| Updated: September 24, 2025Featuring simple graphics and a retro design, Mega Jacks by Playtech is one of the few video poker games that offer a lottery-style progressive jackpot. The game is available only in real-money mode and uses a fixed coin value of $/€0.25. However, to qualify for the jackpot, players have to place the maximum bet of five coins.
Rules and Gameplay
Playtech’s Mega Jacks is a standard game of Jacks or Better with one key difference: its progressive jackpot. Otherwise, it is straightforward and easy to play, making it a great choice for video-poker fans or casino players looking for a break from slots or traditional table games. Mega Jacks uses a single 52-card deck that is “shuffled” before each deal. Players only choose how many coins to wager (from one to five); the coin value remains fixed at $/€0.25 (0.25 credits in any currency).
The rules and gameplay are standard – players receive five cards at the start and decide which ones to keep. The remaining cards are replaced in the second deal, and if a winning hand is formed, the game pays the corresponding prize. There is also a Gamble feature after every winning round – players can double their payout if they pick a face-down card that is higher than the dealer’s card.
Paytable and Specific Features
| Hand | 1 coin | 2 coins | 3 coins | 4 coins | 5 coins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 250 | 500 | 750 | 1000 | Progressive Jackpot |
| Straight Flush | 50 | 100 | 150 | 200 | 250 |
| 4 of a Kind | 25 | 50 | 75 | 100 | 125 |
| Full House | 9 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 35 |
| Flush | 6 | 12 | 18 | 24 | 30 |
| Straight | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 |
| 3 of a Kind | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| 2 Pair | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 |
| Jacks or Better | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
What sets Playtech’s Mega Jacks apart from most online video-poker variations is its progressive jackpot, which is funded by hundreds, or even thousands, of games played at web-based casinos. The jackpot starts at $300 and increases rapidly with every bet placed. The break-even point is $/€1,230; once the jackpot exceeds this amount, the game offers a positive expected value.
As mentioned, players can win the Mega Jacks progressive jackpot only by landing a Royal Flush while wagering all five coins. Compared with other progressive jackpots, qualifying for this one is quite affordable – it costs just $/€1.25 per round. The RTP varies depending on the value of the jackpot. It begins at 97.56% and can exceed 100%.
Conclusion
Playtech’s progressive video-poker title Mega Jacks is undoubtedly one of the best games to try right now. The jackpot is hit roughly once every few days, and even without it, the game delivers a solid average return.