The video poker experience in Las Vegas has declined in recent years, with Station Casinos no longer offering full pay Deuces Wild and full pay Joker Poker.
It wasn't too long back when Skyline Casino made the decision to transform their 10-coin quarter full pay Deuces Wild machines into 99% games. However, Boyd Gaming has taken a different approach by removing 100% games from all their establishments, with the exception of California and Sam's Town. This recent development highlights the contrasting strategies employed by these two casino operators in their quest to optimize their gaming offerings. While Skyline Casino opted for a shift towards higher house edges, Boyd Gaming has chosen to eliminate the 100% games altogether, potentially reflecting a different set of priorities and market considerations.
In Las Vegas, there is an abundance of excellent video poker games that can still be found. The key lies in knowing where to look for them. It is important to keep in mind that the payback percentages mentioned in the following information are based on the assumption of implementing flawless strategy and placing bets with five coins.
Arizona Charlie’s is renowned for its exceptional video poker in Las Vegas.
In Las Vegas, you can find two Arizona Charlie's casinos. One is located on Decatur Blvd just north of Charleston, while the other is situated on Boulder Highway.
At both of these casinos, you'll find a wide selection of 100% machines. The top-notch games include full pay Deuces Wild with a return rate of 100.76% and full pay Joker Poker with a return rate of 100.64%. Additionally, they offer 10/7 Double Bonus, which boasts a return rate of 100.17%, and 10/6 Double Double Bonus, with a return rate of 100.07%. If you visit the Decatur location, you'll have the option to play with quarter and half dollar denominations. However, at Arizona Charlie's Boulder Highway, the only denomination available is quarter. Keep in mind that some of the 100% games are even available at the nickel denomination for those who prefer smaller bets.
Discovering that the denomination at the Decatur location now includes half dollar coins was news to me. It wasn't until I consulted VPFree2 that I became aware of this recent alteration. This change is certainly fresh and unexpected. For those who enjoy playing video poker in Las Vegas, VPFree2 is an invaluable tool. It serves as a fantastic resource, providing valuable information and assistance to players.
Sam’s Town
At Sam's Town, I discovered a hidden gem within the Boyd Gaming group—a collection of video poker games that offer an astounding return of over 100%. Among these games, Deuces Wild stands out as the ultimate choice for avid players seeking the best odds. Additionally, I found 10/7 Double Bonus and Loose Deuces, which boast a remarkable return rate of 100.15%. The highest denomination available for these games is the quarter, but there are also some options in nickels for those who prefer a lower stake. Not only does Sam's Town cater to high rollers, but they also offer a variety of video poker games with a return rate of 99% or better, spanning across different denominations, including the coveted $1 denomination.
Plaza
At the Plaza, you'll find a couple of video poker games that offer exceptional payouts. The cream of the crop is the Joker Poker game, which boasts a generous payback of 100% or higher when you play with quarters. It's a rare gem that's not to be missed. Additionally, there's a lone machine still available with a 10/7 Double Bonus, offering a solid payback as well. At this machine, you can choose to play with quarter, half dollar, or dollar denominations, allowing you to tailor your gambling experience to your liking. So, whether you're a fan of Joker Poker or prefer the Double Bonus, the Plaza has you covered with their top-notch video poker selection.
In Las Vegas, Plaza stands out with its impressive selection of slot machines offering high payouts. Not only does Plaza have a wide variety of games, but they also boast a remarkable 99% return rate on many of their machines, making it a gambler's paradise. Whether you prefer quarter, half dollar, dollar, or two-dollar denominations, Plaza has got you covered. Among their extensive collection, one particular gem shines brighter than the rest - 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe with a staggering 99.64% return rate. This game is a top-notch choice for those seeking the best odds. Additionally, Plaza also offers 9/6 Jacks or Better, which deserves an honorable mention for its high payout percentage. However, what truly sets Plaza apart is their exclusive game - Deuces and Joker Wild. With its impressive 99.07% return rate, it is a rarity in Las Vegas and cannot be found anywhere else. So, if you're looking to maximize your chances of winning big, Plaza is the place to be.
10/7 Double Bonus (100.17%)
I know several casinos that offer the popular 10/7 Double Bonus game. Apart from the ones already mentioned, there are establishments like California, Four Queens, Skyline, and all Station Casinos properties except Wildfires.
Alternative 100% video poker options
Some Boyd Gaming casinos offer the Triple Deuces Wild game, while Station Casinos provide a 100.15% version of Loose Deuces, as well as 10/6 Double Double Bonus. Additionally, Station Casinos offer a 99.9% version of Triple Deuces Wild.
Top-notch video poker options at bars in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, there is an establishment called Four Queens that boasts the finest selection of bar video poker games. Among their offerings is the renowned 10/6 Double Double Bonus, which offers a slight reduction in payout for a straight flush. With an impressive return rate of 99.96%, this particular variant of video poker is available in both $0.50 and $1 denominations, catering to players of various budgets and preferences.
Plaza and Skyline Casino offer 9/6 Jacks or Better right at the bar, providing an excellent option for those who enjoy a game of cards while sipping their favorite drink. Meanwhile, South Point takes the runner-up spot, boasting a remarkable 99.73% payout with their Not-so-ugly-ducks game at the bar, along with enticing options like 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe and 9/6 Jacks or Better. For those looking to try their luck at Station Casinos, numerous bars across their establishments feature 8/5 Bonus Poker, offering a decent payout rate of 99.17%.
Main Street Station was previously included in this compilation. However, in 2021, the casino made a comeback and introduced 9/6 Jacks or Better at the bar, only to withdraw it merely a week afterward.
Casinos offering 99% video poker options.
In my opinion, the higher-end Las Vegas Strip casinos offer video poker games that have a 99% or higher payout rate. You can find variants like the 9/7 Double Bonus (99.11%) and the 8/5 Bonus Poker (99.17%) in almost every casino along the Strip. At Sahara and Tropicana, you can enjoy these games by betting $1 per round. However, if you prefer to play at the more luxurious casinos, you might have to wager $5 or even $25 to access these high-paying games. It's worth noting that some of the lower-end Strip casinos do not offer any of these favorable video poker options.
After careful analysis, I have divided the groups into two distinct sections. In Tier 1, we have casinos that offer games with a payout rate of 99.5% or higher. These include popular options such as 9/5 Triple Bonus Plus, Not-so-ugly-ducks, 9/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe, and 9/6 Jacks or Better. Moving on to Tier 2, we find casinos that may not offer the same exceptional payout rates as Tier 1, but still provide decent options. The standout games in this tier are 9/6 Double Double Bonus, 9/7 Double Bonus, and/or 8/5 Bonus Poker.
Top level video poker in the heart of Las Vegas
- California
- El Cortez, primarily on coin-operated machines
- Four Queens
- Main Street Station
- Plaza
Explore the second level of video poker in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.
- Binion’s
- Circa
- Downtown Grand
- Fremont
- Golden Gate
- The D
Take notice of the omission of Golden Nugget from these compilations. Remarkably, this is the sole establishment in downtown Las Vegas where I have yet to come across a video poker game with a 99% or higher payout rate.
Video poker tier 1 offered by nearby casinos located off the Las Vegas Strip.
- Every Boyd Gaming property, with the exception of Jokers Wild.
- Every Station Casinos branch, except for the Wildfire group.
- Arizona Charlie’s
- Emerald Island, renowned for its exceptional variety of pay tables in the market, offers the best multi hand and variant options.
- Eureka
- Jerry’s Nugget
- M Resort
- Rainbow Club
- Skyline
- South Point
Second-tier video poker at local and off-Strip casinos.
- Ellis Island
- Jokers Wild
- Mohegan Sun
- Oyo
- Rampart
- Silver Sevens
- Tuscany
- Westgate
- Wildfire
I cannot claim infallibility; undoubtedly, there may be some aspect that eluded my attention. Maintaining an impeccable log of video poker games is simply unattainable. To ensure accuracy, I cross-referenced my findings against VPFree2. However, if there is any detail that slipped through the cracks, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email, Twitter, or Facebook.