What are progressive jackpot slots?
Progressive jackpot games break records of popularity in online casinos. An additional pool, which often reaches several million dollars, attracts fans of online gambling like a magnet. Many theories exist about increasing your chances of winning, but hitting a winning combination is probably just a stroke of luck. Progressive jackpots can happen to virtually any player at any time, and the minimum prize pool is set individually by the online casino or software provider and is never zero. And that’s what the magic of Progressive Jackpots is all about!
When playing this version of slot games, the maximum payout increases as the game rounds are played. Depending on the version, winning an individual jackpot, i.e., one that a single player works for or networks of progressive jackpots at various online casinos, is possible. Thanks to the latter option, winnings can reach impressive sums. The games also differ in terms of how to win the jackpot. In some, combinations of given symbols must be achieved; in others, it is possible to win randomly. Everyone can choose a game depending on their preferences.
How does the progressive jackpot work?
The progressive jackpot begins at a base level, with each bet on the slot increasing by a specified rate until the jackpot is paid out. In any case, where the money goes is a bit more confusing than some players can initially imagine. Before the progressive jackpot is paid out, the gamemaster must ensure they can offer the base jackpot again when the game resets.
Part of the amount of each bet is used to renew the base jackpot, while the rest is used to build up the progressive component of the jackpot. When the base jackpot is recharged quickly in popular games, it all goes into building the jackpot components. What is the reason that many players do not want to play immediately after a slot payout?
Contrary to what some people think, there is no scientific basis for the possibility of a slot not paying out soon after a reset. In fact, a game is likely to pay out immediately after a reset, just as it does after months of not paying out. In any case, it is a truism that progressive jackpots become significantly more attractive after developing for some time.
Win mechanics
The mechanisms by which the progressive jackpot falls differ from slot to slot, for example:
- Random award after each spin (e.g. Millionaire Genie), usually with a weighting factor based on the coin size.
- Awarded after spinning a combination of Jackpot symbols (Jackpot Giant).
- Awarded as an (unlikely) outcome of a bonus round (Gladiator, Oz wins).
Many slots use the above combinations. Megajackpots, for example, combine (1) and (2). It can be argued that option 3 has more entertainment value than the other options as it makes the bonus round more exciting and creates the possibility of near misses.
How to play progressive jackpot slots?
Providing a surefire way to win a progressive jackpot is difficult and impossible. However, there are some very simple tips on increasing your chances of winning and ensuring you win big money when you finally get lucky and win. Here are some of our progressive jackpot slots tips.
- Play like your bet is already lost
You are playing for entertainment, not to win. Set a limit for the night and stick to it. Never chase your winnings. Games are developed to pass the time. - Choose a slot with a high RTP
If you want to play longer and enjoy the game, choose a slot with a high RTP. Mega Joker progressive jackpot, for example, has one of the best payout percentages around 99%. - Define priorities for yourself
Decide what is more exciting for you: the big jackpots or a few smaller jackpots and try to split your playing time evenly. - Take time to research progressive jackpot slots
Take some time to research the different progressive jackpots and choose the one you think is most likely to pay out. It won’t make much of a difference, but it will add an element of skill as you play the game. - Play slots you like
You will choose some games over others. So, if there are new games that you’ve discovered that you like, play them anyway, simply because of Tip 1! Spend time playing the games you enjoy and the ones you think you can afford.
Odds, house edge and RTP in progressive jackpot slots
Odds will vary depending on the game itself. However, as the internet has progressed, odds should be consistent no matter which casino you choose. One site will not offer better odds than another because fairness must come first.
Higher denominations may offer a slightly higher chance of hitting the target. The slot providers do not publicly advertise the actual odds of winning. When the Megabucks winners were announced, it was mentioned that the odds of winning are closer to 1 in 17 million, but some say it could be as high as 1 in 50 million.
House edge
You may be familiar with the term “probability” or “house edge” which refers to the overall percentage that a casino keeps from a series of long-term wagers. This is an average factor of more than a million spins, with slots typically claiming between 82% and 98% as a payout percentage and the casino staying at 18% to 2%. Again, these numbers vary by slot, provider, and time of day. However, in most cases, the jackpot slots offer players a lower payout percentage because the money is needed for the larger payout number and the casino still needs their money. The casino jackpot can reach 10-15% on many big-name games.
Types of progressive jackpots
Here are some types of progressive jackpots:
- Wide progressive jackpots
As the name suggests, these are the progressive jackpots with the highest payouts. Also, to enjoy these popular slots, you must find the biggest and most reputable site. Unlike standalone progressive slots, these slots are linked to different slot games that are
played in a city, state or in various online casinos worldwide. - Standalone progressive jackpots
Jackpots of this type have a fixed jackpot prize. The jackpot is a reward for creating the right combination of symbols. The jackpot total amount is calculated by taking a percentage of the player’s wager and adding it to the jackpot when the player plays the coin-operated slot. It is known as an independent progressive jackpot as it is not connected to any other slot game. - Local progressive jackpots
Also known as proprietary progressive jackpots, these jackpots are associated with a group of slots within a specific location or online casino. The relevant gaming operator or provider develops, owns, and operates these slots.
Which is better: regular or progressive jackpots?
The question cannot be answered so simply. In principle, most gamers try to improve their gaming experience constantly. This also includes choosing the right game. Ultimately, it is up to each individual what kind of jackpot he or she prefers. It all comes down to risk tolerance: progressive jackpots provide more thrills, while traditional slots are the safer option.
How to choose a profitable progressive jackpot slot?
Picking the best progressive jackpot game online is not that difficult. All you have to do is choose a good online casino and make sure that a reputable casino game developer offers the progressive jackpot in a game. There are dozens of online casinos, but you must stick with the ones licensed and insured.
- Use our review site to learn more about the online casino you are interested in.
- Of course, like conventional models, online slots offer different winning combinations. So, it’s best to find the ideal model for your preferences.
- To increase your chances of winning, it is best to focus on two types of slots. First, you should look for a game that has accumulated its jackpot for a long time. This means that the jackpot is likely to be hit very soon. The other strategy is to use games where progressive jackpots are awarded regularly.
Top 10 best progressive slots
| # | Slot Game | Provider | Jackpot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Gladiator jackpot | Playtech | $1021879 |
| 9 | Arabian Nights | NetEnt | $1504561 |
| 8 | Beach Life | Playtech | $2552889 |
| 7 | Joker Millions | Yggdrasil | $2941127 |
| 6 | Mega Fortune Dreams | NetEnt | $3775680 |
| 5 | Jackpot Giant | Playtech | $5189611 |
| 4 | Mega Fortune | NetEnt | $4004236 |
| 3 | Mega Moolah Isis | Microgaming | $5225655 |
| 2 | Hall of Gods | NetEnt | $5527599 |
| 1 | Mega Moolah | Microgaming | $5225655 |
Pros and cons of progressive jackpots
This somewhat different kind of jackpot offers some chances but, at the same time, also risks for the players. They are similar to the normal jackpots in some respects or even have advantages over them. On the other hand, progressive jackpots also come with some downsides. However, if players know these, they can react accordingly and plan their play. Players should pay particular attention to several points.
- Payout percentages are mostly similar. In progressive jackpot games, similar percentages of the winnings are paid out to the players as in conventional jackpots. Casinos don’t put anything “in their own pockets”, as was often assumed.
- Jackpots can reach higher amounts. The possible wins with progressive jackpots are generally higher than with normal jackpots. This also increases the winning amount for the player who can hit the jackpot.
- The amount increases again immediately after a win. Immediately after a player wins the jackpot, it starts over again.
- Lower Odds of Winning. Progressive jackpots with large winnings tend to be more difficult to hit. The chances of winning are usually below those of conventional jackpots, often even lower than the lottery.
- Higher Stakes. Slots with progressive jackpots sometimes require higher stakes per game. The high jackpots can also tempt players to place bets more often.
Progressive jackpot slots software providers
Numerous software providers now offer jackpot games, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Yggdrasil. The next sections show how the individual developers differ from each other.
- NetEnt
Net Entertainment was founded in 1996 and is now considered one of the most important software producers for iGaming. The developer cooperates with over 100 partners. Its portfolio includes roulette, blackjack, puristic and gripping slots, and, last but not least, jackpot slots. The special features of NetEnt games include innovation, high-resolution graphics and exciting features. The most famous jackpot games are Hall of Gods, Mega Fortune and Arabian Nights. - Microgaming
Microgaming is just as big a player in the market as NetEnt. As one of the first developers of mobile casino slots, Microgaming has secured many partners. There are some exclusive Microgaming online casinos such as Betway or JackpotCity. Many Microgaming slots are based on well-known films. This includes, for example, Hellboy. It has paid out the most jackpot wins so far at Mega Moolah. The casino game has one of the biggest paying progressive jackpots. - Play’n GO
The software forge Play’n GO works to develop unique products for iGaming. The portfolio is now well-positioned with more than 100 slots. Play’n GO games are available in over 100 jackpot online casinos. One of the most famous slots is Book of Dead. The slot is available as a normal and jackpot variant with a minimum prize of $1,000,000. Fire Joker is another Play’n GO game with a progressive jackpot. - Playtech
Playtech casino jackpots are available in many online casinos. No wonder because the developer has been around for over 20 years. During this time, Playtech secured many partnerships. The provider is known for its very large portfolio. An innovative game principle, numerous bonus games and progressive slots are the trademarks of the software provider. The most famous jackpot slots are Jackpot Giant, Beach Life and Gladiator. - Yggdrasil
The young software company Yggdrasil Gaming publishes high-quality slots. Founded in 2013, the company has focused on high-quality graphics and innovative gameplay. In addition to fancy bonus features with interactive elements, Yggdrasil slots also have jackpot prizes. The most played Yggdrasil jackpot slots are Holmes and the Stolen Stones, Jackpot Raiders, Empire Fortune, and Jokers Millions.
Popular progressive jackpot slots
Here are some popular progressive jackpot slots, each detailed with their unique features:
Mega Moolah by Microgaming
Mega Moolah is often dubbed the ‘millionaire maker’ due to its record-breaking payouts. It features a standard 5×3 reel setup and offers an RTP of around 88.12%. This slot is known for its high volatility, which balances with the life-changing sums it can award – the jackpot often starts at $1 million. Special symbols include wilds, double payouts, and scatters, which can trigger 15 free spins with all wins tripled. Mega Moolah stands out with its randomly triggered bonus round, where players spin a wheel to win one of four progressive jackpots.
Hall of Gods by NetEnt
Hall of Gods is a Norse mythology-themed slot with 5 reels and 20 paylines. It offers an RTP of about 95.5% and medium volatility, making it somewhat friendlier for regular wins. The maximum win in the base game can go up to 4,000 times your bet. It features expanding wilds, a bonus game with a hammer where smashing shields reveal cash prizes or one of the three progressive jackpots, and scatters that activate free spins with a 3x multiplier.
Arabian Nights by NetEnt
Arabian Nights transports players to the mystical world of ancient Arabia with its 5 reels and 10 paylines setup. It has an RTP of 95.62% and low to medium volatility. The max win in the base game can reach up to 1,500 times the stake. This slot includes wilds that double the win when part of a winning combination and scatters that can trigger 15 free spins with all wins tripled. The progressive jackpot is won when five Arabian Prince symbols land on a payline while playing at the maximum bet.
Beach Life by Playtech
Beach Life has a vibrant theme with 5 reels and 20 paylines. The RTP is around 93% and has low volatility, making it popular among those who prefer frequent, although smaller, wins. The game’s special symbols include a wild symbol represented by a sun icon, which is key to winning the progressive jackpot when five appear on the 20th payline. Additionally, the game has scatters that unlock the bonus feature, leading to cash prizes.
Jackpot Giant by Playtech
Jackpot Giant is another impressive offering from Playtech that features a 5×3 reel setup and 50 paylines. This slot boasts an RTP of 94.22% and is known for its low to medium volatility. It offers a scenic volcanic landscape backdrop, enhancing its engaging gameplay. The maximum win during standard play can escalate significantly, but the progressive jackpot often attracts players. Jackpot Giant’s special symbols include the wild symbol, represented by a gold coin, which is crucial for hitting the jackpot when five appear on payline one during maximum bet play. Additionally, the slot features scatter symbols and a unique Giant Bonus, triggered by the volcano bonus symbols, where players can pick volcanoes for cash prizes.
Online casino jackpot half-truths
In the section above, we have shown helpful tips and strategies that can help in the long run. Unfortunately, countless myths and half-truths surround progressive jackpots. These do not help anyone but unsettle one or are not correct. We now speak the plain language to two of the most well-known myths:
Myth 1. “If the jackpot total is large, a payout is imminent. Now it makes the most sense to play!” Jackpot Casinos are subject to strict rules, including online casino licenses. Jackpot payouts must be subject to a random number generator. So the chances of winning are not higher when playing in a big pot. Strategically, however, the statement makes sense. Because the higher the main prize, the greater the return on investment (ROI).
For example, if the main prize is $100,000 and you contribute $10 to the jackpot pot, the ROI is 10,000%. If we increase the sum to $1,000,000, the ROI is 100,000% for the same contribution!
Myth 2. “The higher the stakes, the greater my chance of winning the jackpot.”A jackpot win is absolute. Progressive jackpots increase as each player bets. Local jackpots only increase with your bet. With small stakes, the chance of hitting the jackpot is just as high as with large ones. The best tactic would be to play with the smallest possible stakes to spin as many rounds as possible.
However, some jackpot games require maximum bet play to even get into the jackpot bonus round.
Progressive jackpot slots on your mobile
Technological development does not bypass the online gambling industry. Online casinos are increasingly modern and offer realistic imitations of live gambling (live casino), more and more payment methods, etc. The development also concerns the forms of access to the casino’s games offer. The standard is the ability to play slots or table games on the computer from the web browser level. A mobile casino version is also a common option.
In this respect, we meet two basic possibilities. The first one is free downloadable gambling games in the form of a special application that must be downloaded to your device. The second option is a mobile version based on the HTML5 algorithm. In this case, it is not necessary to download the application: the casino website is fully accessible to mobile devices from the browser level.
Playing at an online casino via phone or tablet has many advantages. We have our favorite slots at our disposal in every everyday situation. We also don’t have to carry a laptop with us: all you need is a phone and you can hunt for jackpot winnings.
If you will use a given casino by phone or tablet, it is worth finding out what the mobile application looks like. Above all, it should be fully responsive and intuitive. We must also have access to all the functionalities offered by the casino when playing through the mobile version. For this reason, thoroughly testing the mobile version before making a major deposit will be a good idea.
Play the best jackpot slots for real money
Most progressive jackpots belong to a casino network. Microgaming’s Mega Moolah is one such network. The jackpot win increases when all players wager on such online slots.
In addition to Microgaming, other developers have released well-known games with progressive jackpots. This includes, above all, NetEnt, Playtech, Play’n GO, and Yggdrasil Gaming. The software providers do not specialize in one of the two jackpot variants but offer both.
Below, we have compiled the best jackpot casinos. The providers are considered reputable, fair and safe. In addition, these online casinos have all software providers in their portfolio and are linked to the respective casino networks. We have reviewed every jackpot casino!
Best online casinos with progressive jackpots
- Wager: 40x
- Min Dep: €5
- Win Rate: 94.22%
- Wager: 40x
- Min Dep: €10
- Win Rate: 96.18%
- Wager: 40x
- Min Dep: €5
- Win Rate: 95.92%
Final thoughts on progressive jackpot slots
Online casino jackpot slots are an opportunity to achieve the biggest, record wins. In this case, we are not playing for a few or several dozen thousand dollars but amounts counted in millions.
This in itself seems to be enough of an incentive when it comes to jackpot casino games. However, anyone who has had the opportunity to play, for example, Mega Fortune or Mega Moolah, knows that when information about the jackpot appears, emotions cannot be compared with anything else. In addition, the sum of the jackpot is constantly growing, which is money that can go to our pocket.
However, jackpot games require patience, the appropriate resources, and, above all, tactics. So, let’s first practice and fine-tune different strategies with the demo games. What’s next? Just play for the record progressive online jackpot on our website. Perhaps luck will smile at you.
