Best Video Poker Machines In Vegas
It’s a well-known fact downtown beats the pants off the Las Vegas Strip when it comes to player-friendly casino odds. It’s true for video poker, too. (On average, slots downtown are about 10% “looser” than slots on The Strip.)
According to a popular video poker expert who goes by “Coach Kitty,” downtown boasts some of the best machines and odds in all of Las Vegas.
Best Video Poker Updated Weekly. The information on this page is supplied by vpFREE2, which is an extensive online database of video poker inventories throughout the US and Canada. The table below lists the current best casino video poker schedules in Las Vegas and their denominations, and is updated on a regular basis. Video poker is a fun and interactive game that combines the best parts of poker and slot machines, and one of the best things about it is that learning how to play takes no time at all.
She’d know. Coach Kitty estimates she plays an average of 850 hands an hour, or about 14 hands a minute. That’s 14 decisions a minute, and we can barely decide what to have for lunch.
We prodded Coach Kitty to reveal some of her favorite video poker bars and machines, and she was up to the challenge.
Megabucks offers some of the best slots in Vegas with the highest winnings. In 2014, a man playing a Megabucks slot machine in Rampart Casino hit a $14 million jackpot after playing for five minutes on a $20 bill when the slot paid off. This payout is not the only one from a Megabucks machine. The Gold Coast, Orleans, and Palace Station might have some decent bartop video poker games near the Vegas Strip. The View Bar at The D is probably my favorite bar in downtown Las Vegas. The vibe is chill, the paytables are good, and the drinks flow.
There are a number of factors that make certain video poker bars “better” or “worse” (many serious players value casino freebies like food “comps” nearly as much as the money they make from their video poker wins), we asked our expert to name her favorite video poker spots with an emphasis on the most appealing odds of winning.
Vue Bar at The D
Among the benefits of this second floor watering hole at The D is the quality of the drinks, says our expert. We have independently verified this assertion.
Vue Bar happens to serve up some very good video poker odds as well.
Our video poker coach says, “You not only have the best chance of getting the best quality drinks, there’s also a good full-pay game with a progressive, in quarters.”
To be specific, the best game is Bonus Poker in quarters.
The ultimate goal of many video poker players, of course, is to try and find games that give as close to 100% payback, or “full-pay,” as possible.
Casino Bars at Four Queens
Happily, Coach Kitty names the casino bars at Four Queens as having great video poker. We say “happily” because we play there often and had no idea why. (Hint: It was mostly the liberal comps and long liquor pours.)
Coach Kitty says, “At both the casino bars at Four Queens, they have almost full pay Double Double Bonus video poker in 50 cents.”
Remember, the denomination is multiplied by five, so that’s $2.50 a hand. For the most part, the higher the denomination, the better the payback.
The two bars are Kings Bar (near the casino’s west entrance, pictured below) and Palace Bar (near Wana Taco).
Among the other attributes of these bars, our expert says the bartenders are among the friendliest in town.
Boar’s Head Bar at Main Street Station
Our expert not only loves the video poker at Boar’s Head Bar, but also the beer.
“It’s a very nice bar, especially because they have microbrews from the nearby Triple 7 [Restaurant and Brewery] on tap. The bartenders are very nice there, too.”
Ultimately, though, it’s the gamble that makes Boar’s Head one of the best places to play video poker in Las Vegas.
Coach Kitty says, “They have 9-6 Jacks or Better, which is really the best game with the lowest variance, in quarters, 50 cents and $1.”
Best Video Poker Machines In Vegas
The “9-6” refers to the payout for full house and flush. It’s kind of a shorthand for video poker players to tell if a game gives them more bang for the buck.
Now You Know the Best Video Poker Bars Downtown
Now you know some insider secrets about downtown’s best video poker bars!
Video poker is unique in casinos because, unlike a shot machine, skill plays a big part in how your session goes. The more you know about the game you’re playing, the better your chances of winning.
Each video poker game has nuances in strategy, so bone up on the game you’d like to try with an app.
The WinPoker app ($9.99 in the Apple store) is popular among aspiring video poker players looking to get an edge.
If you find the right game, and the right bartender, video poker can be fun and lucrative, and offers some of the best odds for players in the casino.
You’re Not Going to Believe This, But…
Here’s an update to our story!
Following our chat with Coach Kitty, we started playing at her recommended video poker bars, and just a few weeks later, our very first royal flush! That’s a $1,000 win.
That’s right. We got our first royal flush after nearly two decades of playing video poker, and we got it at the video poker bar at Four Queens. Thanks, Coach Kitty!
While winning in casinos has a lot to do with luck, the more you know about the games, the luckier you’ll be!
The Las Vegas Strip is not known for its great video poker. However, there are still decent options at most casinos, especially if you can play higher limits. The list below shows the best video poker games available at each Las Vegas Strip property.
The placement alphabetical as the difference in limits is problematic for comparison purposes. My data was verified through VPFree2. That site is an exceptional resource for current video poker conditions.
All Las Vegas Strip casinos are included, even if currently closed. I expect all to eventually open. It is doubtful there will be a substantial video poker difference when that occurs. Bar tops are also included even though all are currently turned off in Clark County.
There are no 100 percent video poker machines left on the Strip. The last ones were at Circus Circus. Those disappeared in February 2020.
See also: Best Downtown Las Vegas video poker
Aria
The best video poker games at Aria are at $5 and higher denominations. The best game is 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%). Others include 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). The last game is also spread on the bar tops between the craps table and cage. All are found in the high limit slot section on a variety of multi-hand games with a few single liners.
Best bar top video poker: $5/$10 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%) at Center Bar.
Bally’s
The best video poker at Bally’s is in the high limit slot section. Denominations are $5 and higher for 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) and 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%). The $1 denomination adds 9/5 Jacks or Better (98.45%) and 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Bellagio
Like most other Las Vegas Strip properties, the best video poker is found at the $5 and higher denominations. The best game is 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%). Other quality games at high limits include 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). The best $1 game is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: $2 and $5 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%) at Sportsbook Bar.
Caesars Palace
The best game at Caesars Palace requires the $50 or $100 denomination. That is 9/7 Triple Double (99.58%). For $5 and higher, you will find 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) and 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%). Players looking for $1 will need to play 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Casino Royale
The only video poker game above 98% at Casino Royale is 7/5 Bonus Poker. You can find this game throughout the casino, including at the bar. It is offered for single line, Spin Poker and multi-hand. It is available from the quarter up to the $5 denomination.
Best bar top video poker: Quarter and higher 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Circus Circus
The best game at Circus Circus is 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%). It is offered in quarter and dollar denominations.
Best bar top video poker: 6/5 Bonus Poker (96.87%), all bars at $0.50 and $1.
Cosmopolitan
The best games at Cosmopolitan are in the high limit salon. It starts with 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) on $5 and higher denominations. Other games include 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). Players will find 7/5 Bonus Poker at $1, including at the Chandelier Bar. Players can hit 6/5 Bonus Poker (96.87%) for quarters at that bar.
Best bar top video poker: 7/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), Chandelier Bar at $1 and higher denomination.
Cromwell
Cromwell offers the best quarter video poker on the Strip. There is a bank of machines by the entrance along the Strip at Flamingo with Not-so-ugly Deuces Wild (99.73%), 9/7 Triple Double Bonus (99.58%), 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%), Not-so-ugly Joker Poker (99.29%) and 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), among others. Quarter is the only denomination available for these games.
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all denominations.
Excalibur
The only single line video poker game at Excalibur above 98% is 7/5 Bonus Poker. It is available in the $1 denomination.
Best Paying Video Poker Machines In Las Vegas
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Flamingo
VPFree2 found a bank of machines I did not know about at Flamingo. The best game is 7/5 Super Double Double Bonus (98.61%). These same machines by the poker room have 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%). These machines are by the poker room and include a progressive jackpot.
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Harrah’s
The only video poker game at Harrah’s with a return over 98% is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%). It is on some $1 machines by the back pit. There is a progressive. You will also find 7/5 Ultimate X Bonus Poker.
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Linq
The only game above 98% at Linq is $1 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Luxor
The best single line video poker at Luxor is 7/5 Bonus Poker. It is on $1 and higher denominations. You will find this on the bar top in the high limit section. There is 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%) at $1, $2 and $5 on multi-hand machines in high limit.
Best bar top video poker: 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%), at high limit bar in $1 and higher denominations.
Mandalay Bay
Players will need to hit the high limit salon at Mandalay Bay to find the best video poker there. It includes 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). These are spread at $5 and higher denominations. The best $1 game is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
MGM Grand
The best video poker at MGM Grand requires at least the $10 denomination. Titles include 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) and 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%).
Best bar top video poker: 9/5 Double Double Bonus Poker (97.87%), all bars at $1 and higher denominations.
Mirage
The best video poker game at Mirage is 8/5 Bonus Poker. That requires at least the $5 denomination. For $1, players may choose between 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%), 15/9 Deuces Wild (98.91%) and 9/5 Jacks or Better. These machines are in front of the Parlor Lounge, according to VPFree2.
Best bar top video poker: 6/5 Bonus Poker (96.87%), all bars and denominations.
New York-New York
The best games at New York-New York can be found in high limit and on its bar tops. It is $5 and $10 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%), 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). The best $1 game is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: $5 9/6 Jacks or Better at Center Bar and $1 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%) at all.
Paris
Paris players will find $5 and higher 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) and 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%). These games are in high limit. For $1 players, there is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%) with a progressive.
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Park MGM
While there are some Spin Poker games above 99%, all single lines are below it. The best is $5 and higher 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%) and 15/9 Deuces Wild (98.91%). These are in the high limit slots room. The best $1 game is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%), all bars at $1 and higher.
Planet Hollywood
The bets game at Planet Hollywood returns 98.45%. That is 9/5 Jacks or Better. It is available in $2 and higher denominations. The best game on the floor is 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%). It is available in $1 and higher denominations.
Best bar top video poker: 30/6/5 Bonus Poker (96.18%), all bars and denominations.
Sahara
Sahara offers a lower limit experience when compared to video poker quality on the Las Vegas Strip. The best game is 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%). Other good titles include 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). These games are spread for $1 on the casino floor. Double Bonus and Double Double Bonus are also at the bars in $2 and $5 denominations. Quarter and half-dollar players will find 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 9/7 Double Bonus Poker (99.11%), all bars at $2 and $5 denominations.
Strat
The best video poker games at The Strat are 30/8/5 Bonus Poker (98.48%), 9/5 Jacks or Better (98.45%) and 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%). These are all spread in the $1 denomination.
Best bar top video poker: 6/5 Bonus Poker (96.87%), all bars and denominations.
Treasure Island
There are two video poker games at TI above the 98 percent mark. The options are $1 7/5 Super Double Double Bonus (98.61%) and $0.25, $0.50 and $1 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%) with progressive at $1 denomination.
Tropicana
Tropicana is an oddity in that its best video poker is at its bar. The denominations are $1, $2 and $5. The best options are 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%), 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%), 15/9 Deuces Wild (98.91%) and 8/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe (98.49%).
Best bar top video poker: 9/7 Double Bonus Poker (99.11%) at $1, $5 and $10 denominations.
Venetian/Palazzo
The best video poker at Venetian and Palazzo starts at the $25 denomination. These games are Not-so-ugly Joker Poker (99.29%), 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%) and 15/9 Deuces Wild (98.91%). There are no single line games above 98 percent at Venetian or Palazzo below the $25 denomination. There are a few multi-hand ones in the lower limits, like 3/5/10-play 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%).
Best bar top video poker: 9/5 Double Double Bonus Poker (97.87%), all bars and denominations.
Wynn/Encore
Wynn and Encore offer the typical Strip video poker in high limit. All require a $5 denomination or higher. The best game is 9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%). Others are 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%), 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and 9/6 Double Double Bonus (98.98%). Players looking for the best $0.25, $0.50, $1 and $2 game will find 7/5 Bonus Poker (98.01%). I do not collect Wynn and Encore bar top video poker data because the casino does not historically comp drinks to players there.