Slots remain the most popular game in the casino, whether online or land-based. The main appeal lies in their simplicity, but players also enjoy the diverse themes, excellent graphics, and entertaining soundtracks.
Some of the most popular online slots are those featuring progressive jackpots. Given that these games tend to pay well into the millions, their popularity is hardly surprising. Many modern casinos have dedicated sections for jackpot games, with some prizes reaching up to eight figures. In this blog post, you’ll learn all about the different types of progressive slots.
What Is a Progressive Jackpot Slot?
So, what are progressive slots? Beyond the regular rewards, jackpot slots offer a special prize. Progressive jackpot slots are built on the same premise of spinning reels and landing matching symbols. However, their main prizes are not fixed. Instead, a jackpot keeps growing until someone wins and then returns to the initial seed amount.
Progressive slot jackpot prize pools are built by collecting a portion of each bet. If the jackpot is linked, gamblers at other casinos playing the same game also have a portion of their bets taken. As more people join in, the prize pool increases. The longer it takes for someone to land the jackpot, the larger it grows.
This explains why progressive jackpots can pay out massive sums. So, if you’re playing online slots for money, then a progressive online slot machine will be right up your alley. The biggest ever seen online was the €19,430,723.60 ($21,848,877.15) won on Absolootly Mad in April 2021. In 2023, there was an impressive $3 million win on Borgata Online. The win came off of a $2 bet on the Bison Fury slot.
Progressive Slots Fun Facts
- Mega Moolah is the top-paying progressive slot, with six of the top seven payouts in the U.S. in the last 10 years. It’s often referred to as “Million Maker.”
- A progressive slot in Las Vegas didn’t hit for over 20 years.
- One of the biggest progressive jackpot winners played on a mobile phone.
- You normally have to play the maximum bet to win a progressive jackpot.
Types of Progressive Jackpot Slots
Slots with a progressive jackpot fall into three different categories based on how they work. The main factor is the scope of the jackpot, or, in other words, the number of slot machines contributing to the prize pool. Read on to learn about the different types of slot games with jackpots.
1. Standalone Progressive Jackpots
A standalone progressive accumulates the jackpot from all bets made on a single machine. As expected, the prize pool is smaller than other progressive slot types. However, as a result, you have a much better chance of winning the top prize.
The jackpot has a slow growth rate since it accommodates just one player at a time. Most standalone progressives are found in land-based casinos, where the rules for winning are determined by the casino. You can also find them as exclusive games in some online casinos. Although they are standalone progressives, these games are still considered big jackpot slots.
2. Local Progressive Jackpots
These slots have a wider scope than the standalone progressives. The pool is built by gamblers playing a particular group of slots within the same casino or online platform. In this case, the jackpot size depends on the popularity of the games and the level of player activity.
Since more people are playing, your chances of winning the jackpot are slightly lower than with a standalone. But, of course, the reward is worth shooting for. For most players, this adds to the thrill of playing. There’s also a sense of community that builds when playing this class of progressive jackpot at your preferred casino.
3. Wide-Area Progressive Jackpots
Also known as network progressive jackpots, these slots are linked across many different online or land-based casinos. They are the most popular games with regulars who prefer progressive slots. Wide-area progressive slot games can cover large regions, even crossing continents, since they’re connected via the internet. Fractions of the bets from scores of players in these regions are used to build up an epic jackpot pool.
The difficulty of winning an online jackpot increases when you play these games because of the potentially massive payout. They do have a rapid growth rate, though, thanks to the number of players whose wagers make up the pool. Winners of wide-area progressives typically end up with life-changing sums.
How To Win While Playing Slots With Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots essentially play out the same as regular slot games. They’re based solely on luck, as random number generators (RNGs) determine the outcome of each spin. However, there are some strategies that you can work with to improve the odds of winning and minimize any potential losses.
1. Go for the Maximum Bet
Many jackpot games require you to stake the maximum bet in order to qualify for the big prize. You may enjoy staying at the reels longer by wagering lower. But you’ll only be contributing to the pool, with no real winning shot at the biggest prize. Make sure that you fully understand the rules of the game before beginning to play.
2. Manage Your Bankroll Properly
As with most online casino games, managing your bankroll is hugely important. Progressive slots can be immersive, especially when you consider the size of the potential win. Don’t forget, too, that the science behind slots makes them extremely enjoyable to play. Avoid becoming overly consumed and risking too much money by setting a budget before you play. Then stick to it. You can also boost your bankroll by joining casinos that offer a Welcome Slots Bonus and a generous loyalty rewards program.
3. Play the Popular Games
Popular progressive jackpot games have a larger player base, prize pool, and growth rate. This increased player activity results in much bigger jackpot payouts. Of course, luck ultimately determines the winner. But if it’s your turn to strike it rich, you’ll win bigger amounts from the most popular titles.
The Best Progressive Jackpots at Online Casinos
Of all the online casino slots that have a progressive jackpot, only a few really stand out. These games have gained a reputation for their mind-blowing payouts, with jackpot wins recorded multiple times over the years. They’re also famous for their engaging themes, gameplay mechanics, and bonus features.
1. Mega Moolah
Microgaming’s Mega Moolah comes straight to mind when you think of the best progressive slots. It currently holds the world record for the largest online slot jackpot ever won, and the prizes are always at least seven-figure sums. The original safari-themed slot has several other variants within the same network. Regardless of which game is played, you can win up to four jackpot prizes whenever the randomly appearing bonus wheel pops up.
2. Mega Fortune
This online slot from NetEnt is a low-volatility slot with one of the highest payouts in the history of progressive jackpots. Its luxury theme hints at the kind of lifestyle that players can adopt after securing the jackpot. You can spin its reels from as little as $0.01 to try to win one of its three progressive jackpot prizes.
3. Arabian Nights
Also created by NetEnt, Arabian Nights is another popular online jackpot slot. Based on enchanting Arabian legends and Middle Eastern culture, it exists as a wide-area progressive in some casinos and the local type in others. Players have reported significant wins reaching over seven million coins, but that’s not all the slot has to offer. Its excellent graphics and gameplay also make playing worthwhile.
Progressive Slots at Borgata Online
There are a number of exciting progressive slots to choose from at Borgata Online. These are some of the most popular ones:
- Melon Madness Megaways
- Road to Riches Gold Pots
- Mercy of the Gods
- Cleopatra Mega Jackpots
- Book of Myths
It’s Time To Go Big at Borgata Online
Slots featuring progressive jackpots have altered casino gaming. Register at Borgata Online, and who knows? You may be one lucky spin away from the biggest payout of your life. Along with a selection of jackpot slots, you can enjoy many classic table games, online poker, and a complete live dealer casino.