Bonus Poker or DDB

26 November 2022

By Jerry Stickman

Hi Stickman,

I have an observation - I’ve noticed over time that most people are playing DDB and other variations of progressive video poker.

But I love those two pairs. Not quite sure what other people are thinking. I do respect your math knowledge of the game. If I were 30 years younger, I might have spent the effort trying to learn more about statistics.

What progressive games do you play?

Norman

Norman,
As you probably already know from reading my articles, I am a very conservative video poker player.
I prefer the lowest variance available. However, the return is the major consideration.

I do scan all the progressive banks when I am in a casino. If the jackpot is high enough for the game(s) on the machine, I will invest a limited amount of my bankroll – usually around $100-$500 depending on the game’s denomination.

The “high-enough” figure is based on the pay table (the total return including the jackpot amount), and the game (its variance).

For example, a 7/5 bonus poker game would require a lower jackpot than an 8/5 double-double bonus game.

A 7/5 bonus poker game with the jackpot at the reset value of 4,000 credits has a return of 98.01 percent and a variance of about 21.

An 8/5 double-double bonus game at the reset value of 4,000 credits has a return of 96.79 percent (over one percent lower) and a variance of about 42 (double that of the 7/5 bonus poker game).
The combination of a higher return plus a lower variance makes the bonus poker game the obvious choice.

There is one other consideration when playing progressive video poker. How many other players are also vying for the same jackpot?

If there are several other players on a bank of progressive machines, look for a higher jackpot. More players competing for the same jackpot means you are less likely to have the winning hand.

This does not mean you should avoid the game entirely. It simply means looking for a higher jackpot than when you play solo on the bank of machines.

A larger jackpot balances the lowered probability for the win.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”

Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack, video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of "Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker!" You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com