Play the Best Video Poker Online in New Zealand

Christchurch Casino is available online for Kiwis across New Zealand. You can now play video poker online anywhere in the country, and what better place to do it than at the oldest casino in NZ? We have provided residents with fantastic casino games since 1994, so sign up and experience the highest-quality video poker titles.

Our online casino is full of fantastic games for you to enjoy. We are consistently increasing the number of games on offer, including our video poker selection. Right now, you can play some of the best games ever created. We have Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and many more. If you are searching for a one-stop shop for all your gaming needs, why not give Christchurch Casino a go?

The History of Online Video Poker

The first mechanical poker game was created in the late 1800s. The five-reel machine designed by Sittman and Pitt used playing cards. It was popular in bars and tobacco shops in 1891, but it did not have a system for awarding prizes. These machines inspired inventors, and a lot has changed at the turn of the century.

In the early 1900s, Charles Fey designed a Skill Draw poker game where players could keep cards to improve their hands. These machines became incredibly popular as players felt in control. You had more of a say on the outcome and it wasn't just down to blind luck. The machines slowly improved until the 70s when computers were introduced to reduce the number of moving parts and increase the game speed.

The public's lack of interest in the original machines of the 1970s changed by 1981, when a change in the dynamics could be seen on the casino floor. A new offering was on display, a haven for players who did not want to play table games with a live croupier. Instead, players could take their time and play at their own pace. The introduction of a television screen meant that video slots also grew in popularity and players were quicker to accept the new game over their mechanical predecessors. Nowadays, video poker machines can load multiple poker titles for users to play. These games remain popular in online casinos and land-based establishments worldwide.

What Are Video Poker Games?

Video poker games are based on the iconic poker game of five-card draw. To play this game, you make the strongest five-card poker hand possible. The stronger your hand, the larger the payout at the end.

At Christchurch Casino, you can find various types of video poker games. The main difference between these games is usually in the pay table. The pay table is where the potential winning hands and combinations are listed, usually on the front of the machine. For instance, a royal flush will have a significantly larger payout compared to a three-of-a-kind.

At their core, all video poker games are similar. The game begins with players setting their bet, and then they deal the cards. After this step, you can choose how many cards to hold for the next round. Once selected, they discard any remaining cards and replace them with new ones. After this, they check your hand and you can enjoy your winnings or play again.

We have several types of live blackjack available at our online casino, including versions with and without a live croupier. Our blackjack tables have different bet sizes, side pots, and other features to help make each round exciting. Below are the most popular live blackjack table games and a little information about each.

Video Poker variants

If these live blackjack tables sound fun, why don't you visit the registration page and sign up for our online casino? You can use your welcome bonus on any of the blackjack games available.

Live Roulette

Like many other casino games, video poker games can vary. This means the amount you can win, or the fundamental rules can change slightly depending on the variation you play. In Tens or Better, you would make a winning hand by holding a pair of jacks. However, in versions like Deuces Wild, a pair of jacks is not a strong enough poker hand to result in a payout. Below are some of the many video poker games you can play at Christchurch Casino.

Jacks or Better: Jacks or Better remains one of the most popular casino games. The aim is to create a winning hand using five playing cards. The lowest winning combination in this game is a pair of jacks. Anything above two jacks, say a pair of kings or two pairs, gets you a payout. The size of your payout varies depending on your hand, with the most common combinations returning the value of your stake. Getting a royal flush in this game mode will return 800x the value of your original bet.

Deuces Wild: Although this title might look like Jacks or Better, there are differences. They replace the number two in every suit with a wildcard. You can use the wild two to create any winning combination, such as three-of-a-kind using the king of spades, king of diamonds, and two of clubs. However, as there is a wildcard to help you make winning combinations, making a pair or two pairs is no longer a winner. Instead, a three-of-a-kind is the entry-level hand on the pay table. To compensate for the lack of pairs, there are higher-paying hands, such as the five-of-a-kind, wild royal flush, and four deuces. These combinations offer much larger payouts than the more traditional version of video poker.

All Aces Poker: This special version of video poker includes 11 winning combinations in the pay table and a bonus game. What makes this game special is the chance to double your prize for every winning hand. The bonus game involves five cards, four face down and one face up. To double your money, you must select a face-down card with a higher value than the face-up one. Any successful pick will double the size of your prize, and you can continue doubling if you feel brave. There is another unique feature in this video poker title. If you can find four aces, you can receive a much higher prize than any other four-of-a-kind.

First Person Video Poker: If you want to experience the thrill of the casino floor from the comfort of your own home, check out First Person Video Poker by Evolution Gaming. This fantastic online game perfectly simulates what it's like to play video poker in a landmark establishment. Once more, the game has five video poker variants inside. You can choose Jacks or Better, Tens or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, and Double Double Bonus. Each video poker game has different rules and winning hands on the pay table, so ensure you choose the right one. The first-person game also allows you to play up to 100 hands per round, which is fantastic if you get the hang of the rules.

How to Play Video Poker

Video Poker is a casino game that combines luck and skill into one neat package. The objective is to create a winning five-card poker hand. To begin playing, deposit some funds and allocate an amount to bet per round. The amount you bet on one hand can vary depending on the game you play. For instance, if you opt for First Person Video poker, you can play up to 100 hands per round. If you allocate $1 per hand and play 100 hands, you are wagering $100 per round. It's important to double-check your betting amount before proceeding.

Assuming you have locked in the amount you want to bet; the next step is to deal the cards. The computer will then give you five random cards. These cards range from ace to king across four suits, i.e. hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Using your knowledge of poker hands, you can keep any of the five cards dealt. For example, if you receive two aces in your first five cards, you can keep both to ensure a guaranteed payout in Jacks or Better.

Once you have selected any cards to hold, the final stage begins. The machine will automatically discard your unselected cards and replace them with new ones from the 52-card deck. After this, the machine will compare your hand to all the possible winning combinations and award any payouts. If you are playing the standard version of video poker, that is the end of the game, and you can re-bet and play again. However, some special poker variations include a bonus feature before the end of the round. You have the option to risk your winnings in a game of double or nothing. However, the decision to gamble is entirely yours, but you have the potential to double your stake.

Video Poker Strategy

Video poker is fun if you know what you're doing. While there are many strategies out there, none can deliver guaranteed results. Instead, you can follow the video poker tips listed below to help avoid any silly mistakes. The fewer mistakes you make, the longer you can enjoy the game.

Learn the Poker Hands: To succeed at video poker, you must familiarise yourself with the poker hands. You will find these hands in Texas Hold'em or any poker game. You need to know the difference between a flush and a straight, plus what cards can make up each winning combination. Without this knowledge, you won't know which cards to hold and discard in each round.

Study the Pay table: Every video poker title at Christchurch Casino has a pay table. This is where they display each winning hand and the amount it pays out. The higher the payout for a winning hand, the less likely it will come up. Look at each pay table section to avoid missing out on a big win! For example, you should not risk losing a straight for a straight flush.

Hold or Draw: For each hand you play, you must decide between holding or discarding a card. You only want to keep cards that result in a winning hand. Keeping one ace is usually good unless the other four cards are in the same suit. You need to check each card and decide which ones will put you one step closer to a payout. Don't just hold the face cards every round, as you could miss out on other higher-paying options.

Stick With One Type: There are several video poker variants out there. The best one to start with is Jacks or Better. Games like Deuces Wild are a lot of fun for experienced players, but it offers a steeper learning curve. When you first try video poker, stick with the same game until you feel comfortable with the format. Each variation will have a slightly different strategy, because of the unique payouts and winning hands.

Play For Free: We offer a fantastic video poker experience at Christchurch Casino. Players can sample our video poker titles once they have created an account. However, if you are new to playing games online, you can try before you buy. Our video poker games are available in demo mode, allowing you to gain some experience by playing with fake cash. Once you have played a few hands and understand all the rules, you can try playing for real.

Can I Play Real Money Video Poker Online on Mobile?

Yes, anyone who signs up for our online casino can play real money video poker on their mobile device. That means you can sign in and play on your smartphone or tablet anywhere in New Zealand. Our mobile platform features a mobile-friendly design, allowing you to play your favourite games no matter the size of your touchscreen device.

Besides offering optimised casino games, we also provide mobile-friendly features to enhance your gaming experience. For some video poker games, you can access various statistics while you play. This includes your biggest wins, winning hands, and how many rounds you have played. For other games, like online pokies, you can access auto-play features to help designate a budget or number of spins while you play.

Are Video Poker Games Safe to Play?

Security is one of the most important parts of our online casino. We use SSL encryption and other security measures to help keep your account and information secure. Our platform offers one of the safest ways for Kiwis to play in New Zealand.

Here at Christchurch Casino, we place a strong emphasis on safety, which includes ensuring fairness in all our games. All our video poker games have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are fair. This commitment to fairness extends to all games available at Christchurch Casino. We guarantee that every player has a valid chance of winning, regardless of the device they use or the game they choose to play.

Start Playing Online Video Poker with Real Money

Video poker fans should register at Christchurch Casino. Any new members to our platform can claim a fantastic welcome bonus to help you get started. Plus our online game library is consistently expanding, with fresh and exciting titles added weekly. Players who stick around can utilise our loyalty program. This is where you can claim various promotions and freebies just by playing with us. If you want to see what the fuss is about, sign up at Christchurch Casino and sample our fantastic range of online games!