A Guide to Progressive Jackpots

For many casino players, finding games with the biggest prize is their ultimate goal. Jackpot games might be the perfect example. These are games with big prizes up for grabs, but there’s also something called progressive jackpots.

What Are Progressive Jackpots?

Progressive jackpot is one of the jackpot types that you can find in casino games. It’s arguably players’ favorite, because unlike fixed jackpot prizes, progressive jackpots keep increasing every time someone plays the game without winning the jackpot. Casino games offering a progressive pot will usually display the amount when you play, so you know how much you can win if you’re lucky.

Once you or another player triggers the jackpot, they’ll go home with the displayed jackpot amount. So, how will the game continue after that if the pot is drained? Do other players lose their chance of winning the prize for good? The answer is no.

When a progressive jackpot is awarded to one winning player, the amount will reset. The operator had set a starting jackpot prize amount, which would later grow again once players started placing their bets on the reset pot.

Progressive jackpot games have been around since 1986. It was a game called Megabucks released by the renowned developer IGT. In February 1987, the first winner of this game emerged. The player went home with a massive $4,988,842.17. It was a mouthwatering amount that forever changed how people gamble.

Types of Progressive Jackpots

Although all progressive jackpot games look the same, they actually work differently behind the scenes. The way one progressive jackpot game grows its progressive pot can be different. They all still take a percentage of the players’ wager to increase the maximum jackpot, but not all games work independently.

Standalone

Standalone progressive games are working independently. That means that one specific game is pooling the jackpot prize without sharing it with other games. Because it can only grow its jackpot prize through the players accessing the game, it’s usually much lower than some games with a shared network.

Linked/Networked

On the opposite side of a standalone game are linked or networked games. Progressive games with a shared network are connected to other progressive games. They share one pot prize, so more players are contributing to growing the prize. That’s why networked games tend to have significantly bigger jackpots than standalone games.

Wide-Area

Games with a wide-area progressive prize offer the biggest reward. These are the games connected across multiple casinos, so even more people are contributing to the pot. One of the most popular examples is Mega Moolah, which has been famous for giving massive rewards.

Progressive Jackpot Strategies

Most online casino games are chance-based. With the RNG (Random Number Generator) producing random outcomes, you can’t affect the result. Still, there are some tips you can apply to maximize your winnings.

Set a Realistic Betting Limit

Progressive jackpot requires you to play a longer session to win the biggest prize. Once you have a gambling budget, it’s a good strategy to divide your total budget into small portions for one session. Then, adjust your maximum bet size according to your set budget.

The ideal way to ensure a longer playing session is to set 2% to 5% of your bankroll per spin. This amount ensures your bankroll won’t be gone in the blink of an eye and increases your chances of hitting the jackpot prize.

Monitor Your Win-Loss Ratio

While playing, taking notes of your win-loss ratio can be beneficial for you to adjust your strategy. Once you record your results, you can adjust your bet according to the record.

When you’re on a losing streak, it’s better to lower your bet size. On the other hand, if you’re on a winning streak, you can slightly increase your bet. This strategy helps you protect your bankroll in the long run.

Pick Your Games Wisely

Like any other casino game, progressive jackpot games come with RTP (Return to Player). The bigger the RTP percentage is, the bigger your chance is to win something from the game.

For example, if you’re playing a slot with a 96% RTP, that means you’ll win back 96% of your total wager in a long session. This is a theoretical return that the developer calculates by testing the game over millions of rounds. Therefore, you can’t take the RTP as a guarantee.

Timing Your Play Based on Jackpot Cycle Patterns

Predicting jackpot cycles isn’t too complicated. You can analyze historical data to see what happens when you’re near the jackpot prize. Popular games usually have more games, so you can likely get closer to the jackpot faster than less popular games. Combining these knowledges, you can gain more insights on how to time your play to increase your winning chances.

Leverage the Game’s Bonus Features

Modern casino games are much more complex than the classic ones. They come with multiple bonus features, like free spins and boosters that will help you win bigger. When you fully understand the features, it’ll be easier for you to take advantage of them.

Some games also come with a Buy Bonus feature, where you can instantly trigger the bonus features. Not only do you get the chance to obtain payouts that balance your bankroll, but it can also bring you closer to the jackpot.

This also applies to the side bets that some games offer. However, triggering bonus features can require you to bet a specific amount. So, make a wise decision and pay for the bonus only if your bankroll allows.