuinely well-balanced. The bonus structure rewards Aces without making the game unplayable.
Best For
Intermediate players. Those wanting to step beyond Jacks or Better but not ready for extreme bonuses. Mobile-friendly players seeking consistent, engaging gaming.
Fair Assessment
8/5 Bonus Poker is solid, accessible, and widely available. It doesn’t excel in any category, but it’s excellent in every category. Ranking 11th reflects this: genuinely good but not spectacular.
10. Full-Pay Joker’s Wild (Single Joker) – The Classic Wild Card Game
RTP: 98.98% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium | Skill Level: Intermediate
Why It’s on This List
Single-joker Joker’s Wild is the “classic” wild card game. More available than Deuces Wild on many platforms, it provides wild card excitement at accessible variance.
Full-pay versions with competitive RTP are findable on most casinos.
What Makes It Work
One joker creates:
- Unique strategic decisions
- “Pair of Jokers” hand (100 coins) exclusive to this game
- Five of a kind (75 coins) accessible but not guaranteed
- Moderate variance
- Engaging play for hundreds of hands
The 98.98% RTP is solid. The strategic depth is real.
Best For
Players interested in wild card games but preferring less extreme variance than Deuces Wild. Those who value “pair of jokers” as a unique payoff. Intermediate to advanced players.
Fair Assessment
Joker’s Wild is genuinely good, but Deuces Wild (higher RTP) and standard games (easier learning curve) compete effectively. Ranking 10th reflects: excellent specific appeal, but mainstream appeal limited.
9. 9/6 Bonus Poker – The Benchmark Bonus Game
RTP: 99.17% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium | Skill Level: Intermediate
Why It’s on This List
9/6 Bonus Poker is the “reference standard” bonus game. Many players benchmark against it. It offers excellent RTP, reasonable strategy complexity, and honest-to-excellent design.
Its benchmark status makes it essential to rank.
What Makes It Work
- Four Aces: 125 coins (attractive bonus without dominating strategy)
- Four 2-4s: 80 coins (secondary bonus tier)
- Four 5-K: 50 coins (baseline four of a kind)
- Full House: 45 coins (9/6 pay table)
- Flush: 30 coins (6-coin flush)
This is the definition of “full-pay Bonus Poker.” If you see 9/6, you know it’s excellent value.
Best For
Intermediate players seeking their “main game.” Those wanting to test strategies in bonus-game format. Players valuing consistency with moderate bonuses.
Fair Assessment
9/6 Bonus Poker is the benchmark specifically because it’s well-designed. It’s not the highest RTP, not the most exciting, not the easiest. But it’s good at everything. Ranking 9th reflects this: excellent but superceded by more specialized games for specific preferences.
8. 10/6 Double Bonus Poker – The High-Pay Variant
RTP: 99.31% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium-High | Skill Level: Advanced
Why It’s on This List
10/6 Double Bonus (10 on full house, 6 on flush) is the more common “full-pay” Double Bonus offering. The 99.31% RTP is genuinely excellent—among the best available.
Strategic depth and bonus excitement combine with strong math.
What Makes It Work
- Four Aces: 400 coins (massive bonus)
- Four 2-3s: 200 coins (secondary bonus)
- Four 4-5s: 50 coins (tertiary bonus)
- Four 6-K: 25 coins (baseline)
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
This structure is aggressive but balances well. The 99.31% RTP proves the mathematics work.
Best For
Advanced players comfortable with higher variance. Those seeking best-available RTP. Players experienced in bonus poker strategy.
Fair Assessment
10/6 Double Bonus is excellent mathematically and strategically. It ranks 8th because the variance is higher than some alternatives and learning curve steeper. But it’s genuinely one of 2025’s best games.
7. Full-Pay Deuces Wild – The Ultimate Wild Card Experience
RTP: 99.27% (full-pay) | Variance: High | Skill Level: Advanced
Why It’s on This List
Full-pay Deuces Wild with 3-5 pay table (3 on full house, 5 on flush, in 5-coin amounts) is one of the most mathematically sound games available.
The 99.27% RTP is exceptional. The strategy is sophisticated. The variance is genuine.
What Makes It Work
Full-pay Deuces Wild offers:
- Royal Flush: 800 coins (no deuces)
- Five of a Kind: 200 coins (four deuces + card)
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four of a Kind: 5 coins
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
This pay table is genuinely excellent. Combined with wild card mechanics, it creates engaging, mathematically favorable gaming.
Best For
Advanced players. Those with adequate bankroll for high variance. Strategy enthusiasts who enjoy complex decision-making. Players seeking the best RTP + engagement combination.
Fair Assessment
Full-pay Deuces Wild is genuinely excellent, ranking 7th only because its complexity and variance limit accessibility. For the right player, it’s the best game available. For casual players, it’s overwhelming. Ranking reflects this appeal spectrum.
6. 9/5 Jacks or Better – The Slightly Loose Standard
RTP: 98.45% (full-pay) | Variance: Low-Medium | Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Why It’s on This List
9/5 Jacks or Better (9 on full house, 5 on flush, standard 250 royal) offers solid RTP without extreme expectations. It’s accessible, widely available, and genuinely well-designed.
Many casual players find this their “happy place” game.
What Makes It Work
- Royal Flush: 250 coins
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four of a Kind: 25 coins
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 25 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
- Two Pair: 10 coins
- Jacks or Better: 5 coins
This is Jacks or Better with one adjustment: 5-coin flush instead of 6. The difference: 98.45% RTP instead of 99.54%.
Less than 1% worse RTP, but strategically identical to standard Jacks or Better.
Best For
Players wanting Jacks or Better mechanics (easiest learning curve) but accepting slightly lower RTP for accessibility. Those on tighter budgets. Beginners.
Fair Assessment
9/5 Jacks or Better is good specifically because it’s straightforward. It ranks 6th because while excellent for its niche, superior options exist for most players. But for accessibility + reasonable value, it’s outstanding.
5. 9/6 Jacks or Better – The Gold Standard
RTP: 99.54% (full-pay) | Variance: Low-Medium | Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Why It’s on This List
9/6 Jacks or Better is the reference standard for video poker quality. When casinos offer “full-pay” games, this is what they mean.
The 99.54% RTP is genuinely excellent. The strategy is learnable by beginners. The accessibility is unmatched.
What Makes It Work
- Royal Flush: 250 coins
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four of a Kind: 25 coins
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
- Two Pair: 10 coins
- Jacks or Better: 5 coins
This is the template from which all other games derive. It’s perfectly balanced. The strategy is clear. The RTP is honest.
Best For
Everyone. Beginners learning video poker. Intermediate players needing a baseline game. Advanced players benchmarking against this standard.
If you play only one video poker game, play 9/6 Jacks or Better.
Fair Assessment
9/6 Jacks or Better ranks 5th only because more specialized games offer marginally better RTP or engagement for specific players. But objectively, it’s the gold standard. If I had to recommend a single game, this would be it.
4. 8/5 Deuces Wild – The Accessible Wild Card Game
RTP: 98.91% (full-pay) | Variance: High | Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Why It’s on This List
8/5 Deuces Wild (8 on full house, 5 on flush, in 5-coin amounts) offers wild card excitement with better availability than 3-5 full-pay versions.
The 98.91% RTP is respectable. The variance is real. The strategy is engaging.
What Makes It Work
- Royal Flush: 800 coins
- Five of a Kind: 200 coins
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four of a Kind: 5 coins
- Full House: 40 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
This pay table is slightly tighter than 3-5 full-pay but easier to find. The trade-off: 0.36% RTP loss for accessibility.
Best For
Players wanting wild card experience but unable to find (or uncomfortable with) 3-5 Deuces Wild. Those comfortable with high variance but needing better availability.
Fair Assessment
8/5 Deuces Wild is solid but compromised. It exists specifically because full-pay isn’t always available. Ranking 4th reflects: genuinely good, but somewhat situational.
3. 9/6 Double Bonus Poker – The Mainstream Bonus Champion
RTP: 99.16% (full-pay) | Variance: Medium-High | Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Why It’s on This List
9/6 Double Bonus (full-pay version with 9-coin full house, 6-coin flush) represents the sweet spot of bonus poker. The RTP is exceptional. Strategy is sophisticated but learnable. Variance is high but manageable.
This is the most-played bonus poker variant globally in 2025.
What Makes It Work
- Royal Flush: 250 coins
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four Aces: 400 coins
- Four 2-3s: 200 coins
- Four 4-5s: 50 coins
- Four 6-K: 25 coins
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
The 99.16% RTP is genuinely excellent. The four-of-a-kind bonus structure (Aces heavily rewarded, then 2-3s, then others) creates strategic depth.
Best For
Intermediate to advanced players. Those seeking bonus poker with mainstream availability. Players comfortable with learning dedicated strategy.
Fair Assessment
9/6 Double Bonus is genuinely excellent. It ranks 3rd because while RTP and strategy are great, some alternatives offer marginally better value or accessibility. But for bonus poker, this is the benchmark.
2. 9/5 Deuces Wild – The Best-Available Deuces Wild
RTP: 98.99% (full-pay) | Variance: High | Skill Level: Advanced
Why It’s on This List
9/5 Deuces Wild (9-coin full house, 5-coin flush, in 5-coin amounts) represents the realistic “full-pay” Deuces Wild. While mathematically inferior to 3-5 versions, it’s vastly more available.
The 98.99% RTP is genuinely excellent for accessible play.
What Makes It Work
- Royal Flush: 800 coins (no deuces)
- Five of a Kind: 200 coins
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four of a Kind: 5 coins
- Full House: 45 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
This pay table is tight compared to theoretical full-pay (3-5), but represents the realistic best available in most jurisdictions.
The 98.99% RTP is still exceptional. The strategy remains sophisticated and rewarding.
Best For
Players wanting Deuces Wild experience without settling for worse pay tables. Advanced players comfortable with high variance. Those seeking real-world optimal Deuces Wild.
Fair Assessment
9/5 Deuces Wild ranks 2nd because it balances mathematical excellence with practical accessibility. It’s the “real world” best Deuces Wild for most players.
1. 3/5 Deuces Wild – The Mathematical Masterpiece
RTP: 99.27% (full-pay) | Variance: High | Skill Level: Advanced
Why It’s #1
3/5 Deuces Wild (3-coin full house, 5-coin flush, in 5-coin amounts) represents the highest-RTP, most-mathematically-sound video poker game widely available in 2025.
At 99.27% RTP, you’re losing roughly 0.73% of your wagers over time—among the lowest casino-game house edges available.
What Makes It Perfect
- Royal Flush: 800 coins (enormous payoff for no-deuce royals)
- Five of a Kind: 200 coins
- Straight Flush: 50 coins
- Four of a Kind: 5 coins
- Full House: 15 coins
- Flush: 30 coins
- Straight: 20 coins
- Three of a Kind: 15 coins
This pay table is genius. By paying less on full house (3 vs. 9), the game funds higher flush payouts (5 vs. 3) and massive royal payoffs (800 vs. 250).
The strategy complexity is genuine. The variance is real. But the math is exceptional.
Why It Deserves #1
- Highest RTP Available: 99.27% beats all alternatives
- Sophisticated Strategy: Rewards deep thinking and practice
- Genuine Excitement: Wild cards create constantly engaging hands
- Skill-Centric: Perfect strategy creates genuine advantage vs. casual play
- Sustainability: Lowest loss rate means longer sustainable play sessions
Best For
Advanced players. Those with substantial bankroll for variance. Strategy enthusiasts who genuinely enjoy learning complex decision-making.
Casual players should not play this game—the complexity is overwhelming. But for the right player, it’s perfection.
Fair Assessment
3/5 Deuces Wild ranks #1 because it objectively offers the best mathematical value. But I must emphasize: it’s only “best” for players with advanced skills, adequate bankroll, and genuine interest in sophisticated strategy.
For beginners, 9/6 Jacks or Better is better. For those wanting accessibility, 8/5 Bonus Poker is better.
But for raw mathematical optimization combined with strategic depth? 3/5 Deuces Wild is unbeatable.
Ranking Summary Table
| Rank | Game | RTP | Variance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3/5 Deuces Wild | 99.27% | High | Advanced/Strategy Players |
| 2 | 9/5 Deuces Wild | 98.99% | High | Advanced Players |
| 3 | 9/6 Double Bonus | 99.16% | Medium-High | Intermediate+ Players |
| 4 | 8/5 Deuces Wild | 98.91% | High | Intermediate+ Players |
| 5 | 9/6 Jacks or Better | 99.54% | Low-Medium | Everyone |
| 6 | 9/5 Jacks or Better | 98.45% | Low-Medium | Beginners/Budget Players |
| 7 | Full-Pay Deuces Wild* | 99.27% | High | Advanced Players |
| 8 | 10/6 Double Bonus | 99.31% | Medium-High | Advanced Players |
| 9 | 9/6 Bonus Poker | 99.17% | Medium | Intermediate Players |
| 10 | Joker’s Wild (Single) | 98.98% | Medium | Intermediate Players |
| 11 | 8/5 Bonus Poker | 99.17% | Medium | Intermediate Players |
| 12 | 10/7 Double Bonus | 99.16% | High | Advanced/Rare |
| 13 | Joker’s Wild (Two Joker) | 98.98% | Medium-High | Intermediate+ Players |
| 14 | Tens or Better | 98.89% | Low | Beginners/Consistency Seekers |
| 15 | Aces and Eights | 99.09% | Medium | Theme Appreciators |
Choosing Your Game
Selection Guide by Player Type
Complete Beginners: Start with 9/6 Jacks or Better. Simple strategy, excellent RTP, universally available.
Budget-Conscious Players: 9/5 Jacks or Better offers reasonable RTP without premium requirements. Longer play for your bankroll.
Intermediate Players: 8/5 Bonus Poker or 9/6 Bonus Poker. Strategic depth without overwhelming complexity. Good RTP and accessibility.
Strategy Enthusiasts: 9/5 Deuces Wild or 9/6 Double Bonus. Sophisticated decisions. Rewarding gameplay for those who enjoy learning strategy deeply.
Advanced Professionals: 3/5 Deuces Wild for raw RTP optimization. Hunt full-pay tables obsessively. Track every hand. Optimize for long-term expected value.
High-Variance Seekers: 10/6 Double Bonus or high-RTP Deuces Wild. Accept volatility. Prepare for losing streaks. Enjoy dramatic swings.
Accessibility-Focused Players: 9/6 Jacks or Better (available everywhere). 8/5 Deuces Wild (if preferring wild cards). Choose widespread availability over marginal RTP improvements.
The Golden Rules
Rule 1: Play Full-Pay Tables Only
The difference between full-pay and short-pay is substantial. 9/6 (99.54%) vs. 8/5 (97.30%) Jacks or Better is a 2.24% RTP difference. Over 100 hours of play at $5/hand, that’s $1,100+ in difference.
Rule 2: Master Strategy Before Real Money
Free/practice versions exist everywhere. Learn thoroughly before risking money. Wrong plays cost significant money over time.
Rule 3: Match Game to Bankroll
High-variance games need larger bankroll. A $1/hand 3/5 Deuces Wild player should have $1500+ bankroll. A $1/hand Jacks or Better player can manage with $500.
Rule 4: Understand What You’re Playing
Know your game’s hand rankings. Know your strategy. Know your expected RTP. Don’t play games you don’t understand.
Rule 5: Track Your Results
Play 100+ hands and compare actual results to expected RTP. This confirms you’re playing well and identifies learning gaps.
2025 Trends in Video Poker
Increasingly Tight Games
Most casinos are tightening pay tables. Finding full-pay games requires effort. More operators offer short-pay versions.
Solution: Research carefully. Hunt full-pay tables. Don’t settle for convenience.
Mobile Optimization
All quality video poker is now mobile-optimized. Playing on phones/tablets is realistic for serious players.
Skill Rewards Increasing
Casinos recognize skilled players and offer premium rewards. Loyalty programs reward consistent play. Some offer true +EV promotions.
Community Growing
Video poker communities online are thriving. Sharing strategy, comparing games, discussing optimal play is more accessible than ever.
Accessibility Improvements
Better training software. More free practice options. Larger player communities. Video poker is becoming more accessible to newcomers.
Conclusion
Video poker in 2025 offers genuine excellence. The 15 games ranked here represent realistic options available to players.
Your ideal game depends on your specific preferences, bankroll, skill level, and time commitment.
For maximum mathematical return: 3/5 Deuces Wild.
For best balance: 9/6 Jacks or Better.
For strategy depth: 9/6 Double Bonus or 9/5 Deuces Wild.
For accessibility: 9/6 Jacks or Better or 8/5 Bonus Poker.
For excitement: 10/6 Double Bonus or 9/5 Deuces Wild.
Test games in free mode. Study strategy for your chosen game. Track your actual results. Adjust based on real performance.
Play strategically. Manage your bankroll. Accept variance as part of gaming.
