Guide to online progressive jackpot slots
Progressive jackpot slots account for some of the most popular games available at online casinos, with players from all over the world drawn to these lucrative titles with the lure of striking it rich. But what exactly is a progressive jackpot slot game, and why are they so popular? We explain how progressives work, look at the hottest progressive jackpot slot titles on the Web and provide a list of the best online casinos to play progressive jackpot slots for the chance to win real money.
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What is a progressive jackpot slot game?
A progressive jackpot slot game is one where the amount of money that can be won increases by a small amount every time a real money bet is placed on that game anywhere within a shared network. Progressive jackpot slot machines can be found in land based casinos, but it is the rise of online casinos that has made them exponentially popular. There are three types of progressive jackpots:
- Standalone progressives
The jackpot only increases when bets are placed on that specific, individual machine. Standalone progressives are the kind you would most likely find in a land based casino, where the jackpot increases by a certain percentage every time a coin is placed in the slot. - Local progressives
The jackpot increases when a bet is placed on a series of linked games within a casino. The local network can include a few, a few dozen or a few hundred slot games. - Wide area progressives
The big daddy of them all, a wide area progressive is where the jackpot increases any time a bet is placed on a game or series of games across multiple networks. The rise of the Internet mean wide area progressives can stretch across hundreds of online casinos, resulting in jackpots that can accumulate into astronomical amounts.
Progressive jackpot slots work just like any other slot game, the only difference is the ever-increasing jackpot and the excitement that comes with the chance to win those truly life-changing amounts.
Why are progressive jackpot slots so popular?
It is the lure of the big bucks that attracts so many punters to these games. Progressive jackpot slots offer some of the biggest winning potential of all casino games, with giant jackpots that can be triggered with just a couple of dollars or cents. These games are affordable even for the most recreational of players, unlike table games like blackjack or roulette where the buy-ins can be too high and the rewards not high enough. Slot games are entirely luck-based, which means every player has the same chance of winning as everyone else, and there’s no skill required to play, so even casino newbies stand a chance of winning.
The introduction of wide-area progressives at online casinos mean the jackpots can grow higher quicker, with some base jackpots starting as high as $1 million. With those large sums of cash up for grabs, it’s no wonder that so many players flock to try their luck at these slot games every day.
Most popular progressive jackpot slot games
Online casinos offer a large selection of progressive jackpot slot games, but some are much more impressive than others and the winning amount up for grabs can vary dramatically. If you’re looking for the most entertaining, attractive online slot games with the biggest jackpots, check out these popular titles which can be found at our casinos recommended in the table above:
- Mega Moolah
- Mega Moolah Isis
- Mega Fortune
- Divine Fortune
- Arabian Nights
- Jackpot Giant
- Gladiator
- It Came From Venus
- Major Millions
- Age of the Gods
- Cosmic Fortune
- Geisha Wonders
- Cash Splash
- Mega Glam Life
- King Cashalot
- The Slotfather
There are tonnes more out there – head to one of our top-rated casino sites and search under the ‘Jackpot’ section of the casino’s game lobby to check out the games for yourself.
How much can I win on a progressive jackpot slot?
The amount of money you can win playing a progressive jackpot slot game is limitless. Progressives start with a base jackpot, with a portion of each real money bet placed within the network helping to increase that jackpot by a percentage. Base jackpots may start at $100 or $1 million, depending on the game and the casino you are playing at, but can quickly soar much higher. The largest amount of money ever won on a progressive jackpot was €17,879,645 (US $20,062,600) by British man Jon Heywood who struck it lucky while playing Microgaming’s famous Mega Moolah online slot game.
Tips for winning a progressive jackpot
The most important thing to remember when playing a progressive jackpot slot game is that the outcome of the game is based purely on luck. No matter how many strategies you may read or what superstitions you may believe in, there is nothing you can do to influence the result of a slot spin. Thinking otherwise is a dangerous move that will see you clearing out your wallet faster than you can imagine. When playing progressive jackpots, the golden rules of gambling apply – never bet more than you can afford to lose, don’t chase your losses and always quit while you’re ahead. You may not be lucky enough to strike that sweet jackpot, but betting within your means and walking away once you’ve reached your limit is the key to any good gambling practice.
Be aware that some online progressive jackpot slot games require the maximum bet be in place before the jackpot can be won. The maximum bets on progressives are usually much smaller than other online slot games, so you can often be eligible for the jackpot with spins capped around a dollar or two. We recommend you read the rules of your chosen progressive jackpot slot title before you start playing to ensure you understand the betting requirements that apply.
Best online casinos for progressive jackpot slots
Progressive jackpot slot games can be found at all the leading online casinos. These games are often the major drawcard offered by online casinos, so if you come across a casino site that doesn’t offer progressive jackpots, it’s probably a sign that venue is not worth your time or money. Progressive jackpot slots are available for instant-play with no downloads needed, and can be accessed via desktop and mobile. While some online casinos will allow you to sample progressive jackpot games for free in practice mode, many progressive jackpots require real money bets in order to play. To play for real money, sign up for an account with one of our recommended casino sites and make a deposit using a secure payment method like Visa, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, Paysafecard, Flexepin, ecoPayz or direct bank wire.