As a long-time poker enthusiast and someone who has spent countless hours exploring video poker variations both at traditional casinos and online—especially those available at a casino not on GamStop—I can tell you that Double Bonus Poker is one of the most exciting and strategic variants out there. It combines the foundational elements of Jacks or Better with a thrilling twist in payouts that can seriously influence how you play each hand.
If you’re new to Double Bonus Poker or just want a solid refresher with practical insights, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the game, including its rules, strategy implications, and how it plays out in different casino environments, including those not covered by the GamStop self-exclusion program.
Understanding the Basics of Double Bonus Poker
At its core, Double Bonus Poker is a video poker game that builds on the familiar mechanics of Jacks or Better. You’re dealt five cards and have one opportunity to discard and draw new ones. Your goal is to end up with a winning hand based on the game’s paytable.
What sets Double Bonus Poker apart is its elevated payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands—particularly four aces. This added bonus structure doesn’t just make for bigger wins; it completely changes the optimal strategy. In other words, the game rewards more aggressive play when you’re chasing those high-value hands.
The game is typically played with a 52-card deck, no jokers or wild cards. The key is in how much more you can win when you hit one of the premium four-of-a-kind combinations.
Key Payout Differences: Why It’s Called “Double Bonus”
Double Bonus Poker doesn’t just double your excitement—it often doubles the payout for specific hands compared to Jacks or Better. Here’s a quick overview of how the payouts are structured (assuming max coin play, which is five coins per hand):
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Four Aces: Usually pays 160x your coin bet
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Four 2s, 3s, or 4s: Around 80x your coin bet
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Four 5s through Kings: Typically pays 50x
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Full House, Flush, and Straight: Slightly reduced compared to Jacks or Better
This aggressive payout model on four-of-a-kind hands means you’ll often be adjusting your strategy to prioritize those hands—even at the expense of more traditional plays that you’d make in Jacks or Better.
Rules You Need to Know Before You Play
Whether you’re sitting in front of a console at a brick-and-mortar casino or playing online at a casino not on GamStop, the rules of Double Bonus Poker remain consistent:
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Initial Deal: You start with five cards.
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Card Hold/Draw: You choose which cards to hold and which to replace.
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Final Hand Evaluation: Your new hand is evaluated against the paytable.
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Payout Based on Hand: You receive your payout (if any) depending on the strength of your hand and the bet size.
One thing to keep in mind is that Double Bonus Poker can have multiple paytables, and not all of them are equally player-friendly. A full-pay version typically offers a Return to Player (RTP) of around 100.17%, but these are rare, especially online. Many casinos—especially casinos not on GamStop—may offer slightly different paytables, so it’s worth examining the game’s details before diving in.
Strategy Adjustments for Double Bonus Poker
If you’re coming from a background in Jacks or Better, you might be tempted to play Double Bonus Poker the same way. That would be a mistake. The premium payouts for four-of-a-kinds make some unconventional plays not only viable but optimal.
For instance, if you’re dealt a pair of aces and nothing else, it’s almost always correct to keep the aces and draw three new cards—even over two pairs. Why? Because the potential payoff for four aces is huge. Similarly, you might choose to break up a flush draw if you already have a high pair or three of a kind that could become a four-of-a-kind with the right draw.
Here’s an example from my own experience: I once held three 4s and had the option to either chase a full house or go for the fourth 4. In Jacks or Better, chasing the full house might be the conservative play. But in Double Bonus Poker, that 4-of-a-kind payout for 4s is so much juicier—it was worth the risk, and it paid off.
Playing Double Bonus Poker at a Casino Not on GamStop
Now let’s talk about where you can play this game, especially if you’re outside the UK’s GamStop self-exclusion network. Casinos not on GamStop are often international operators that accept UK players but aren’t bound by the same regulatory constraints. These sites usually offer a broad variety of video poker titles, including multiple versions of Double Bonus Poker.
One of the advantages of these casinos is the flexibility they provide. You’ll often find better bonuses, fewer restrictions on deposits and withdrawals, and a wider selection of game variants. However, there are some caveats:
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Game Fairness: Make sure the casino is licensed by a reputable authority, such as Curacao or Malta.
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Payout Percentages: Check the game info section to find out whether you’re playing a full-pay or short-pay version of Double Bonus.
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Responsible Gaming: Because these platforms are not part of the GamStop program, make sure to set your own boundaries for playtime and budget.
Having played at multiple casinos not on GamStop, I can confirm that many of them offer solid video poker experiences, but they also vary widely in quality. Do your research, read reviews, and don’t be swayed solely by bonus offers.
Double Bonus Poker vs Other Variants
Compared to other popular video poker games like Deuces Wild or Bonus Poker, Double Bonus offers a sweet spot between strategy depth and reward potential. While Deuces Wild can feel unpredictable due to the wild cards, and Bonus Poker gives only modest bonuses for four-of-a-kinds, Double Bonus strikes a thrilling balance.
If you’re a player who enjoys making calculated risks with the chance for high payoffs, this game fits the bill. However, you’ll need to invest some time into learning proper hand strategy. Tools like poker strategy charts and simulators can help, especially when used in free-play modes at online casinos.
Practical Tips for Success
From my personal sessions, here are a few practical takeaways:
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Always bet max coins. The highest payouts (like for four aces) are usually only available at max bet.
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Stick to full-pay versions when possible. A small difference in the paytable can have a big effect on long-term results.
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Use training tools. Practice makes perfect, and the best way to learn strategy is through repetition.
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Know when to walk away. Double Bonus Poker can swing wildly. Know your limits and don’t chase losses.
And most importantly, enjoy the game. Double Bonus Poker is one of the few video poker variants where skill really pays off in the long run. The bonus element keeps it fun and dynamic, while the foundational rules ensure you always have a strategy to fall back on.
Final Thoughts
Double Bonus Poker offers a refreshing take on traditional video poker by injecting higher payouts and more strategic depth. Understanding the rules is crucial—not just the basics, but the nuances that make the difference between good and great play. If you’re playing at a casino not on GamStop, take the time to explore the platform, review the paytables, and ensure the environment is safe and reputable.
For anyone serious about video poker, Double Bonus is a must-try. It’s not just about luck—it’s about playing smart, adapting your strategy, and knowing when to go for the big win. That’s what keeps me coming back to it, game after game.
If you’ve got your sights set on meaningful play, not just flashy entertainment, Double Bonus Poker is where you want to be.
