What's the difference between video poker and casino poker for bonuses?

Video poker is often classified with slots and may contribute 15-25% toward wagering vs casino poker's 5-10%. Additionally, video poker (Jacks or Better) can have < 0.5% house edge with perfect strategy vs 2-5% for casino poker variants, making video poker vastly superior for bonus clearing.

Which casino poker variant is best for bonus clearing?

Ultimate Texas Hold'em offers the best combination of low house edge (2.2% with optimal play) and reasonable game speed. Avoid Caribbean Stud (5.2% edge) and progressive side bets which have house edges exceeding 20%.

Should I play progressive jackpot side bets during bonus clearing?

No. Progressive side bets in games like Caribbean Stud have house edges of 25%+ and will rapidly destroy your bonus value. Stick to the main game and master optimal strategy before attempting any bonus clearing.

Can I use poker strategy from traditional poker in casino poker?

Some concepts translate, but casino poker has very different optimal strategies since you're playing against the house with fixed payouts rather than competing against other players. Each variant requires memorizing its specific strategy chart for optimal play.

Is video poker worth learning for bonus clearing?

Yes, if you enjoy it. Full-pay Jacks or Better (9/6 paytable) has just 0.46% house edge with perfect play and may contribute 15-25% at many casinos. This makes it competitive with or better than slots for bonus clearing, with the added benefit of skill-based gameplay.

How do I know if I'm playing optimal strategy in video poker?

Memorize a strategy chart specific to your chosen game and paytable (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better). Free tools and apps can analyze your play and show mistakes. Even small strategy errors can increase the house edge by 1-2%, significantly impacting bonus value.

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Video Poker (< 0.5% Edge)

Best Poker Bonus Offers 2025

Q: Which casino poker variant is best for bonus clearing?

Ultimate Texas Hold'em offers the best combination of low house edge (2.2% with optimal play) and reasonable game speed. Avoid Caribbean Stud (5.2% edge) and progressive side bets which have house edges exceeding 20%.

Q: Should I play progressive jackpot side bets during bonus clearing?

No. Progressive side bets in games like Caribbean Stud have house edges of 25%+ and will rapidly destroy your bonus value. Stick to the main game and master optimal strategy before attempting any bonus clearing.

Q: Can I use poker strategy from traditional poker in casino poker?

Some concepts translate, but casino poker has very different optimal strategies since you're playing against the house with fixed payouts rather than competing against other players. Each variant requires memorizing its specific strategy chart for optimal play.

Q: Is video poker worth learning for bonus clearing?

Yes, if you enjoy it. Full-pay Jacks or Better (9/6 paytable) has just 0.46% house edge with perfect play and may contribute 15-25% at many casinos. This makes it competitive with or better than slots for bonus clearing, with the added benefit of skill-based gameplay.

Q: How do I know if I'm playing optimal strategy in video poker?

Memorize a strategy chart specific to your chosen game and paytable (e.g., 9/6 Jacks or Better). Free tools and apps can analyze your play and show mistakes. Even small strategy errors can increase the house edge by 1-2%, significantly impacting bonus value.

Sarah Mitchell

Chief Casino Analyst • 15+ years casino operations, Former Operations Manager at Betsson Group

•

January 11, 2024

•

Updated January 15, 2025

•12 min read

Compare the best Poker bonus offers from licensed casinos. Understand wagering requirements, contribution rates, and find bonuses optimized for Poker players.

Licensed Casinos

Low Wagering Options

Best Contribution Rates

Key Bonus Insights

Casino poker bonuses for variants (Caribbean, Three Card, Ultimate Texas Hold'em) typically have 10-15% contribution, similar to other table games
Video poker can contribute 5-20% toward poker bonus wagering depending on the variant, with Jacks or Better usually offering better contribution than bonus poker variants
House edge in casino poker ranges from 2-5% depending on the game and strategy, making it less favorable than blackjack for poker welcome bonus clearing
Many casinos group all poker variants together in poker bonus terms, but video poker and table poker often have drastically different contribution rates
Poker bonuses at online poker rooms (rake-based) function completely differently than casino poker bonuses and shouldn't be confused with poker sign up bonuses

Compare Poker Bonuses

Filter and compare casino bonuses optimized for Poker players. Check contribution rates, wagering requirements, and true bonus values.

Compare Casino Bonuses

Transparent comparison with real wagering requirements

Filter by:

BetUS

by Milvus Ltd.

4.5

•

75%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: 260% up to USD5000

Wagering

14x

Payout Speed

1-3 business days

True Value

$3500

Limited Time

Claim $5,000 VIP Bonus

BetNow

4.5

•

80%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: 125% up to USD3125 (10x bonus, 30d)

Wagering

10x

Payout Speed

1-3 business days

True Value

$2078

Limited Time

Claim $3,125 Bonus

BetWhale

by Wonder Play Company N.V.

4.5

•

80%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: 250% up to USD2500 (10x deposit depositx wager d)

Wagering

30x

Payout Speed

1-3 business days

True Value

$2038

Limited Time

Claim $2,500 Bonus

Ignition Casino

by Ignition Casino

4.5

•

70%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: 300% up to USD3000 (10x bonus, 14d)

Wagering

10x

Payout Speed

1-3 business days

True Value

$1995

Limited Time

Claim $3,000 Bonus

BetOnline

by BetOnline Sportsbook & Casino

4.2

•

75%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: 100% up to USD2500

Wagering

Payout Speed

1-3 business days

True Value

$1750

Limited Time

Claim $2,500 Bonus

BetMGM Casino

by BetMGM, LLC

4.5

•

90%

Bonus Offer

Contact casino for details

Wagering

30x

Payout Speed

1-2 days

True Value

$1200

Claim Welcome Bonus

DraftKings Casino

by DraftKings Inc.

4.5

•

90%

Bonus Offer

Reload: 100% up to USD1000 (1x bonus, 60d)

Wagering

Payout Speed

1-5 business days

True Value

$1200

Reload $1,000

Bet365 Casino

by Bet365 Group Limited

4.5

•

90%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: USD1000 Free Bet

Wagering

20x

Payout Speed

1-3 business days

True Value

$1200

New Player Offer

Claim Welcome Bonus

Borgata Casino

by MGM Resorts International

•

85%

Bonus Offer

Reload: USD100 Free Bet (1x bonus bonusx wager 30d)

Wagering

Payout Speed

24-48h

True Value

$1000

Claim Reload Bonus

BitStarz

by Dama N.V.

4.5

•

85%

Bonus Offer

Welcome: 100% up to BTC0 + 180 Free Spins (40x bonus, 30d)

Wagering

40x

Payout Speed

instant to 3 business days

True Value

$1000

New Player Offer

Claim 100% Match Bonus

Bonus Clearing Strategies for Poker

Expert tips to maximize your bonus value and complete wagering requirements efficiently

Strategy #1

Master optimal strategy for your chosen poker variant before attempting casino poker bonus clearing - house edge can vary by 2-3% based on decision quality

Strategy #2

Prioritize video poker variants with high RTP (99%+) like full-pay Jacks or Better when clearing your poker bonus, even if contribution rates are slightly lower than table poker

Strategy #3

Look for the best poker bonuses at casinos that separate video poker from slot contribution rates - some offer 20-25% for video poker vs standard 5-10% table game rates

Strategy #4

Avoid progressive side bets in games like Caribbean Stud with your poker welcome bonus, as these have much higher house edges (25%+) and will rapidly deplete your bonus value

Strategy #5

Track which casinos count different poker variants at different rates for your poker sign up bonus and build a rotation strategy targeting the best contribution/edge combinations

Strategy #6

Consider poker-specific promotions like bad beat bonuses or royal flush bonuses that can add value beyond the standard casino poker bonus structure

Pro Tip: These strategies work best when combined with proper bankroll management and understanding of the specific bonus terms. Always read the full terms and conditions before claiming any bonus.

Calculate Your Poker Bonus Value

Use our advanced calculator to determine the true value of any Poker bonus. Understand how wagering requirements, house edge, and game contribution rates affect your actual winnings.

Advanced Bonus Calculator

Calculate the true value of any casino bonus with our comprehensive calculator

Bonus Type

Deposit Amount ($)

Match Percentage (%)

Max Bonus ($)

Wagering Requirement (x)

Game Type

Bonus Amount

$100.00

Total to Wager

$7000.00

True Value

$0.00

(0% of bonus)

Calculation Breakdown

Deposit: $100 × 100% = $100.00
Bonus (capped): $100.00
Total to wager: ($100 + $100.00) × 35x = $7000.00
Expected loss (slots, 4.0% house edge): $280.00
True value: $100.00 - $280.00 = $0.00

Quick Presets

Note: The calculator automatically accounts for Poker's house edge and typical contribution rates. For most accurate results, check the specific bonus terms at your chosen casino as contribution rates can vary significantly.

Quick Game Rules

Casino poker includes variants like Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold'em where you play against the house, not other players. Each variant has unique rules and strategy.

Key Rules

Casino poker is player vs house, unlike traditional poker which is player vs player

Three Card Poker has simple strategy but ~3.4% house edge on Ante bet

Caribbean Stud has ~5.2% house edge and requires folding often

Ultimate Texas Hold'em has ~2.2% edge with optimal strategy

Video poker (Jacks or Better) can have < 0.5% edge with perfect play

Why This Matters for Bonuses

Casino poker contribution rates vary dramatically by variant and casino. Video poker often gets 15-20% contribution (treated differently than table poker's 5-10%), making it preferable for bonus clearing despite requiring perfect strategy memorization.

House Edge & Bonus Value

Base House Edge

2-5%

With optimal strategy

Impact on Bonuses

Varies widely by game. Ultimate Texas Hold'em at 2.2% on $150,000 (30x × 10 on $500) means ~$3,300 in expected losses. Video poker at 0.5% on same volume means ~$750 losses.

Profit Potential

Video poker with perfect play can approach break-even with large bonuses. Casino poker variants have too high house edges (2-5%) combined with low contribution rates to be profitable for standard players.

Important: Even with low house edge, bonus clearing requires careful bankroll management and understanding of contribution rates. Always check the full bonus terms before playing.

Types of Poker Bonuses

Different casino bonus types and what they mean for Poker players

Welcome Bonus

Casino poker welcome bonuses with 100% match up to $500-$1000 and 30-35x wagering. Casino poker contributes 5-10% while video poker may contribute 15-25%, making video poker vastly superior for poker bonus clearing.

Video Poker Bonus

Specialized video poker bonuses that classify video poker separately from table poker, often with 20-25% contribution. Combined with < 0.5% house edge makes these highly valuable poker bonuses.

Reload Bonus

Weekly poker reload bonuses of 25-50% up to $250 with 25-30x wagering. Smaller size makes 5-10% contribution more manageable for casino poker variants with these poker bonuses.

Cashback Bonus

Poker cashback bonuses with 10-20% losses returned and 0-5x wagering. Given poker's 2-5% house edge, cashback provides reliable value without punitive contribution rate issues on casino poker bonuses.

No Deposit Bonus

No deposit poker bonuses with $10-$25 free and 50-60x wagering. Useful for testing poker variants and learning strategy risk-free before committing to larger deposit poker bonuses.

How to Claim Poker Bonuses

Step-by-step guide to getting your bonus and meeting wagering requirements

Featured Top Rated Casino

BetMGM Casino

4.5/5

Trust Score

90/100

Current Offer

Contact casino for details

30x wagering30 days validity$1200 true value

Step-by-Step Claiming Process:

1.
Register Account: Sign up with accurate details. Check if the casino separates video poker from casino poker in poker bonus terms - this dramatically affects contribution rates for your casino poker bonus.
2.
Review Poker Variant Contributions: Verify contribution rates for each variant when claiming your poker welcome bonus: video poker (15-25%), casino poker (5-10%). Choose your primary game before depositing to ensure favorable poker bonus terms.
3.
Make Deposit: Deposit your amount and enter poker bonus code if required. Ensure your chosen poker variant is eligible for the poker sign up bonus - some exclude video poker entirely.
4.
Receive Bonus: Your poker bonus credits to your account. Double-check which poker games count toward wagering and at what percentage - this varies widely between casinos for casino poker bonuses.
5.
Play Your Chosen Variant: Video poker players: use perfect strategy for your chosen game (Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, etc.) to maximize your poker bonus value. Casino poker players: learn optimal strategy for your variant (Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Three Card Poker).
6.
Meet Wagering Requirements: Video poker with 20% contribution requires 150x effective wagering (30x ÷ 0.20) for your poker welcome bonus. Casino poker at 10% requires 300x effective wagering. Plan accordingly based on your chosen game.
7.
Withdraw Winnings: Request withdrawal once poker bonus requirements are met. Video poker players may face additional scrutiny to verify strategy was used correctly (no advantage play). Complete KYC promptly.

SSL Encrypted Licensed & Regulated Fast Payouts

General Claiming Process

Choose Video Poker

If available, always choose video poker over casino poker for your poker bonus clearing - the combination of better contribution rates (15-25% vs 5-10%) and lower house edge (< 0.5% vs 2-5%) is unbeatable.

Master Strategy

Master optimal strategy for your chosen game before attempting poker bonus clearing - strategy errors in video poker can increase the house edge by 1-2%, destroying your poker welcome bonus value.

Avoid Side Bets

Avoid progressive side bets in casino poker variants when clearing your casino poker bonus - these have house edges of 20-30% and will rapidly deplete your poker bonus funds.

Consider Alternatives

Consider whether a poker bonus is worth pursuing at all - cashback offers often provide better value for poker players given the restrictive contribution rates for poker sign up bonuses.

Explore More Table Game Bonuses

Discover other table games with great bonus offers and favorable wagering conditions

🃏

Blackjack Bonuses

Lower house edge with similar contribution rates

Table Game

🎰

Video Poker Bonuses

Often classified separately with better contribution

Table Game

🎥

Live Casino Bonuses

Live dealer casino poker variants

Bonus Type

🎁

No Deposit Bonuses

Try poker variants risk-free with no deposit

Bonus Type

Can't find what you're looking for? Browse all bonus categories

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Resources

This article references the following authoritative sources for accuracy and credibility:

Disclosure: External links are provided for informational purposes and include rel="nofollow" attributes. We are not affiliated with these organizations.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Chief Casino Analyst

15+ years casino operations, Former Operations Manager at Betsson Group

Sarah spent 8 years as Casino Operations Manager at Betsson Group (2012-2020), directly overseeing bonus program design and player retention strategies. She has personally tested and documented over 500 casino bonuses across 200+ operators. In 2019, Sarah identified and exposed hidden wagering terms that affected 50,000+ players, leading to industry-wide transparency reforms. Her expertise in bonus mathematics has been cited by the UK Gambling Commission in regulatory guidance documents.

Areas of Expertise

Bonus AnalysisWagering RequirementsCasino OperationsPlayer Value AssessmentRegulatory Compliance