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A Progressive Jackpot is a dynamic jackpot that increases in size each time an eligible bet is made, and continues to grow until it's won.
This means jackpots can grow to millions of dollars before eventually being won by a lucky player. Several millionaires are made each and every month across various sites that run progressive jackpots.
They're are available across a wide range of online slot games, but take note that winning one is extremely rare.
How Progressive Jackpots Work
A Progressive Jackpot grows every time a player places a qualifying wager on a linked slot game. Often, players will have to opt in to a progressive jackpot, paying a small amount on top of the standard stake that enters into the jackpot prize pool.
This continues until one player lands the required jackpot combination, triggering the payout and resetting the jackpot back to its starting amount.
Jackpots can be exclusive to one slot or site, or shared across multiple games or online networks.
It might start at $100,000, but as players continue spinning and adding to the prize pool, the jackpot can grow substantially larger before finally being awarded.
Progressive jackpots can be found on many popular slot titles, including Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, and various branded jackpot games.
Progressive Jackpots vs Standard Jackpots
The key difference between progressive and fixed jackpots is that progressive prizes increase over time, while fixed jackpots award a standard prize that doesn't change.
- Progressive Jackpot: Prize grows continuously until won. Can reach absurd, life-changing amounts.
- Fixed Jackpot: Prize remains the same regardless of player participation. Are generally smaller but won more frequently.
Because progressive jackpots can become extremely large, they typically have significantly lower odds of being won than standard jackpots.
Types of Progressive Jackpot Slots
Not all progressive jackpots work in exactly the same way.
- Standalone Progressive: Jackpot is linked to a single game.
- Local Progressive: Jackpot is shared across multiple games within one casino.
- Network Progressive: Jackpot is shared across multiple casinos and can grow to enormous amounts.
- Must-Drop Jackpot: Jackpot is guaranteed to be won before reaching a specified value.
Network jackpots generally produce the largest prizes because they accumulate contributions from players across multiple casino sites.
Examples of Progressive Jackpots in Action
- Example 1: A progressive jackpot starts at $500,000. After several weeks of player activity, it grows to $1.2 million before being won.
- Example 2: A network jackpot receives contributions from players across dozens of casinos and reaches $10 million before a winner lands the jackpot combination.
Popular Progressive Jackpot Slot Games
| Slot Game | Provider | Jackpot Type | ||
| Divine Fortune | NetEnt | Network Progressive | ||
| Cleopatra | IGT | Network Progressive | ||
| Age of the Gods | Playtech | Progressive Jackpot |
Are Progressive Jackpots Worth Playing?
Progressive jackpot slots appeal to players who enjoy the possibility of winning huge sums from relatively small stakes. Looking at them from a volatility perspective, you could say they're extremely high volatility as you'll almost never win one, but if you do the prize is huge.
However, these games typically allocate part of their RTP towards funding the jackpot, meaning they can sometimes have lower base-game returns than standard slots.
If your goal is purely to maximize playtime and bankroll longevity, standard slots offer better value. If you want the thrill of a potentially life-changing payout, progressive jackpots are ideal.
Where to Play Progressive Jackpot Slots?
Many leading online casinos offer progressive jackpot slots from top software providers. If you're looking to chase massive jackpots, check out our guide to the best online casino sites featuring progressive jackpot games, competitive bonuses, and trusted software providers.
Progressive Jackpot FAQs
What is a progressive jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is a slot jackpot that increases over time as players place qualifying wagers.
How are progressive jackpots funded?
A small percentage of every qualifying bet contributes to the jackpot prize pool.
Can progressive jackpots reach millions?
Yes. Network progressive jackpots regularly grow into the millions before being won.
Are progressive jackpots harder to win?
Generally yes. Because the prizes are much larger, the odds of winning the jackpot are usually lower than standard jackpots.
What happens after a progressive jackpot is won?
The jackpot resets to its starting value and begins growing again through player contributions.
Do I need to bet maximum stakes to win a progressive jackpot?
Not usually. Most modern progressive jackpot slots allow players to win the jackpot regardless of stake size, although some games may have specific qualifying requirements.
