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Home / Progressive Jackpot: A Guide to Skyrocketing Wins and Engaging Gameplay

Progressive Jackpot: A Guide to Skyrocketing Wins and Engaging Gameplay

Author: Preston Davis | Updated: October 18, 2023

Progressive Jackpot

A progressive jackpot is the phrase used for a gambling grand prize or payout which increases each time the game is played and the jackpot is not won. Usually linked across numerous games, casinos, and sometimes, different regions – these jackpots can grow exponentially and so offer substantial wins for lucky players. This article looks at the cool world of progressive jackpots to guide players to have a safe, entertaining, and rewarding gaming experience.

What is a Progressive Jackpot?

Unlike static jackpots, progressive jackpots are dynamic and grow as players insert coins and spin reels. A percentage of every bet contributes to the jackpot, increasing its value progressively until the jackpot is won. The allure of progressive jackpots comes from the potential to win a substantial sum, often millions, which provides an exhilarating gaming experience where every spin could lead to your life being transformed.  

Authentic Experiences:
  • Megabucks: Known for turning ordinary players into millionaires with its staggering payouts.
  • Mega Moolah: Celebrated for creating multiple millionaires across the globe with its tantalising jackpots.

Top Progressive Jackpots Games 2023

GameSoftware ProviderRTPJackpot Seed
Mega MoolahMicrogaming96.02%£1 million
Mega FortuneNetEnt96.6%€1 million
Hall of GodsNetEnt95.5%€500,000
Arabian NightsNetEnt95.6%€1 million
Age of the Gods: Jackpot KingPlaytech93.99%£200,000
Jackpot GiantPlaytech94.99%£100,000
Book of Atem WowPotMicrogaming96.23%€2 million
Kingdoms Rise: Reign of IcePlaytech95.71%£500,000
Elephant KingIGT96.01%£1 million
Divine FortuneNetEnt96.6%€500,000
Mega Moolah Absolootly MadMicrogaming92.01%£1 million

How Do Progressive Jackpots Work?

A progressive jackpot is a prize pool that accumulates over time, gradually increasing as players contribute a small percentage of their wager each time they play. Unlike a fixed jackpot, which doesn’t change, a progressive jackpot grows until it’s won. These jackpots can be tied to a single slot machine or linked across a network of machines.


Types of Progressive Jackpots

Navigating through the world of casino jackpots provides is electrifying, with plenty of opportunities for thrilling strategies. Each jackpot type—progressive, network, fixed, and local—offers its own pathway for potential windfalls. This creates unique betting landscapes for players to explore and conquer. Let’s swiftly journey through these various terrains, examining their specific charms and challenges.

1. Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpots increase with each bet placed, as some of every wager goes into the prize pool. Offering mammoth winnings, these jackpots do not have an upper limit and continue to grow until a fortunate player lands the winning combination.

2. Network Jackpots

Network jackpots are often also progressive in nature and are linked across various casinos. This enables players from different platforms to contribute to and vie for the same prize pot. Due to the expansive player base feeding into it, network jackpots can balloon to staggering amounts, offering life-altering wins.

3. Fixed Jackpots

Fixed jackpots, or non-progressive jackpots, stay the same with a pre-determined prize pool. Regardless of how many times they are won, these jackpots maintain a fixed size and so provide a consistent target for players seeking a clearly defined prize.

4. Local Jackpots

Local jackpots cater exclusively to players within a particular casino or game platform. These prizes can either be fixed or progressive, but their key feature is that only bets placed on that specific platform or game contribute to and can win the jackpot.


Tips to Win Progressive Slot Machines

While the outcome of progressive slots is determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG)—so there’s no secret strategy to increase the odds of you winning—players can still have a mindful approach to their gameplay:

  1. Monitor Jackpots: Keep an eye on various prize pots, opting for those that have not been won recently.
  2. Set a Budget: Establish a strict gambling budget to prevent overspending.
  3. Understand the Game: Take the time to have a proper look at the game’s rules, paylines, and bonus rounds.
  4. Consider Bet Sizes: Understand how your bet size may impact the jackpot eligibility.
  5. Play Responsibly: Remember that gambling should be fun and not be relied upon as a source of income.

Calculating Odds in Progressive Jackpot Slots

The odds in progressive jackpot slots are linked to the number of reels, the symbols on each reel, and how the jackpot is triggered. These factors, as well as the inherent RNG functionality, provide insights into the statistical likelihood of hitting the jackpot, though it’s still mostly elusive due to its randomness.


Progressive Jackpot Payouts

Jackpots, depending on their size and the platform, may be paid out in various ways. Mega-sized jackpots, such as those from Mega Moolah, are typically paid in a lump sum, while others might offer annual instalments. Small sums are often instantly credited to casino accounts, whereas substantial amounts might be processed via bank transfers or even in-person payments, sometimes accompanied by a ceremonial cheque for publicity.

Progressive Jackpot Payout TierPayout Amount
Minor JackpotTypically a few thousand dollars or euros
Major JackpotTypically a few million dollars or euros
Grand JackpotCan be worth millions or even tens of millions of dollars or euros

Record-Breaking Wins

Progressive jackpots have created multiple millionaires, with a handful of jackpots becoming legendary due to their substantial size. Here are a few remarkable examples:

GameSoftware ProviderJackpot AmountWinner NationalityDate
Mega MoolahMicrogaming€19.4 millionBelgianApril 27, 2021
Mega FortuneNetEnt€18.9 millionFinnishJanuary 20, 2013
Mega MoolahMicrogaming£17.8 millionUKOctober 6, 2015
Mega FortuneNetEnt€17.5 millionSwedishNovember 20, 2012
Mega MoolahMicrogaming€16.7 millionRomanianMay 18, 2017

Although these instances are inspiring, they should also be a reminder that gambling should always be done responsibly with entertainment, not financial gain, as the primary goal.


Final Thoughts

Progressive jackpots offer a thrilling casino experience, linking luck, risk, and the potential for substantial rewards. However, players should always remember that the excitement and fun of playing are paramount so make sure you use responsible gambling practices. Winning a jackpot is a statistically rare event and playing should not be viewed as a reliable pathway to financial stability—so stay within your limits to have the maximum amount of fun!!


Reference and Further Reading:

Stay informed, gamble responsibly, and may luck be on your side!

Preston Davis is a gambling writer based in London. He's always on the lookout for new Online casinos, bonuses, and games to write about - so you can be sure he's on top of any news as soon as it breaks. Preston takes his work seriously but likes to have fun too - which is why he thoroughly tests everything he reviews before giving his final verdict. Preston enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children when he's not writing or playing games.