Playtech’s Latest Live Casino Game for Beginners and Veterans – Who Wants to Be A Millionaire Video Poker Live

Playtech, a renowned name in the world of online gaming, has recently introduced an exciting new game to its portfolio – Who Wants to be a Millionaire Video Poker Live. This game combines the thrill of traditional video poker with the popular TV game show format, much like Evolution did with their Video Poker Live in the summer of last year. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of this game, exploring its features and gameplay.

Introduction to Millionaire Video Poker Live

Who Wants to be a Millionaire Video Poker Live is Playtech's innovative take on live dealer video poker, incorporating elements from the famous TV show – a partnership which they announced a few years ago. The game features an optional bonus round, triggered by specific poker hands, that can lead to a payout of up to 2,000x. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and players have the option to play 5, 10, 25, 50, or 100 hands, using RNG to complete the hands after the initial hold/discards.

Game Variants and RTPs

Players can choose from five versions of video poker, each with slightly different RTPs and paytables. The variants include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, and a special new variant created for this game, Millionaire Aces. The RTPs range from 98.92% to 99.54%, depending on the version played. The Millionaire Round has an RTP of 96.00% and offers a maximum win of 2,000x.

• Jacks or Better Live (99.54% RTP): This game adheres to the 9/6 version, where the primary goal is to achieve at least a pair of Jacks or better. With its medium volatility, it offers a balanced gameplay experience, making it ideal for players who prefer a steady approach. Royal Flush pays 800x.
• Deuces Wild Live (98.92% RTP): In this variant, all 2s act as wild cards, significantly increasing the chances of forming strong hands. This game is known for its higher volatility, appealing to players who enjoy the thrill of chasing larger wins. Natural Royal Flush pays 1000x.
• Bonus Poker Live (99.17% RTP): Similar to Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker offers enhanced payouts for specific four-of-a-kind hands. This game strikes a balance between risk and reward, making it suitable for players looking for a bit more excitement than the standard Jacks or Better. Royal Flush pays 800x.
• Double Double Bonus Poker Live (98.98% RTP): An advanced version of Bonus Poker, this game features even higher payouts for certain four-of-a-kind hands, especially those involving Aces and high-ranking kickers. It's designed for players who are willing to embrace higher volatility in pursuit of substantial payouts. Royal Flush pays 800x.
• Millionaire Aces (99.25% RTP): This unique variant, created specifically for this game, places a special emphasis on Aces. It offers enhanced payouts when Aces are part of the winning hands. The game combines elements of traditional video poker with the excitement of increased rewards for Aces, catering to players who enjoy innovative twists in their gameplay. Royal Flush pays 1500x.

Gameplay and How to Play

The gameplay of Millionaire Video Poker Live is straightforward. Players start by selecting their preferred version of video poker and deciding their bet amount and the number of hands they wish to play. They can also opt to bet on the Millionaire Bonus round. The dealer then deals five cards, and players choose which cards to keep or discard. A second set of five cards is dealt to complete the hand, and the remaining hands are completed using RNG.

The Millionaire Bonus Round

The Millionaire Bonus round is a unique feature of this game. It is triggered when one of five 4-card poker hands is made from the ten cards dealt by the dealer. The maximum win for the bonus depends on the hand type that triggered it. The multiplier ranges from 50x to 2,000x.

The round has several levels, each with a set of multipliers or "Xs". Players navigate through these levels, with lifelines available similar to the TV show, including 50-50, Ask The Audience, and Ask The Host. Even players who don’t qualify for the bonus can play along to see how they’d have performed if they were in it for real.

Strategies for Winning

Each version of Millionaire Video Poker Live requires different playing strategies. Playtech has provided the default strategies based on mathematics, odds, and probabilities for each type. These strategies include holding certain cards in descending order of priority, depending on the version being played. You’ll find them all in the game menu by pressing the “i” button.

Comparison with Evolution Video Poker

Compared to Evolution's Live Video Poker, Playtech's version offers a different experience with its bonus rounds and the use of real cards for the first hand. The paytables also differ, with Playtech offering the Millionaire Aces variant and Evolution including Tens or Better.

Conclusion

Who Wants to be a Millionaire Video Poker Live by Playtech is a fascinating blend of classic video poker and the excitement of a game show. With its variety of versions, strategic gameplay, and the thrilling Millionaire Bonus round, which the Evolution version doesn’t have, it offers something for every type of player, from beginners to seasoned poker enthusiasts. Feel free to complement it with their first WWTBAM game, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Live Roulette, which was released in December 2021 or their blockbuster Jumanji live game show, which we really enjoyed.