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What is a Progressive Jackpot Slot?
A progressive jackpot slot machine is a casino game with a jackpot prize that increases every time someone spin but does not win the jackpot. These types of slot machines can be found in both brick-and-mortar casinos and online casinos.
Some of the best online slot machines real money are progressive jackpot slots, and they are frequently headlined in the news once they are hit due to their massive winnings.
There are several different types of progressive slots, which we will go through in more detail further down.
Generally speaking, this is how a progressive jackpot slot machine works:
Base Game:
Every time a player bets on a progressive jackpot slot, a portion of their wager goes towards the pooled jackpot. In a typical slot game, the jackpot is fixed and does not change. In contrast, in a progressive jackpot slot machine, the jackpot increases each time someone places a bet until someone wins the jackpot.
Contribution Rate:
The rate at which the jackpot increases varies depending on the jackpot slot in question. For example, some games may have a contribution rate of 1%, which means that every time someone places a €1 bet, €0.01 goes towards the jackpot. However, other games may have a higher contribution rate, such as 5%. Keep in mind that slots with a high contribution rate grow rapidly, but have a lower RTP to cover the cost.
Multiple Slots Contribution:
Sometimes, multiple slot machines may be linked together to create a larger jackpot. These linked slot machines can be across multiple casinos or just in one, which we will explain later on. This can result in much larger jackpots because more people are contributing to the prize pool. However, it also means the chance to win is lower, as the competition is higher.
Win Conditions:
Players typically have to hit a specific combination of symbols on the reels to win the progressive jackpot. This combination is usually much harder to hit than the regular winning combinations in the game and is often part of a bonus game. Because of this, the odds of winning the progressive jackpot are much lower than winning the regular payouts.
Payout:
Since the jackpot is linked across multiple online casinos, it is the slot provider and not the casino that pays out the final prize when won. The casino will, of course, ensure you receive your winnings. In addition, the jackpot prize is almost always paid directly to your bank account and not to an e-wallet if this is what you used to deposit.
Top 10 Progressive Slots
- Mega Moolah by Microgaming: Mega Moolah slot is one of the most popular and highest-paying progressive online slot machines. It features a jungle theme and offers four progressive jackpots, with the Mega Jackpot starting at €1 million.
- Mega Fortune by NetEnt: Mega Fortune slot is another popular progressive online slot machine with a luxurious theme. It features three progressive jackpots, with the Mega Jackpot starting at €1 million.
- Hall of Gods by NetEnt: Hall of Gods slot machine is a Norse mythology-themed online slot machine offering three progressive jackpots, with the Mega Jackpot starting at €500,000.
- Age of the Gods by Playtech: Age of the Gods is a Greek mythology-themed progressive online slot machine that features four different progressive jackpots, with the Ultimate Power jackpot starting at €100,000.
- Arabian Nights by NetEnt: Arabian Nights jackpot slot is an exotic-themed progressive online slot machine that features a Middle Eastern theme. It offers a single progressive jackpot that starts at €125,000.
- Gladiator by Playtech: Gladiator is a Roman-themed progressive online slot machine that features two different progressive jackpots, with the highest one starting at €1 million.
- Mega Glam Life by Betsoft: Mega Glam Life is a luxury-themed progressive online slot machine that offers a single progressive jackpot that starts at €100,000.
- Mega Joker by NetEnt: Mega Joker is a classic-style progressive online slot machine that offers a single progressive jackpot that starts at €3,000.
- Treasure Nile by Microgaming: Treasure Nile is an Egyptian-themed progressive online slot machine that offers a single progressive jackpot that starts at €40,000.
- Beach Life by Playtech: Beach Life is a summer-themed progressive online slot machine that offers a single progressive jackpot that starts at €100,000.
It’s important to note that the value of the jackpots in euros can change over time as the exchange rate fluctuates and new games are released.
In addition, many of the above jackpot slots have more than one progressive jackpot prize you can win. They often have a range of smaller progressive jackpots that often are local for each casino. This can result in an advantage for the casinos with the highest local jackpots.
WowPot Jackpot Network
The WowPot progressive slot network is a collection of online slots from Games Global (previously Microgaming) with a common progressive jackpot. This network is known for offering some of the largest jackpot prizes in the online casino industry, making it a popular choice among players seeking high-stakes gaming experiences.
The WowPot jackpot network includes four tiers:
- Mini Jackpot – €10,000, frequent wins
- Minor Jackpot – €50,000, regular wins
- Major Jackpot – €100,000, weekly wins
- The WowPot Jackpot – starts at €2 million, won about every four months.
In December 2023, a record-breaking €38.46 million was won on the Wheel of Wishes slot machine, surpassing the previous online record of €19.4 million on Mega Moolah, another Games Global progressive jackpot.
KateProgressive jackpots like WowPot grow over time, with a portion of each bet made by players across various participating games being added to the jackpot. This jackpot continues to increase until it is won, often reaching multi-million dollar amounts. WowPot’s design ensures that the jackpot can grow substantially, attracting players drawn to the potential for life-changing wins.
How to Win on Progressive Slot Machines
Just like normal online slots, a Random Number Generator decides the outcome of a progressive jackpot slot. It’s all random, so there is no secret way to hit the jackpot.
However, there are a few tips to keep in mind that might increase your winning chances in the long run. Below are our top 5 expert tips:
Keep an eye on the jackpot
You should keep an eye on the prize pots for the different slots and avoid the ones that have been won recently. Even though a progressive jackpot can be won at any given time, it can be a good idea to wait until it is above average, so if you do win, you’ll receive a much higher payout. Besides, if it is far above average, it is sure to be won soon!
Stick to your budget
Jackpot hunting is unlikely to yield great results. Therefore, you should take care to not spend too much money on the chase and never play for more than your budget allows. Set a budget before playing, and take long breaks in between.
Know how to win the jackpot
Do some research to learn how the jackpot can be won. In addition, some jackpots can only be won if you bet a certain amount, so make sure you reach the minimum bet to qualify for the big prize.
Use a realistic strategy
As a general rule, the bigger the jackpot, the more unlikely you are to win it. Therefore, it might be better to play jackpots where the competition is smaller, but winnings are still big.
Compare the local jackpots
Big progressive network slots, like Mega Fortune, often have a few smaller jackpots you can win instead of the big one. These are won far more often, and in many cases, they are local jackpots. Therefore, if you decide to go hunting the big whale, you should look at our casino list to compare online casinos and choose the one with the highest local jackpot.
Highest Progressive Jackpot Wins of All Time
Here are the top 3 highest progressive jackpot wins in online casino history:
- Wheel of Wishes WowPot - €38.4 million: Wheel of Wishes is a slot in the popular WowPot network, known for its massive wins. This amount is the current world record and was set on January 4th, 2024.
- Mega Moolah - $22.4 Million: Mega Moolah is a popular online slot game developed by Microgaming, and it has a progressive jackpot that can be won by spinning a special wheel. In 2015, a lucky player from the United Kingdom won the biggest progressive jackpot in online casino history by hitting the Mega Moolah jackpot, winning an incredible $22.4 million.
- Mega Fortune - €17.8 Million: Mega Fortune is another popular online slot game that was developed by NetEnt. In 2013, a player from Finland won the second-biggest online casino jackpot of all time by hitting the Mega Fortune jackpot, winning a massive €17.8 million.
- Mega Moolah - $20.1 Million: Mega Moolah makes the list again with the third-highest online casino jackpot win. In 2019, a player from Canada won $20.1 million by hitting the Mega Moolah jackpot. The win set a new record for the biggest online slot jackpot ever won on a mobile device.
It’s worth noting that these are just a few examples of the biggest online casino jackpot wins. There have been many other significant wins over the years, and new records are constantly being set.
Types of Progressive Jackpots Online
As previously mentioned, there are several types of progressive jackpots. It’s crucial to know the differences if you want to raise your chances of winning the jackpot.
Linked Progressive Jackpots
Linked progressive slots are part of a network and are known to have the biggest jackpot prizes. Two examples of such jackpots are Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune, who are known for their massive wins. They are linked to many online casinos and are sometimes called “wide-area” progressives.
In fact, some slots may share the same wide-area jackpot, but all bets go towards the same big jackpot. There aren’t many chances to win a network jackpot, but the prizes can be very big.
Standalone Progressive Jackpot
The jackpot is available in one slot and one casino only. This means it is not connected to other slot machines or part of a larger network. Therefore, the progressive jackpot rarely reaches huge amounts but is much easier to win than the linked slot machines.
Local Progressive Jackpots
A local progressive jackpot, or an “in-house” jackpot, builds up in a single casino or a group of casinos owned by the same company. The jackpot amount never reaches the massive amounts networked progressive jackpots do, but it can still offer substantial payouts for lucky players. However, they have higher chances of winning since they are linked to a smaller pool of players.
You can find these types of jackpots as separate slots or as one of the smaller jackpots for the really big jackpot slots. This way, it might be more valuable to play them in one casino over another.
Progressive Slot Bonuses
Many online casinos offer free spins to progressive jackpot slots like Mega Moolah or Mega Fortune. These are naturally highly popular among the players as you can win massive amounts while using a bonus. This is particularly important for players making a small deposit, and playing jackpot slots in a 5 euro casino can potentially give you the biggest profits.
One of the most common questions we receive is what happens when you win a progressive jackpot while playing with a bonus. Will the jackpot be capped? Do you need to grind millions through the wagering requirements before you can withdraw your winnings?
If you win a progressive jackpot while playing with a casino bonus, it will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the bonus and the casino.
In most cases, the casino will honour the jackpot win and pay out the full amount to the lucky player, even if the win occurred while playing with bonus funds. This is almost always the case when you win a network jackpot, as the slot provider is the payee and not the casino.
KateHowever, it’s important to note that some casinos may have specific rules regarding using bonus funds on progressive jackpot games. It is quite common for progressive jackpot slots to be excluded when playing with a bonus, so this won’t be an issue in the first place.
Overall, winning a progressive jackpot while playing with a casino bonus can be a life-changing experience. However, it’s important to always read and understand the terms and conditions to ensure that you’re playing within the rules and maximizing your chances of winning.
Does Anyone Ever Win Progressive Slots?
Yes, people do win progressive slots. Progressive slot machines are known for offering some of the largest jackpots in the gambling industry, often reaching millions of dollars. The key attraction of these games is the progressive jackpot, which grows over time as a small percentage of every bet made by players on a network of connected games is added to the prize pool. Although massive wins are not won often, the dream of winning big keeps it alive.
Here are a few points to consider about winning progressive slots:
- Frequency of Wins: The frequency of wins on progressive slots can vary. Some jackpots might be won several times a year, while others, particularly the very large ones, might only be won once every few years. The odds of winning a progressive jackpot are typically longer than those for regular slot games due to the larger potential payout.
- Random and Unpredictable: Wins on progressive slots are random and unpredictable. Slot machines use random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each spin, ensuring that each play is independent of the previous one.
- Record-Breaking Wins: There have been several instances of record-breaking wins on progressive slots. Games like Mega Moolah, Megabucks, and the aforementioned WowPot have made headlines for paying out massive jackpots.
- Life-Changing Amounts: While the odds of winning are low, the jackpots can be life-changing. This allure of potentially winning a huge sum with a small bet is what attracts many players to these games.
- Verification and Publicity: When someone wins a progressive jackpot, the win is typically verified by the casino and the software provider. These wins often receive publicity, partly due to the marketing value for the casino and the game.
- Taxes and Lump Sum Payments: Winners of large jackpots should be aware of the tax implications. In many jurisdictions, these winnings are subject to taxation. Also, winners often have the option to choose between a lump sum or an annuity payment spread over several years.
How Can You Tell if a Slot Machine is Hot?
Identifying a ‘hot’ progressive slot machine, one that seems ready to pay out, is a topic of much interest and speculation among slot enthusiasts. Despite the allure of finding a pattern or a lucky machine, it’s essential to understand that progressive slot machines operate on random number generators (RNGs).
This means that each spin is independent and not influenced by previous outcomes. It’s impossible to predict when the big jackpot will be paid out – which is also a big part of its charm.
However, there are some indicators players often consider when seeking a hot slot:
- Payout Frequency: Some players keep an eye on machines to see how frequently they are paying out. While past performance is not an indicator of future results due to RNGs, some players believe a machine that has paid out recently is ‘loose’ and more likely to pay out again.
- Player Experience and Buzz: Often, players might consider a machine hot if there’s buzz around it. If you see a crowd of people or hear excitement around a specific machine, it might indicate that it’s paying out more frequently at that moment.
- Personal Winning Streaks: Some players choose machines based on their personal winning history. If they’ve had luck on a particular machine before, they might consider it ‘hot’ for them.
- Progressive Jackpots: For progressive slots, the size of the jackpot can be a draw. While a larger jackpot doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more likely to pay out soon, the lure of a big win attracts many players.
- Play Style and Preferences: Ultimately, choosing a hot slot often comes down to personal preference and play style. Some players prefer games with more frequent, smaller payouts, while others aim for games with larger but less frequent payouts.
Do Progressive Slots Pay More at Night?
The payout of progressive slots is not influenced by the time of day. These machines use random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each spin, ensuring that each play is completely random and independent of the time. Therefore, the chances of winning on progressive slots are the same whether you play during the day or at night.
The belief that slots pay more at night is a common misconception and part of slot machine folklore. However, since the same slot can be played by players all over the world, it sees more or less the same amount of traffic at night as during the day. The key to playing progressive slots is to enjoy them as a form of entertainment and gamble responsibly, regardless of the time of day.
What Happens When You Win a Progressive Jackpot
Winning a progressive jackpot can be a thrilling and life-changing event. Here’s what typically happens when you hit the big win on a progressive slot:
- Jackpot Verification: Immediately after a jackpot win, the machine will usually freeze and display a message indicating a significant win. The casino’s staff will then verify the win. This process includes checking the machine to ensure it is functioning properly and confirming that the win is legitimate.
- Paperwork and Identification: Winners are required to provide identification and complete necessary paperwork for tax and legal purposes. This documentation often includes tax forms, as winnings are subject to taxation in many jurisdictions.
- Choice of Payout: Depending on the size of the jackpot and the casino’s policies, you may be offered a choice between a lump sum or an annuity payment spread over several years. Each option has its financial implications, and it’s often advisable to consult with a financial advisor.
- Publicity: Large jackpot wins often attract publicity. Winners may be asked to participate in a photo shoot or press release. Some may choose to remain anonymous where the law permits, but this varies by region and casino policy.
- Payment Process: Smaller jackpots are typically paid out on the spot by the casino. For larger jackpots, the payment process may involve both the casino and the slot machine manufacturer and might take a bit longer.
- Financial Planning: Winners of large jackpots are advised to seek professional financial advice. Managing such a substantial amount of money can be overwhelming, and a financial advisor can help with investment strategies, tax implications, and long-term planning.
- Emotional Impact: Winning a large sum of money can have a significant emotional impact. Winners may experience a range of emotions and should consider seeking support to adjust to their new circumstances.
Generally, in online casinos, you need to use the same withdrawal method as you used to deposit. However, huge progressive jackpot wins are always paid directly to your bank account. It’s also worth knowing that it’s not the casino that pays the prize but the slot developer. For example, if you win the WowPot jackpot, it will be paid out by Games Global.
Remember, while winning a progressive jackpot can be transformative, these events are extremely rare. It’s important to play responsibly, treating gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a means of financial gain.
Summary
In summary, a progressive jackpot slot machine is a game that offers a growing jackpot prize funded by a small percentage of each player’s bet. The jackpot can increase rapidly if many players are playing the game, and it continues growing until someone wins. The jackpot is usually pooled, meaning you will find the same jackpot prize across all online casinos.
While the odds of winning the progressive jackpot are usually low, the potential payout can be life-changing. If you are looking for the biggest potential payout, then progressive jackpot slot machines are the way to go. However, it is a risky strategy that is far from likely to payout in the end.
FAQs
Are progressive jackpots random?
Yes, progressive jackpot slots are controlled by a random number generator (RNG), which determines the outcome of your spin. Therefore, a progressive jackpot can hit at any moment.
Are progressive jackpots good to play?
Progressive jackpots can be great for entertainment and trying for the big win. However, caution is advised, as the RTP is often lower in these machines to account for the pooled jackpot. As always, don’t gamble for money you cannot afford to lose, as the odds of ending up on top is not in your favour.
How often are progressive jackpots won?
It depends on your slot, as they all have different frequency settings. Normally, smaller progressive jackpots hit more often, with some being won several times daily. Giants like Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune will take longer to build, and it can take several months between each time they payout.
How do progressive jackpot slots work?
A progressive jackpot slot works like this:
- You take a spin on a progressive jackpot slot.
- A small percentage of your bet is added to the prize pool.
- The jackpot prize builds over time as more players spin the machine.
- This continues until one lucky player wins the entire jackpot.
- Once won, it returns to its seed value, and the process starts again.
Are all slots progressive?
No, most slots have a fixed jackpot which only changes depending on your bet value. Only a few selected online slots have a progressive jackpot.
Kate WebbEditor in Chief
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