The 5 Best Video Poker Strategies

Samuel Kiprop
Written bySamuel KipropWriter

Want to shinda (win) at video poker in Kenya? Unlike pure luck games, video poker lets your skills boost your chances and your pesa (money)! A smart strategy is key to consistent wins, reducing the casino's edge and lining your pockets. Ready to turn video poker into a profitable game? We've got you covered. Find the best online casinos in Kenya offering video poker with great odds and secure M-Pesa deposits. Our guide reveals top strategies that work for Kenyan players, maximizing your winning potential. Play smarter, not harder! Discover which video poker variations offer the best payouts and learn how to use bonuses to your advantage. Let's get you winning real money today!

The 5 Best Video Poker Strategies

Strategy 1: Bet the Max to Chase That Royal Flush

When you sit down for a round of video poker, always play the maximum five coins. Why? Most machines boost that Royal Flush payout only when you fire off the full bet. Nail that top combo and you’re looking at a windfall that can make your session memorable—especially on progressive video poker where the jackpot climbs with every spin.

By betting max, you’re not just eying the Royal; you’re also lifting the overall payout percentage. Sure, it needs a beefier bankroll, but landing a Royal means you’ll thank yourself later.

Strategy 2: Read the Pay Table Like a Pro

Not all machines are created equal. Before you press "Deal," peek at the pay table. Those 9/6 games—where a full house pays about KSh 104 and a flush around KSh 83—give you a house edge as low as 0.46%. That’s poa compared to 8/6 or 9/5 variants, which hike up the house edge.

Pay tables can differ wildly, even on the same casino floor or mobile lobby. Scan each one, pick the best payouts, and you’ll boost your expected return every time you play.

Strategy 3: Lean on an Optimal Strategy Chart

Math never lies. An optimal strategy chart tells you exactly which cards to keep and which to ditch in any scenario—whether you’re on Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Double Bonus Poker or Aces & Eights.

You can find video poker games at regulated mobile casinos licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Many Kenyan-friendly sites even let you deposit via M-Pesa or Airtel Money.

If you’re eyeing Microgaming's video poker games, here are some standard house edges:

  • Jacks or Better: 0.46%
  • Aces & Eights: 0.91%
  • Deuces & Joker: 0.93%
  • All American: 0.62%
  • Deuces Wild: 3.23%

Brush up on hand rankings—like knowing you need at least two jacks to cash in Jacks or Better—and stick to the chart. It takes practice, but it slashes the house edge and ups your win rate.

Strategy 4: Keep Your Bankroll in Check

Set yourself a daily limit—say KSh 1,000—and only risk a small slice each hand (around 1–2% of your bankroll). That way, a short losing streak won’t wipe you out. Remember, gambling should be entertainment, not a payday. If you ever feel you’re chasing losses, call 0800 722 200 or visit Responsible Gaming KE.

Also, only gamble what you can afford to lose. If you’ve been spinning for a while with no luck, take a break. Step away, grab some nyama choma or catch the next EPL match, then come back fresh.

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How To Manage Your Mobile Casino Bankroll

Strategy 5: Know When to Pack It In

It’s easy to get hooked—especially after a big win. But setting win and loss limits in KSh helps you lock in profits and protect your stake. Decide, for example, you’ll quit once you’re up KSh 2,000 or down KSh 500. Hit either mark, and it’s time to walk.

And don’t forget to pause between sessions. Even a quick breather clears your head and stops sloppy decisions. Maintaining a cool, shwari mindset can be the difference between a bad session and a decent payday.

Common Slip-Ups to Dodge

Playing Too Many Hands: A common mistake you might make is firing at every hand dealt. Instead, fold the weak ones—focus on high-potential combos. Ignoring Bankroll Rules: Chasing losses by upping your stake is a sure way to go bust. Stick to your budget and resist the urge to top up mid-session. Skipping the Pay-Table Check: Always check for low-edge games. Machines with lousy payouts will eat your KSh faster than you can say "sasa."

18+ | Play responsibly – begambleaware.org

About the author
Samuel Kiprop
Samuel Kiprop
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Born in Nairobi, Samuel Kiprop expertly marries the world of online casinos with the pulse of Kenyan life. Fusing urban flair with cultural wisdom, he's a name to know in East African digital gaming.

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Why is it important to bet maximum coins when playing Video Poker in Kenya?

In Video Poker, especially if you're aiming for that big win in Kenya, betting the maximum coins is key. It significantly boosts your chances of hitting a Royal Flush, which means a much larger payout. Many online betting sites in Kenya offer bonus payouts specifically for Royal Flushes when you've placed the maximum bet. This is crucial for progressive jackpot games, where the jackpot keeps growing. While it needs a bigger starting stake, the potential rewards can be substantial, perhaps enough for that dream trip to Mombasa!

How does understanding the pay table help when playing Video Poker online?

If you want to play Video Poker smartly, understanding the pay table is absolutely crucial. It helps you see which machines offer the best odds and the highest potential payouts. Every machine has its unique pay table, showing you exactly what each hand will pay out. By checking these tables before you start playing, you can pick the machines that give you the best chance of winning. These tables also give you an idea of the house edge, so you can make more informed decisions about where to place your stake.

What is a Video Poker strategy chart, and how do Kenyan players use it?

A Video Poker strategy chart is like a cheat sheet that tells you which cards to hold and which to discard in every possible hand situation. These charts are based on complex calculations and can seriously improve your chances of winning by making sure you're making the best choices for each hand. You can find these charts online, and while they might take a bit of practice to use effectively, they can really lower the house edge.

Why is managing your bankroll important when playing Video Poker in Kenya?

Managing your bankroll is vital when playing Video Poker, especially if you're betting online in Kenya. It helps you avoid losing more money than you can afford. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Only gamble with money you're comfortable losing. Putting too much of your bankroll on a single hand can quickly wipe you out. Good bankroll management helps you ride out those losing streaks and gives you a better shot at long-term success.

When should a Video Poker player in Kenya decide to stop playing?

Knowing when to walk away is key in Video Poker. Before you start playing, set both a win limit and a loss limit. Once you hit either of those, it's time to stop. This helps you avoid chasing losses and ensures you don't spend more than you can afford, keeping your family's needs in mind. It's also wise to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep a clear head.

What common mistakes should Kenyan Video Poker players avoid?

Kenyan players often make mistakes in Video Poker, such as playing too many hands and not managing their bankroll properly. Be selective about the hands you play, as playing every hand can quickly lead to losses. Always stick to your budget and avoid chasing losses. Also, avoid machines with low payout percentages, as they have a higher house edge, making it harder to win in the long run.

How is Video Poker different from other online betting games?

Video Poker is different because it requires skill and strategy, not just luck, unlike many other online betting games. Your decisions actually affect the outcome, and a good strategy can consistently improve your chances of winning. Unlike games that are purely based on chance, Video Poker allows you to influence your success through smart choices.

Can Video Poker be a way to make money consistently in Kenya?

Yes, playing Video Poker can be a way to make some extra money if you play it right. Understanding pay tables, using strategy charts, and managing your bankroll can lower the house edge and improve your chances of winning over time. However, it takes discipline, practice, and making smart decisions. Don't rely on it as your only source of income, but view it as a way to potentially supplement your earnings.

Is it worth playing progressive Video Poker machines in Kenya?

Playing progressive Video Poker machines can be worth it, especially if you're betting the maximum coins. These machines offer jackpots that increase with each play, giving you the chance to win a significant amount of money. However, be aware of the odds and manage your bankroll carefully, as progressive machines often require larger stakes.

What role does strategy play in Video Poker games?

Strategy is extremely important in Video Poker. Using strategies like understanding pay tables, using strategy charts, and managing your bankroll can significantly reduce the house edge. Unlike games of pure luck, your actions and decisions in Video Poker can lead to better results.