Video Poker Bankroll Calculator
Calculate the bankroll you need for video poker based on game variant, bet size, and risk tolerance. Understand risk of ruin and proper bankroll management.
Formula:Bankroll = -V × ln(RoR) / (2 × edge)
Recommended Bankroll
$12,207
1% risk of ruin
Minimum Bankroll
$7,941
5% risk of ruin
Session Bankroll
$555
4 hour session
Expected Loss/Hour
$3
Higher variance = more bankroll needed
$
5 coins at max denomination
Typical: 400-700
hours
Lower risk = larger bankroll needed
Bankroll Requirements by Risk Level
Minimum (5% RoR)
$7,941
6353× bet
Recommended (1% RoR)
$12,207
9766× bet
Professional (0.1% RoR)
$18,311
14649× bet
9/6 Jacks or Better (99.54%) Statistics
Expected Return
99.54%
Variance
19.51
Hourly EV
-$3
Session Hands
2,400
Bankroll by Game Variance
| Game | Variance | Min Bankroll | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/6 Jacks or Better | 19.51 | $488 | 1.00× |
| 8/5 Jacks or Better | 19.22 | $481 | 0.99× |
| Full Pay Deuces Wild | 25.83 | $646 | 1.32× |
| NSUD Deuces Wild | 25.58 | $640 | 1.31× |
| 10/7 Double Bonus | 28.26 | $707 | 1.45× |
* All values relative to 9/6 Jacks or Better baseline
Bankroll Survival Simulator
Monte Carlo simulation with 1,000 iterations
$
Your initial capital
%
Your expected advantage
%
Percentage of bankroll per bet
Total bets to simulate
Key Facts
- •Minimum bankroll: 200× bet size ($250 for $1/hand)
- •Risk of Ruin formula: RoR = e^(-2 × edge × bankroll / variance)
- •Double Bonus needs 45% more bankroll than Jacks or Better
- •Royal Flush drought can last 100,000+ hands
- •Session bankroll should cover 2 standard deviations
- •Positive EV games still need large bankroll due to variance
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bankroll do I need for video poker?
A general rule is 200-400 times your bet size for recreational play. For $1.25/hand, that is $250-$500. Higher variance games like Double Bonus need 40-50% more. Professional players targeting 1% risk of ruin may need 1000+ bet units.
What is Risk of Ruin in video poker?
Risk of Ruin (RoR) is the probability of losing your entire bankroll before achieving your goal. A 5% RoR means 1 in 20 chance of going broke. Most recreational players accept 5%, while professionals target 1% or less.
Does positive EV video poker require less bankroll?
Counterintuitively, no. While positive EV games are profitable long-term, their high variance (especially Deuces Wild and Double Bonus) means you still need substantial bankroll to survive the swings. The Royal Flush contributes significantly to both return and variance.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
Recommended Bankroll
$12,207
1% risk of ruin
Minimum Bankroll
$7,941
5% risk of ruin
Session Bankroll
$555
4 hour session
Expected Loss/Hour
$3