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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.
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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.