Part I: Games & Gaming · Slot Machines & Electronic Gaming
Deuces Wild
Video Poker
A video poker variant in which all four 2s (deuces) act as wild cards, substituting for any other card to complete winning hands. The presence of wild cards dramatically alters hand frequencies and optimal strategy — five of a kind becomes possible, and the strategy for holding cards differs substantially from Jacks or Better. Full-pay Deuces Wild can offer RTP exceeding 100.7% with optimal play, making it one of the few casino games where skilled players can gain a mathematical edge. However, full-pay Deuces Wild has become increasingly rare on casino floors due to advantage play.
In practice
“NSU Deuces” (Not So Ugly) refers to a near-full-pay variant with slightly reduced payouts but still competitive RTP (~99.7%). Different Deuces Wild pay tables vary significantly in RTP — some hold over 5%.
Related terms
More in Video Poker
One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.