What is a progressive jackpot?
Bob Mitchell
Last Updated:
15 Dec 2024
A jackpot that grows as players bet on connected games. A small portion of each wager feeds the prize pool until one player triggers the jackpot and takes the full accumulated amount.
How progressive jackpots work
With a standard slot, the top prize is fixed. With a progressive jackpot slot, the prize pool grows with every bet placed. A small percentage of each wager, typically 1% to 3%, is added to the jackpot total. This continues across every player on every connected casino until someone triggers the jackpot, at which point it resets to a base amount and starts growing again.
Some progressive jackpots are local, meaning they build from play at a single casino. Others are networked across hundreds of casinos, which is why titles like Mega Moolah have reached jackpots in the tens of millions. The more players contributing to the pot, the faster it grows and the larger it can get.
How jackpots are triggered
Triggering conditions vary by game. Some progressive jackpots are hit randomly on any spin. Others require landing a specific combination of symbols, usually during a bonus round triggered at maximum bet. If the jackpot requires maximum bet to be eligible, playing at a lower stake may mean you cannot win it at all. Check the paytable before you play.
The trade-off
Progressive jackpot slots almost always have lower base RTPs than standard slots, because a portion of every bet feeds the prize pool rather than going into regular payouts. You are accepting a worse return on base play in exchange for a chance at a large jackpot. Most players never hit the jackpot. Whether that trade-off makes sense is a personal decision.