Progressive Video Poker
| Updated: Win Big in Progressive Video Poker
Winning a massive progressive jackpot is no longer the prerogative of slot players alone. A number of progressive video poker variations have emerged over the years, allowing fans of the genre to play for a chance to land life-changing prizes. Unlike standard video poker, progressive variations of the game offer constantly growing jackpots, as a percentage of every wager goes toward the prize pool.
The jackpot is usually awarded for landing a Royal Flush, although the exact winning criteria may differ depending on the game you play. In some cases, the jackpot drops when players form lower-ranking hands, such as a specific 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 on to find out.
Overview
Progressive jackpot games are casino titles that feature a prize pool which increases every time someone plays. A small portion of each bet is added to the 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 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 awards the progressive jackpot. However, some versions pay the jackpot for lower combinations, such as a Straight Flush.
What It Takes to Qualify for a Progressive Jackpot
Even though the rules of progressive video poker largely overlap with those of the standard game, there are still subtleties. Many casinos take advantage of the fact that these games attract players with their enormous jackpots. As a result, some video poker variations have additional requirements that 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 must achieve this winning combination on the initial deal without discarding any cards. If you form a Royal Flush after replacing some of your original cards, the game will award the standard payout of 4,000 coins.
Another requirement stipulates that 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; otherwise, you might miss out on the opportunity to win the jackpot.
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 Flush with a five-coin bet, the game will reward you with 3,000 coins.
As you can see, the payout for a Royal Flush is reduced from 4,000 to 3,000 coins because of the inclusion of the progressive jackpot. The progressive prize is awarded for a hand containing four Jacks and a special SupaJax card. Note that this unique card is not wild; 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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coins | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| SupaJax and 4 Jacks | / | / | / | / | Jackpot |
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | 3000 |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| Four of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 7 | 14 | 21 | 28 | 35 |
| Flush | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Three of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Two Pairs | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Jackpot Deuces
Jackpot Deuces is another popular progressive video poker variation developed by Microgaming. Unlike SupaJax, this variant features wild cards, which significantly increase its appeal. In this variation, the progressive jackpot is awarded for forming a Royal Flush of diamonds while betting the maximum of five coins.
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 that the payback percentage for this variation is considerably lower, at 93.89%, to compensate for the progressive jackpot.
| Progressive Jackpot Deuces Pay Table | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coins | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Diamond Royal Flush | 300 | 600 | 900 | 1200 | Jackpot |
| Royal Flush | 300 | 600 | 900 | 1200 | 4000 |
| 4 Deuces | 200 | 400 | 600 | 800 | 1000 |
| Deuces Royal Flush | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| 5 of a Kind | 15 | 30 | 45 | 60 | 75 |
| Straight Flush | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 45 |
| 4 of a Kind | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| Full House | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Flush | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Straight | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| 3 of a Kind | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Conclusion
If the idea of winning a substantial amount of money while playing your favorite strategy game appeals to you, you should definitely try 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.