If you enjoy playing video poker, online casinos are an ideal choice. This game is available in most ZAR online casinos, offering a variety of video poker types for both free and real money play. To assist you in finding the best option, we’ve put together a list of the top online casinos for video poker in South Africa, along with their welcome bonuses for new players.
Best Video Poker Online Casinos In South Africa
Are you tired of spending countless hours researching the best video poker casinos that accept South African players? Your search is over! As experts in the casino industry, we have found the best video poker online casinos for you.
Video poker combines two popular casino games, poker and slots. It’s a poker-style game played on a slots-type machine and has become very popular at online casinos. Some casinos offer dozens of game variants for you to choose from.
Did you know that casino video poker offers a lower house edge than almost every other game? Keep reading to see our list of the top online video poker real money casinos, along with details on how the game works, the odds offered, and the available variations.
Top Online Video Poker Real Money Casinos For Mzansi Players In 2024
How We Rate And Choose The Best Video Poker Online ZAR Casinos
Our experts have conducted extensive reviews to identify the best casino sites for game selection, including video poker games catering to every player’s preferences in South Africa. At the end of the day, the best video poker site for you depends mainly on your personal preferences.
When compiling our above list of the best online casino video poker sites, we take into account various factors and have categorized them for your convenience. The more information you have, the easier it is to find the right online casino. Here are some of our most important rating criteria:
A Great Collection Of Online Video Poker Games
We ensure that every online casino in our top list offers a growing variety of video poker machines because it shows that they cater to all Mzansi players. The video poker selection should include famous games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild.
Trustworthiness And Security Measures
Recommending online casinos that we feel uncomfortable playing is not our style. We ensure that online casinos have proper licenses and conduct deep background checks to ensure that the people behind the scenes have not been associated with any blacklisted casinos in the past. We also conduct thorough security checks to ensure your details remain private.
Excellent Bonuses And Promotions
We want you to be able to make the most of the latest casino bonus offers when you play at any ZAR video poker casino online. We prefer online casinos that offer bonuses specifically for video poker, but such offers can be rare due to the popularity of slots and table games. So, we also consider the availability of general bonuses and carefully read the terms and conditions to ensure it has fair wagering requirements.
Fast And Convenient Payment Methods
We ensure that the online casino provides South African players with payment methods that allow them to deposit or withdraw winnings quickly and securely, preferably in Rands. Casinos that offer many safe and convenient options, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, receive higher ratings on our list.
Responsive Customer Support
When encountering an issue, reliable customer support is essential as it can greatly influence your online casino experience. Our experts carefully assess various factors, such as the expertise of customer service representatives, accessibility of the support team, response times, and availability, to select the best casinos for you.
Learn More About Video Poker With This Brief History
Video poker is a game like slot machines, based on five-card draw poker rules. The objective is to create the best possible five-card hand with the option to redraw once. You can select which cards to hold and which to discard to improve your hand.
In 1891, Sittman and Pitt developed the precursor to the modern slot machine, allowing poker to be played. However, the popularity of poker machines declined in 1895 when Charles Fey introduced the Liberty Bell slot machine.
The first true video poker machine was created in 1970 by Dale Electronics, and it gained popularity in 1979 when SIRCOMA introduced the hold-and-draw feature. Today, online casinos offer many video poker variations.
To start the game, you need to place a bet and then click the button to deal with your cards. You will receive five playing cards. After that, you can choose to keep any or all of your cards and have the rest discarded and replaced. This will be your final poker hand consisting of five cards, and you will be paid according to the payout table shown on the screen. Variations of the game may have different payout tables, affecting your strategy in deciding which cards to keep and which to discard.
The Reasons Why You Should Play Online Video Poker
If you’re new to the online casino scene, you might be wondering where to start or what to play. Video poker is one of the most popular and easy online casino games, making it a fantastic starting point. Here are our top reasons explaining why you should play it and why it’s likely to remain a firm favorite even if you decide to explore other casino games.
Super easy to play
Video poker is a casino game that involves skill rather than luck, making it easy to learn. Once you understand one video poker machine, you can apply the same basic principles to other variations. Strategy cards can be printed out for each variation, guiding you on which cards to keep or drop based on the hand you’ve been dealt. Easy!
Low house edge
The house edge is minimal in most video poker games. For instance, a full-pay “9-6” Jacks or Better game has a high return-to-player (RTP) of 99.54%. But did you know that playing optimally can give you a positive expected return on certain video poker games, such as Joker Poker? On that machine, you could experience an expected return of 100.64%.
Fantastic Payouts
Video poker casino games are all about creating the best possible hand, and you’ll be handsomely rewarded for landing a royal flush or straight flush. Most video poker machines offer a jackpot of 4,000 coins for an out-of-order Royal Flush. However, if your Royal Flush is in order, you could end up winning 10,000 coins instead.
The 5 Best Online Casinos For Mzansi Players Recommended by Our Experts
We aim to help you choose the best website. After conducting thorough research, our casino experts have selected the top 5 video poker casinos currently available in South Africa.
There is no wrong choice, and you can even try them all. You will find various video poker game variants, bonus offers, and great banking options at each casino. Take a closer look at them below.
YesPlay - One Of The Safest Casinos To Play Video Poker
Established in 2017, this online casino offers great bonuses, customer support, and an excellent collection of casino games. YesPlay also provides various worldwide Lucky Number lotto games. Based in the Western Cape, YesPlay mainly targets the South African market.
You can have a great time playing slots and table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. There are also live gaming options and video poker available. Slot games, in particular, are known for their excellent design and have been developed by top software providers like Red Tiger and NetEnt. YesPlay casino online is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. Its parent company, SA Sportsbook (Pty) Ltd, operates under the trade name YesPlay.
Pros
- It offers video poker games from top provider Evolution.
- You can play live video poker.
- High-quality live video poker game.
- You can play live video poker on your mobile on the go.
Cons
- There is no demo play.
- There aren't many available variants of video poker games.
Springbok Casino - A Fantastic Video Poker Selection
Springbok online casino has been in the gaming industry for over a decade. Established in 2012, the casino offers both download and no-download versions. It has a typical South African ambiance and a wide selection of video poker games, licensed by the government of Curacao, and all transactions are made in Rands, which is perfect for if you are a South African resident.
Mzansi players can enjoy over 200 casino games from Real Time Gaming, including popular table games, various video poker variants like Aces & Eights, Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better, specialty games, and slots. Springbok online casino provides excellent player support, a generous welcome bonus, and secure payment methods.
Pros
- Great selection of video poker game variants.
- You can try the games before playing with real cash.
- Video poker games are compatible with mobile devices.
- Video poker games with high RTP are available.
Cons
- There are no video poker progressive games.
- Only one video poker game provider.
Thunderbolt Casino - Electrifying Casino Games Lobby
Thunderbolt Casino fulfills the South African online casino scene. Its attractive look makes it a modern pick for casino Mzansi players. It offers fantastic bonuses for new players and high rollers, enables transactions in ZAR, and provides various payment methods. Don’t worry if you face any problems, support is one click away.
If you love to play video poker, you should visit this online casino. Powered by Realtime Gaming, it offers popular table casino games like blackjack and baccarat, slots, and various video poker variants like Sevens Wild, Joker Poker, and Loose Deuces. With the potential for you to win big, the thrill and excitement will never leave you at this online casino.
Pros
- You can play video poker on any device.
- You can find video poker games with high RTP.
- Some video poker games permit playing 52 hands simultaneously on a single bet.
- Demo mode is available.
Cons
- No video poker games from well-known game providers.
- Live video poker games are unavailable.
Tusk Casino - A Trustworthy Online Casino
Tusk is a new online casino with a rapidly growing collection of casino games from top software developers. It is licensed in Curaçao, and all its games are approved by eCOGRA, a highly respected independent auditor. This gives Mzansi players peace of mind when joining and making deposits, despite the casino being founded in 2020. The casino has a modern website optimized for mobile devices, letting you enjoy its great game portfolio.
Tusk casino online offers around 4000 titles, including a wide variety of video poker games. You can fund your casino account using many payment methods, and the casino supports half a dozen currencies for this purpose. Players who fund their accounts can also explore the live dealer section and enjoy games against real croupiers.
Pros
- You can try some video poker games before playing with real cash.
- Offers video poker games from top providers like Microgaming.
- You can easily filter through the video poker section.
- You can find live video poker variants.
Cons
- There is no video poker category in the menu for easy access.
- There are no progressive variants of video poker.
Yebo Casino - Bonuses That Enhance Your Gameplay
When you visit the Yebo online casino website, you’ll be impressed by its modern and elegant design, complete with attractive graphics and other elements. This online casino offers Mzansi players a good variety of casino game options, including slots, table casino games, and video poker, along with a couple of bonuses and strict playthrough requirements. Established in 2014, it has been serving players from South Africa ever since.
If you’re a video poker lover, you can choose from 15 different games with good Return to Player (RTP) rates, ranging from classic versions to more modern options. Some of the available options include Double Double Jackpot Poker, Aces and Eights, All-American Poker, and 777 Wild. On the video poker page, the casino also highlights the top winning values and top winners.
Pros
- The video poker games available have good RTP.
- Classic video poker versions are available.
- You can learn to play video poker by clicking the "practice" button.
- The shortcut button to the video poker category is in the menu.
Cons
- A tiny selection of video poker variants.
- There are no video poker-specific bonuses.
Real Money Vs Free Online Video Poker
Whether to play online video poker for free or with real money depends on what you want to get out of the game. Playing for free allows you to practice your strategies without the risk of losing money. On the other hand, playing with real money adds an element of risk, reward, and excitement. Both options have their benefits, and we have outlined them for you:
Real Money Video Poker
When you play with real cash, you can access multiple video poker variations that are unavailable in the free game.
Online casinos reward you with real money bonuses, including welcome and loyalty rewards.
The excitement of playing for real money prizes and a tempting progressive jackpot is unparalleled, adding an extra thrill to the game.
You have the option to try live dealer games and compete against a real dealer situated at a land-based casino.
Risk of loosing cash.
Free Video Poker
It is the perfect way to enjoy video poker for fun without worrying about spending cash.
Setting up free games couldn't be easier, as creating an account, signing up, or downloading any software is unnecessary.
It offers a unique chance to practice different video poker variants and try out new strategies. If you're a beginner, get used to the hand ranking chart and appreciate the odds of hitting a royal flush or four aces.
Like real cash games, you can enjoy free video poker on the road via apps and mobile casinos.
Not possible to win anything, because you're not playing with real money.
Playing Real-Money Video Poker
Video poker is a casino game that combines elements of slot machines and traditional poker. The goal is to make the best possible poker hand after being dealt five cards. You start by placing a bet and pressing the “deal” button to receive your cards. You then choose which cards to hold and which to discard by clicking on them. The machine replaces your discarded cards, and the final hand determines your payout based on the pay table. It’s important to understand the rules and hand rankings before you play. For a detailed guide, you can learn how to play video poker here.
Bonuses The Best Video Poker Casino Online Sites In South Africa Offer You
Online casinos, including video poker casino sites in South Africa, commonly offer attractive bonuses and rewards to attract new players to join and keep existing players engaged. These promotions can include generous sign-up bonuses for new players and various ongoing promotions for regular players. The goal is to encourage players to continue visiting the site by providing them with additional funds to play with.
These bonuses can boost your playing time and enable you to make riskier bets. Given that South African online video poker casinos offer multiple types of bonuses, let’s take a closer look at the available options.
Welcome Bonuses
Almost all video poker casinos offer a sign-up bonus to welcome new players. These promotions come in various forms, including deposit matches, cashback bonuses, and free spins, aiming to encourage new players to join.
Deposit Match Bonuses
This bonus is commonly offered by ZAR online casino sites to encourage you to fund your account. The casino agrees to match the funds you deposit to a specific amount. For example, if a casino offers a 100% deposit match of up to $1,000, it means that if you deposit $300, the online casino will give you an additional $300, boosting your bankroll to $1,000.
No Deposit Bonuses
These bonuses are hard to come by. Online casinos usually provide them to new players who have signed up but haven’t deposited any cash yet. These bonuses give you free credits to play games, but once the credits are used up, you may need to deposit cash to continue playing.
Ongoing Promotions
You can take advantage of ongoing promotions after claiming a welcome bonus. These promotions come in various forms, including rebates, deposit matches, free spins on new games, and cashback rewards.
Loyalty Program Bonuses
Many of the best South African VIP casinos online offer VIP or loyalty programs. By playing casino games, you can earn loyalty points, which allow you to unlock exciting rewards and perks as you climb up the ladder.
Referral Bonuses
Casinos online are constantly seeking new players to join their websites. One strategy they use to attract new sign-ups is by offering incentives to current players who successfully refer friends and family to join. Simply put, you receive a reward if you persuade someone you know to sign up with the casino and make a deposit.
The Best Payment Methods You Can Use At ZAR Video Poker Online Casinos
The best video poker online casino sites in South Africa provide several fast and safe payment options for you to use when depositing cash and withdrawing winnings. These offer convenience and allow you to use the option that works best for you.
Below, we explore the most popular payment methods in ZAR video poker online casinos and how they work.
Bank Cards
They are still a popular choice for online casino payments, especially for South African players, as many online casinos accept credit cards such as Visa, Discover, American Express, and MasterCard. However, only a few casinos allow these cards for withdrawals, and deposits usually involve transaction fees.
Wire Transfer
It’s not surprising that wire transfers are widely available at the top online casinos in South Africa. They are very popular among South African gamblers and allow larger deposits and withdrawals. However, it’s important to note that this method typically carries high transaction fees, and deposits and withdrawals can take over a week to process.
E-Wallets
A lot of Mzansi players prefer using e-wallet services for their enhanced security features. This method involves depositing cash from your bank account into your e-wallet and then transferring it to your video poker casino account. When making withdrawals, the process works similarly but in reverse, enabling you to transact without revealing your banking details. Moreover, e-wallet transactions are instant. Some popular e-wallet options include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.
EFT's
This is a payment solution designed exclusively for South African players. The payment system is a super-fast and secure payment service that accepts South African rands (ZAR). It includes Easy EFT, which is the most famous, Swiffy EFT, which is the most recent, and SiD Instant EFT, which is the most established.
Cryptocurrency
A number of the top online video poker casinos in South Africa accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin. You can add funds to your playing account using your crypto wallet, which functions like an e-wallet. Since cryptocurrencies are decentralized and not tied to financial institutions like banks, transactions are fast, free, and do not require additional documentation.
Play Video Poker Online Anywhere On Your Mobile
Many of the top-rated online mobile casinos in South Africa offer excellent mobile platforms in addition to their desktop versions. You can easily search, find, and download the app for your favorite ZAR casino from the AppStore or the PlayStore. In case a downloadable app is not available, the casino may provide a mobile-optimized website. In such situations, you can simply search for the casino site in your mobile web browser or click the instant play button on the online casino’s site.
These mobile online casinos make it easy to enjoy video poker from just about anywhere. The game operates the same way on your mobile device as on a computer. When you navigate to the video poker section of the casino, you can easily browse through the available options and select the game you want to play with a simple tap.
Playing video poker on mobile is both fun and convenient. While some find playing on a smaller screen bothersome, many players appreciate the convenience of enjoying the game without always needing access to a computer. Additionally, mobile casinos offer more accessible payment options, ensuring swift deposits and withdrawals.
Yebo app
250% Welcome Bonus
The Yebo casino mobile app provides an easy-to-use interface, allowing players to enjoy a wide variety of games anytime, anywhere. With fast loading times and smooth performance, it delivers a top-notch gaming experience on mobile devices.
Thunderbolt app
Welcome Package Up to R10,000
The Thunderbolt casino mobile app offers a user-friendly experience, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games on the go. With seamless navigation and fast gameplay, it ensures smooth access to slots, table games, and more on any mobile device.
Best Tips for Playing Online Video Poker
Online video poker combines elements of both luck and skill and understanding the nuances can significantly boost your chances of success. Like traditional poker, the decisions you make after being dealt your hand are crucial in determining the outcome. Before diving in, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the game’s rules, pay tables, and variations to ensure you make informed decisions and maximize your potential for a win.
When selecting a video poker game, always choose one with a high payout percentage. Pay attention to the pay table as it provides crucial information about potential payouts and game mechanics, such as the presence of wild cards. For beginners, practicing on free versions of the game is highly recommended before playing with real money. This approach helps players refine their skills and develop a feel for the game.
For more detailed strategies, check out our guide on winning video poker strategy.
FAQ
Is it safe to play video poker in online casinos in South Africa?
Playing at international online casinos is generally safe for South African players. These sites are known worldwide and hold valid gaming licenses. Choosing a trusted website, like those we recommend, ensures a secure online poker experience.
What's the best video poker game type at ZAR online casinos?
Each type of video poker is unique, and everyone has their favorite. New players typically enjoy Jacks or Better, as it’s the most straightforward version, while those seeking a different experience might prefer games with wild cards, like Deuces Wild. However, players aiming to win the most money should select the game type with the highest RTP.
Is video poker better than slots at an online casino?
We can’t say whether video poker is better than slots. Both games have their unique qualities and can be very rewarding. The preference between the two depends on the individual player and their understanding of the game.
Are video poker machines truly random?
Yes, video poker machines are truly random. In reputable online casinos, the machines utilize a Random Number Generator (RNG) to guarantee a random outcome. Furthermore, these RNGs are audited by gambling authorities to ensure the fairness of the games at all times.
Can I play video poker on ZAR mobile online casinos?
Of course, most software developers have adapted video poker games to work on smartphones and tablets. You can get the online casino app on your mobile device, select the video poker game you like, and start playing or playing through a mobile web browser.
Miona Ludoski
Miona is an iGaming specialist with over 5 years of experience in the gambling industry. Her extensive experience as a freelance content writer for some of the most reputable online casino review sites has given her invaluable knowledge and understanding of players' key needs. In 2022, she joined our company as a freelancer, where her systematic work and excellent organizational skills quickly led her to the position of Head of Content. Like many other industry experts, Miona is a true enthusiast for casino games, particularly live games, with Roulette being her favorite. She prefers slots with a bonus buy option, which underscores her value of time - not just in gambling, but also in business and life. Her enthusiasm and expertise significantly contribute to the quality of our content and player satisfaction. Miona believes that it is crucial for any respectable e-casino to offer not only diverse and exciting content but also security and transparency, which are the foundation of a favorable gaming experience.