What Is a Progressive Jackpot and How Does It Work?

Casino

What Is a Progressive Jackpot and How Does It Work?

Casino

stacks of poker chips on a green felt poker table with red six-sided dice on them

What Is a Progressive Jackpot and How Does It Work?

Casino

Online casino games already offer players the best of both worlds in convenience and entertainment value. Some of them even offer impressive reward potential, and when you play on a platform like Borgata Online, you can benefit from exclusive bonuses to add even more value to your gaming experience. 

When you come across games with progressive jackpots, you’re unlocking an entirely new level of excitement (and potential rewards). Of all the casino game bonuses, none are as potentially rewarding as progressive jackpots. 

Sometimes called an accumulative jackpot, this unique and highly sought-after feature gives players the chance to win a jackpot prize that builds with every player until it‘s eventually won.  While progressive jackpots are commonly found in jackpot slots, a small number of live dealer and classic casino table games offer this payout mechanism. 

So, how do progressive jackpots work, and what are your chances of winning one? Find out everything you need to know in this blog. 

What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Jackpot and a Fixed Jackpot?

When you play casino games online, you’ll encounter jackpots in two distinct forms: fixed and progressive. While both options offer the potential for huge winnings, their mechanics differ significantly. How they differ is fairly self-explanatory — a fixed jackpot’s value will stay exactly the same, while a progressive jackpot will grow. Here is more information about how they work so that you can be prepared when you play games at an online casino for real money.

What Is a Fixed Casino Game Jackpot?

A traditional fixed jackpot is a predetermined prize offering a set payout amount that remains constant, regardless of the number of players or bets placed. These jackpots are typically associated with specific games or game variants, and the payout value is clearly defined from the outset, either on the game screen, in the paytable and rules, or both.

What Is a Progressive Jackpot?

A progressive jackpot offers slightly more dynamic mechanics than a fixed jackpot. It is a continuously growing prize pool that increases in value over time. These jackpots accumulate funds from a portion of each bet placed on the qualifying game(s) and add it to the prize pool. 

As more players ante up, the jackpot grows incrementally, often reaching staggering sums. This perpetual growth is what makes progressive jackpots so alluring — the longer a progressive jackpot remains unclaimed, the larger the potential payout becomes. Once a player triggers the jackpot, it’ll reset to its starting value (known as the seed amount), and the process will start again).

Which Casino Games Offer Accumulative Jackpots?

While the concept of progressive jackpots may conjure up images of slot machines, the truth is that these coveted prize pools can be found across a wide range of casino games. From live dealer tables to classic card games, numerous gaming genres have adopted accumulative jackpot mechanics, providing players with more exhilarating opportunities to chase these potentially life-changing payouts. So, which online casino games offer progressive jackpots?

Online Video Poker

Some video poker variations offer progressive jackpots. Players stand a chance to win the jackpot by placing a maximum bet and achieving a specific hand, such as a royal flush.

Online Blackjack

Progressive blackjack jackpots are often tied to specific side bets, where players need to meet certain criteria, such as being dealt a specific combination of cards.

Online Roulette

Although less common, some roulette games offer accumulative jackpots. As with online blackjack, these jackpots are typically linked to side bets or special features within the game.

Online Slots

Of course, no discussion of progressive jackpots would be complete without mentioning online slot machines, where these massive prizes have become a hallmark feature. These jackpots can be found in a wide range of slot games, from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with intricate themes and bonus rounds.

What Are My Chances of Winning a Progressive Jackpot?

a woman is celebrating while sitting at a table and holding a cellphone and playing online casino games

You may be wondering how difficult it is to win an online jackpot. Winning a progressive jackpot is an extraordinary feat that requires luck and timing. The odds of hitting the jackpot are typically quite low while the prize pool accumulates until a fortunate player triggers the winning combination. That said, someone has to win the life-changing payout — and it could be you.

Do I Have To Play the Maximum Stake To Win the Jackpot?

Usually, yes. Most games only pay out the full jackpot amount to players who wager the maximum bet. Playing with a smaller stake may still yield a payout but not the colossal sum that makes these jackpots so enticing. Still, it’s important to read the game rules to be completely sure. There are several online slot games, for example, that offer progressive jackpots without a minimum bet requirement. 

How Big Can a Progressive Jackpot Get?

These jackpots can grow to astronomical sizes, reaching several million dollars or more. As more players participate and contribute to the prize pool, the jackpot continues to swell until it’s finally claimed by one lucky gambler. The maximum limit of a progressive jackpot will depend on the game being played, the casino, and gambling regulators.

What Are the Different Types of Progressive Jackpots?

An online slot jackpot concept image featuring a vector slot machine with a $1,000,000 prize displayed at the top, the word “Jackpot” over it, and gold coins, playing cards, dice, and dollar signs surrounding it.

There are various types of progressive jackpots that cater to different player preferences. Here are some of the common types.

Standalone

These jackpots are specific to a single game and aren’t linked to any other machines. The prize pool increases based on the bets placed on that particular game.

Local or In-House

Local progressives are linked to a group of games within a specific online casino. Each game contributes to a shared jackpot, allowing it to grow faster and offer significant payouts.

Network or Wide-Area

Network progressive jackpots pool bets from multiple online casinos or gaming platforms, creating colossal jackpots. The interconnected nature of these jackpots enables them to accumulate rapidly and produce life-changing wins.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Winning an Accumulative Jackpot?

Ultimately, winning a progressive jackpot comes down to luck, and there are no foolproof strategies to guarantee success. That said, here are a few tips to enhance your gaming experience and potentially improve your chances.

Manage Your Bankroll

Set a budget and stick to it. Playing responsibly ensures you can enjoy the thrill of the game for longer without risking more than you can afford.

Choose the Right Game

Research different progressive jackpot games and find the ones with favorable odds and enticing jackpot sizes.

Join Gambling Communities

Engaging with fellow players in online communities allows you to exchange tips, experiences, and strategies, adding an extra layer of fun to your gaming journey.

Tips for Maximizing the Fun When Playing Jackpot Slots

You’ll find plenty of accumulative jackpots if you choose to play the best jackpot slots at Borgata Online. Has the sheer multitude of online slot machines got your head spinning? Fear not. Here are some expert tips for maximizing the fun, whichever title you choose to play.

Understand the Paytable and Rules

Make time to read and understand the paytable and game rules, especially when you’re playing a progressive jackpot slot game. This will familiarize you with the winning combinations, special features, and betting options, allowing you to make informed decisions while playing.

Practice With Free Games

Many online casinos offer free-to-play versions of slot games. Use this opportunity to practice and familiarize yourself with the gameplay, features, and strategies without risking any real money.

Make Use of Bonuses and Promotions

Keep an eye out for bonuses and promotions offered by the online casino. These can provide additional funds or free spins, giving you more opportunities to play and potentially win a sizable jackpot.

Play Responsibly

Remember that slots, including progressive jackpot slots, are games of chance, and outcomes are determined by random number generators. Don’t chase losses or gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.

Play Casino Games Online at Borgata Online

Whether you’re looking for accumulative jackpots, casino table games, online blackjack, live dealer games, poker tournaments, multiplayer slots, or almost any other casino game you can think of,  Borgata Online has you covered.
Register when you’re ready to join in on the fun. Borgata Online is exclusively available to players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.