This is an educational guide to how casino games work. House edge and payout figures are typical values and vary by game, rules and operator. No casino game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, never as a way to make money, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
What Is Caribbean Stud Poker?
Caribbean Stud Poker is a casino poker game played against the house rather than other players — no bluffing, just you versus the dealer. Here’s how it works.
How it works
You place an Ante and are dealt five cards; the dealer gets five too, with one face up. After seeing your hand, you either fold (losing the Ante) or raise with a bet of twice the Ante. Hands are then compared.
The dealer qualifies
The dealer needs at least Ace-King to “qualify”. If they don’t, your raise is returned and the Ante pays even money — a quirk that shapes the game.
Odds and the side bet
The house edge is around 5.22%, similar to double-zero roulette, so it sits on the higher side. There’s usually a progressive jackpot side bet too — tempting, but a high-edge bet that’s rarely good value. See three card poker rules, how Casino Hold’em works and what the house edge is.
Frequently asked questions
How does Caribbean Stud Poker work?
You play a five-card poker hand against the dealer — place an Ante, see your cards, then fold or raise.
What is the house edge?
About 5.22% — similar to double-zero roulette, so it’s on the higher side.
Should I play the progressive side bet?
Usually not — the progressive is a high-edge bet that’s rarely good value.
Related guides: three card poker rules, how Casino Hold’em works and what the house edge is.