Video poker’s a bit like that awkward cousin who always has the best stories—just when you think you’ve got it sorted, they pull out some wild twist. At Howzit, the game’s been tweaked to keep things fresh, with a decent return-to-player (RTP) of around 98.5% for their classic 9/6 Jacks or Better variant, which means every £100 you bet, you can expect to get back roughly £98.50 over time if you’re lucky. The site’s also got some low-stakes tables where you can start with just £0.20 per hand, perfect if you’re testing the waters without breaking the bank. I’ve played a few rounds here and there, and the payouts are quick—usually within minutes—so no waiting around like some other places.
The key here is to treat video poker like a bit of a maths puzzle: spot the patterns, avoid the traps, and don’t let your emotions get in the way. Howzit’s licensed by the UKGC, so you’re safe from dodgy practices, but that doesn’t mean you should just hit ‘deal’ and hope for the best. Even with a small bankroll, smart moves can turn those £0.20 bets into something more meaningful over time.
What’s the minimum deposit and how does it stack up against other sites?
At Howzit, the minimum deposit is £20—nothing too flashy, but it’s fair enough for someone on a budget. That’s better than some places where you’re expected to splash out on high minimums just to play properly. The good news is that even with £20, you can get stuck into low-stakes tables like the 9/6 Jacks or Better game at £0.20 per hand. That’s not much per hand, but if you play it right, it adds up over hundreds of hands.
I tried depositing £20 once and played a few hundred hands at that low limit—no rush, no stress. The RTP is solid (98.5%), so even if you’re not winning big every time, the long-term maths works in your favour.
How do I choose between different video poker variants?
There are loads of variants out there—Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus—but at Howzit, their 9/6 Jacks or Better is where most players start because it’s simple and has a decent RTP of 98.5%. If you want more action, Double Bonus Poker pays out better (up to 100x your bet for four aces), but it’s trickier to master.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Jacks or Better (9/6): RTP ~98.5%, easy to learn.
- Bonus Poker: RTP ~97%, pays for four aces but needs discipline.
- Double Bonus Poker: RTP ~96%, higher payouts but more complex rules.
If you’re new to video poker, stick with Jacks or Better until you’ve got the hang of it.
How do I calculate my bankroll properly?
Bankroll management is all about not letting one bad hand ruin your whole session. At Howzit’s low-stakes tables (£0.20–£1 per hand), aim to have at least five times your maximum bet in your account before playing.
For example:
- If your max bet is £1 per hand at a £0.20 table, have at least £5 in your account.
- If you’re playing Double Bonus Poker at £1 per hand (RTP ~96%), double that amount—£10 minimum.
I once played with just £3 and got lucky for a bit before things turned sour fast. Not ideal! Stick to what feels safe—better to play conservatively than risk losing everything in one go.
What’s the best way to approach hands?
The golden rule? Know when to hold and when to fold. Here’s how I break it down:
- Hold pairs: Hold any pair unless it’s two deuces (the worst pair).
- Flush draws: If you’ve got four cards to a flush (like two hearts), hold unless it’s weak.
- Straight draws: Hold unless they’re weak (e.g., only one card left).
- Full houses: Always hold unless they’re terrible (e.g., K-K-7-7).
Avoid chasing straights or flushes unless they’re strong—those are high-risk bets that can backfire fast.
Do free spins count towards my bankroll?
Free spins are great for testing strategies without risking real money—but they don’t count as part of your bankroll for long-term play. Use them sparingly if you’re trying to build up stats or just trying new moves.
At Howzit, free spins often come with bonus rounds or multipliers that don’t affect your real-money bankroll directly. Stick them for fun or practice until you’ve got the hang of things.
How long should I play before expecting wins?
Video poker isn’t about luck—it’s about skill over time. For a decent return on RTP 98.5%, expect to play around 50–100 hands before seeing meaningful results.
I once played 47 hands straight without winning anything except small side bets—I was bored! But after 100 hands or so, if you follow rules properly, wins start stacking up.
What’s the wagering requirement for bonuses?
Most video poker games at Howzit don’t have wagering requirements because they’re cash games—not promotions tied to deposits or reload bonuses. That means no need to wager your winnings back; just enjoy playing!
If there were wagering rules (unlikely here), they’d usually be strict—like 5x your bonus amount—but since this isn’t an organisation promoting cashback or reloads, focus on playing well instead.
One last tip: Play tight in early rounds
Start by sticking close to perfect strategy until you’ve played enough hands to spot patterns in how cards fall. Don’t go chasing every draw right away—let yourself warm up first.
Howzit’s got plenty of tables open at once; pick one and stick with it until your instincts feel sharper than my local pub gossip!
