The bad beat jackpot of the MPN poker network was hit four times between Christmas and New Year, with 47 players receiving a payout.

The jackpot is triggered when a player loses a hand with four of a kind (twos or better), with everyone who is opted in to the same stake receiving a cut.

Providers Microgaming, the firm behind the MPN, report that since being altered in March the bad beat jackpot is usually hit on an almost weekly basis.

Microgaming head of network games Lydia Barbara said: Â"ItÂ's great to win prizes year-round, but somehow winning a jackpot at this time of year is extra special. Congratulations to all the lucky winners.Â"