Fixing Something

28 January 2023

By Jerry Stickman

Recently a reader (Norman) asked about a strange video poker game he had seen in Biloxi. He is a disciplined and skilled player. He generally plays jacks or better if a decent pay table is present. If not, he checks for a decent bonus poker game.

As he was scouting the games in this particular casino, he came upon a game that did not make sense to him.

The game was labelled “Bonus Poker,” but when he checked the pay table, all four-of-a-kind hands paid the same amount. Normal bonus poker games pay the standard 25-for-1 for four 5s through kings. However they pay more for four 2s, 3s, or 4s. They pay still more for four aces.

He wanted to know if I had ever seen any games like that.

I responded that the game he saw was actually a “Bonus Poker Deluxe” game. They pay the same for all four-of-a-kind hands but pay even money on two pairs, unlike bonus poker which pays 2-for-1 for two pairs.

If I ever doubted that people read my articles, I am now sure that they do.

Several readers chimed in to inform me that there are, indeed, Bonus Poker video poker games that pay the same amount for all quads – as well as paying 2-for-1 for hands with two pairs.

John S. informed me that there are some in Hollywood, Toledo as well as Soaring Eagle in Michigan.

He was even kind enough to send me a photo of a machine at the MGM Grand in Detroit. It is clearly labelled “Bonus Poker.” It pays 35-for-1 for all four-of-a-kind hands, and it pays 2-for-1 for hands with two pairs.

Thanks everyone for setting me straight. While it is humbling and always stings a little when corrected, being correct is much more important than hurt feelings.

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 and 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