The odds of hitting the 6-card "Super Royal" -- a 9TJQKA in diamonds -- are 1 in 20,358,520.
The million-dollar payoff is a brilliant add-on to the original Three Card Poker "Six Card Bonus" side bet that carries a house edge ranging from 6.74% to 15.28%, depending on the schedule in use. We say brilliant, because the added long-odds payouts -- which include $100,000 for hitting it in hearts, clubs, or spades -- do little to reduce the high house edge, but go a long way in marketing value for the casino. You have to make both the Ante and Pair Plus bets just to be eligible to also make the separate side bet, which means wagering at least $15, all on negative-expectation propositions. Hence, despite the allure of the big payday, this is not a bet that you should be making with regularity.
Interestingly, when the million-dollar bonus was introduced last September, it was estimated that it would be hit three times in a year. Less than six months later, it's been hit twice, both times in Atlantic City.
If you want to play Three Card Poker optimally, James Grosjean's "3CP" strategy card conveys all the important details on the house edge and playing strategy. It's paired with Let It Ride, so you get both games on one card for $5.95 (the whole set with eight games is $20).
