IGT’s Game King series is one of the most recognizable names in casino video poker and multi-game cabinets. Whether you first encountered a physical cabinet on the casino floor or a faithful digital port on a mobile device, the igt game king product family rewards players who combine patience, math-based strategy, and smart bankroll management. In this guide I’ll draw on hands-on experience, developer background, and up-to-date industry norms to explain how Game King works, how odds and pay tables determine long-term outcomes, and practical strategies you can use right away.
What is IGT Game King?
Game King is a line of video poker and multi-game titles produced by IGT (International Game Technology). These cabinets and software suites typically offer a selection of video poker variants—Jacks or Better, Double Double Bonus, Deuces Wild, and others—often packaged with multi-hand options (Triple Play, Five Play, Ten Play) and progressive jackpots. The concept is simple: video poker blends poker decision-making (which cards to hold or discard) with slot-like machine play, giving a skilled player the ability to influence return-to-player (RTP) through correct decisions.
From a player’s viewpoint, the hallmarks of Game King titles are: clear pay tables, multi-hand play options, and high-quality user interfaces. From a regulatory and design perspective, outcomes are driven by a random number generator (RNG) and fixed pay tables, which together determine expected return when optimal strategy is used.
Why skill matters: video poker vs. slot machines
Unlike most slot machines where every spin is purely luck-based, video poker rewards correct decisions. With variants like full-pay Jacks or Better, perfect strategy can push RTP above 99%. In plain terms: for every $100 wagered over the long haul, a mathematically optimal player might expect to keep roughly $99.50 on certain tables before comps and promotions. Of course, few players achieve perfectly optimal play consistently; the gap between average and optimal play is where many players lose value.
My own early experience with Game King taught me the value of discipline. I remember a session where I stuck to Jacks or Better full-pay on a five-play machine with a consistent bet size, focusing only on correct holds and avoiding the temptation to chase short-term swings. The session wasn’t dramatic, but over several hours my variance smoothed out and I left with a modest win — proof that strategy beats guesswork.
Key Game King variants and what to expect
- Jacks or Better: The most familiar variant. Pay tables vary, but “9/6” (9 for Full House, 6 for Flush) is widely considered full pay, delivering the highest standard RTP for the game.
- Double Double Bonus (DDB): Pays bigger for four-of-a-kind and certain full houses, but demands more precise strategy to avoid negative expectation traps.
- Deuces Wild: Wild twos change hand values radically. Some deuces variants offer very high RTP with perfect strategy; others are worse because of unfavorable pay tables.
- Multi-Play (Triple/5/10/100 Play): Let you play multiple hands per deal. The base probabilities remain similar to single-hand counterparts, but variance increases and bankroll requirements rise.
- Progressive Video Poker: Some Game King editions attach a progressive jackpot to royal flush(es). When the progressive rises high enough, basic strategy should shift (e.g., breaking up certain hands to chase a royal becomes correct).
Understanding pay tables, RTP and volatility
Every Game King title displays a pay table—this single screen holds the clearest signal of expected return. Two essential concepts:
- Return to Player (RTP): The mathematical expectation when playing optimal strategy. Look for published RTPs or calculate from pay table figures. Full-pay Jacks or Better (9/6) is classically ~99.54% with perfect play.
- Volatility: How lumpy returns are. Low-volatility video poker offers frequent modest wins; high-volatility games pay larger amounts but less often. Multi-hand modes and progressives increase volatility meaningfully.
Always compare machines by pay table first. Two machines titled “Game King Jacks or Better” could have markedly different returns if their pay tables differ. The lowest hanging fruit for improving your results is to find the best pay table available and play that version with correct strategy.
Practical strategy tips that work
Strategy differs by variant, but a few universal principles apply across Game King offerings:
- Learn basic strategy charts: Use a reliable chart tailored to the variant. For Jacks or Better, memorize the priority list: keep any royal/straight/flush draws with higher expected value, pocket jacks or better, then four-card straights/flushes, etc.
- Play max coins when chasing progressives: On machines where a royal pays a progressive only if you bet maximum coins, you must bet max to realize that jackpot. If you cannot or do not want to bet max, accept the lower non-progressive EV.
- Adjust for multi-hand play: In multi-hand modes, decisions can change because you’re affecting multiple hands at once. Many players switch to a conservative single-hand approach until they’re comfortable with the multi-hand math.
- Study pay tables before you sit down: Don’t assume the floor’s default is fair. Spend a minute reading the pay table and comparing to a known “full-pay” chart for your variant.
- Bankroll and session rules: Decide on a maximum loss and a take-profit threshold. Video poker variance can be brutal; rules protect both your stake and emotions.
Example decision (Jacks or Better): You’re dealt A♠ J♦ 10♣ Q♥ K♦ — that’s a 10-J-Q-K-A mixed suit (a Broadway straight) but missing one suit sequence. Proper play is to hold the straight rather than break for a high pair unless the pay table or multi-hand context changes expectations. Small changes in hold/discard decisions can swing expected value by several tenths of a percent—enough to matter over thousands of hands.
Bankroll planning and emotional control
Video poker can be forgiving for the disciplined player but ruinous for the emotional one. A few rules I use:
- Never risk more than a week’s entertainment budget on a single session.
- Set a stop-loss (e.g., 20% of the session bankroll) and a stop-win (e.g., 50% gain). Walk away when either triggers.
- Use smaller bets when learning. Strategy errors compound at larger stakes.
- Keep track of sessions. If you repeatedly lose, audit your play against strategy charts—often deviations explain losses more than “bad luck.”
Online and mobile availability
IGT licenses well-designed Game King titles to many regulated online operators and social gaming platforms. Playing on a reputable site gives you the benefit of visible pay tables, session history, and customer protection from licensed operators. If you prefer a safe place to experiment, start with low stakes on verified online platforms that publish pay tables and RNG certification.
For players who want an easy entry point, try a demo session or look for operator promotions that reduce risk (free-play credits, small welcome bonuses tailored to video poker). If you’re curious about online communities and casual competitive play, some sites host leaderboards and tournaments for Game King titles.
Note: You can explore IGT Game King offerings and related gameplay information at igt game king, which aggregates variants and guides for newcomers.
Fairness, regulation and verifying RTP
IGT is a major regulated manufacturer and most Game King titles used in licensed casinos are subject to third-party testing and local regulator oversight. When playing online, confirm that the operator publishes independent RNG and payout testing reports. For land-based machines, state or national gaming regulators often audit and certify the machines; casinos must follow strict rules about payback percentages and reporting.
If transparency matters to you, play only at casinos and sites that display certification badges (e.g., GLI, eCOGRA) or post their RTP testing documents. Small discrepancies can exist between published theoretical RTP and short-term outcomes due to variance, but long-term returns should align with the certified numbers.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Chasing losses. Increasing bet size after a losing streak almost always increases risk of ruin.
- Ignoring pay tables. Two machines with the same name can offer different RTPs; the pay table tells the truth.
- Playing a progressive without betting max when the progressive requires it. That negates the jackpot’s EV benefit.
- Overconfidence in “gut” play. Video poker is mastered through disciplined strategy, not intuition.
Frequently asked questions
Can I beat Game King long-term?
With perfect strategy and on full-pay versions, video poker can approach or slightly exceed break-even (99%+) before comps. With generous casino comps and promotions, skilled players can achieve a small positive edge in rare circumstances. For most recreational players, the goal should be to minimize losses and enjoy higher expected returns than typical slot play.
How do I learn strategy efficiently?
Start with one variant—Jacks or Better is the classic—and use strategy charts and training apps that show decision-by-decision EV. Play short, focused sessions practicing correct holds. Over time the correct decisions become second nature.
Are the digital versions the same as the floor cabinets?
Digital ports aim to mirror the floor experience, including pay tables and RNG mechanics. Differences may exist in interface and multi-hand ergonomics; always confirm the pay table and betting rules before committing real stakes.
Final thoughts
igt game king titles reward players who combine mathematical discipline, situational awareness, and sound bankroll management. The game sits in a sweet spot: more skill-influenced than slots, more approachable than table poker, and rich with variants that suit beginners and experts alike. If you care about maximizing value, start by choosing the best pay table, learning a single variant deeply, and committing to clear session rules. Over time you’ll find that modest edges and consistent discipline turn into far better results than hope alone.
For curated resources, pay table comparisons, and demo play options, check out igt game king and reputable operator guides before you play real money games.
