Of all the extra features you’ll find in a slot machine game, nothing matches the appeal of the progressive jackpot bonus. That’s because they hold the potential of awarding the luckiest players hefty payouts that could be to the tune of seven figures, all in a single spin. The thought that you could bag a massive win out of the blue is what keeps players coming back for more action on slot machines with progressive jackpots.
So, if you are into spinning reels with such a bonus element, you’ll find plenty of jackpot slots hosted in the lobbies of leading iGaming platforms like NV.Casino. But have you ever wondered exactly how progressive jackpots work? Read on to find all the answers to your questions in the following sections.
How Progressive Jackpot Slots Work
A progressive jackpot is an increasing payout sum that accumulates each time a player places a bet in a specific game or group of games. A small percentage of each player’s bet contributes to the jackpot pool whenever they spin the reels or play a hand. This constant accumulation leads to an increasing prize that may reach a very high figure before lady luck comes knocking for one fortunate player.
The two main elements of a progressive jackpot are as follows:
- Contribution rate: A small percentage, usually 1 to 5%, of every single stake placed in the game is credited to the progressive jackpot fund. This percentage may differ depending on the game and casino, but this contribution is the driving force behind the constant increase of the prize pool. So, the more players take part in the game, the faster the payout sum grows.
- Seed amount: Before a progressive jackpot starts increasing, there is a seed or starting value that is already predetermined by the casino or game developer. This is important because every time a reward is to be won, it starts from a certain minimum value, not zero. This makes the prize pool more enticing even before placing a bet. It is worth noting that these seed values are often substantial amounts that are still worth chasing right after the jackpot is unlocked.
Types of Progressive Jackpots
There are various types of this reward in online casino games, as summarized in the table below:
| Type | Description | Growth Rate |
| Standalone Progressives | Exclusive to a single game, it grows based on only bets on that particular title. | Slower growth compared to linked progressives. |
| Linked Progressives | Connected to multiple games across casinos, which combine their contributions for larger payouts. | Faster growth due to combined player contributions. |
| Must-Drop Jackpots | Programmed to be won by a specific time or after reaching a certain amount. | Creates urgency among players as they approach their deadline. |
Triggering the Jackpot
You can win a progressive jackpot in several ways depending on the game’s design:
- Random triggers: RNGs are a standard in modern casino games to ensure all outcomes are completely random and fair. Likewise, in some instances, the jackpot is triggered randomly by the RNG at any arbitrary moment during gameplay.
- Specific symbol combinations: Some games require players to land designated symbols on given pay lines to trigger the jackpot. For example, hitting five special symbols could unlock the big prize.
- Bonus games: Other progressive jackpot slots offer tailored rounds that can lead you to wins. It could be unlocking a bonus game, completing missions or specific tasks, or simply spinning a wheel to trigger the progressive payout.
It is also worth noting that in some games, wagering maximum bets per spin will increase your chances of triggering the big win. As such, you should always read the info section of the game before you start playing to understand precisely what it takes to get you closer to the big bucks.
Are Progressive Jackpot Games Fair?
Given their reputation of fairness, progressive jackpot games have quickly become a player favorite, as anyone can win at any time. Here’s what makes the games completely unbiased:
- Random Number Generators (RNGs): Thanks to RNG software, these slot games are 100% fair. Every spin brings random results, and a player stands a chance to win the colossal win out of sheer luck.
- Real-time data processing: In modern casinos, progressive jackpots are managed through advanced technology to ensure that data processing takes place in real-time. This technology monitors several machines and determines the current jackpot totals in real-time. Furthermore, it increases transparency and fairness in managing and awarding jackpots and prizes.
The Future of Progressive Jackpots
Through technological advancements and the evolution of online gambling, progressive jackpots will continue advancing. Innovations such as blockchain technology are poised to enhance transparency and security in the tracing of contributions and payouts. Moreover, new layouts could provide more interesting and exciting ways for players to participate in the captivating experience.