Some not-so-obvious reasons to play video poker progressives

The obvious reason to play video poker progressives is the opportunity they provide to win a jackpot not otherwise available on a game of the same denomination. The typical progressive starts at the normal amount for the full-coin royal flush and goes up from there. Although some casinos cap progressive jackpots, generally there is no limit to how big they can grow.

As we have seen, a big jackpot does not necessarily make a progressive a good long-term play. But for the casual player, it's not irrational to prefer a game that offers the possibility of a big hit even if the paytable shorts some of the smaller hands. That's why many bars have progressives -- often, but not always, with very tight pay tables. Many of the customers there are interested in playing only long enough to get a free drink.

For the player in it for the long term, the main reason to play video poker progressives is that they can offer a better expected value than any other available game. But there are other reasons:

1. Many casinos reduce the points or other benefits earned by playing their best games. This started with 100 percent payback games but at some casinos has spread to games that pay back less. A progressives may have a theoretical return of more than 100 percent as the meter rises but still offer players full points based on the pay table.

2. Similarly, theoretical return is factor in many casinos' formulas regarding mailers and other benefits. It appears that when this is the case, "theo" is based on the pay table with the royal flush at reset. Casinos do not seem to be able to track changes in the return of progresssives as they are being played. So playing a progressive may bring more future free play and other benefits than playing a game with a looser underlying pay table.

3. Advantage video poker players think in terms of the hourly value of a play. Progressives can offer not only some of the highest-value plays, but plays that last longer than other opportunities. A progressive can be attractive for days or weeks before it is hit, whereas other advantage plays, such as point multipliers, may be good only for hours or for a number of base points that can be played in a short time.

4. As a progressive jackpot grows, a sense of excitement often develops. Part of this is due to the fact that the value of playing a progressive increases as the meter rises. The value of playing a static game is always the same (except for point multipliers and other  benefits provided by the casino), but each minute playing a progressive is more valuable that the prior minute, until it is hit. At least theoretically, the longer you stay, the more money you make.

It is important to keep in mind that the return of playing a progressive is a long-term concept. Most of the time when you play you are not going to hit the royal, and you are not going to come out ahead. But your results in the long term eventually will reflect the overall expected value of the games you play.