Don't bother trying to play video poker for profit. Those days are over, and there is very high variance in it, even if you do go to one of the few properties with slightly over 100% return for perfect play.

However, there is a trick which can be used on a 1-time basis.

At Caesar's properties (and perhaps other major casino chains), they will give you a ton of lucrative offers and freeplay if you get a new card, go play moderately high limit ($5/credit video poker, or a multiplay machine of $1/credit), and lose. Do this until you lose about $1500 (or win a lot and are happy with it). Then stop playing for a few months.

That is, don't lose intentionally, but it's kind of a freeroll because if you lose, you will get several offers which will add up to well over the $1500 you spent. It will require several separate visits to redeem it all. If you're a Vegas local, that's actually best, as you can take advantage of everything.

If you've had a Total Rewards card for awhile, this won't work. It has to be a new card.

One of my friends is going to try this at an MGM property soon and report back, as he doesn't have a card there yet.