Best Video Poker Machines in Vegas Casinos - Your Experiences?

[jonfsnow]

Just got back from a Vegas trip, and I spent a good chunk of time hunting for the best video poker machines. I’m a bit of a Deuces Wild fan, so I was laser-focused on finding full-pay tables with solid returns. Let me share what I found.
At The Venetian, they had a bank of 9/6 Jacks or Better machines near the high-limit slots. The paytables were decent, around 99.5% RTP with perfect play, but the minimum bet was $1 per credit, which felt a bit steep for casual play. The machines were in great condition, and the area was quiet, so no complaints about the vibe. I played for a couple of hours and broke even, which I’ll take as a win.
Over at the Golden Nugget, I stumbled on some 8/5 Bonus Poker machines in the back corner of the casino. Not the best paytable, but the variance felt right for my bankroll, and I hit a few quads that kept me in the game. The downside? The machines were older, and one had a sticky button that drove me nuts. Still, the staff was quick to fix it when I flagged them down.
The real gem was at The D. They had a small row of 10/7 Double Bonus machines tucked away near the bar. These are rare in Vegas these days, and the RTP was pushing 100.2% with optimal strategy. I spent most of my last night there, and let’s just say I walked away with a smile. The only catch is the machines were 25-cent denomination, so you need a decent roll to play for long.
One thing I noticed across all three spots: always check the paytables before you sit down. Some machines look identical but sneak in worse payouts for flushes or full houses. Also, if you’re playing at a place with a players’ club, sign up. The comps add up, especially if you’re grinding for hours.
Curious what machines you all have been hitting in Vegas lately. Any hidden spots with great paytables I should check out next time?

 

[skips7]

Just got back from a Vegas trip, and I spent a good chunk of time hunting for the best video poker machines. I’m a bit of a Deuces Wild fan, so I was laser-focused on finding full-pay tables with solid returns. Let me share what I found.
At The Venetian, they had a bank of 9/6 Jacks or Better machines near the high-limit slots. The paytables were decent, around 99.5% RTP with perfect play, but the minimum bet was $1 per credit, which felt a bit steep for casual play. The machines were in great condition, and the area was quiet, so no complaints about the vibe. I played for a couple of hours and broke even, which I’ll take as a win.
Over at the Golden Nugget, I stumbled on some 8/5 Bonus Poker machines in the back corner of the casino. Not the best paytable, but the variance felt right for my bankroll, and I hit a few quads that kept me in the game. The downside? The machines were older, and one had a sticky button that drove me nuts. Still, the staff was quick to fix it when I flagged them down.
The real gem was at The D. They had a small row of 10/7 Double Bonus machines tucked away near the bar. These are rare in Vegas these days, and the RTP was pushing 100.2% with optimal strategy. I spent most of my last night there, and let’s just say I walked away with a smile. The only catch is the machines were 25-cent denomination, so you need a decent roll to play for long.
One thing I noticed across all three spots: always check the paytables before you sit down. Some machines look identical but sneak in worse payouts for flushes or full houses. Also, if you’re playing at a place with a players’ club, sign up. The comps add up, especially if you’re grinding for hours.
Curious what machines you all have been hitting in Vegas lately. Any hidden spots with great paytables I should check out next time?

1 𝕏 post
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Alright, let's dive into this. Your Vegas rundown is solid, and I appreciate the details on those paytables—checking those is half the battle. Since you’re chasing Deuces Wild and high-RTP machines, I’ll share some thoughts on bankroll management and a few spots I’ve hit recently, with a critical eye on what’s worth your time and what’s not.

First off, your find at The D with those 10/7 Double Bonus machines is legit. Anything over 100% RTP with perfect play is a unicorn these days, but here’s the catch: those 25-cent denominations can chew through your bankroll faster than you’d think if variance swings against you. I’d suggest setting a strict session limit—say, 100-150 units (so $25-$37.50 at a quarter per credit). That way, you’re not bleeding out chasing a royal flush that might not show. Also, with machines like that, avoid using your player’s card. Casinos track your play, and if you’re grinding positive EV games, they’ll cut your comps or even ban you. It’s not paranoia; it’s how they roll.

On The Venetian’s 9/6 Jacks or Better, 99.5% RTP is decent, but $1 per credit is a red flag for anyone not flush with cash. If you’re playing at that level, you need at least 400-500 units ($400-$500) to weather the swings, especially since Jacks or Better has lower variance but still bites if you hit a cold streak. My rule: if the minimum bet feels like it’s stretching your budget, drop to a lower denomination or walk. There’s no shame in playing nickels or dimes if the paytable’s still strong. You mentioned breaking even, which is great, but I’d cap your session time to avoid tilting into losses after a long grind.

The Golden Nugget’s 8/5 Bonus Poker is a pass for me. Anything under 99% RTP is a trap unless you’re just killing time with a small bankroll. Those older machines and sticky buttons don’t help—casinos know they can skimp on maintenance when the paytables are mediocre. If you’re set on Bonus Poker, hunt for 9/6 tables, which push closer to 99.6%. Your quad hits kept you alive, but that’s luck, not strategy. Next time, I’d allocate no more than 10-15% of your bankroll to machines like that and move on quick if they’re not paying.

Now, my recent experiences. I was in Vegas a couple of months ago, and I’m also a Deuces Wild guy, so I feel you on the hunt for full-pay tables. South Point is my go-to. They’ve got a bank of 9/6 Deuces Wild machines (100.76% RTP with perfect play) near the poker room, mostly quarter and half-dollar denominations. The vibe’s no-frills, but the machines are in good shape, and the paytables are untouched—rare for 2025. I played about 10 hours over two days, stuck to a $200 session bankroll, and walked away up $450 after hitting two wild royals. Key here: I used a stop-loss of $100 per session. If I dropped that, I’d take a break, grab a coffee, and reset. Keeps you from chasing losses.

Another spot worth checking is Plaza. They’ve got one full-pay Joker Poker machine (100.65% RTP) behind the sportsbook bar, quarter and dollar denominations. It’s a single machine, so you might have to wait, but it’s worth it. The strategy’s a beast to learn, but if you nail it, you’re in positive EV territory. I’d recommend practicing on a free app first—don’t wing it on a game like that. My bankroll approach there was 200 units ($50 at quarters), with a win goal of $150 per session. Hit that, and I’d pocket the profit and play with the original stake.

One place I’d skip: most Strip casinos. Your Venetian find is an exception, but places like Bellagio or Caesars often stick you with 7/5 or 8/5 Jacks or Better, barely scraping 97-98% RTP. They bank on tourists who don’t check paytables. If you’re stuck on the Strip, MGM Grand has some 9/6 Jacks or Better in their high-limit room, $5 minimum, but you need a deep bankroll—think $2,000 minimum to play comfortably.

A final tip: treat your bankroll like a sportsbook account. Split it into daily chunks (say, 20% of your total per day), and never dip into tomorrow’s funds. Also, track your sessions—wins, losses, hours played. I use a simple spreadsheet. It’s not sexy, but it keeps you honest and shows if you’re leaking money on bad machines. Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint, and those comps you mentioned only matter if you’re still in the game.

What’s your bankroll strategy when you’re hunting these machines? And anyone else got recent finds on full-pay Deuces Wild or other high-RTP games? I’m all ears for my next trip.