Been chasing the perfect video poker trip lately, and I’ve got some spots worth checking out if you’re planning your next casino getaway. Video poker’s my thing—love breaking down the odds, tweaking strategies, and finding machines that don’t feel like they’re out to bleed you dry. Here’s a rundown of a few destinations that stand out for solid video poker action, based on my own trips and some digging into what’s out there.
Vegas is the obvious one, but don’t sleep on Downtown over the Strip. Places like the El Cortez or The D have 9/6 Jacks or Better and decent paytables—think 99.5% RTP if you play tight. The vibe’s less touristy, and you’re not dodging crowds to get to a good machine. Locals’ spots like South Point also get it right with full-pay Deuces Wild, which is rare these days. Just watch the denominations; higher stakes often mean better odds, but don’t overstretch your bankroll chasing that.
Reno’s another gem if you want something quieter. The Atlantis has a rep for player-friendly machines, like 8/5 Bonus Poker, and they’ve got a setup where you can grind without feeling rushed. Paytables are solid—around 98.5% to 99% if you know what you’re doing. Plus, the surrounding area’s got enough hiking and scenery to balance out the casino time, which I always appreciate.
If you’re thinking bigger resorts, Biloxi’s Beau Rivage surprised me. Their video poker selection’s strong, with 9/6 Double Double Bonus and good comps if you’re putting in hours. The Gulf Coast vibe’s a nice change from desert casinos, and the machines aren’t as stingy as some other southern spots. Expect 98.7% RTP on average with optimal play.
One tip across the board: always check the paytable before you sit down. A 9/6 machine can drop to 8/5 without you noticing, and that’s a hit to your edge. Apps like VPFree2 can point you to the best spots in real-time—saved me more than once. Also, don’t get suckered by progressives unless the jackpot’s high enough to flip the math in your favor. Stick to flat-top machines for consistent returns.
Where are you all headed next? I’m curious what video poker spots others are eyeing for their trips.
Vegas is the obvious one, but don’t sleep on Downtown over the Strip. Places like the El Cortez or The D have 9/6 Jacks or Better and decent paytables—think 99.5% RTP if you play tight. The vibe’s less touristy, and you’re not dodging crowds to get to a good machine. Locals’ spots like South Point also get it right with full-pay Deuces Wild, which is rare these days. Just watch the denominations; higher stakes often mean better odds, but don’t overstretch your bankroll chasing that.
Reno’s another gem if you want something quieter. The Atlantis has a rep for player-friendly machines, like 8/5 Bonus Poker, and they’ve got a setup where you can grind without feeling rushed. Paytables are solid—around 98.5% to 99% if you know what you’re doing. Plus, the surrounding area’s got enough hiking and scenery to balance out the casino time, which I always appreciate.
If you’re thinking bigger resorts, Biloxi’s Beau Rivage surprised me. Their video poker selection’s strong, with 9/6 Double Double Bonus and good comps if you’re putting in hours. The Gulf Coast vibe’s a nice change from desert casinos, and the machines aren’t as stingy as some other southern spots. Expect 98.7% RTP on average with optimal play.
One tip across the board: always check the paytable before you sit down. A 9/6 machine can drop to 8/5 without you noticing, and that’s a hit to your edge. Apps like VPFree2 can point you to the best spots in real-time—saved me more than once. Also, don’t get suckered by progressives unless the jackpot’s high enough to flip the math in your favor. Stick to flat-top machines for consistent returns.
Where are you all headed next? I’m curious what video poker spots others are eyeing for their trips.