Video Poker Card Rankings

Card rankings in video poker are fairly easy to understand, and fall in line with many other games. There are no surprises here and a deck of cards is ranked lowest to highest by numerical value and then Jack, Queen, King. Meanwhile, the Ace can be both the highest and lowest card in the game, offering you possible winning hands of Ten, Jack, Queen, King, Ace or Ace, Two, Three, Four, Five.

Video Poker Hand Rankings

Whilst video poker does vary from one online casino to the next, most hand rankings normally fall within a specified range. Payouts will also vary, but there are many generalizations that can be used when you’re first learning the game. After the final five cards have been dealt, the video poker hands are judged, offering you the chance to see whether you’ve won or lost. If maximum bets have been placed, you can expect a Royal Flush to win around 2,000 points; a lucrative win if you’re lucky enough to get it. After this the points drop, with a Straight Flush expected to offer 250 points whilst Four of a Kind provides 125 points. At the lower end of the scale, Three of a Kind, Two Pair and a Pair normally offer 15, 10 and 5 points respectively.

Betting and Progressive Jackpots

Video poker is part of a progressive jackpot game, allowing you the possibility to have a shot at winning millions of dollars. However, this requires that you play with maximum bets all the time; an option that many can’t afford. If your bankroll is less substantial, opt for fewer credit wagers and whilst you won’t be able to play for big jackpots, you could still note lucrative wins.

Difference in the Details

The broad layout and color scheme are the same due to the red which is commonly associated with Virgin products. The noticeable differences are in the details. For instance, instead of only a single MegaJackpots ticker, all progressive jackpots offered at the casino are displayed at the top of the homepage. Also, the list of the most recent winners is streamed onto the site. Furthermore, a search bar has been added to easily find specific games.

Category Icons

Additionally, with the old site, game categories were represented by a screenshot of the latest release. Therefore, it was immediately known by players that a new game had been launched. However, on the new site, icons for the categories are crafted in a more modern manner. Although attractive, they are not consistent with the rest of the site.

Preview and Launch Games

The biggest advantage of the new website is it permits players to preview and launch games directly from the home page. There is a specific selection of games that appear in the default setting from the homepage. This represents all gaming categories offered by the casino. Also, there are two special categories: Las Vegas and Monopoly. Las Vegas contains the IGT land-based slot machines while Monopoly displays six branded Monopoly games.

Each previewed game offers three links: Demo Play, Play Now and Information. Demo Play is for play money, Play Now refers to real money wagering and Information displays the game rules, screenshots, an opportunity to bookmark the game and a summary of the game parameters. Furthermore, promotions can be access directly from the homepage without having to specifically click on the promotions page.

Virgin Casino is requesting all players to provide feedback with regards to their new website. Those who answer the survey will be given 100 V*Points and an entry into a lucky draw promotion for an iPad 2. This is also an excellent opportunity for players to provide their input into an important aspect of any online casino: their website.

The Amended Law

The rule states that casinos have the ability to eliminate progressive jackpots at any time and retain the accrued money. However, there are a several conditions attached to the bill. First, casinos are required to notify the public 30 days prior to the termination of a progressive jackpot. If no player wins during that period, the casino has the right to remove the jackpot and keep the money.

Second, this rule only applies to progressive slot games within a single casino. Therefore, those games that a linked across several casinos cannot be terminated under this law. Therefore, players who add to the jackpot size may never have an opportunity to win the money after 30 days.

History of the Law

The policy was initially implemented in 1992. Within the first three months, Atlantic City casinos canceled a variety of jackpots totaling $16.6 million of which they retained. As a result, customers complained and the law was amended to require the casinos to transfer any remaining jackpot money other progressive slot games. Most players found this to be an acceptable arrangement. This also allowed the casinos to terminate games that did not bring in high traffic.

Statements from Representatives

The Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement explained to the public that the change was a small portion of new regulatory reforms recently passed in New Jersey. The goal of these reforms was to eliminate specific rules the casino operators felt were outdated. Therefore, this specific regulation gave casinos the flexibility to remove slot games that are no longer popular and replace them with newer and more exciting games.

The Director assured concerned players that casinos will not be permitted to allow the jackpots to build up, then be cancelled and then be added back to the gaming floor. This is not only an unethical practice but would also be illegal. It seems to be a coincidence that this reform comes at a time when the casino industry and State of New Jersey are struggling with financial crises.

Currently, the largest progressive jackpot is featured at a Vegas Technology-powered casino in a game aptly named, “Progressive Blackjack.” The value has currently reached $140,575, slightly below the average winning size of $187,328. On average, the jackpot hits once per month with the maximum winnings ever being $259,342 which occurred 18 months ago. In the past year alone, Vegas Technology has paid out over $2 million. Progressive Blackjack is available at:

• Go Casino
• Online Vegas Casino
• Millionaire Casino

The Cryptologic Progressive Blackjack game currently has a jackpot of $77,128. Unlike most other progressives, this is slowly moving and hits on around $135,000 once per year. The game hits when four aces of the same color are dealt. Therefore, it should be more popular than the Vegas Technology variant which requires four aces of the same suit. This game is available at popular casinos like InterCasino and VIP Casino.

The Playtech variant is also called Progressive Blackjack and currently boasts of jackpot of $69,007 which is slightly greater than the average amount to trigger the jackpot – $63,971. The jackpot hits 1 in every 10 days but was last hit 15 days ago so the system is due turn out a winner. Another trend is that the past 10 hits have been in the $60,000’s range. Therefore, the time is ripe for players to login and try their luck with the potential for winning big.

The Playtech version of Progressive Blackjack is currently available at the following online gaming sites:

• Omni Casino
• Casino Tropez
• Casino Del Rio

Although each of these online progressive blackjack games has the exact same name, they are different in their own regard. If you have to select one of the three, try the Vegas Technology version since it has a much higher payout than the other two and is hit once per month. This is the ideal balance between a large sum of winnings and the frequency of winning. This appears to the best time to place a wager and potentially win as all versions are at the cusp of hitting the jackpot.

There are many advantages to playing at All Star Slots Casino including:

• A large library of games
• Large payouts in progressive jackpots
• Available to U.S. players
• 24/7 live support
• A plethora of welcome bonuses

One of the best features of All Star Slots Casino is the number of games available. With over 120 games (half are slots) the casino has something for everyone. Although primary a slots casino, other games like baccarat, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker games are also popular. The slot games feature three reel slots and video slots with some of the largest progressive jackpots in the industry.

For those in the United States you are welcome to join and play at the casino. Although most online gaming sites do not allow U.S.-based players to even signup due to the rigid gaming regulations of the country, All Star Slots welcomes these players with open arms. Also, the casino features top-notch customer support, available around the clock. The professional staff can be contacted through email within 24 hours.

Additionally, All Star Slots Casino offers an excellent welcome bonus with 100 percent matching up to $1500 over the first five deposits. Also, players can choose a 250 percent slots bonus up to $2000 or a 50 percent bonus that can be used at all games. Furthermore, the casino offers weekly bonuses and the Slots Club at All Star Slots.

There is only one significant shortcoming of this casino: the Instant Play software is not as good as the downloadable application. For those that do not mind using the downloadable version you will be pleased with the software. However, those that only use the Instant Play may want to switch to the desktop application.

Overall this is an excellent casino to deposit money, especially for those who are slot players. With many games available, excellent payouts, the availability to U.S.-based players, top-notch customer service and several welcome bonus options, you cannot go wrong with All Star Slots Casino.

The Rules and the Video Poker Machine

Gameplay begins with the player inserting credits into the machine. This can be in the form of paper money or a player’s card. The player then proceeds to place a bet of one or multiple credits and pressing the deal button. The player is shown their hand and offered the chance to shed one or more cards to exchange them for new ones. This is known as the draw aspect of the game. These are all drawn from a virtual deck that represents a regular deck of cards.

Once the machine has issued new cards, it pays out if the hand played matches the listed winning combinations usually posted on the pay table on the video poker monitor.  These pay tables indicate the payout for various hands depending on their rarity. The rarer a hand is, the higher it pays out. For instance, a pair of jacks would pay even money. On the other hand, a royal flush (the rarest of all hands) would payout the maximum.

In addition to winning individual hands, there are other ways to profit. For instance, many video poker machines offer progressive jackpots or prizes. This entices the user to play more frequently and place higher wagers. Although the game is based on five card draw, the customer isn’t actually playing against another hand. Rather, they win by acquiring a specific combination of cards.

Regulation

In order to keep the equipment validated, calibrated and fair, video poker machines are regulated by individual state or Indian gaming agency. These regulatory bodies mandate that machines deal random card values out of a virtual card deck. The Nevada Gaming Commission began this rule with other states following shortly thereafter. All video poker machines are tested prior to going live on the casino floor.

Video poker can provide entertainment for hours on end. Since every casino is in business to make money, the machines are set to slightly favor the house. Although skill is involved, it’s extremely difficult to be popular in the long run. Consequently, it’s best to enjoy the excitement and have fun!

Established in 1994, Microgaming is a consistent industry-leader by creating innovating products and conducting inventive thinking. The primary ideas that have produced success for Microgaming include:

• Product quality
• Powerful management tools
• Uncompromised security characteristics

The Microgaming sites have become synonymous with enormous jackpots. By offering over 20 progressive jackpots across all sites, customers have more of an opportunity to hit it big. This has become their trademark and thousands of internet gamblers have flocked to their sites. Since Microgaming’s conception, the company has paid out over $225 million.

In addition to the massive jackpots, Microgaming also controls one of the world’s largest online poker networks. This connects numerous players at different levels from various locations around the globe as the poker platform supports many different languages. A consistent theme is their big payouts. Poker tournaments offered on the Microgaming network tend to be some of the most aggressive and have the largest payouts.

Additionally, Microgaming provides a large bingo network for the traditional player, mobile gaming solutions for those on the go, live dealer games for those players that want to replicate reality and software packages for land based casino operators. Overall, the company offers over 120 casinos and 40 poker rooms that are available on the web. Within this network, there are 400 games to play.

A few of the most popular online casinos include:

• Prime Casino
• Spin Palace Casino
• Casino Splendido
• Roxy Palace Casino

There are many advantages to hiring Microgaming to develop casino software. First, Micrograming provides some of the most durable and robust casino software around. Next, a training academy is available for casino operators to ascertain new information about leading-edge practices and software and participate in ongoing training. Additionally, new game releases, ongoing system maintenance and upgrades add to the effectiveness of the software.

Microgaming views both their players and customers as top priority. With new games, large jackpots and huge networks, players are consistently satisfied. Casino customers are granted ongoing upgrades and maintenance, new games, training and excellent software. These aspects keep all their customers happy, resulting in an increased retention rate each year and consistent growth.

Caribbean poker is played with three to five players at a table and one deck of cards. Each player is dealt a five card hand, with two chances to bet. The layout of the game is very similar to standard five card poker.

The inclusion of a progressive jackpot makes Caribbean poker a popular game at the casino. In a progressive jackpot the jackpot for the table will continue to rise as each hand is dealt.

How Do I Play Caribbean Poker?

To start a hand of Caribbean poker each player must place an Ante bet. The minimum amount of the Ante bet is determined by the casino. Each player must also place a bet towards the progressive jackpot if they want a chance to win the pot before the cards are dealt. This happens before every hand and ensures the jackpot will continue to rise.

The dealer will then deal five cards to each player. Each card is dealt face down. The dealer also deals five cards to himself, with one card being face up for the table to see. Players are only dealt one set of cards. After their cards are dealt they can choose to fold or remain in the game. If they remain in the game, a player must double their Ante bet.

The advancement of Caribbean poker is determined by the dealer’s hand. If the dealer has a hand that is Ace King or higher (based on standard poker hands) the round will continue. The player’s hand must beat the dealer’s hand to win the round.

If the dealer’s hand does not qualify, all players receive two times their Ante bet, and have their progressive bet returned on an even-scale.

How Does Betting Work in Caribbean Poker?

Players have two betting options in Caribbean poker; betting on the single hand and betting on the progressive jackpot.

In order to be considered in on a hand, the player must place an Ante bet. This bet has a minimum and is placed before any cards are dealt. After the cards are dealt the player has one chance to raise their Ante bet during the round.

Players also have the option of betting on the progressive jackpot. This bet is completely optional and does not disqualify a player from the round. However, a player must bet on the progressive jackpot for the chance to win it.

Medieval warriors are sure to love Brave Heart, a slot game centered around the sword slashing movie starring Mel Gibson.  This game even incorporates the memorable battle for Scotland’s freedom into the format.  Led by Gibson’s character William Wallace, the better the Scotts do in battle, the more points the player gains.  Brave Heart also offers a nice selection of progressive jackpots that are strategically named after different levels of movie success.  Ranging from Smash and Epic to Acclaimed and Blockbuster, each jackpot is individual but can be targeted by the player within a single game.

Forest Gump is another new slots game you can find in the Intercasino lobby.  This one is based on the historical film starring Tom Hanks and comes with two full bonus games.  Forrest Gump serves up many famous quotes from the hit film and caters to interactive fans with “Run Forrest Run” feature that provides players with control over Gump’s incomparable dash.

Fans of DC comic books will have a filled day with InterCasino’s new super hero-themed slots game – Superman.  This is an epic game based on the alter ego of Clark Kent.  It features an amazing 50 paylines and calls for players to court the lovely Lois Lane while thwarting the evil attempts of the sinister Lex Luthor.  This game is action packed because all this goes on during your pursuit for a wealth of free spins and prosperous jackpots.

In addition to the movie and comic book-themed virtual slot machines, InterCasino also has a new game called Perfect Pairs Blackjack.  This game is largely based on the classic hole-card variant known as Atlantic City Blackjack.  While very similar to traditional Atlantic City, the differences add a uniquely fresh touch to the game.  The most notable difference is the inclusion of an optional side wager that offers bonus payouts based on the first two cards the player receives. Another catch is that these bonuses only apply to pairs.  For example, mixed pairs payout 5 to 1, colored pairs payout 15 to 1, and Perfect Pairs pay out 25 to 1.  Perfect Pairs offers the highest quality graphics you will find in an online casino game, boasting brilliant animation and 3D graphics that give it a realistic look and feel.  It also includes dealer voice-overs that liven the flow of the game and keep the action moving.

Powered by CryptoLogic, InterCasino is one of the oldest casinos in the online gambling industry, first emerging on the scene in 1996.  In fact, it is the very first casino to utilize CrytopLogic software.  InterCasino is well known for welcoming customers with generous deposit bonuses and more exciting games than they know what to do with.  Unfortunately, due to the controversy surrounding online gambling in the United States, this casino does not accept U.S. players.

Importance of the Payline

Most online casinos offer slots games that give you the option to choose the number of paylines.  When you think about it, this is only practical as it doesn’t make much since to play a game where all the paylines cannot be enabled.  With the exception of scatter wins, winning combinations typically only result in payouts when they occur in an enabled payline.  Online slots with progressive jackpots go the extra mile to emphasize the importance of selecting all paylines available.  For example, a progressive game usually only pays out when the predetermined winning combination occurs in the highest payline.  While this can be considered risky, selecting all the paylines can dramatically increase your total bet per spin.  This is especially true if you have opted for a game with 50 to 100 paylines.  In this scenario, your best bet would be to reduce your line bet so that you can remain within the limitations of your bankroll.

The Coin Factor

Collectively, the number of coins per payline and coin size contribute to the line bet.  Now you have some online slots games that only permit you to bet one coin per payline, but even then, they generally offer a greater coin size range in addition to an acceptable degree of options within that given range.  Those that give you the option to choose the number of coins often have a notably smaller coin size range and fewer choices within that range.  The good thing is that with either type of slots game, the end results are usually the same.

With some online slots games, you must choose the number of coins per payline and coin size together so that you can obtain your desired line bet.  In these games, the line bet must be selected in accordance to your bankroll for that particular session, and the number of spins you anticipate playing.  Let’s say your bankroll is compromised of 100 credits and you plan on playing 100 spins.  In this scenario, it would be wise to choose a 1.00 line bet, which can easily be done in some online slots games.  Others allow you to choose other denominations such as two 0.50 coins or four 0.25 coins.  Going back to the point of above, both of these variations essentially give you the same options, just in a different way.  Whatever you win, you can put it aside for another session.