Caribbean Stud History
While the modern game of poker has a very long history, dating back to the early 19th century, with origins that extend much further back than that, Caribbean Stud is a relatively recent innovation, having sprung into existence in the late 1980s.
Beginnings of Caribbean Stud
Caribbean Stud has its name because the game originated in Aruba, either at one of the resort hotels or on Caribbean cruise ships that traveled to the area. Although there is no concrete evidence of this, there is strong likelihood that the game first spread at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Table in Aruba, now known as the Excelsior.
Growth of Caribbean Stud
Caribbean Stud quickly became popular in hotels and cruise ships around Aruba, due to easy to understand rules and promises of big payouts for the luckier players. In addition, many players thought of it as a more laid back game than traditional poker, making it appropriate for the relaxed tropical atmosphere.
Addition of the Progressive Jackpot
Caribbean Stud truly reached prominence with the addition of the progressive jackpot side bet. With this feature, players could risk an extra dollar to get a shot at the progressive jackpot pool.
If a player betting the progressive makes a royal flush, he wins the progressive jackpot, which can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even making a lesser hand like a flush or a full house pays some part of the jackpot. This addition, which allowed players the chance to win hundreds of thousands for only a dollar, helped make Caribbean Stud into the phenomenon it is today.