VP Progressive

How do I compute my EV on a video poker progressive? For example, say a $.25 9/6 JOB has a jackpot of $1,500, what would be my EV and how do I figure it out?

Quote: roadrat

How do I compute my EV on a video poker progressive? For example, say a $.25 9/6 JOB has a jackpot of $1,500, what would be my EV and how do I figure it out?

Convert the progressive value to coins.
$1500 / $0.25 = 6000

Divide by the number of coins per hand required for jackpot eligibility. If it's a 5 coin game, divide by 5. If it's 8 or 20, divide by that.
Assuming 5 coin, 6000 / 5 = 1200

Enter this into a video poker calculator, like this one.

If there is more than one progressive, it gets slightly more complicated -- it depends what special progressives there are.

Run the calculator.
Note for certain progressive values, there will be strategy changes required for optimal play.

Good luck.

Thank You very much for your response. I figured out how to use the calculator. I am getting a 1.005 return. Does that mean I am getting a 1% advantage? So my EV is 1% of coin in per hour?

Quote: roadrat

Thank You very much for your response. I figured out how to use the calculator. I am getting a 1.005 return. Does that mean I am getting a 1% advantage? So my EV is 1% of coin in per hour?

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Not if you ran a 9/6 JOB at $1,500. That should be at slightly under $1,650 to get a 1% edge. At $1500 u would be getting a .65 return so I'm not sure how you came up with a .5 return. Move the decimal point to the right 2 times when using his calculator.

I actually used different numbers for this specific play, What I was asking about is the term "return" on the totals from the calculator. If that meant your "advantage". Thanks for your reply. Appreciate the help.

Quote: roadrat

Thank You very much for your response. I figured out how to use the calculator. I am getting a 1.005 return. Does that mean I am getting a 1% advantage? So my EV is 1% of coin in per hour?

link to original post

A return of 1.00 would mean 100%.
A return of 1.005 would mean 100.5%.

Since so much of the return is part of the progressive award, your return will be less than this number if you do not win the progressive.

Once the progressive meter resets, the numbers all change again.

Quote: roadrat

I actually used different numbers for this specific play, What I was asking about is the term "return" on the totals from the calculator. If that meant your "advantage". Thanks for your reply. Appreciate the help.

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Assuming no mistakes and perfect play your advantage is anything over 100%. Yes, your coin in at whatever percentage you have times the amount bet will translate into your hourly rate. let's assume you have a 1% advantage and you can play 1000 hands per hour on a $1.25 bet per hand...your hourly rate would be $12.50.


You also need to factor in some meter movement for that progressive, however, you can't add in the full amount of the meter movement to the play unless it's a stand-alone progressive that only you will be playing. Knowing what the meter movement is will also help you determine how often you might get a play.

Thanks Guys
I know it isn't easy trying to explain math. It's like me trying to explain EV to a square.