What Is a Progressive Jackpot?
Let us start by defining a jackpot. A jackpot refers to a large prize that can be won in a casino game. When the jackpot is progressive, it means that the prize keeps growing. Normally, with a progressive jackpot every time the game is played and the jackpot prize is not won, the prize increases.
Progressive jackpots grow as more players participate, with a portion of each bet contributing to the prize pool. This means that even if the game is played hundreds of times before a win, the prize will keep increasing. After a win is achieved, the progressive jackpot resets to a predetermined value and the process starts all over again.
Which Casino Games Offer Progressive Jackpots?
Progressive jackpots are a popular feature in many casino games:
- Slot Machines – Progressive slots are the most common casino games offering progressive jackpots.
- Table Games – Special roulette games include jackpot bets, while Some versions of blackjack feature side bets contributing to a jackpot.
- Video Poker – Progressive jackpots are often available in video poker games, usually tied to achieving rare hands like a Royal Flush
- Specialty Games – Progressive Bingo, Keno, and lottery-style games.
- Live Casino Games – Some live dealer games incorporate progressive jackpots into gameplay.
Keep in mind though that progressive jackpots are available only in specific games – not all slots, video poker, roulette, or blackjack games have this feature.
How Do Progressive Jackpot Slots Work?
A progressive jackpot usually starts as a base (predetermined figure). When a player bets on the progressive jackpot, plays the game and does not win, the prize increases by a specific percentage. At the same time, a small portion of the amount that the player bets on the game goes directly to the progressive jackpot prize pool. With every play, the amount will continue to increase until one player wins the game.
Many progressive slots require players to place the maximum bet to qualify for the jackpot. Some slots have multiple jackpot levels, such as Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega, with higher bets increasing the chance of winning larger prizes. Winning the jackpot typically requires hitting a specific combination of symbols or triggering it randomly during gameplay. Once the jackpot is won, it resets to a base amount and starts building up again.
Regular Slots vs Progressive Jackpot Slots
In casino gaming, slots make up most of the game catalogs. You can also find a few progressive jackpot slots to make things more exciting. The two types of slots have the same gameplay. However, the key difference is in the prizes.
Regular Slot Games
- Regular slots come with small single prizes
- Winning a regular slot is much easier
- Whether you win or lose a regular slot, the prize is the same when you play it again
- Winning combinations on regular slots are determined by a random number generator
- Regular slots are available in plenty
Progressive Jackpot Slots
- Progressive jackpot slots offer large prizes that keep accumulating with every play.
- The money betted on a progressive jackpot game goes to the prize pool.
- The prize increases every time the game is played and a win is not achieved.
- The progressive jackpot is triggered randomly.
- Progressive jackpots are not available in all slots.
Types of Progressive Jackpot Slots
Standalone Progressive Jackpots
Standalone progressive jackpots are jackpots tied to a single game, where the prize pool is not shared with other slot machines or networks. These jackpots grow exclusively from the bets placed on that specific slot machine. As players spin the reels, a small portion of their wager contributes to the jackpot, causing it to increase until someone wins. Since standalone progressives rely solely on the activity of one slot game, their jackpot amounts are typically smaller compared to networked progressives.
In-House / Local Progressive Jackpot Slots
Local progressive jackpot slots are games where the jackpot is shared among a network of machines within a single casino or gaming venue. These machines are linked together, allowing a portion of each bet placed across all connected slots to contribute to a shared jackpot pool. This setup enables the jackpot to grow faster than standalone machines, as it draws from multiple players at different machines.
In online gambling, a local/in-house progressive jackpot can be flexible. The online operator can choose to limit this type of progressive jackpot to a single title or offer it across multiple online slot games offered by the same software provider. In offline gambling, this type of progressive jackpot can be available in multiple machines in a single venue or a single machine, depending on the casino.
Wide-Area / Network Progressive Slots
This is the most popular type and what most people are familiar with. Network progressive jackpots are typically offered across multiple venues that feature casino games from the same provider. A good example is the Mega Moolah progressive jackpot. This one is available on multiple sites that are powered by Microgaming. So, the progressive jackpot can be won at any of these sites.
On the other hand, in offline gambling, this type of progressive jackpot is usually linked to multiple slot machines located in different casinos. However, they are usually confined to a single state or region.
Best Progressive Jackpot Slots
🦁 Mega Moolah
This is an iconic slot, and perhaps the most popular progressive jackpot in the gambling sector. It is a product of Microgaming, a leading software provider. Mega Moolah is famous for its record-breaking payouts, that often reach millions of dollars, making it one of the most coveted progressive jackpot.
Mega Moolah is an Africa Safari-themed game that features free spins, a random jackpot wheel, and more. You can play this game at any online casino that is powered by Microgaming and try to win the impressive Mega Moolah jackpot.
🍾 Mega Fortune
This is a classic slot title from the prominent NetEnt software provider. The theme of the slot is all about luxury and wealth. Therefore, it contains symbols of luxury like yachts and champagne. Mega Fortune features a wheel of fortune bonus game, which requires players to spin a wheel for a chance to win one of three amazing progressive jackpots. Mega Fortune is available at most online casinos that are powered by NetEnt.
🔨 Hall of Gods
This is a popular slot game that is based on the world of Norse mythology. It features mythical gods like Thor and Odin. The game is famous for its engaging design and features. For instance, it comes with engaging bonus rounds like breaking shields using Thor’s hammer to unleash cash prizes. Players also love the fact that it has a high RTP and offers frequent jackpot drops. Developed by NetEnt, this slot game offers three types of progressive jackpots. They are the mini, midi, and mega progressive jackpots.
🐪 Arabian Nights
This is another hit from the famous NetEnt software provider. The progressive slot game is inspired by folklore from the Middle East. Therefore, it features symbols like camels and swords to fit the theme and create an enticing Arabian atmosphere. This game is famous for its straightforward and entertaining gameplay as well as its frequent jackpot hits. Furthermore, Arabian Nights boasts of high volatility and some of the biggest progressive jackpot payouts.
🃏 Joker Millions
Joker Millions is an old-school fruit slot machine with a lot of modern style. It is famous for its progressive jackpot among several other bonus features. This is one of the few progressive jackpot casino games that offers a payout in millions. The jackpot resets at 100,000 dollars after it is won and reaches millions in a very short time. This game boasts medium volatility and a high RTP of 94.3%.
Leading Progressive Slot Games Providers
Microgaming
Microgaming is the software provider behind the iconic progressive slot Mega Moolah that features a multi-tiered jackpot system and holds the record for the highest payout in gambling history. Therefore, it makes sense that this prominent software provider is the first title on this list. Launched in 1994, this is one of the oldest developers in the gaming sector. It specializes in slot, table, and live dealer games. Besides Mega Moolah, other popular progressive jackpot bonus games from this provider include King Cashalot, Major Millions, and Tunzamunni.
NetEnt
NetEnt is also a popular software provider that specializes in slots and table games. This brand is behind some of the most iconic progressive jackpot casino games like Mega Fortune, which is a luxury-themed slot with thrilling gameplay. NetEnt is also the brain behind Hall of Gods, Arabian Nights, and several other highly after progressive slot games. Games from NetEnt are known for their amazing bonus rounds, great graphics, and enticing gameplay.
Playtech
This software developer boasts of the Age of the Gods jackpot, which is one of the most popular progressive slot titles. Playtech has made a name for itself as one of the leading software providers because of the quality of its games, immersiveness, and unique bonus features including progressive jackpots. Like Microgaming, it is also one of the oldest online gaming software suppliers that was launched in 1999.
How to Win on Progressive Slot Machines
The outcome of a progressive jackpot game is determined by a Random Number Generator. So, there is no secret strategy that will guarantee you a win. However, you can try out some strategies that can help improve your chances of winning on progressive slot machines:
- Know the rules of the game well – Read the game’s paytable and rules to know how the progressive jackpot is triggered.
- Fulfill the conditions to be eligible for the jackpot – Some progressive jackpots have conditions, like a minimum bet amount that will qualify you for the grand prize. So, make sure you fulfill these conditions so you do not miss out on the grand prize.
- Understand the risk involved – Make sure you are aware of the risk involved in playing a specific progressive jackpot slot. You can determine the risk of a slot through its volatility, which will inform you of when you are expected to win and how often. High volatility means less risk, and vice versa.
- Stick to a budget – Always set a budget before you begin playing and stick to it. This will prevent you from losing more money than you can afford to lose.
- Research – Research the slot’s RTP percentage and variance to pick one that suits your playing style.
- Play when the jackpot is high – Progressive jackpots are more enticing when they’ve grown significantly. While the odds don’t change, the potential reward is much greater.
- Take advantage of bonuses – Use casino bonuses, such as free spins or deposit match offers, to extend your gameplay without risking more of your own money.
Progressive Jackpot RTP
RTP, also known as the payout or return to player rate, refers to the percentage of total bets placed on a progressive slot that is returned to players over time. Progressive jackpot RTPs may differ from one casino to the next. However, it generally ranges from 90% to 97%.
As the jackpot grows, the effective RTP increases because the potential return to the player becomes larger. So, while the odds of winning a progressive jackpot are slim, the potential payout is massive. This is what makes progressive jackpots attractive.
The Biggest Jackpot Wins of All Time
- Mega Moolah – $23,300,000 won at Grand Mondial casino on 28th September 2018
- Mega Moolah – $20,057,734 won at Zodiac Casino on 30th January 2019
- Mega Fortune – $19,430.723 won at Paf Casino on 20th January 2013
- Mega Moolah – $16,496,060 won at Jackpot City Casino on 5th April 2020
- Mega Moolah – $13,615,861 won at Luxury casino on 8th May 2020
How to Find the Best Progressive Jackpot Casinos
Legitimacy & Trustworthiness
Make sure that the platform you decide to play progressive slots on is legitimate. This is the only way to be sure that you can trust the promotion and that you stand a fair chance at winning the grand progressive jackpot prize. You can determine if a progressive jackpot casino is legitimate and trustworthy by checking its license. Reading the reviews will also give you insight into the reputation and legitimacy of the online casino.
Progressive Slots Selection
Check the progressive slot selection at the casino to see the available options. You will be able to determine the value of the available progressive slots selection by checking out the details of the available offers. Some casinos offer more options than others. So, it is up to you to choose the best platform based on the available offers.
Bonuses & Promotions
In addition to the progressive jackpots that the platform offers, it is advisable to check the promotions that are available on the platform. Most leading casinos have a section detailing the available bonuses and promotions. Remember that the quality of the bonuses and promotions is more important than the quantity.
Accepted Payment Methods
You can also determine the best platforms by checking the accepted payment methods. The best operator should provide you with a wide range of banking options. Furthermore, the payment methods should be secure and offer fast transactions. Other factors to consider regarding the payment methods are the availability in your locale, fees, and transaction limits.
Withdrawal Conditions
Once you win a prize, including a progressive jackpot, the next step is usually to withdraw it from the casino account into your personal account. The speed and convenience of the process will be determined by the payment method you use. Different platforms have varying withdrawal conditions. These conditions include wagering requirements for bonuses, minimum and maximum limits, withdrawal times, and more. You should check out this information when choosing an appropriate platform.
Customer Support
Another factor to consider is customer support. Start by checking the available customer support channels. Another thing is the quality of the customer support. For instance, how long does it take to get replies from the support team? Also, does the support team actually help with resolving problems?
Progressive Jackpots FAQ
What is the difference between a progressive jackpot and a fixed jackpot?
A fixed jackpot features a fixed amount. So, no matter how long it takes for someone to win the prize, the amount will remain the same. However, a progressive jackpot usually increases with every unwon game. So, each time someone tries to play and does not win, the prize increases until a winner is found.
How big can progressive jackpots get?
A progressive jackpot does not have any limit. It can get as big as tens of millions of dollars. As long as a win is not achieved, the amount will keep accumulating. So, the longer it takes for someone to win the prize, the more the amount increases.
What triggers a progressive jackpot?
There is no specific way to trigger a progressive jackpot. The trigger is usually random. It can feature a specific combination of features for one game and a different one for another. So, the trigger for a progressive jackpot is usually random.
What are the odds of winning a progressive jackpot?
The odds of winning a progressive jackpot are usually quite low. This is why it may take several months for a win to be achieved on a progressive jackpot. This is also part of the appeal of this kind of bonus because the longer it takes, the higher the amount to be won at the end.
How often do progressive jackpots hit?
A random number usually determines the combinations that create a hit on a progressive jackpot. So, it is impossible to determine when a hit will be achieved. However, it is safe to say that hits are not achieved often.
How are progressive jackpots paid?
Most large progressive jackpots are usually paid in annual installments, spread out over a decade or more. However, some prizes, like Mega Moolah are paid promptly in one large sum. So, it usually differs from one game to the next.
Are progressive jackpot slots better than regular slots?
Yes, progressive jackpots are better than regular slots because they offer very high wins. However, you can also say that regular slots are better because the odds of winning on a regular slot are higher than on progressive slots. Therefore, there is no clear answer to this question.
Can I play progressive slot machines for free?
No, you cannot play progressive slot machines for free. There is usually a minimum amount of money you have to wager in order to qualify for a progressive jackpot. Also, the operators need the money you wager on the games to count towards the grand prize. So, for every bet you make, a percentage goes back into the prize of the progressive jackpot.
How to choose the right progressive slots to play?
The first thing you must do is research. Find out when the slot is available, how it is played, when you can play it and how often, and the eligibility requirements. You can also choose a progressive slot based on the provider, the RTP, and volatility.
How to know which slots are progressive?
Normally, the casino usually labels its progressive jackpots so you can identify them easily. However, you can check out the payout over time. If the payout keeps increasing instead of staying constant, then it is characterized as a progressive jackpot slot.
Can I use bonus spins on a progressive jackpot slot?
This depends on the operator. It is very rare to find a casino that allows you to use bonus spins on a progressive jackpot slot. However, it is also not entirely impossible. You can find an operator that offers this unique type of offer.
What are must-hit-by progressive slots?
Must-hit-by progressive slots are a type of progressive jackpot slot with a guaranteed payout mechanism. These slots ensure that the jackpot will be triggered once it reaches a specific predetermined amount, adding a layer of predictability to the otherwise random nature of progressive jackpots. Many land-based and online casinos offer these slots with lower jackpot thresholds than traditional progressive slots, making them appealing for players seeking frequent jackpot wins.
Are progressive jackpot slot games available on mobile?
Yes, as long as the online casino you are playing the progressive slot at is available on mobile devices, you can play progressive jackpot slot games on mobile. However, this also depends on the software provider behind the game and if the game is designed to be compatible with mobile devices.
