This exciting poker/Blackjack combination owes its name, predictably perhaps, to its place of origin. Caribbean Stud Poker was developed on the cruise ships that travel the waters of the Caribbean Islands. Compared to most casino favorites, Caribbean Stud is a fledging game, only dating back to the late 1980’s.

Caribbean Stud uses the same five-card hand and hand rankings as most poker games and involves playing against the dealer instead of other players. Additionally, players do not bluff. The player must first place an ante and can either raise or fold depending on the poker hand's strength.

While Caribbean Stud Poker enjoyed much success on cruise ships, it wasn’t received as enthusiastically by players in Vegas casinos due to the games comparatively high house advantage. Many casinos opted to add progressive jackpots and optional side bets in order to entice more players to the tables. It worked. Today the Caribbean Stud Poker tables are casino hotspots at both live and online casinos.  

Learn how to play Caribbean Stud Poker.