In Video Poker, the “House Edge” tells you how much you will lose in the long run, but Variance tells you how likely you are to go broke before hitting a Royal Flush.
Two games might have the exact same 99% Return to Player (RTP), but require vastly different bankrolls. A “Low Variance” game like Jacks or Better is a smooth ride, while a “High Variance” game like Double Double Bonus is a rollercoaster of rapid losses followed by massive jackpots. Our Video Poker Bankroll Calculator analyzes the math behind the specific game you are playing to determine the exact bankroll size required to survive the session.
VP Bankroll Calc
How to Use the Video Poker Bankroll Calculator
This tool mimics the volatility profiles of the most popular machines found in Las Vegas and online. Here is how to configure your analysis:
- Select Game Variant: Choose the machine you intend to play.
- Jacks or Better (JoB): Choose this for a steady, low-volatility session.
- Double Double Bonus (DDB): Choose this if you are chasing big payouts on 4-of-a-kind hands (high volatility).
- Custom: If you know the specific Variance and RTP of a machine not listed, enter them manually.
- Select Denomination: Are you playing Quarters ($0.25) or Dollars ($1)? The calculator assumes “Max Bet” (5 coins), as playing fewer coins drastically reduces your RTP.
- Hands to Play: Estimate your session length. An average player plays about 500-600 hands per hour. A fast player can hit 800+.
- Analyze the Results: Focus on the “Required Bankroll (95% Safe)”. This is the amount of cash you need to bring to ensure you have a 95% chance of NOT going bust during this specific session.
Related Tools: If you are experiencing a brutal losing streak and want to know the odds of it continuing, use our Streak Calculator. To check if a machine’s paytable is fair compared to the standard, use the House Edge Calculator.
Real-World Examples: The Cost of Variance
Why does game selection matter? Let’s look at the math for two players with the same $0.25 denomination ($1.25 per hand).
Example 1: The Conservative Player (Jacks or Better)
You plan to play 2,000 hands (approx. 3-4 hours) of 9/6 Jacks or Better.
- Variance: Low (~19.5).
- Required Bankroll: The calculator will suggest roughly $250 – $300.
- Why: The frequent 2-pair payouts keep your balance steady, allowing you to play longer with less money.
Example 2: The Jackpot Hunter (Double Double Bonus)
You plan to play the same 2,000 hands on 9/6 Double Double Bonus.
- Variance: High (~42.0).
- Required Bankroll: The calculator will suggest roughly $450 – $550.
- Why: To pay for the massive “4 Aces with Kicker” jackpots, the game pays less for Two Pair (usually only even money). This causes your bankroll to drain much faster between big wins, requiring a larger safety net.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Variance in Video Poker?
Variance measures how far your results will swing from the average. A low variance game (like Jacks or Better) feels smooth—you win small amounts often. A high variance game (like Triple Double Bonus) feels “streaky”—you lose rapidly but have the potential for massive single-hand payouts.
Why does the calculator assume 5 coins?
In almost all Video Poker machines, the Royal Flush payout jumps disproportionately when you bet 5 coins (usually from 250-to-1 to 800-to-1). Betting less than 5 coins significantly lowers your RTP (Return to Player) and is considered a mathematical mistake.
What does “95% Safe” mean?
This calculates the bankroll needed to withstand 2 Standard Deviations of bad luck. Mathematically, this means that in 95 out of 100 sessions, you will not lose your entire bankroll. In the unlucky 5% of sessions, variance might exceed this limit.
What is the “Royal Flush Cycle”?
On a standard machine with optimal strategy, a Royal Flush occurs mathematically once every ~40,000 hands. The calculator shows you what percentage of a “Royal Cycle” your session represents, helping you manage expectations regarding hitting the jackpot.