It's not impossible to win at video poker, but there's more than just luck involved.  Think of the video poker game as if you were playing heads-up at a Texas Hold'em table, and then you'll stand a lot more chance of winning.

Luck plays a part in all aspects of poker, and to win at video poker you do need a certain amount of Lady Luck smiling at you.  But you also need to have a basic knowledge of what you're betting with and what cards could beat yours.  Without knowing the basic rules you're likely to bet on your pair of 7s whilst missing the fact that it's probable that your opponent, the video game, is holding a flush! 

Strategy is the name of the game whether you want to win the WPT or win at video poker.  If you play poker online or at a casino you stand a much better chance of being able to win at video poker, simply because you know the strategies to play.  The computer has been programmed to use these strategies so if you don't know them you are starting with a big disadvantage.

It is possible to learn to play poker to a certain standard by starting with video poker, but you need to be ready to lose quite a few hands (and quite a bit of money) before you figure out the rules.  So if you are going somewhere and want to try your hand and win at video poker, pick up a basic level poker book and read what the winning hands are and what hand can beat each of them.

Once you know the basic rules of the game, then you are in a better position to win at video poker.  You still need to watch what's in the community cards and try to make a guess at what the computer could have in its hand - for example if you have a 9, and there's two 9s in the community cards, it's quite unlikely that your opponent also has 9 - however, if there's a 9, plus two higher pairs in the community pot, then it's possible your opponent has a full-house that beats yours so place your bet accordingly.

Know the basic rules of poker and it's more than possible that you'll enjoy a win at video poker, but go in thinking that you can "wing" and you'll end up without a chip or a chair!