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Progressive Video Poker

A. Antonova (editor) |

Win Big in Progressive Video Poker

Winning a massive progressive jackpot is no longer a prerogative of slot players only. A number of progressive video poker variations have emerged over the years, allowing fans of the video poker genre to play for the chance of landing life-changing prizes. Unlike standard video poker, progressive variations of the game offer constantly growing jackpots as a percentage of all wagers goes toward the jackpot.

The jackpot is usually awarded for landing a Royal Flush, although the exact winning criteria may differ depending on which game you play. In some cases, the jackpot drops when players form lower-ranking hands like a certain Four of a Kind or Straight Flush. The inclusion of the progressive jackpot usually comes at the expense of reduced payouts for a Flush and Full House. So, is progressive video poker worthwhile? Read the article to find out.

Overview

Video Poker Progressive MachinesProgressive jackpot games are those that feature a jackpot that increases every time someone plays. A small portion of each bet players place is added to the prize pool. There is no ceiling on the maximum amount players can win as the jackpot continues to accumulate until it drops. Every time someone plays the game for real money, the jackpot grows.

Different variations of progressive video poker are available at online casinos. One of the most popular options is 8/5 Jacks or Better, a classic in the video poker canon. Some of the payouts in the paytable are reduced but the game is still worth playing because landing a Royal Flush results in winning the progressive jackpot. However, some versions award the jackpot for lower combinations like the Straight Flush.

Once a player wins the progressive jackpot, it is automatically reset and starts accumulating from scratch.

What It Takes to Qualify for a Progressive Jackpot

Progressive Jackpot Video Poker WinEven though the rules of progressive video poker largely overlap with those in the standard game, there are still subtleties. Many casinos take advantage of the fact these games attract players with their enormous jackpots. As a result, some video poker variations have additional requirements players must fulfill to qualify for the progressive prize.

In some versions, landing a Royal Flush is not enough to qualify for the jackpot. You are required to get this winning combination after the initial deal without discarding anything. If you form a Royal Flush after you replace some of your original cards, the game will award the standard payout of 4,000 coins.

Another requirement stipulates players must wager the maximum number of coins to qualify for the progressive prize. Most video poker games accept up to five coins per round. So if you decide to play progressive video poker, always remember to place a five-coin bet as otherwise you might miss out on the opportunity to win yourself a jackpot.

If you opt for progressive video poker, you are recommended to adopt a riskier approach and always bet the maximum number of coins. If you are lucky enough to get a Royal Flush, you will collect the progressive jackpot instead of receiving the standard 4,000-coin payout.

Most Popular Progressive Video Poker Games

As previously mentioned, there are different variations of video poker that link to progressive jackpot networks. While they differ from one another in terms of paytables and qualifying winning combinations, they have one thing in common – their huge winning potential. Most variations use the rules and payout structure of the popular Jacks or Better, while others are based on Deuces Wild. Below, we provide further details on the two most popular video poker games with progressive jackpots – SupaJax and Jackpot Deuces.

SupaJax

SupaJax is a progressive video poker game developed by the prominent software supplier Microgaming. The rules of this version coincide with those of the standard game, meaning that the Royal Flush remains the highest winning combination you can form. If you hit the Royal with a five-coin bet, the game will reward you with 3000 coins.

SupaJax
Screenshot of SupaJax

As you can see, the payout for a Royal Flush is reduced from 4,000 to 3,000 coins due to the inclusion of the progressive jackpot. The progressive prize is awarded for a hand combination containing four Jacks and a special SupaJax card. It should be noted that this unique card is not a wild card you can use to form more winning combinations. Its only purpose is to help you win the progressive jackpot. Betting the maximum of five coins is necessary to qualify for the jackpot.

Progressive SupaJax Pay Table
Coins12345
SupaJax and 4 Jacks////Jackpot
Royal Flush25050075010003000
Straight Flush50100150200250
Four of a Kind255075100125
Full House714212835
Flush510152025
Straight48121620
Three of a Kind3691215
Two Pairs246810
Jacks or Better12345

Jackpot Deuces

Jackpot Deuces is another popular progressive video poker variation developed by Microgaming. Unlike SupaJax, this variant features wild cards which significantly increases its appeal. In this variation, the progressive jackpot is awarded for forming a Royal Flush of diamonds while betting the maximum of five coins.

Jackpot Deuces
Screenshot of Jackpot Deuces

If you bet less than the maximum and land a Royal Flush of diamonds, you will only win 1,200 coins. Another aspect that contributes to the massive popularity of this variation is that it offers a side game called Double or Nothing.. The latter gives you the chance to double your profits after each winning hand. Keep in mind the payback percentage of this variation is considerably lower at 93.89% to compensate for the progressive jackpot.

Progressive Jackpot Deuces Pay Table
Coins12345
Diamond Royal Flush3006009001200Jackpot
Royal Flush30060090012004000
4 Deuces2004006008001000
Deuces Royal Flush255075100125
5 of a Kind1530456075
Straight Flush918273645
4 of a Kind48121620
Full House3691215
Flush246810
Straight246810
3 of a Kind12345

Conclusion

If you find the idea of winning a substantial amount of money while playing your favorite strategy game appealing, you should definitely go for progressive video poker. It gives you the opportunity to compete for a jackpot that consistently increases with every single bet. Just make sure you double-check the rules of your chosen progressive video poker variation to learn what the qualifying criteria for winning the jackpot are.

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