Progressive jackpot games are a popular way for casinos to raise their jackpots very high without lowering the house edge very much. Instead of setting the top prize as a steady amount, each wager that doesn’t win contributes a small amount to the grand prize. Progressive slot machines are very popular. Each wager of $5 drives the grand prize up a few cents, but since there are always many players contributing to that pot, the jackpot can become hundreds of thousands of dollars in a short time.
3 Card Poker Progressive Wager
At some casinos, in addition to the ante and the pair plus bets, there is also a progressive jackpot side bet. Before each hand is dealt, players can choose to place the progressive jackpot side bet of $1. Each time the jackpot is not won, it grows bigger.
In three card poker, the progressive jackpot accumulates based on the number of progressive jackpot side bets made. The progressive jackpot bet is a special wager and is not found in many casinos. The 3 card poker progressive is only offered in a handful of real world casinos and is not available at any online casino sites.
A player who makes this side bet gets an extra $90 if they get three-of-a-kind, $100 for a straight flush, $500 for a hand called a mini-royal, which is a straight flush comprised of a Q-K-A, and the jackpot is paid out for those who get the mini-royal in spades. There is also an envy bonus paid if one of the other players gets a mini-royal or a mini-royal in spades, which increases the odds of winning by a little, especially if you’re at a full table.
Three card poker is not generally played with a progressive jackpot. Only a handful of casinos around the world offer it, because it doesn’t work well with the current payout tables and because players are happy enough with three card poker as it is.
It should be noted that generally games with a progressive jackpot have a slightly higher house edge overall, but that since the chances of winning the jackpot are miniscule and the jackpot accounts for a large chunk of the potential winnings, progressive jackpots are likely to drain the wallet faster than they fill them. However, half the fun of playing at the tables is having the chance to win the jackpot, so even though it is a poor bet mathematically, it’s still a bet that the majority of players like to place.
Caribbean Stud Poker
Players who enjoy progressive jackpot table games should look at Caribbean Stud Poker. It is quite similar to three card poker, but is almost always played with a progressive jackpot. The main difference between the two games is that Caribbean poker is played with a five card hand instead of a three card hand. As a result, the dealer needs A-K or higher to qualify rather than just a queen. This also changes the game strategy somewhat, which is why the game of Caribbean poker is not just called five card poker or the game of three card poker isn’t called three card Caribbean poker.
If you enjoy three card poker, though, and you’re looking for a similar experience that includes a progressive jackpot at almost every casino, Caribbean poker is definitely the choice for you.
