If you’ve spent any time around a neighborhood tavern, VFW, American Legion, or other community gathering spot, chances are you’ve heard the buzz about the Queen of Hearts. But what exactly is it — and why does it keep popping up in conversation about big jackpots?
The Queen of Hearts is a progressive raffle game that’s become a favorite in bars, clubs, and charitable organizations across the U.S., especially here in the Midwest. It’s part fundraiser, part community event, and part thrill ride — because jackpots can grow into the tens, even hundreds, of thousands of dollars.
How the Game Works
- The Board
The game starts with a sealed board containing a full deck of 54 cards — all 52 standard playing cards plus two jokers. Each card is placed face-down in a numbered slot. - Buying Tickets
Players purchase raffle tickets (usually for $1 each, though prices can vary) and write their name and a number corresponding to a card slot they want to reveal. - Weekly Drawing
At a set time each week, one ticket is drawn. If your ticket is picked, the number you wrote on it determines which card on the board is turned over. - Finding the Queen of Hearts
If you reveal the Queen of Hearts, you win the jackpot! If you reveal another card, the game continues into the next week and the jackpot rolls over, growing bigger each time.
Why It’s So Popular
- Massive Jackpots – Because the pot keeps growing until the Queen of Hearts is found, prizes can reach life-changing amounts.
- Low-Cost Fun – Tickets are inexpensive, making it easy for anyone to play.
- Community Spirit – The drawings often become social events, bringing people together to root for friends, share laughs, and enjoy a drink.
- Charitable Causes – Many raffles are run by non-profits or veterans’ organizations, so a portion of ticket sales supports local programs.
The Excitement Builds
Each week the suspense grows. Most of the time, the card turned over isn’t the Queen of Hearts — which is exactly why jackpots can climb to eye-popping amounts. Many locations also offer smaller prizes if you uncover certain cards, such as a flat cash amount for any face card, a bonus for finding a joker, or even half the jackpot in some special cases. This mix of big stakes, smaller wins, and the week-to-week build-up is what keeps people coming back for more.
A Word on Rules
Every location has its own house rules — including payout percentages, ticket limits, and whether the jackpot can be split if you’re not present for the drawing. Always check the posted rules before you play.
Why We Track It
At FindQueenOfHearts.com, we follow these games because they’ve become more than just raffles — they’re local events that bring neighborhoods together and create the kind of buzz you can feel in the air. Our live jackpot map makes it easy to see where the action is and which games are heating up.
If you’ve never played, it’s worth checking one out — whether you’re chasing the jackpot or just enjoying the atmosphere. Who knows? The next Queen of Hearts could be in your hands.