The short and simple answer to the question “Can you cheat at video poker?” is: yes, you can. Technically, it’s possible to cheat at any casino game, even online casino games, though it’s much harder to pull off.
Sometimes, people use the word “cheat” or “hack” when they actually mean “tip” or “strategy.” But make no mistake, what we’re talking about here is actual cheating.
Depending on how and where you’re playing, there are ways players have tried to cheat at video poker to unfairly win money. Below, we go over the most common methods and the risks involved with trying them.
How to Cheat at Video Poker
If you’re wondering how can you cheat at video poker, here are some of the more well-known methods players have used, though we don’t recommend any of them.
Exploit Machine Glitches
One way people have answered “Can you cheat at video poker?” is by exploiting software or machine glitches.
For example, back in 2009, two men, John Kane and Andre Nestor, found a glitch in IGT’s The Game King machine. They used the Double Up feature to trigger random payouts, eventually winning over $500,000 between Nevada and Pennsylvania.
While prosecutors couldn’t convict them, both men lost their winnings and now owe large sums to the IRS. It’s a reminder that even if you find a way to cheat, the fallout can be just as big as the payout.
Pretend to Pay for Games
This old-school trick is sometimes used when people ask, “Can you cheat at video poker machines?”
Known as “fishing,” the trick involved inserting a coin and pulling it out quickly to make the machine think a game was paid for, granting a free round.
Today, modern machines that use electronic cards make this much harder to pull off. But some older or remote casinos may still have coin-operated machines where this method could work (though it’s still cheating).
Using Electronic Help with Strategy
Another method people consider when asking, “Can you cheat at video poker?” is by using outside electronic devices to help them with basic strategy or card counting.
While learning and applying basic video poker strategy is completely legal, using your phone or any device during real-money gameplay, especially in a casino, is not.
Think of it like using a banned calculator during a test. Except here, the punishment might be fines or arrest. So even if it’s a tempting shortcut, cheating this way is illegal and not worth the risk.
Should I Cheat at Video Poker?
Even though the question “Can you cheat at video poker?” has a technical “yes” answer, the better question to ask is, should you?
And the answer is: no.
Whether you’re playing at a brick-and-mortar casino or online, the consequences of cheating are serious. At best, you’ll be banned. At worst, you could face prison time. For example, in Nevada, tampering with a gambling machine can land you up to six years in prison.
So, is it worth it for a quick win? Not really. Because once you’re caught—and odds are, you will be—you’ll lose the money and gain a criminal record.
If you’re looking for ways to win at video poker, try learning legal strategies and improving your gameplay. Or maybe come up with the next Power Balance bracelet, just don’t rely on cheats.
