If the video poker game does not feature a full-pay schedule, then you are most likely playing what is known as a lower paying video poker game. Modified pay tables are typically used in most casinos because they reduce the maximum payback percentage on that particular video poker machine. Conversely, this shifts the odds to favour the “house” (casino). This results in more income for that casino. Casinos on the Strip in Las Vegas as well as online ones are where you are most likely to find those lower paying video poker games.
The majority of the lower paying video poker games, like the full-pay games, typically feature Jacks or Better Poker. However, there are several versions offered, as follows:
9/5 Jacks or Better – the most common lower paying version of video poker
8/6 Jacks or Better – probably the second most common lower paying video poker game found in casinos
8/5 Jacks or Better – cuts the payout on a Full House 9 times your bet to 8 times your bet as well as cutting the payout on a Flush from 6 times to 5 times your bet
7/5 Jacks or Better – cuts the Full House payout from 9 times to 7 times your bet
6/5 Jacks or Better – the Full House payout is reduced from 9 times to 6 times your bet
Additionally, there are “progressive jackpot” video poker games, which have theoretical positive returns, provided the jackpot gets large enough and you play a sufficient amount of hands.