One of the major online gambling hits is jackpot slots. But what is a progressive jackpot, anyway?
Today, we're answering the most common gamblers' questions: what are progressive slots, how to win on progressive slot machines, and how often do progressive slots payout. Other than that, we're talking about what are the odds of winning a progressive slot machine and everything else that comes with it.
Read the below for all the progressive slots information you've been googling so far:
NOTE: If you'd like to tune in to our podcast on progressive slots, do so here. We talk to Henrik Fagerlund, Director, Product Innovation at Evolution, about progressive slots, their popularity, and some of the most impressive wins. Join us!
What is a Progressive Slot Machine?
A progressive slot machine is a slot machine with an increased portion of the bets in place to increase its maximum jackpot.
When the machine is first started or initialised after the progressive jackpot is won, that progressive slot machine gets an initial jackpot which is randomly chosen (it's not zero). From there, the jackpot grows "progressively" with every player spinning its reels; the progressive jackpot grows by a percentage of whatever the bet is.
A progressive jackpot on games like Microgaming's Mega Moolah Slot can keep growing! It will keep increasing in size until the jackpot has been won. This game is known for making multi-millionaires. With every jackpot that is paid out, the process begins anew.
However, some providers have progressive jackpots that can only reach a limit. The jackpot must be paid before this limit.
Progressive Jackpot Meter
A progressive jackpot meter is a prominent feature displayed on a slot machine, showing the size of the jackpot. It's usually emphasised to attract players. In some circles, a jackpot meter is also called a jackpot ticker since it ticks upward, increasing the machine's jackpot.
A progressive jackpot meter is a prominent feature displayed on a slot machine, showing the size of the jackpot.
The jackpot amount increases with every play on any connected machine. The casino ("the house") sets the amount by which the jackpot advances. So, on a machine, with a, say, 5% edge, the jackpot contribution might be one-fifth of the expected profit, which is 1%. The casino usually contributes because the players are attracted by the following:
- Large jackpot amounts
- The novelty of progressive jackpots
- A continually changing meter
How Do Progressive Slots Work?
Unlike regular slot machines with a fixed amount, progressive jackpot slots have a jackpot that rises with every player's spin. Each coin, in a way, feeds the jackpot, and therefore – the final sum increases to a certain point. In some respect, progressive slots are similar to lottery games: the prizes are enormous even though the odds of winning are long.
In answering How do progressive slots work, it's essential to mention that progressive slots work depending on their type, too. There are three types of progressive slot games, each one carrying a certain specific -
Standalone Progressives
A slot machine that allows winning on that machine only is called a standalone progressive. Although it, in a way, stands isolated, it still contributes to raising the jackpot; that is - playing on that machine increases the jackpot. A standalone almost always features a smaller jackpot than other kinds of machines.
Local Progressives (a.k.a. linked progressives)
A local area progressive relates to land-based casinos. The term refers to a network of machines within a short distance. Predominantly, all local progressives are in the same casino. Local progressives have bigger jackpots than standalone progressives but are still not as big as wide-area progressives.
Wide-area progressives (a.k.a. networked progressives)
Wide-area progressives have the biggest prizes as they connect all the machines in the same place. They are similar to what you see with Megabucks. Numerous machines in numerous locations feed the jackpot and build to the biggest jackpot prize.
How to Trigger a Progressive Jackpot
Progressive jackpots come in all kinds of shapes and sizes! There are different ways to trigger a jackpot; it all depends on the game and the provider. Let's have a look at the most popular ways:
Jackpot Wheel Mode
If you have triggered a progressive jackpot wheel, you will be taken to a new screen and given a chance to spin the reel.
On this wheel, all of the progressive jackpots will likely be up for grabs. Your job is to spin the wheel and whatever prize the wheel stops on is yours to keep.
You will be given one spin only; once the wheel stops, the allocated prize will be allocated to your bankroll, and the jackpot will be reset to start all over again. This type of feature is common with randomly triggered jackpots which can appear at the end of any spin, Mega Moolah is another good example of this.
Matching Symbols
Another way to trigger a progressive jackpot is through matching symbols, a feature you should already be familiar with.
It works in the same way as it would for you to create any other winning combination, like 5-of-a-kind. The number of symbols required to win the jackpot will range from game to game but will more than likely be the hardest winning combination to achieve. After all, no casino is going to dish out these jackpots easy!
Collect 3 Symbols
This works very much in the same way as above. You may be required to collect 3 symbols to trigger a progressive jackpot. This kind of feature may include prolonged playing time, but since progressive jackpots are so unpredictable, there's no telling how long or quick it could take.
Once you collect the required symbols, the jackpot prize associated will be yours!
How to Win a Progressive Jackpot
Whether you have been gambling for a while or just entered the gambling world, you must have asked yourself how slots work, hoping to crack the mechanism behind them and win it all.
By now, you know there is neither a simple answer nor a single, loss-proof technique; hitting the jackpot or merely winning comes down to a lot of luck and smart playing. But you already knew that.
Other than that, if you are wondering how to win at progressive slots or what is the best progressive slot machine strategy, here are a few tips you may want to consider.
Create a Jackpot Gaming Budget
Going for a jackpot is never dull; it's fresh, exciting, blood-boiling, and you often can't get enough. As things can get out of hand fairly quickly, the best thing you can do is create a sensible jackpot gaming budget and stick to it. Whether it's a weekly or monthly one, as long as you are rational, you'll be good.
Play When Your Budget Is Solid
Make sure your spins qualify for a chance to win the maximum prize each time you are about to play a progressive jackpot game. Checking the game's set-up is vital as game requirements vary from game to game.
Essentially, if you are not careful with this, what can happen is for you to hit a winning combination on the screen but only get a portion of the jackpot pool! So, be careful, check the rules and the game's pay-table, and then decide the best thing to do.
Also, it's important to find your favourite progressive games, the type of games that agree with your budget and your preferences. From that point on, spinning is easy.
When the Jackpot is Huge, That's Your Cue
The more the jackpot meter rises, the more people spin, hoping to land that colossal jackpot; well, prepare to be one of those people because spinning when the jackpot is massive is the best circumstance for winning. Hitting the jackpot even after it's been reset will still make your day, so – you know what to do.
Any other progressive slot machine tips? In fact, yes – you can keep track of different games and software jackpots, then play the games with the best prize pools from week to week.
Superstition Does Play a Role
The concept of luck is a philosophical debate and a topic we all see differently. However, luck has always inspired and influenced gamblers, or at least that's what we are to believe. Professional players live by it; newbies rely on it, so including it in your gameplay might not be the worst thing to do.
Call it luck or coincidence but try not to gamble when in a bad mood to avoid making bad gambling decisions that may lead you to disappointment.
How Often do Progressive Jackpots Hit
When it comes to how to win progressive slots, or, better yet - how to beat progressive slot machines, the answer is simple – there isn't a system or a strategy that will help you win a progressive jackpot on a slot machine game. The chances of hitting the jackpot are slim, no matter how large the jackpot has gotten. The chances are maybe as slim as winning the lottery; the only difference is that you have more chances of winning per hour with a slot machine than you do playing the lottery.
Still, despite all the small chances, hitting an enormous jackpot has been known to happen, so don't lose faith that you'll be the next person on the covers to win a jackpot.
Fixed Jackpots vs Progressive Jackpots
These are the two most common types of jackpots you will encounter. They both share similarities, but they both have their differences.
Fixed Jackpots:
Two major pros when considering fixed jackpots are:
- You know exactly how much you are playing for
- It is not influenced by external factors
If you open a fixed jackpot, you can see exactly what prizes are up for grabs. Those prizes will not change. Even if other people are not playing the game, the same prizes will be available, unlike progressive jackpots that require players to bet!
Progressive Jackpots:
These have gained popularity over the years, and we can see why! Let's have a look at the significant advantages of a progressive jackpot:
- There is no limit to how much you can win
- Fun and Entertaining
Progressive jackpots bring the adrenaline, and there is no doubt about that! Randomly triggered progressive jackpots are one of the most adrenaline-packed slots you can play! There are no complicated combinations to collect; you could win a progressive jackpot at the end of any winning or losing spin!
However, there are cons to consider here which apply to both types of jackpots. You will usually be required to have all paylines active, and some slots may require you to make a maximum bet. However, games like Mega Moolah do not! One of the biggest jackpots ever recorded in this game was from a minimum bet!
The other disadvantage is that they can become addictive. These games can dish out life-changing amounts of cash, and they're lucrative for a reason. You must remember to budget well and not over chase a jackpot. Some things just aren't meant to be, and your well-being is more important.
How Can You Tell if a Slot Machine Is Progressive?
The best way to tell if you're unsure is to open a game and see if the jackpot amounts increase. Jackpot amounts that increase are progressive, and jackpot amounts that do not increase are fixed.
Some casinos and providers may also display this information in the games lobby. A user-friendly lobby could display a 'Progressive Jackpot' section or even have a small tag on the game where you can see the jackpot amounts increasing - these are good indicators to look out for.
Are Progressive Slot Machines Worth Playing?
If you like the thrill of a chase, yes! If you like adrenaline, yes! However, the most important thing to remember is that your chances of winning a progressive jackpot are slim.
Do not enter a game with your mind only focused on the jackpot prize. This is probably going to be detrimental to your finances. If you decide to play a progressive jackpot, go in it for fun, and if the jackpot comes your way, it's a bonus.
How to Tell a Slot Machine Is Going to Hit?
Quite simply, you can't! There is never a way to tell if a slot machine is about to pay a jackpot. Once a progressive jackpot reaches a certain amount, we're talking life-changing amounts of cash; you may see casinos offering special promotions to play these games in the hope, and going on previous jackpots, the jackpot will hit soon.
If you see this - go for fit!
Progressive Playing
With the rise of online casinos, the concept of gambling seems to have curiously changed. Although in the past it seemed virtually unimaginable for land-based casinos to get competition, these days, the majority of exciting, colourful and fun games are taking place online, securing a broad audience.
Spinning the reels on different types of slots is always extremely fun, but almost nothing compares to gambling to hit the jackpot, does it? On your next attempt to score on a progressive slot machine, use the information from this blog, play responsibly and trust your gut – you never know what's on the other side. Good luck!
