Video Poker Odds Calculator
Calculate exact probabilities, payouts, and expected returns for every video poker hand across different game variants and pay tables.
Formula:
Expected Return = Σ (Hand Probability × Payout)Expected Return
97.27%
House edge: 2.73%
Game Variant
Jacks or Better 9/6 (Full Pay)
Selected pay table
Different pay tables affect expected return
Hand Probabilities & Payouts
| Hand | Payout | Odds | Probability | Return % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 800:1 | 1 in 400,000 | 0.0003% | 0.20% |
| Straight Flush | 50:1 | 1 in 90,090 | 0.0011% | 0.06% |
| Four of a Kind | 25:1 | 1 in 424 | 0.2360% | 5.90% |
| Full House | 9:1 | 1 in 87 | 1.1510% | 10.36% |
| Flush | 6:1 | 1 in 91 | 1.1020% | 6.61% |
| Straight | 4:1 | 1 in 89 | 1.1230% | 4.49% |
| Three of a Kind | 3:1 | 1 in 13 | 7.4450% | 22.34% |
| Two Pair | 2:1 | 1 in 8 | 12.9280% | 25.86% |
| Jacks or Better | 1:1 | 1 in 5 | 21.4590% | 21.46% |
| Total Return | 97.27% | |||
Return Analysis
97.27%
Expected Return
2.73%
House Edge
400,000
Hands per Royal
19.5
Variance
Quick Answer
In 9/6 Jacks or Better, a Royal Flush (1 in 40,391) pays 800:1, while a Full House (1 in 87) pays 9:1. With $1.25 bet (max coins), expected return is 99.54%.
Key Facts
- ✓Royal Flush occurs approximately once every 40,391 hands
- ✓Full pay 9/6 Jacks or Better has 99.54% return with perfect play
- ✓Pair of Jacks or better occurs about 21% of the time
- ✓A $1.25 max bet is required for the royal flush bonus
- ✓Four of a Kind contributes about 6% of total return
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the odds of hitting a Royal Flush in video poker?▼
The probability of being dealt a Royal Flush in Jacks or Better is approximately 1 in 40,391 hands when playing optimal strategy. At 600 hands per hour, you would expect one Royal about every 67 hours of play. With a $1.25 max bet, the royal pays $1,000 (4,000 credits at $0.25 per credit).
Why does video poker have better odds than slot machines?▼
Video poker odds are mathematically determinable because the game uses a standard 52-card deck. Unlike slots where payback is hidden, video poker pay tables are visible and the probabilities are known. Full pay machines can return over 99% with optimal play.
What is the most common winning hand in video poker?▼
A pair of Jacks or better is the most common winning hand, occurring about 21.5% of the time. This represents almost half of all winning hands. High pairs (Jacks through Aces) occur more frequently than any other paying combination.
How do different pay tables affect video poker odds?▼
The pay table dramatically affects your expected return. In Jacks or Better, a 9/6 machine (9 for full house, 6 for flush) returns 99.54%, while an 8/5 machine returns only 97.30%. That's a 2.24% difference - on $1,000 wagered, you'd lose $22.40 more on the worse machine.
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).
Expected Return
97.27%
House edge: 2.73%
Game Variant
Jacks or Better 9/6 (Full Pay)
Selected pay table