Glossary

Shorthand for the full pay Jacks or Better paytable: 9 coins for Full House, 6 coins for Flush (per coin wagered). Returns 99.54% with optimal play.

Techniques that shift the mathematical edge from casino to player, including exploiting promotions, progressive jackpots, and variable-state machines.

A networked system where game outcomes are determined by a central server, typically used in Class II gaming where bingo results determine video poker displays.

Under IGRA, games based on bingo or similar formats. Class II video poker connects to central bingo games; the poker display is merely an 'entertaining representation' of bingo results.

Under IGRA, casino-style gaming including standard video poker with local RNG determination. Requires state-tribal compacts and offers genuine player skill impact.

The mathematical study of counting combinations. In video poker, it determines the 2,598,960 possible 5-card hands from a 52-card deck (52 choose 5).

The display technology used in early video poker machines. Si Redd's machines used CRTs to display virtual cards, replacing mechanical reels.

A video poker variant where all 2s act as wild cards, substituting for any other card. Full pay versions can return over 100% with optimal strategy.

A high-variance Jacks or Better variant with enhanced payouts for four-of-a-kind hands, especially with specific kickers. Popular among advantage players.

The average outcome of a decision calculated by multiplying each possible result by its probability. In video poker, every hold combination has an EV that determines optimal strategy.

The highest-paying version of a video poker variant. For Jacks or Better, full pay is 9/6 (9 coins for Full House, 6 for Flush). Term coined by gaming author Jean Scott.

IGT's iconic multi-game video poker platform introduced in the 1990s. Became the industry standard for video poker cabinets in casinos worldwide.

An independent testing laboratory that certifies gaming devices meet regulatory standards for RNG integrity, payout accuracy, and security.

The Gaming Laboratories International technical standard for gaming devices, specifying RNG requirements, payout calculations, and security protocols.

The defining feature of video poker where players choose which cards to keep (hold) and which to replace (draw). Introduced by Si Redd's 1979 Draw Poker machine.

The mathematical advantage the casino has over the player, expressed as a percentage. It's the inverse of RTP—a 99.54% RTP means a 0.46% house edge.

The 1988 federal law establishing the framework for tribal gaming in the United States, creating the Class I/II/III distinction that shapes video poker regulation.

The world's largest slot machine manufacturer, founded as SIRCOMA by Si Redd. Creator of the Game King platform and dominant force in video poker development.

The foundational video poker variant where a pair of Jacks is the minimum paying hand. The 9/6 'full pay' version returns 99.54% with optimal play.

Games where a single dealt hand is replicated across multiple lines (3, 5, 10, 50, or 100 hands), each drawing independently. Increases volatility dramatically.

The federal agency that regulates Class II gaming on tribal lands. Established by IGRA in 1988.

The mathematically correct play for every possible hand that maximizes expected value. Following optimal strategy achieves the game's theoretical RTP.

A discarded card that reduces the probability of completing a drawing hand. For example, discarding a suited card when drawing to a flush reduces flush completion odds.

The first true video poker machine, released by Dale Electronics in 1970. Featured CRT display but failed commercially due to player distrust of electronic shuffling.

A deterministic algorithm that produces sequences appearing random but generated from an initial seed value. All gaming RNGs are technically PRNGs.

A jackpot that increases with each bet until won, typically linked across multiple machines. Royal Flush progressives become +EV when the meter exceeds certain thresholds.

The algorithm that determines card outcomes in video poker. Modern RNGs cycle through millions of sequences per second, making prediction impossible.

The disproportionate payout for Royal Flush when betting maximum coins. At 5 coins, Royals pay 4,000 (800:1) vs. 1,250 (250:1) at 4 coins—adding ~1.3% to RTP.

The theoretical percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. A 99.54% RTP means for every $100 wagered, the expected return is $99.54. Also called 'payback percentage.'

The initial input used to start an RNG sequence. In gaming, seeds are typically derived from high-entropy sources like hardware noise or precise timing.

A system where game logic runs on central servers rather than individual machines. Allows remote game changes, dynamic configuration, and centralized control.

Any paytable below full pay. An 8/5 Jacks or Better machine is 'short pay' with reduced Full House and Flush payouts, dropping RTP to 97.30%.

Si Redd's Coin Machines—the company founded by Si Redd in 1978 that created the first successful video poker machines. Later renamed IGT (International Game Technology).

Casino loyalty programs that award points redeemable for cash, comps, or merchandise. Slot club returns can push borderline games into positive expectation.

A ranked list of hand types in order of expected value. Players compare their hand to the list from top to bottom, holding the first matching combination.

Legal classification for Class II gaming devices that 'assist' in playing bingo-based games. Video poker terminals in tribal casinos often qualify under this definition.

A cashless system where machines accept and dispense printed tickets instead of coins. Introduced in the 2000s, it dramatically increased hands per hour.

Early gambling devices placed in bars that awarded prizes (drinks, cigars) rather than cash. The 1891 Sittman and Pitt machine was a trade stimulator.

A variable-state video poker game where winning hands activate multipliers for subsequent hands. Creates advantage play opportunities when multipliers persist.

A game feature where current status affects future outcomes, creating potential advantage play opportunities. Examples include accumulated multipliers or bonus meters.

A measure of how much results deviate from the expected value. High variance games have larger swings between wins and losses. Deuces Wild has higher variance than Jacks or Better.

Often used interchangeably with variance, it describes the risk level of a game. High volatility means infrequent but larger wins; low volatility means frequent smaller wins.

Seeking out and playing machines left in a positive expectation state by previous players, such as Ultimate X with active multipliers.