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In Caribbean Stud Poker, there is almost always a flashing Progressive Jackpot meter. To win it (or 10% of it), you must place a $1 side bet.
Most of the time, this $1 bet has a terrible house edge (>25%). However, as the jackpot grows, the edge shrinks. Eventually, it becomes Positive EV. This calculator tells you if the current jackpot is large enough to play.
Caribbean Stud Jackpot Meter
Result...
The Break-Even Rule
For a standard paytable (100% Royal, 10% Straight Flush), the Break-Even point is usually around $200,000 to $250,000.
- Below Break-Even: Do not play the side bet.
- Above Break-Even: The bet is +EV. You should play it every hand, as your average return is greater than $1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the odds of a Royal Flush?
In 5-card stud poker, the odds of being dealt a Royal Flush are 1 in 649,740. This explains why the jackpot can grow for months without being hit.