Progressive slots are a special variation of slot games well-known for their large bonus prize pots that increase with every reel spin. Given that "progressives" as they are more often known are one of the most popular slot machine types at online casinos, it is hardly shocking that they may provide jackpots valued at millions of pounds.
In today's article, we'll discover what progressive jackpot slots are, how progressive jackpot slots work, and most importantly how to play the best progressive jackpot slots right here at Prime Casino.
What are Progressive Jackpot Slots?
When defining progressive jackpot slot games, we can think of the progressive element as a side dish, as progressive jackpot slots play the same as traditional online slot games, just with a progressive prize pool on the side.
In progressive slot games, the jackpot (or pots as many progressive games feature more than one prize pot) gets a small portion of every eligible bet. A lucky player could win this by activating and succeeding at a specific jackpot bonus game, while some progressive prizes are awarded completely randomly on a normal spin.
Comparing Fixed Jackpots with Progressive Jackpot Slots
The variations between progressive jackpot games and so-called fixed jackpot games sometimes perplex casino players; especially as most slots will refer to their top payout as a ‘jackpot’. What these slots are referring to is a fixed jackpot. Fixed jackpots are exactly what you’d expect; they are prizes that have a set value that does not increase. Often in the shape of a certain symbol or card combination, it is won when a player strikes a specific trigger.
How Do Progressive Jackpot Slots Work?
Progressive jackpot slots work by pooling a portion of each bet from a network of connected slots into a shared prize pot. This prize pool continues to grow until a lucky player wins it. Progressive jackpots can vary in scope, being limited to a single casino, a region, or even a global network. Leading developers like Blueprint Gaming and Games Global have their own jackpot systems, such as Blueprint's Jackpot King and Games Global’s Mega Moolah, which are iconic in the progressive jackpot community.
For example, the Jackpot King network spans over 40 slots, with players' bets contributing to three prize pots: the Regal Pot (capped at £3,500), the Royal Pot (capped at £35,000), and the Jackpot King Prize, which often reaches millions with no upper limit. Once a jackpot is won, the prize resets to a "seed value" and starts building again. While some progressive jackpots have no fixed deadline for payouts, others offer diverse mechanisms and timelines for players to enjoy online.
Types of Progressive Jackpot Slots
As mentioned, though the general mechanism of a progressive jackpot slot remains the same (i.e. players of the games contribute a small amount of their wager to the prize pool) there are different types of progressive jackpot slots to be aware of.
Standalone Jackpots
This is a progressive jackpot for one specific game. This is commonly seen in brick-and-mortar based casinos and the most infamous example occurred when the Lions Share slot machine housed at the MGM Grand in Vegas finally paid out its jackpot after over 20 years, earning a lucky couple a whopping $2.4m.
In-House / Local Jackpots
This is a progressive jackpot network that covers a select few machines in a physical venue, or multiple branches of the venue in a smaller region or locality.
Wide-Area / Network Jackpots
This is the type of progressive jackpot most commonly experienced when playing slots online and refers to multiple slots linked in a network either at nationwide brick and mortar venues of a casino brand, or those connected in an online network, such as the Jackpot King network previously discussed.
Tiered Jackpots
Any of the above jackpot types can use a tiered jackpot system. Tiered jackpots are those with multiple prize pots at increasing levels. The smaller pots will likely have a value cap, while the top prize will have no limits and will continue to grow until it is won.
Timed Jackpots
This is a more recent fixture of the progressive jackpot slot world and has largely been pioneered by Red Tiger Gaming with their ‘Daily Drops’ progressive network. The name says it all; the jackpot must be won by the end of the day. Other timed jackpots may operate on a weekly or monthly basis.
Top Advice for Progressive Jackpot Players
While no strategy can guarantee or promise winning outcomes for progressive jackpot slots, as it is simply down to chance, there are some tips you can use to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from these games while still gambling responsibly.
- Choose the Best Promotions
- Opt for online casinos offering great bonuses for new or existing players.
- Prioritise sites that focus on slot gameplay over bingo, table games, or sports betting.
- Always Read the Small Print
- Ensure the casino is transparent about promotions and game rules.
- Check if progressive jackpot games require specific bet amounts to qualify for the jackpot.
- Know the Casino Basics
- Understand factors like volatility and return to player (RTP) to gauge payout patterns and gameplay experience.
- Be Aware of the Gamblers' Fallacy
- Don’t assume a jackpot won't be paid out twice in quick succession—it’s purely a game of chance.
- Staying aware of this fallacy helps maintain a positive perspective.
- Always Gamble Responsibly
- Set a budget and time limit for your gaming sessions, and stick to them.
- Stop playing if you feel frustrated or if the fun stops.
- Avoid chasing losses and visit responsible gambling resources for more guidance.
Play The Top Progressive Jackpot Slots here at Prime Slots!
At Prime Slots, we’re primed and ready to bring our players the very best progressive jackpot slots out there. Enjoy progressive jackpot titles from all the top developers as well as fixed jackpot slots, casino table games, and more. Sign up and play today!
