Progressive jackpots are a type of prize pool that increases with each play, but it isn’t won. Every bet contributes to the jackpot, growing progressively bigger until it’s won. This system creates the potential for enormous payouts, sometimes reaching millions of dollars.
How do progressive jackpots work?
Progressive jackpot mechanics are relatively straightforward:
- Seed amount – When a progressive jackpot is established, the casino or game provider sets an initial amount, known as the seed. This ensures that even after a jackpot is won, the next one starts at an attractive figure.
- Contribution rate – Each time a player wagers on a progressive game, part of the bet goes to the jackpot. This rate typically ranges from 1% to 3% of each wager.
- Network vs. Standalone – Progressive jackpots can be networked across multiple casinos or games, allowing them to grow faster. Standalone progressives are limited to a single game or casino.
- Winning conditions – Each progressive game has specific conditions for winning the jackpot. This could be hitting a particular symbol combination, entering a bonus round, or being randomly awarded.
- Reset – Once the jackpot is won, it resets to the seed amount, and the process begins anew.
Types of progressive jackpots
- Standalone progressives – These jackpots are tied to a single game in a single casino. They grow slowly but offer significant rewards.
- Local or in-house progressives – These link multiple games within a single online casino. They grow faster than standalone progressives due to more players contributing.
- Network or wide area progressives – These are the giants of the progressive world. They link games across multiple online casinos, sometimes even across different countries. These jackpots can reach astronomical sums due to the vast number of players contributing.
- Multi-tier progressives – Some games offer multiple progressive jackpots of different sizes (e.g., Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand), giving players more chances to win.
Where to find progressive jackpots?
Progressive jackpots are staples of online casinos. Here are some popular places and game types to find them:
- Slot machines – The most common home for progressive jackpots. Famous titles include Mega Moolah, Jackpot Giant, and Mega Fortune.
- Table games – Some table games, particularly Caribbean Stud Poker and certain blackjack variants, offer progressive side bets.
- Video poker – Certain video poker machines feature progressive jackpots for royal flushes.
- Lottery-style games – Some online casinos offer progressive keno or scratch card games.
To find the largest progressive jackpots, look for reputable online casinos with a wide game selection from top software providers. Many casinos have a dedicated “Jackpots” or “Progressives” section where you can browse all available games. click to read more about specific game rules and jackpot amounts on the casino’s website.
