Online Deuces Wild is video poker in which all four 2s are wild, so three of a kind is the lowest paying hand and five of a kind becomes possible. RealTime Gaming's version is reported at 97% to 99% RTP by a third-party source, which means its pay table sits below the famous full-pay version. Here's how to read it, play it and price it.
RTG's Deuces Wild was released in 2016 and is reported at 97%–99% RTP (third-party), with a top prize of 4,000 coins on a five-coin natural royal flush, or 800x the bet.
Wild 2s make strong hands common, so pairs and two pair pay nothing; three of a kind is the minimum win.
Full-pay Deuces Wild returns about 100.76% with perfect play (computed for standard rules), but RTG's reported range is lower, so the house keeps an edge.
Strategy depends first on how many deuces you hold; never discard a deuce.
Partner casinos are offshore and not licensed by any US state; check your state's law first.
Developer
RealTime Gaming (RTG)
RTP
97%–99% (GamesHub, third-party)
Released
July 1, 2016 (SlotCatalog)
Max win
4,000 coins on a five-coin royal flush (800x the bet)
Main feature
Five-of-a-kind payout
Volatility
Not published
What is online Deuces Wild?
Deuces Wild is draw-poker video poker with one big twist: every 2 acts as a wild card that can stand in for any card. You're dealt five cards, hold what you want and draw once. Because four wild cards make strong hands far more common, the pay table starts at three of a kind and adds hands regular poker doesn't have, such as five of a kind and a wild royal flush.
SlotCatalog dates RealTime Gaming's version to July 1, 2016 and lists a 4,000x top prize, which is the coin count: a five-coin natural royal flush pays 4,000 coins, or 800x the bet. GamesHub gives its RTP as a 97% to 99% range (opens in a new tab), a third-party figure, while SlotCatalog shows none. A range usually means the result depends on the pay table or the player's strategy; RTG's exact table isn't published in our sources.
How wild deuces change the hands and the pay table
With four wild cards in the deck, the usual poker ladder shifts. Pairs and two pair no longer pay, because they're too easy to make. At the top, a natural royal flush (no deuces) and four deuces sit above everything else, and a royal made with deuces pays far less.
Full-pay Deuces Wild pay table, a standard reference (coins won)
Hand
1 coin
5 coins
Win on a $1.25 bet
Natural royal flush
250
4,000
$1,000
Four deuces
200
1,000
$250
Wild royal flush
25
125
$31.25
Five of a kind
15
75
$18.75
Straight flush
9
45
$11.25
Four of a kind
5
25
$6.25
Full house
3
15
$3.75
Flush
2
10
$2.50
Straight
2
10
$2.50
Three of a kind
1
5
$1.25
This is the standard full-pay schedule, shown so you know what to compare against. A natural royal at five coins pays 4,000 coins, which is 800 times a five-coin bet, so the 4,000x figure is a coin count. Check RTG's paytable on screen: if any line pays less than above, the return is lower.
Deuces Wild RTP: full pay vs RTG's reported range
Deuces Wild is famous because the full-pay table returns slightly more than 100% with perfect play. That number is real but narrow: it needs flawless strategy, five-coin bets and that exact pay table. RTG's version is reported at 97% to 99%, so the house keeps an edge of roughly 1% to 3%.
Deuces Wild returns (computed for standard rules vs reported)
Version
Key pays (5K / SF / 4K / FH / flush)
Return
House edge
Full pay (computed for standard rules)
15 / 9 / 5 / 3 / 2
100.76%
Player edge of 0.76% with perfect play
Not So Ugly Ducks (computed for standard rules)
16 / 10 / 4 / 4 / 3
99.73%
0.27%
RTG Deuces Wild (GamesHub, third-party)
Not published
97%–99%
About 1%–3%
In practice, almost nobody plays perfectly, and online casinos rarely offer full pay. Treat the full-pay figure as a reference point, not a promise. The figure that matters is the paytable in front of you. Our guides to RTP and house edge explain why a long-run figure says little about one session.
Online Deuces Wild odds: what you're dealt
Counting all 2,598,960 possible deals gives the exact chance of each hand before you draw. These figures are computed, not estimated.
Deuces Wild hands on the first five cards (computed)
Hand on the deal
Deals
About one in
Natural royal flush
4
649,740
Four deuces
48
54,145
Wild royal flush
480
5,414
Five of a kind
624
4,165
Straight flush
2,068
1,257
Four of a kind
31,552
82
Full house
12,672
205
Flush
14,472
180
Straight
62,232
42
Three of a kind
355,080
7
No paying hand
2,119,728
1.2 (81.6% of deals)
How many deuces you're dealt matters most. About 65.9% of deals hold no deuce (1,712,304 hands), 29.9% hold one, 4.0% hold two, 0.17% hold three and 48 deals hold all four. The draw is where most of the paying hands are made, and holding deuces is what gets you there. Every deal comes from a random number generator, so past hands don't predict the next.
Deuces Wild strategy: start by counting your deuces
The simplest way to play Deuces Wild well is to sort every hand by the number of deuces first, then apply a short list. This is a simplified version of full-pay strategy; it gives up a little to exact computer play but avoids the costly errors.
Four, three or two deuces
Four deuces: hold all four and draw one.
Three deuces: keep a wild royal or five of a kind; otherwise hold just the three deuces.
Two deuces: keep four of a kind or better; then four to a wild royal; then four to a straight flush with consecutive cards; otherwise hold just the two deuces.
One deuce
Keep a made hand of four of a kind or better, then four to a wild royal.
Keep a made full house, flush or straight, then four to a straight flush, then three of a kind.
Next, three to a wild royal or three to a straight flush with connected cards; otherwise hold the deuce alone.
No deuces
Keep a natural royal, four to a royal, or any made straight or better.
Keep three of a kind, then four to a straight flush.
With two pair, keep only one pair; the second pair adds nothing.
Keep one pair, then four to a flush or an open straight, then three to a royal; otherwise draw five.
Two rules cover the biggest mistakes: never discard a deuce, and never hold a kicker. Learn more in our video poker strategy guide, and look up a wild card if the term is new.
What Deuces Wild costs per hour at RTG's reported RTP
Expected loss is total stake × house edge. Using RTG's reported 97% to 99% range gives an edge of 1% to 3%. The table assumes 500 hands an hour, an illustration of fast online play.
Expected hourly loss at 500 hands (computed from the reported range)
Bet per hand
Total staked
At 99% RTP (1% edge)
At 97% RTP (3% edge)
$0.25 (5 × $0.05)
$125
$1.25
$3.75
$1.25 (5 × $0.25)
$625
$6.25
$18.75
$5 (5 × $1)
$2,500
$25
$75
Deuces Wild leans on rare big hands: four deuces and the natural royal carry a lot of the return. Sessions without them usually run below the average, which is why results swing. A firm session budget matters more here than in low-swing games.
How to play Deuces Wild online, step by step
Read the on-screen pay table and note the five of a kind, straight flush, four of a kind and full house pays.
Choose a coin value that lets you bet five coins, since the natural royal pays its top rate only at five coins.
Deal your five cards.
Count your deuces first, then pick your holds from the strategy above.
Draw once to replace the cards you discarded; the final hand pays from the table.
Collect your win and check your balance against your budget before the next deal.
Online Deuces Wild compared with Jacks or Better (RTG, as reported)
Feature
Deuces Wild
Jacks or Better
Wild cards
All four 2s
None
Lowest paying hand
Three of a kind
Pair of jacks
RTG RTP (third-party)
97%–99% (GamesHub)
99.54% (GamesHub)
RTG release
2016 (SlotCatalog)
2018 (SlotCatalog)
Strategy
Sort by number of deuces
Fixed hold order
Swings
Larger: more value in rare hands
Smaller
On the reported numbers, RTG's Jacks or Better has the higher return. Deuces Wild appeals to players who enjoy more frequent big-looking hands and the chance of four deuces. For a wider comparison, see the best video poker game and our Deuces Wild question page.
Deuces Wild with a casino bonus: the 60x problem
Most RTG welcome bonuses are built for slots. On its own site, Silver Oak sets 60x wagering for video poker, against 30x or 40x for slots. Third-party reports put Royal Ace at 60x (bonus + deposit) on video poker and Planet 7 at 30x on slots for its welcome bonus, with video poker at 60x on comp-point redemptions and a no-deposit chip.
Worked example: a $50 deposit and $50 bonus at 60x (bonus + deposit) means $6,000 of video poker wagering. At a 2% edge, the middle of RTG's reported range, the expected cost is $120, more than the bonus itself. That's why many video poker players skip bonuses. Read how wagering requirements work and max cashout rules first.
Is online Deuces Wild legal in the US?
State-licensed online video poker exists only in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Maine legalized tribal-run online casinos in January 2026, but nothing had launched by October 2026, and a lawsuit is pending. Our legal online casino states list has details.
RTG casinos are offshore. No US state licenses or regulates them, so there's no state regulator to complain to and no state protection of balances. In Michigan, the Gaming Control Board has called several of these brands illegal offshore operators; see online casinos in Michigan and cease-and-desist letters for the record.
Where to play Deuces Wild: casinos with an offer via our links
Planet 7 comes first because third-party reviews report Deuces Wild in its lobby. Silver Oak's own terms set wagering for video poker, and Royal Ace counts video poker at 60x per LCB, but neither is confirmed to carry this exact game, so check the lobby. All three are offshore casinos not licensed by any US state; check your state's law first. We earn commission from these links, and the order is commercial, not a test result.
Planet 7 Casino: $2,750 Welcome Bonus + 45 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply).
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply).
Royal Ace Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 35 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply).
For Planet 7, LCB reports (opens in a new tab) code WELCOME200 at 200% with 30x (bonus + deposit) on slots, a $1,000 max cashout and a $30 card minimum. These are third-party terms, and third parties disagree on Planet 7's license.
Silver Oak's own site shows a different package from our link: $10,000 as 100% on each of ten deposits, with 30x or 40x wagering (its offer page and terms (opens in a new tab) conflict), 60x on video poker, no max withdrawal and $30 minimum deposits. It names Primrose Media Limited as operator under an Anjouan license. Michigan's board named Silver Oak and Planet 7 in cease-and-desist letters on April 9, 2025 (opens in a new tab).
Royal Ace's terms are third-party: LCB lists 200% up to $4,000, 30x on slots, 60x on video poker, a 10x-deposit max cashout and a $30 card minimum, while casino.guru lists 250% up to $2,500 with 35 spins. The terms at sign-up apply. Read the Planet 7, Silver Oak and Royal Ace reviews, and if gambling is causing harm, call 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or visit NCPG (opens in a new tab).
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
Video poker usually counts at 60x or not at all toward welcome bonuses: check the eligible-games list before you opt in.
Planet 7 Casino#5 on our listRealTime Gaming slots
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 200% match with code WELCOME200; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: $1,000 (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Royal Ace Casino#6 on our listSlots and specialty games
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews disagree on the package (200% up to $4,000, or 250% up to $2,500 + 35 spins); the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and specialty games (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Third parties report it does not accept Ohio players.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus on slots (reported). Max cashout: 10x deposit (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
What is the RTP of Deuces Wild?
RTG's Deuces Wild is listed at 97% to 99% RTP by GamesHub, a third-party source; SlotCatalog shows no figure. The famous full-pay table returns about 100.76% with perfect strategy, computed for standard rules, but RTG's reported range shows its version pays less. Check the paytable on screen to see which lines are reduced. Our RTP explainer covers what the number does and doesn't tell you.
Can you beat Deuces Wild?
Not in any practical sense. The full-pay table's 100.76% return, computed for standard rules, requires flawless strategy, five-coin bets and that exact pay table, which online casinos rarely offer. RTG's version is reported at 97% to 99%, so the house keeps an edge. Short-term results swing widely either way. Treat it as entertainment with a cost, and read our casino myths guide for why systems don't change the math.
What is the lowest winning hand in Deuces Wild?
Three of a kind is the lowest paying hand. Pairs and two pair pay nothing, because four wild 2s make them too easy to complete. On a standard full-pay table, three of a kind returns your bet: 5 coins on a 5-coin wager. That's why strategy with no deuces often means keeping one pair and drawing three cards in hope of trips or better. See the pay table glossary entry.
Should I ever throw away a deuce?
No. A deuce is a wild card that can complete any hand, so discarding one always lowers your expected return. Even with nothing else in your hand, holding a single deuce and drawing four beats drawing five new cards. With three deuces, hold just the deuces unless you already have a wild royal or five of a kind. Our video poker strategy guide sets out the full hold order.
How often do you get four deuces?
On the deal alone, four deuces come once in 54,145 hands, computed by counting every possible five-card deal. Holding deuces and drawing makes it more frequent than that, but it remains rare, and it carries a big share of the game's return. Sessions without it usually run below average. Read about jackpot odds to see how rare prizes shape short-term results.
Is Deuces Wild better than Jacks or Better?
On the reported figures for RTG, Jacks or Better has the higher return: 99.54% versus 97% to 99%, both from GamesHub, a third-party source. Deuces Wild produces more big-looking hands and bigger swings, and its strategy depends on counting deuces. If cost per hour is your main concern, the Jacks or Better page shows the cheaper option. Either way, set a budget before you start.
Do casino bonuses count on Deuces Wild?
Often at 60x, sometimes not at all. Silver Oak publishes 60x wagering for video poker, and third-party reports put Royal Ace at 60x. SlotoCash's own terms exclude video poker from bonuses by default. At 60x, the expected cost of wagering can exceed the bonus. Check the eligible-games list before you opt in. Our video poker bonus guide works through the math.
Where can I play Deuces Wild online?
Third-party reviews report Deuces Wild at Planet 7, which is said to offer 14 video poker variants. Other RTG casinos may list it, so check the lobby's video poker section. State-licensed casinos in the seven online casino states also offer video poker. Partner casinos are offshore and not licensed by any US state. See the best video poker casinos for how the partners compare.
Can I play Deuces Wild on my phone?
Yes, you'd play RTG's Deuces Wild in a mobile browser rather than through an app. Third-party reviews report instant play in Android and iOS browsers at Planet 7, where Deuces Wild is reported in the lobby. Silver Oak's own mobile page describes browser play on iPhone, Android and tablets, and AskGamblers lists Royal Ace with instant play and mobile access. On a small screen, check the hold markers on every deuce before you tap draw, since discarding one by mistake is the costliest error in the game. See our mobile casino guide and the best Android casinos list.
Deuces Wild vs Loose Deuces: which has the better RTP?
On the third-party figures, Loose Deuces comes out slightly ahead. SlotCatalog lists RTG's Loose Deuces at 99.07%, while GamesHub gives Deuces Wild a range of 97% to 99%. Per $1,000 wagered with good play, that's about $9.30 of expected loss on Loose Deuces against $10 to $30 on Deuces Wild, depending on where RTG's table sits in that range. Both use the same four wild 2s, so the hold strategy starts the same way, but the pay tables differ. Check the paytable on screen for each. Compare the two on our online Loose Deuces page and the best high RTP casinos list.
What does four deuces pay in Deuces Wild?
On the standard full-pay table, four deuces pays 200 per coin, or 1,000 coins on a five-coin bet. That's $250 on a $1.25 bet and $1,000 on a $5 bet. It's the second-best hand after a natural royal flush, and it's dealt about once in 54,145 hands before the draw. RTG's own pay table isn't published in our sources, so confirm the line on screen, since a lower four-deuces pay cuts the return. If you're dealt four deuces, hold all four and draw one. Our video poker pay table explainer and Bonus Deuces Wild page show tables that pay more for a four-deuces hand with an ace.
Should I keep two pair in Deuces Wild?
No, keep only one pair and draw three cards. Two pair pays nothing in Deuces Wild, because the lowest paying hand is three of a kind, so the second pair has no value of its own. Holding one pair and drawing three gives you more ways to catch deuces and build three of a kind, four of a kind or five of a kind. This is one of the clearest differences from Jacks or Better, where two pair pays and you'd keep it. It applies only to hands with no deuces. The video poker strategy guide and our page on how to play video poker cover more holds.
How long do Deuces Wild withdrawals take at Royal Ace?
Expect a wait of at least a week and a half, and possibly more than a month, based on third-party reports. AskGamblers reports a 7 to 10 day pending period at Royal Ace, then 10 to 14 days for bank transfers, with no weekend cashouts, and LCB says payouts are usually issued after a month or more. Reviewers report a $20 minimum, a $2,500 weekly cap and no withdrawal fees. A $1,000 four-deuces win on a $5 bet fits inside one week's cap. Verify your account early. Read the Royal Ace banking page and our withdrawal times guide.
Is online Deuces Wild legal in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia licenses real-money online casinos, so state-regulated online video poker is available there. The West Virginia Lottery Commission oversees interactive wagering under the West Virginia Lottery Interactive Wagering Act, and state law caps the number of licenses at five. A third-party report says players must be 21 for interactive wagering. The RTG casinos on this page aren't part of that licensed market, so playing there means giving up West Virginia's state protections and complaint route. See our West Virginia online casino guide and gambling age by state for more.
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