Progressive video poker is when the value of the jackpot on the machine increases by a set amount every time the game is played. Usually, a number of gaming machines or software networks are linked together so that more people contribute to the pot and stand in line to win the jackpot. When the royal flush is hit, the jackpot is won. In some cases, another hand will win the jackpot and players should ensure that they are aware of what jackpot they are playing for.
We take as an example one of the more popular progressive video poker versions – 8/5 Jacks or Better. Although the payout rate is the same on a progressive game as a non-progressive one, players still have the added advantage of being able to win the progressive jackpot if they hit the top payout. The house edge on this version of video poker is 2.7% but the payout percentage increases beyond 97.2% on the progressive machines.  As the jackpot increases in size, the payout percentage can even move beyond 100%.

In a video poker game such as the one above, it would take over 8500 coins to reach the break-even point. Every coin over and beyond that will be to the player’s advantage. The downside to video poker, of course is that casinos will not break down the jackpot into coins on the progressive meter. As such players will need to make the calculations by converting the dollar amount into a coin amount see whether the break-even point has been reached or not.   Players need to be aware, too, of the strategies pertaining to a particular video poker game if they want to maintain their advantage in the game.

Some video poker machines may offer payouts of 102%, for example. How do casinos make a profit on positive expectation situations? Casinos have enough business-savvy to know that they always maintain the house edge. As such, their calculation with positive expectation video poker machines is that the bulk of the jackpot has already been paid for by earlier players and thus, they are able to offer advantage players the opportunity of playing beyond the break-even point.

Unfortunately, it is common in gambling circles for players to work in teams and monopolize the positive expectation video poker machines. These teams will occupy the machines just when the rates are in the player’s favor and play until there is a win. Professional teams are also known to work around the clock in shifts. As such, many casinos have adopted a policy that forbids teamwork at the video poker machines. If players are suspected of working in teams, they run the risk of being removed from the casino and not being paid out.

Experts suggest that players should go for the highest hand when aiming for the video poker progressive jackpot.  Even if they come up with a high pair, they still need to break up the pair to go for the higher hand. Simply put, if players have a pair, and then draw, they will not qualify for the progressive jackpot. The reason being that to win the biggest payout, players need to get a royal flush. Players need to decide whether they are going after any payout or THE jackpot payout. If they retain their pairs, they may receive a number of payouts along the way, but they will never win the big jackpot payout.

In the same vein, players are advised to keep a section of their money to use towards progressive play. This is because, the chances of winning the jackpot are lower than regular – albeit smaller – payouts and players run the risk of not being paid out at all if they only go after the jackpot.  Keeping a separate budget for progressive play and regular video poker play will ensure that players have variety and still stand in line to win some money.

Progressive video poker machines add an exciting element to the game and are hugely popular in the casino world – both online and off. Good knowledge of the various strategies connected to the more popular versions of video poker, along with a healthy dose of luck, can go a long way in ensuring hours of fun and excellent return rates when playing this game.