Progressive Jackpot Slots and Casino Games

Information about progressive jackpot casino games

Progressive jackpots slot machines and casino games feature a jackpot prize that increases after each game round until a lucky player wins it. Many progressive games have multiple jackpots, each growing at a different rate, but there is always the main prize which reaches the highest values.

In progressive jackpot games, a small percentage of each qualifying bet goes towards the jackpot or set of jackpots. Jackpots grow thanks to this until somebody wins them. Once a jackpot is paid out, it resets to a default value or a certain percentage of the won jackpot and starts growing again.

The way the jackpot is won differs from game to game, but three approaches are most common:

• The jackpot can be awarded at random after any qualifying spin.
• The jackpot can be awarded after hitting a specific winning combination, for example five 'Jackpot' symbols on a winline.
• The jackpot can be awarded via a special bonus game, in which you spin a bonus wheel or pick cards from a selection displayed on the screen, for example.

Make sure your bets qualify for the jackpot

One of the worst things to do when playing progressive jackpot casino games is playing them without a chance to win the jackpot. Not only is the jackpot the main "attraction" of the game, but it is generally also included in its mathematics. Part of each bet goes towards the jackpot, so playing without a chance to win it means you could effectively be playing with a lower RTP.

The thing is, not all bets on a jackpot casino game make you eligible to win the jackpot. It is quite a common practice that only bets above a certain threshold qualify. For example, a €0.5 bet may not qualify and a €1 does. Make sure to check out the rules of the game you are playing to be certain and stay away from games in which qualifying bets are out of your budget.

Types of progressive jackpot slots

Slot machines and casino games with a progressive jackpot can be categorized into three groups based on the size of the network that shares the same jackpots:

• Standalone jackpots work just one slot machine and in one casino. Bets from players in this casino playing this game contribute to the jackpot, and only these players have a chance to win it.
• Jackpots can also be shared (or 'pooled') by multiple games within the same casino. Here, players can play any of the included games and have a chance to win the same, shared jackpot.
• Lastly, jackpots can be shared by multiple games from the same game provider, across all casinos that offer them to their players. These generally tend to be the highest.

Another noteworthy type of jackpots are so-called 'must-hit-by' or 'must-drop' jackpots, which are programmed to be triggered by a certain deadline. These tend to be lower than most jackpots without this time restriction, but they are attractive for players, as their attractiveness increases as the deadline approaches.

The mathematics of progressive jackpots and the break-even point

We have already mentioned that the jackpot grows over time and that a small percentage of each bet goes towards making it bigger. This also means that playing games with an unusually large progressive jackpot can actually be profitable in the long-run.

The RTP of progressive games is calculated with an average jackpot value. If the current jackpot exceeds the average jackpot value by a sufficient amount, the RTP of playing at that exact time can grow over 100%, giving players a mathematical advantage. The point at which playing progressive games becomes profitable is known as the 'break-even point'.

Try jackpot casino games for free

Our database of free casino games contains many slot machines and video poker games with a progressive jackpot feature. Play them to experiment with progressive games but remember that you are playing for free and you cannot win real money here. Real-money progressive jackpot games can only be played at real-money online casinos. But remember to stay safe and gamble responsibly.