It is true that a few scholars have a different view, but we are here applying the Hadith which we have already quoted that divorce made in jest actually takes effect. Perhaps it is useful to mention here that the Prophet was once told by one of his companions that he had divorced his wife a hundred times. The Prophet went up on the pulpit and spoke to his companions. He was very angry. That comment by the Prophet certainly applies to every case of divorce made in jest.
Many scholars count it as a three-time divorce.
However, the weightier opinion is that it still counts as a single divorce. I have explained on numerous occasions that a single divorce is revocable within the waiting period, without the need for either a fresh marriage contract or a new dower. If the waiting period has lapsed, then a marriage between the divorcees is possible with a new marriage contract and a new dower. Perhaps the man whose case has been explained to us wishes to go back on his divorce and to tell her that he wants her as his wife again. If she agrees, he may marry her again, giving her a new dower.