Last Updated on 24 October 2023
What are progressive jackpots?
Progressive jackpots are a type of jackpot commonly found in slot machines, both in land-based and online casinos. Unlike fixed jackpots, which have a predetermined and unchanging prize amount, progressive jackpots increase over time as players make bets on the associated slot game. These jackpots can grow to significant sums, often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions.
Here’s how progressive jackpots work:
Accumulating Jackpot
A progressive jackpot starts with an initial seed amount set by the casino or game developer. Each time a player places a bet on the specific progressive slot, a portion of their wager is added to the jackpot pool.
Linked Jackpots
In some cases, progressive jackpots are linked across multiple machines or casinos. This means that players from various locations contribute to the same jackpot, causing it to grow even faster.
Winning Conditions
To win a progressive jackpot, players typically need to meet specific criteria, which can vary from game to game. Common requirements include landing a specific combination of symbols on the reels or triggering a bonus game. Some progressive jackpots are won randomly during regular gameplay.
Resetting After a Win
When a player successfully hits the conditions for winning the progressive jackpot, they are awarded the jackpot amount. After a win, the jackpot resets to its initial seed amount and starts growing again.
Types of Progressive Jackpots
There are different types of progressive jackpots:
- Stand-Alone Progressives: These jackpots are specific to a single machine and are not linked to any others. The jackpot amount is determined solely by the bets placed on that machine.
- Local Progressives: These jackpots are linked to a group of machines within the same casino. The jackpot pool is shared among these machines.
- Wide-Area Progressives: These are the largest progressive jackpots, as they are linked across multiple casinos or gaming networks. The jackpot pool can grow to massive amounts due to the contributions from players across a wide geographical area.
Progressive jackpots add an element of excitement to slot gameplay, as players have the chance to win life-changing sums of money.
How to maximize chances to win a progressive jackpot?
Winning a progressive jackpot is largely a matter of luck, and there’s no surefire strategy to guarantee a win. However, you can take certain steps to maximize your chances of winning a progressive jackpot:
Play Progressive Slots
Obviously, to have a chance at winning a progressive jackpot, you need to play slot machines with progressive jackpots. Look for games with jackpots that have grown to substantial amounts, as these may be more likely to pay out soon.
Bet Max or Within Your Budget
Many progressive slots require you to bet the maximum amount to be eligible for the jackpot. While this can increase your chances of winning the jackpot, it can also be costly. Find a balance between betting the max and sticking to your budget.
Choose the Right Slot
Research and choose progressive slots with a good track record of paying out jackpots. Read reviews and player experiences to identify games with a history of hitting jackpots more frequently.
Understand the Game
Thoroughly understand the rules of the game and how the jackpot is triggered. Some jackpots are won randomly, while others require specific symbol combinations or bonus rounds. Knowing the game mechanics can help you make informed decisions.
Manage Your Bankroll
Progressive jackpot slots can be volatile, so it’s essential to manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for your gambling session and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and know when to walk away.
Play During Off-Peak Times
Some players believe that playing during off-peak hours may increase their chances of winning a progressive jackpot because there is less competition. However, this is not proven to be a winning strategy.
Check the Jackpot History
Some progressive slots display information about when the jackpot was last won. If it’s been a while since the last win, the jackpot may be more likely to hit soon. However, this is not a guarantee.
Play for Fun
Progressive jackpot slots should primarily be played for entertainment. The odds of winning are low, so don’t rely on them as a source of income. Enjoy the game and the excitement it offers.
Stay Informed
Keep an eye on casino promotions and bonuses. Some online casinos offer promotions specifically for progressive jackpot games, such as free spins or bonus funds, which can increase your playing time and chances.
Are jackpot winnings included in the RTP value of the progressive slot machine?
In most cases, the jackpot winnings are not included in the Return to Player (RTP) value of a progressive slot machine. The RTP of a slot machine represents the percentage of all bets that are expected to be returned to players over the long term as winnings. It is typically calculated based on the game’s regular paytable and standard gameplay, excluding the contribution to and potential winnings from progressive jackpots.
Here’s why jackpot winnings are usually not included in the RTP:
- Volatility and Jackpots: Progressive jackpots can significantly impact the volatility of a slot machine. Since jackpot wins are infrequent and can be substantial, they are not factored into the standard RTP calculation, which focuses on the more frequent, smaller wins from regular gameplay.
- Varied Jackpot Contributions: Players typically contribute a portion of their bets to the progressive jackpot(s). This contribution varies depending on the game and the casino. Since this portion of the bet goes directly into the jackpot pool and is not part of the standard paytable, it is not considered in the RTP calculation.
- Jackpot Amounts: The size of progressive jackpots can vary greatly, and they may not be won for an extended period. Including the potential jackpot amount in the RTP would create a misleading representation of the game’s overall payout, as most players do not win the jackpot.
The RTP value provides players with an idea of the average return they can expect from a slot machine over time. It’s essential to understand that the RTP does not guarantee individual results and that the actual payouts can vary significantly from session to session due to the randomness of slot games.
Which slot machines are progressive and what are the best progressive jackpot slots?
Progressive slot machines are quite popular in both land-based and online casinos, and there are many different titles and variations to choose from. Some of the best progressive slot machines include:
Mega Moolah
This is one of the most famous progressive jackpot slots, known for its massive jackpots. It features a safari theme and offers multiple progressive jackpots, including the Mega Jackpot, which can reach millions of dollars.
Mega Fortune
This slot game is known for its luxurious theme and frequently offers sizable progressive jackpots. It has a Wheel of Fortune bonus round that can lead to substantial wins.
Hall of Gods
Hall of Gods is a Norse mythology-themed progressive slot that features several progressive jackpots, including the Mega Jackpot. The game often boasts impressive jackpot amounts.
Arabian Nights
This progressive slot has an Arabian Nights theme and offers a pooled progressive jackpot that can grow to significant sums.
Divine Fortune
This Greek mythology-inspired slot offers a local progressive jackpot and features various bonus features, including wild respins and free spins.
Beach Life
This sunny-themed slot features a progressive jackpot that can reach substantial amounts. It has a beach vacation theme with various symbols related to beach life.
Age of the Gods series
Playtech’s Age of the Gods series includes several progressive jackpot slots, each with a mythological theme. Players have a chance to win one of the four progressive jackpots during a special bonus round.
Jackpot King Series
This is a series of progressive slots offered by various game developers, and it includes titles like Slots O’ Gold, Fishin’ Frenzy, and more. These games contribute to a shared progressive jackpot pool.
Major Millions
Major Millions is a classic progressive slot with a military theme. It offers a progressive jackpot that can lead to substantial winnings.
King Cashalot
This medieval-themed progressive slot features a progressive jackpot that can grow to impressive amounts.
Wheel of Fortune Series
IGT offers a series of progressive jackpot slots based on the popular TV game show “Wheel of Fortune.” These games often have sizable jackpots.
Please note that the availability of these slots may vary depending on the online casino you choose to play at, and the jackpot amounts can change frequently as players contribute to them. Always check with the casino for the latest information on available progressive slot games and their current jackpot sizes.
FAQ
Does anyone ever win progressive Jackpots by playin slots at online casinos?
Yes, people do win progressive jackpots by playing slots at online casinos. Progressive jackpots are a type of slot machine game where the jackpot prize grows progressively as more players wager on the game. A small portion of each bet placed by players contributes to the jackpot, which continues to increase until someone wins it.
These jackpots can become quite large, often reaching millions. Many online casinos have seen players hit these substantial jackpots, and there are numerous stories of lucky individuals winning life-changing sums of money while playing online slots.
It’s important to note that winning a progressive jackpot is still a rare occurrence due to the odds involved, but it is possible.
What are the odds of hitting a progressive jackpot at online casino?
The odds of hitting a progressive jackpot at an online casino can vary significantly depending on the specific slot machine you’re playing and its mechanics. Progressive jackpots are typically won at random, and the odds are generally long, as these jackpots can grow to substantial amounts due to contributions from numerous players over time.
Here are some key points to consider regarding the odds of hitting a progressive jackpot:
- Randomness: Progressive jackpots are often triggered randomly or through a bonus feature in the game. This means that every spin has a chance to win the jackpot, but there is no predictable pattern or strategy to increase your odds.
- Jackpot Size: The size of the progressive jackpot can affect your odds. Larger jackpots usually have longer odds of hitting, as they require more contributions from players before someone wins.
- Game Rules: Different slot machines have various rules and conditions for winning the jackpot. Some may require a specific combination of symbols or a minimum bet to be eligible for the jackpot.
- Bet Size: In some progressive slots, betting larger amounts may slightly improve your chances of triggering the jackpot, but it doesn’t guarantee a win.
- Return to Player (RTP): The RTP of a slot machine is an important factor to consider. While the RTP doesn’t directly determine your chances of hitting the jackpot, it does affect your overall returns from the game. Look for slots with a reasonable RTP.
- Volatility: The volatility of a slot machine can also impact your chances. High volatility slots may have larger jackpot amounts but lower hit frequencies, making it less likely to win the jackpot in the short term.
- Number of Players: The number of people playing the same progressive slot across multiple casinos can affect the odds. The more players contributing to the jackpot, the faster it grows, but the odds of any single player winning remain low.
Can you win progressive jackpot with minimum bet?
In most progressive jackpot slot machines, it is possible to win the progressive jackpot with a minimum bet, but your chances of doing so are typically much lower compared to making larger bets. Winning a progressive jackpot often involves a random or bonus-triggered event that can occur on any spin, regardless of your bet size. However, the probability of triggering the jackpot event is usually linked to the size of your bet.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Eligibility: Many progressive slots require players to make the maximum bet or place a certain minimum bet to be eligible for the jackpot. This means that if you bet below the minimum required amount, you may not have a chance at winning the progressive jackpot.
- Bet Size and Odds: While it’s technically possible to win a progressive jackpot with a minimum bet, your odds of doing so are significantly lower than if you were making larger bets. The jackpot event is often tied to a specific combination of symbols or a bonus game, and the probability of hitting this combination usually increases with larger bets.
- Randomness: Progressive jackpots are often awarded randomly, meaning that any spin of the reels can trigger the jackpot event. However, larger bets might have a better chance of triggering this random event, but it’s still not guaranteed.
- Progressive Jackpot Levels: Some progressive jackpot slots offer multiple jackpot levels (e.g., mini, minor, major, and mega). The lower-level jackpots might be more achievable with smaller bets, but they are usually much smaller in value than the main progressive jackpot.
Julia, our co-founder and editor, drives our mission to provide players with expert insights, in-depth reviews, and lucrative iGaming bonuses. With decades of gaming passion and industry knowledge, Julia’s reviews help players make informed choices for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Under Julia’s leadership, our platform is a trusted destination for top-notch casino expertise, free spin slots, and rewarding bonuses.
