| Updated: September 24, 2025Video poker fans looking for something new and challenging should try one of NetEnt’s most popular versions of this casino game: Joker Wild. This interesting variation of video poker uses a 53-card deck – all 52 standard cards plus a Joker that functions as a wild card.
Available in free-play mode or with bets starting at $/€0.10, Joker Wild by NetEnt is an excellent option for players willing to risk more for the chance to earn higher returns. In addition to its conventional gameplay, the game allows up to 25 hands to be played simultaneously.
Rules and Gameplay
Joker Wild follows the basic rules of video poker, with a few exceptions. Each hand is dealt from a separate deck of cards that includes all 52 cards, from Twos through Aces, plus a Joker. The Joker can substitute for any standard card in winning combinations.
Players can choose to play 1, 5, 10, or 25 hands at the same time and select both the number of coins and their value for each bet. They can hold or discard the cards they receive initially, and all cards chosen to be kept remain in the same position in every active hand for the second deal. All winnings are paid automatically, and they can be multiplied with the Gamble feature, which is available after each win and doubles the payout if players guess the color of a face-down card.
Paytable and Specific Features
| Hand | 1 coin | 2 coins | 3 coins | 4 coins | 5 coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Royal Flush | 400 | 800 | 1200 | 1600 | 4000 |
| 5 of a Kind | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Wild Royal Flush | 100 | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 10 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| 4 of a Kind | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
| Full House | 8 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 40 |
| Flush | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Straight | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 3 of a Kind | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 2 Pair | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Kings or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
The presence of the Joker drastically alters standard video poker, and to increase their chances of winning, players should adjust their strategy accordingly. As shown in the paytable, two additional winning hands can be formed here – Five of a Kind and a Wild Royal Flush (with a Joker).
Because winning hands are easier to form thanks to the Joker, the lowest-paying combination is Kings or Better, meaning a pair of Kings or a pair of Aces. Players do not receive a payout for a pair of Jacks or a pair of Queens. Additionally, the Two Pair hand pays the same as Kings or Better.
Conclusion
This variation of video poker features high-quality graphics and a convenient, easy-to-use layout, while the payouts for higher-ranking hands are very attractive. However, players should note that Joker Wild has an RTP of 97.95% when played with five coins and an optimal strategy.