The word ‘progressive’ can mean quite a lot of things in several different contexts, but in the gambling world it signifies one particular type of games (usually slots) that feature a jackpot prize that is not fixed, i.e. that can progress, often to a massive extent. In fact, the huge potential winnings are the main reason why these games are so popular.
Progressive jackpot games spark an interest among most players, especially when the jackpot prize mounts to a certain degree. Most players, even those that only play standard online slots, often wonder ‘what is a progressive jackpot’ and we are here to answer exactly that question. And, if you like the answer, feel free to register with one of our featured sites that offer progressive jackpot games.
How Progressive Jackpots Work
Basically, as we said above, a progressive jackpot is a slot game, so the most obvious answer to the question – ‘what is a progressive jackpot’, would be – a slot game that features a progressive jackpot. That being said, we still haven’t explained how these games work, how are the progressive jackpots paid out and everything else in relation to the topic that might be interesting for a player, or a progressive player.
The progressive jackpot is a separate feature, that usually works separately from the other game features, mini-games and bonuses. In most cases, it is paid out randomly and it is determined by the game’s random number generator, which means it is entirely random.
How Much Should I Wager?
However, for certain games, it is clearly stated that a progressive jackpot can be only won by players who have wagered the maximum stake amount. In other cases, playing with an increased stake dramatically increases your chances of hitting the progressive prize, i.e. even if it is possible to hit a jackpot with a smaller wager that’s a lot less likely to happen.
These things may vary, so it is best to check the terms and conditions for each particular game before deciding on your wager, provided that you are looking to play for the progressive jackpot prize. Some slot providers set specific rules for each of their progressive jackpot games, whereas other companies set the same rules for each and every one of their progressives.
Progressive Jackpots Are Awarded Randomly
While we mentioned that the jackpot prize is usually awarded completely randomly and independently of the other prizes and in-game jackpots, there might be a few cases where the progressive jackpot is activated by a particular combination of symbols. Even if that is the case, we still have to say that the jackpot is paid out randomly, as your actions cannot have an impact on the likelihood of the jackpot being hit.
Speaking of chances and likelihood, we should mention that the probability of hitting the jackpot are pretty low, in most instances they are much higher than one in a million. Still, that depends on the number of players who are playing the game, the jackpot amount and multiple other factors. Bear that in mind when you’re playing to hit the jackpot, as hitting it might be less likely than you think.
Major Progressive Jackpots
It is not difficult to assume that games with a higher jackpot prize attract more players, but that’s pretty obvious. Of course, the two things are related and affect each other. Namely, as more players play the game the jackpot prize raises, which in turn attracts more players.
That explains the difference in jackpot prizes and player interest. It is pretty understandable that most players would be more keen to play for a million than for £50K, but it is up to you to decide whether you want to play for a prize that you’re more likely to win or a one that’s a lot more appealing in terms of the amount. What sort of games you choose to play for is entirely up to you.
Top Progressive Games
If you choose to register with one of our partner casinos you will find a wide range of available progressive jackpot games with various jackpot prizes. Have a look at our selection of progressive slots and see which one sounds most fun to you. You can have a look at each respective review if you want a more detailed insight into each game.
Mega Moolah
Mega Moolah is one of the most popular progressive games, available a wide range of online slots sites and casinos, including many of the sites featured on SlotsWise. If you want to know more about the game, its features, wagering limits and everything else, check out our Mega Moolah slots review.
This is a Microgaming slot and that says a lot, as many of the popular online progressive games have been developed by this provider. The game comes with five reels and 25 paylines and the minimum wager is set at a penny per line or a total of 25p.
Hall Of Gods
Norse mythology is one of the most common themes in the online slots world, so it is not surprising at all that there’s a progressive jackpot game where you’ll see Nordic gods on the reels. The jackpot in this game has grown up to £5 million on several occasions in the past, so it is pretty obvious why this game is one of the most popular online slots.
Hall of Gods is a slot game by NetEnt, one of Microgaming’s biggest rivals. The most popular progressive jackpot games have also been developed by NetEnt and Microgaming, even though there are titles by other providers as well.
Conclusion
In addition to individual, standalone progressive jackpot games, developers often release series of progressive titles, usually with a similar gameplay that are tied to the same progressive jackpot. In this case, a percentage of the wagers on each of the games goes towards the progressive jackpot and the jackpot can be hit on any of the associated games. Play the progressive jackpot slot that you like, but remember that there is no progressive slot machine strategy, it all comes down to luck.