Quick Navigation
Slots are the most numerous game type in casino lobbies, and for good reasons. It’s easy to play, with no complex rules and engaging fast-paced gameplay. Another big appeal is the potential for large jackpots.
However, not all slots are built the same, and progressive slots stand out because of their unique jackpot mechanics. These games offer prize pools that grow over time, sometimes reaching seven-digit amounts before being won. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading our explanation of what sets progressive slots apart from standard slot games.
- A percentage of every bet funds a shared jackpot until it’s won.
- Full jackpot eligibility usually means betting the maximum per spin.
- Smaller, local progressives hit more often, while big network jackpots payout less frequently.
- These games tend to have lower RTPs due to massive jackpot potential.
What Are Progressive Slots? Work Process
Progressive slot games are growing in popularity due to their progressive jackpots. The main appeal is the progressive jackpot that becomes larger with every consecutive bet made. The progressive jackpot can grow in various ways, from bets made on a single slot game to bets made on several slot games in the same casino. There are other ways that the progressive slots build the progressive jackpots, but we’ll discuss these below.
The gameplay at progressive slots is the same as with classical slots: you make your bet, spin the reels, and wait for the outcome. However, progressive slots do come with higher bet amounts that you need to place to enter the race for the progressive jackpot. If you don’t put the max bet amount, you can still play the slot game, but you won’t be eligible to play for the progressive jackpot.
Credit: Spin Casino
The progressive slot games have the same base gameplay as classic slots, with pay lines and paytable, but these include several ways to trigger a jackpot, like:
- Jackpot Wheel – the jackpot wheel mode displays different slots that point to a fixed point, and when the wheel stops, you win the prize where the pointer lands. Similar designs can include squares or tiles where a pointer lands, revealing a prize. You enter the jackpot wheel by matching the required bonus symbols or by landing on specific symbols during the base game. The Mega Moolah progressive slot awards entrance into the bonus mode at random intervals.
- Collecting Symbols – this is a popular way of winning a jackpot prize, as you need to collect a predetermined number of symbols, usually when you play the base game. It includes playing the game and collecting symbols that will trigger the jackpot round or award you a jackpot prize. One example is the Hall of Gods progressive slot, where landing three Bonus symbols activates a bonus round, where you reveal prizes hidden behind shields. You can win a corresponding jackpot, such as Mini, Midi, or Mega, by matching three shields of the same tier.
- Matching Symbols – this is the most traditional way to win a jackpot, and it includes matching specific symbols on the reels. Unlike the classic slots, where you need to match particular pay lines, the progressive slots come with specific requirements and a higher bet amount you need to place. One example is the Gold Bell Ringer progressive slot, where you stand to win a massive 1000x payout if you get the gold bell symbol across all 9 spaces on the reels.
Progressive Slots Vs. Regular Slots
Progressive slots differ from regular slots in one main twist – these have a constantly growing jackpot. In regular slot games, the jackpot is a fixed amount, and the wins are capped at a set amount. The only subcategory of slots offering above-average rewards is Quick Hit slots, but even these are not massive.
On the other hand, in progressive slots, a portion of each bet made in the game goes towards a jackpot, and the jackpot amount increases and can reach staggering amounts. When the progressive jackpot is paid out, the slot resets to a predetermined minimum amount.
Types of Progressive Slots
The progressive slots differ in the way the progressive jackpot is accumulated. There are three different types:
- Standalone Progressive Slots – in these games, the progressive jackpot amount is calculated as a percentage of all bets that are placed on a single slot game. The standalone progressive slots are most often found in land-based casinos, where the progressive jackpot is the result of the bets played on a single slot machine.
- Local Progressive Slots – the local progressive slots collect the progressive jackpot amount from several slot games. An example is the same slot played at an online casino, where multiple players can play the slot game at the same time. The progressive jackpot gets calculated from the bets that are placed on all the slot games.
- Wide Area/Network Progressive Slots – these are progressive slot games that are connected to a central server and operated over a network. A large number of people, sometimes even thousands of people, can play the same slot game at the same time but at different online casinos, in various locations, and even in multiple countries, and still, the set percentage of their bets contributes to a single progressive jackpot amount. The best example of a network progressive slot is the Mega Moolah slot game.
Progressive Slots Bets, T&Cs, and Fairness
The bets you can place at progressive slots usually come with higher minimum and maximum limits. You can play with a lower bet, but it is often not enough for your bet to qualify for the progressive jackpot, and you’ll play it like any other regular slot game where you match the pay lines and win your prize accordingly.
To enter the race for the progressive jackpot, it is mandatory to pay the higher bet amounts. It is the rule because a percentage of the bet amount goes to the house as a house edge, and a percentage goes toward the jackpot amount.
These also come with the usual terms and conditions as regular slots. It means you have to put higher wagers, and the free spins bonuses are usually not eligible for playing for the progressive jackpot prize.
Progressive jackpots, like any other slot game, are run by mathematical algorithms that ensure a fair and random outcome. These are called random number generators (RNG), and they work by randomizing the symbols that are required to win and displaying a different result with each spin. To know if the progressive slot game at your chosen online casino is genuinely random, check their T&Cs page and their license. It should clearly state that they use RNGs that are regulated by a reputable body like the eCOGRA.
Popular Online Progressive Slots
Today, there are thousands of online slots and games available at online casinos, and many of them are progressive jackpot slots. We gathered the top-most popular online progressive slots you can play at trusted online casinos:
| Slot Name | Provider | RTP | Max Win in Base Game | Volatility | Jackpot Seed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Moolah | Games Global | 88.12–93.42% | 11,250x | High | £1,000,000 |
| Wheel of Wishes (WowPot) | Alchemy Gaming | 93.34% | 500x | Medium | $2,000,000 |
| Age of the Gods: God of Storms | Playtech | 96% | 2,500x | Medium | £1,000,000 |
| King of Olympus | Playtech | 95% | 5,000x | High | £1,000,000 |
| Sisters of Oz (WowPot) | Games Global | 92–94% | 3,600x | Medium | $2,000,000 |
| Sherlock & Moriarty (WowPot) | JustForTheWin | 92–94% | 200x | Medium | $2,000,000 |
| Temple Tumble 2 (Dream Drop) | Relax Gaming | 94.80% | 10,000x | High | €1,500,000 |
| Gold Blitz King Millions | Fortune Factory Studios | 86–90% | 5,000x | High | €2,000,000 |
| Fishin’ Frenzy: Jackpot King | Blueprint Gaming | 93.81% | 50,000x | Medium–High | £100,000 |
| The Finer Reels of Life (WowPot) | Games Global | 92.01% | 8,100x | Medium–High | $2,000,000 |
Notable Progressive Slots Wins
The probability of hitting a progressive jackpot is extremely low. It is often estimated in the tens of millions to one, but exact odds vary by game.
Although the chances of winning a progressive slot game are truly stacked against you, many progressive jackpot winners have beaten the odds. Here are some of the most famous progressive jackpot wins in recent years:
| Slot Game | Jackpot Win | Year Won |
|---|---|---|
| WowPot Mega | £42,149,180 | 2023 |
| Mega Moolah | $20,057,734 | 2019 |
| Mega Moolah | €19,429,358 | 2021 |
| Mega Moolah | €18,915,721 | 2018 |
| Mega Fortune | €17,860,868 | 2013 |
| WowPot Mega | £15,183,085 | 2021 |
The examples presented above are sourced from publicly reported progressive slot wins. The amounts are accurate at the time of writing, but keep in mind that jackpot records can change as new wins occur.
How to Win a Progressive Jackpot
Winning a progressive jackpot is highly improbable, but it’s not unheard of, since several players have won jackpots worth millions of dollars. There is no special formula for winning, but several slot tips can come in handy for playing in a structured and responsible way:
- Create a jackpot budget and stick to it – set a budget for progressive slots you are prepared to lose if luck does not turn your way
- Play patiently – don’t be tempted by the massive jackpot and bet the maximum amount every time. Instead, be patient and play wisely so you can play as many jackpot games as possible.
- Be ready for winning and losing streaks – it is expected to win and lose, so be prepared for this, and never chase what you’ve lost in the hopes of covering your losses.
- Pick a game with a higher jackpot seed value – The seed represents the amount a jackpot resets to after the previous prize has been won. A higher seed signals that the jackpot starts at a larger base, which can offer better overall value.
Credit: Slots Empire
Responsible Gambling
Progressive slots have high volatility and low hit frequency, which can create a situation where losses accumulate quickly. The best way to avoid falling in such a trap is by implementing safe gambling practices, such as the ones outlined below:
- Set session limits: Decide in advance how long you’ll play and step away once your alarm signals the end of the session.
- Use bankroll discipline: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never borrow money for gambling purposes or use credit cards.
- Use built-in tools: Most licensed casino sites offer deposit and loss limits, as well as self-exclusion options. Make good use of all tools to control your gambling impulses.
- Seek support: If gambling begins to be difficult to control, ask for help from professional organizations that offer assiate wth overcoming gambling addiction.
Conclusion
Progressive slots are one of the most exciting casino games, thanks to their massive jackpots. As we already highlighted, your chances of hitting a progressive jackpot are extremely low.
However, by understanding how these games work, from jackpot types and seeds to betting requirements and volatility, you can have more realistic expectations and enjoy these slots responsibly. Never forget that progressive slots are ultimately games of luck, and no slot machine strategy to win online can influence the outcome.
FAQs
Are progressive slots legal?
You can legally play progressive slots in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal and regulated. For example, in the UK, operators are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, while other European and international markets have local regulatory agencies and laws. Always check that a casino site holds a valid licence from a recognised regulator before making a deposit. You can find this information displayed in the platform’s footer.
Can I win a progressive slot with one spin?
It is possible to win a progressive slot with one spin, especially if luck is on your side and you hit the “nail on the head” by triggering the progressive jackpot. However, please note that you have about 1 in 50 to 60 million chances to do this.
How often do progressive slots payout?
Progressive slots payout at random intervals, as these are run by RNGs that ensure constant random outcomes. Different progressive slots have different payout rates, and the rule of thumb is that the higher the jackpot amount, the lower the winning odds, and the rarer the payout is.
Can I use a free spin bonus to play a progressive slot game online?
Online casinos provide free spin bonuses, but these are almost never eligible to be used on progressive slots. If you do use a free spin bonus to play a progressive slot, you will most likely not be able to play for the progressive jackpot, as the free spin bonus is usually lower than the required bet to enter the jackpot pool.
What’s the biggest-ever jackpot won at online progressive slots?
As of the time of writing, the largest publicly recorded progressive slot jackpot is the WowPot Mega win of £42,149,180, which was paid out in December 2023. The winner’s name was not disclosed, but it was reported that he is from Europe.
Where can I find progressive slot games online?
You can find progressive slot games online at many online casinos, and we recommend some of the trusted online platforms we’ve reviewed, like Slots Empire, Jackpot City, Wazamba, 20Bet, Nomini, Casinia, 888Casino, Spin Casino, etc.
