Video poker is an engaging blend of skill and chance that attracts millions of casino fans with its simplicity and low house advantage. The game is a simplified version of the widely played five-card draw poker. The goal for video poker players is not to beat their opponents’ hands but to complete one of the qualifying winning hands listed in the game’s paytable. There is a high demand for video poker because it is one of the few casino games where strategic play can actually give players an edge over the house.
All of these factors have cemented video poker’s status as an absolute requisite in land-based and online casinos alike. However, playing the game online offers a number of perks, starting with greater convenience and flexibility. You can chase the Royal Flush that every player craves whenever and wherever you like, as most online casinos provide the game on both mobile and desktop.
One of the biggest advantages of playing video poker for real money on your desktop computer or portable device is that you get to claim generous rewards from the very moment you sign up. One such reward is the so-called No Deposit bonus, which new players receive immediately after registration. It adds extra value to your gaming session and provides an opportunity to play a few video poker hands in a risk-free manner.
What are No Deposit Bonuses and How to Claim Them?
No Deposit bonuses are exactly what their name suggests. These promotional offers are extended to new players who open real-money accounts at specific online casinos. Registration is quick and easy to complete, as you are only required to fill out a form with personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, email and telephone number. It is important to note that the information provided during registration must be accurate and valid – otherwise, the bonus credits will be forfeited and the player will not be eligible to participate in the promotion.
Once players have completed their registration, they can opt in to the No Deposit bonus without having to make any payments into their new account whatsoever. There are no strings attached – you receive the bonus funds for free to try the operator’s games in a risk-free manner. Newcomers are usually expected to opt in to the bonus incentive by entering a valid promotional code.
Another thing to bear in mind is that there is a predetermined period in which to claim the No Deposit bonus. The time frame is normally around 48 hours after signing up with a real-money account, but this may vary depending on the operator. Also, if left unused, the bonus credits are removed from the new player’s account.
The amount of the bonus is typically small, as players receive between £5 and £10 in free play, although some casinos may award larger sums. The purpose of the No Deposit bonus is to enable newcomers to try the available games for free, familiarise themselves with the interface and software, and perhaps encourage them to make a deposit later and continue playing at the casino.
The greatest advantage of the No Deposit bonus is that inexperienced players have nothing to fear because no risk to their own funds is involved. It also helps players decide whether online gambling is a suitable pastime for them and allows them to test the casino’s software without risking any money in the process.
Playthrough on No Deposit Bonuses
One of the main pitfalls regarding No Deposit bonuses is that many players tend to skip reading the terms and conditions pertaining to the promotional offer. It stands to reason that, when it comes to online casinos, there is no such thing as a free lunch and there are certain conditions set forth by gambling operators that players are required to meet.
One of these conditions concerns the qualifying games that can be played with the bonus credits; typically, these are titles that favour the operator, where players have a smaller chance of winning. If you are interested in playing video poker in particular, it is highly recommended that you first check whether the No Deposit bonus at your preferred online casino can be used for this type of game.
The other condition relates to the wagering requirements imposed on the profits players generate with the free credits. In most cases, players are expected to wager any amount they have won with the bonus a specified number of times before they can request a withdrawal.
For example, if a player has accumulated net profits of £20 with their No Deposit bonus and there is a 30x playthrough attached to the offer, this sum will be released from their bonus balance only after the player has wagered at least £600 of their own money at the casino. If a withdrawal is attempted before the playthrough is cleared, the bonus along with the winnings will be forfeited. Players are granted a set period in which to clear their playthrough, and if the wagering requirements are not met within the designated time frame, the profits are declared void.
Another point worth mentioning is that the amount of winnings you can withdraw is normally capped at a specific sum. This limit varies from one operator to another and is stated in the promotion’s terms and conditions. Any winnings that exceed this amount will be voided once the player requests a withdrawal.
Mobile Video Poker
Play Video Poker on iPhone
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Playtech Video Poker
Microgaming Video Poker
Best Video Poker Casinos Offering No Deposit Bonuses
When choosing an online casino to register with, video poker fans should first ensure the operator is trustworthy and safe to bet with. Those interested in this particular type of game should also check the operator’s gaming library to see whether its video poker collection is diverse enough and features their preferred variations.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of online casinos, and those who are new to online gambling often experience difficulties in weeding out the reliable operators from the rogues. To aid players in making a decision, we have compiled a list of five renowned online casinos where newcomers are welcomed with No Deposit bonuses upon signing up. Read the brief overviews below to see which operator suits you best.
Hippodrome Casino
At Hippodrome Casino, the team truly understands the thrill online gaming has to offer, and players who register there can choose from over 450 world-class casino games powered by Microgaming. These include classics like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, live-dealer Texas Hold’em, multi-line and progressive slots, and of course video poker. Fans of the game are spoiled for choice with over fifteen variations, including all-time favourites such as Double Bonus Poker, Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Joker Poker, and Aces and Eights, to name just a few.
Players who register at Hippodrome Casino will benefit from efficient customer support at all times, a fair and secure gaming environment, a wide range of reliable payment methods, and a unique rewards scheme that earns them loyalty points each time they play.
Newly registered members receive £10 in free casino credits without making a deposit. Withdrawals from this bonus are limited to £50, and a 100x playthrough requirement applies before any profits can be cashed out.
Paddy Power
Launched in 2004, Paddy Power is one of the biggest online gambling operators in Ireland, with an extensive product offering that features virtual and live-dealer casinos, a sportsbook, a bingo room and a poker platform. The casino runs on software developed by Playtech and is available in both downloadable and instant-play formats, while betting on the go is also an option.
Players benefit from registering at Paddy Power in more than one way, as the casino accepts various dependable payment methods, supports major currencies such as GBP and EUR, provides excellent customer support, and ensures quick withdrawals at all times. What further boosts Paddy Power’s integrity are its licences from the UK Gambling Commission and the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.
Gaming diversity is yet another strong point of Paddy Power, as its portfolio features a vast range of slots, card and table games, and over ten video poker variations, including classics such as Jacks or Better, Pick’em Poker, Tens or Better, Deuces Wild and Aces and Faces. It is possible to enjoy these games in single-hand and multi-hand formats. The ten-line variant of Jacks or Better and the Megajacks game both feature huge progressive jackpots.
New customers are greeted with a £10 No Deposit bonus to test the games in a risk-free manner. Players have 72 hours after registering to claim the bonus and must comply with a 40x playthrough before they are allowed to cash out their winnings.
32Red
If you are looking for a safe gambling environment, lucrative promotional offers, unparalleled gaming diversity, and secure, timely payments in different currencies, 32Red Casino is the place to go. The operator has enjoyed an excellent reputation among UK players ever since it first launched its website back in 2002.
The casino supports both desktop and mobile play on devices running iOS, Android and Windows. Players can enjoy over 600 games in instant-play mode without having to install any native casino software on their desktop computers. Whatever your individual preferences, 32Red caters to all types of players, offering hundreds of video slots, a wide range of table and card classics, and various live dealer games. The needs of video poker fans are not overlooked, either, as 32Red is home to an impressive collection of variations, including the progressive Jackpot Deuces.
The operator rewards new players for signing up with a £10 No Deposit bonus, available immediately after registration. Newcomers can win up to £100 and withdraw their net profits as soon as they clear the 50x wagering requirement attached to the bonus.
888casino
With twenty years’ worth of experience in the industry, 888casino has earned an enviable reputation as a premier online gambling destination for millions of players around the world. The casino is home to hundreds of premium games, many of which have been created by the brand’s in-house team of software developers. However, some titles in 888casino’s collection are courtesy of renowned software developers like NetEnt, Random Logic, and Amaya.
Players get to choose from an impressive selection of advanced and classic slots, some of which have huge progressive jackpots. These sit alongside various authentic table games such as baccarat, roulette and blackjack, but there is also the option to play against professional dealers in the Live Casino. Video poker fans will not be disappointed, either, since 888casino offers a wealth of variations to choose from, including classics like Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, All American Poker, and Joker Wild.
New players are eligible for an amazing No Deposit bonus of up to £888 in free casino credits. Once registered, newcomers need to check their emails and opt in to the promotion, where they will have the opportunity to spin a wheel containing different prizes that start at £15. The bonus must be claimed within 48 hours of signing up with a real-money account, and winnings are capped at £500. Players are required to meet wagering requirements of 30x the bonus amount before they can request a withdrawal of their winnings.
BGO Casino
BGO Casino debuted on the online gambling scene in 2012 after receiving licences from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and the UK Gambling Commission. Despite being a newcomer to the industry, the operator quickly cemented its position thanks to its swift and fair withdrawals, extensive gaming selection, multiple currencies, generous promotional incentives and friendly customer support. Players are granted access to their favourite games around the clock and from all locations since BGO supports both desktop and mobile play.
The operator offers a comprehensive collection of games that attracts players with outstanding quality, authenticity and an intuitive interface. Some of the biggest names in the industry, like NetEnt, Microgaming, and IGT, have contributed to the portfolio, which spans a broad range of video slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and video poker games.
New players truly receive the royal treatment at BGO, as they are rewarded for registering with a fantastic £10 No Deposit bonus. The maximum winnings that players can claim from this offer are capped at £100 and will be released from their bonus balance after they complete a 50x playthrough.