Short definition
A jackpot that grows with every bet until someone wins it. Network jackpots collect bets from many casinos and have exceeded €19 million.
A progressive jackpot is a prize pool fed by a small share of every bet — the pot grows until someone wins it, after which it resets to its seed amount. A local jackpot grows from one casino's bets; a network jackpot pools money from every casino where the game is available.
It's network jackpots that have paid record wins: the best-known progressive slots, such as Mega Moolah, have passed the €19 million mark. The jackpot contribution lowers the RTP of the game's ordinary wins, so progressive slots are mainly for those chasing the big dream.
The best casinos for progressive jackpot games are at jackpot casinos.
What the jackpot share of RTP means
The RTP of a progressive slot has two parts: the return from ordinary play and the share that goes to the jackpot. Example: a displayed RTP of 96% could split into, say, 88% for ordinary play and 8% for the jackpot. Out of €100 wagered, on average €88 comes back as ordinary wins and €8 goes into the jackpot pot. That 8% reaches players very rarely and in very large sums. So a typical session is closer to 88% than to 96%: the average is 96%, but most players never win the jackpot. The numbers are an example; the exact split is on the game's info page, and in some games the displayed RTP does not include the jackpot share.
How the jackpot triggers
Depending on the game, the jackpot is triggered by a specific symbol combination, by a random trigger on any spin, or by a bonus feature such as a wheel. Some games have several tiers, and winning one tier resets only that tier. The condition may be that you must play with a certain minimum bet to be eligible, so check that your bet is enough.
Common mistakes
- believing a high pot means the jackpot is close: every spin is independent, see the gambler's fallacy;
- raising the bet beyond your budget for the jackpot, although the volatility of such games is very high and dry spells are long;
- forgetting that a progressive game is meant for the dream, not for income; plan your bankroll so that a loss is bearable.
The casino's limits apply when winnings are paid out, see withdrawal limits. You can estimate your expected cost with the expected loss calculator. If your bets start growing in pursuit of the jackpot, contact the Gambling Addiction Counselling Centre. The general mechanics of slot games are explained by Wikipedia: Slot machine.
Related and sources
See also: jackpot casinos, jackpot. Source: Progressive jackpot (Wikipedia).
“Example: in some progressive slots every spin takes part in the jackpot draw, in others the jackpot must be won in a separate bonus game. Check the game rules whether bet size affects the winning chance.
1. Collected from bets
A small percentage of every bet goes into the jackpot pool.
2. Growth
A network jackpot grows from the bets of all connected casinos at once.
3. Winning
The jackpot drops at random or in a separate bonus game — the rules are game-specific.
4. Reset
After a win the pot starts again from a fixed seed amount.
Over €19 millionRecord wins
Local and network jackpotTypes
The share of base wins is lowerEffect on RTP
Does a larger bet raise the jackpot chance?
In many progressive slots yes — the winning chance is proportional to the bet or requires a maximum bet. The exact rule is on the game’s info page.
Is a jackpot win paid out at once?
Large network jackpots are usually paid out by the game provider, often as a single payment; the casino's terms specify the procedure. Withdrawal limits generally don't cap jackpot wins.
21+ Gambling is intended for players aged 21 and over only. A fast withdrawal does not make gambling a safe source of income. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If needed, set self-limits or seek help:
responsible gambling.
