Bonus Poker is a popular choice for players who want slightly more excitement than Jacks or Better without the extreme volatility of Double Bonus. The full-pay version — 8/5 Bonus Poker (8 for Full House, 5 for Flush) — returns 99.17% with optimal strategy. Reno's competitive VP market makes this a good city to find it.
How Bonus Poker Differs from JoB
Bonus Poker pays more for four-of-a-kind hands (especially four Aces) and slightly less for Full House and Flush compared to Jacks or Better. The result is a game with:
- Higher variance (bigger swings per session)
- Slightly lower overall return (99.17% vs. 99.54% for 9/6 JoB)
- More exciting quad payouts that keep sessions interesting
The strategic trade-off: you're accepting a lower base return in exchange for the chance at bigger individual payouts. For many recreational players, this is a worthwhile exchange.
Where to Check in Reno
Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Atlantis is one of Reno's strongest VP properties. Check for 8/5 Bonus Poker on the main floor and at bar-top machines. Independent properties like Atlantis have more control over their pay table offerings than casinos on national networks.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
Peppermill's large floor includes VP in multiple sections. Bonus Poker may appear at different pay schedules in different areas of the same casino — check before you commit to a machine.
Grand Sierra Resort
GSR's size works in your favor for Bonus Poker. The variety of machines means you're more likely to find the 8/5 schedule somewhere on the floor, even if other sections carry tighter versions.
Tamarack Junction Casino
The small locals casino that punches above its weight. If Tamarack carries Bonus Poker, check the pay table — it may surprise you.
Pay Table Quick Reference
| Schedule | Full House | Flush | Return (Optimal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/5 (Full Pay) | 8 | 5 | 99.17% |
| 7/5 | 7 | 5 | 98.01% |
| 6/5 | 6 | 5 | 96.87% |
The difference between 8/5 and 7/5 is 1.16% — at $1.25/hand (quarter max bet) over 600 hands per hour, that's about $8.70/hour in additional expected loss. Always check.
Strategy Differences from JoB
Bonus Poker strategy is close to Jacks or Better but not identical. The higher quad payouts change a few hold decisions:
- Three-of-a-kind is more valuable (it can improve to quads)
- Some low pair + high card situations resolve differently than in JoB
- Four Aces pays 80 coins (vs. 25 in JoB), which affects draws to a pair of Aces
Practice the correct Bonus Poker strategy before playing for real money. Our free Bonus Poker game lets you learn the differences at no cost.