The following is a list of payout schedule for the most popular versions of video poker. Any sub-optimal play will results in a lower expected payout.

And, in order to receive the theoretical payout in the long-run, you have to play the game perfectly. Most video poker machines offer the highest payback percentage only if the maximum number of credits is bet. The machines that offer the highest payouts for that type of game are called 'full pay' games. Some games offer higher payouts than others. The second way video poker machines differ from each other is the payout schedule that is used in the game. Other variations include: Joker's Wild, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, and others. One popular variation is 'Deuces Wild', where a '2' serves as a wild card. 'Jacks or better' is the most popular form, and was the original form, of video poker. Most video poker machines are based on the 'Five Card Draw' version of poker, but some machines may offer variations of the game.

There are two ways that video poker machines differ from each other.

Odds of five kind in video poker