| Updated: Video 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 consisting of 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/€0.10, Joker Wild by NetEnt is an excellent option for players seeking 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 containing all 52 standard cards, with ranks 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 initially receive, and all cards chosen to be kept remain in the same position in every active hand during the second deal. All winnings are paid automatically and can be multiplied using the Gamble feature, which is available after each win and doubles the payout if players correctly 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 | 100 | 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 significantly alters standard video poker, so players should adjust their strategy accordingly to increase their chances of winning. As shown in the paytable, two additional winning hands can be formed: Five of a Kind and a Wild Royal Flush using a Joker.
Because the Joker makes winning hands easier to form, 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 Queens. Additionally, a 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. It also offers attractive payouts for higher-ranking hands. However, players should note that Joker Wild has an RTP of 97.95% when played with five coins and an optimal strategy.