Dreaming of hitting a life-changing jackpot? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gambler, there’s no denying the allure of progressive jackpots. These high-stakes prizes, often reaching staggering sums, are among the most exciting ways to win big in a casino. If you’re looking for a safe and convenient way to try your luck from home — especially if you’re in Germany — Spin Mama is a top choice for enjoying online casino action with access to thrilling progressive jackpots. Before diving in, here are five essential things to know about progressive jackpots.
How progressive jackpots work
Progressive jackpots grow over time by pooling a small portion of every wager placed on the game. Each time a player spins the reels or places a bet, the prize fund increases until someone wins. The longer the jackpot goes unclaimed, the larger it becomes.
These jackpots can range from modest four-figure sums to multimillion-dollar payouts, depending on the game and the level of player participation.
Types of casino games with progressive jackpots
When we hear “progressive jackpot,” slot machines are usually the first thing that comes to mind. Iconic slot games are among the most popular titles featuring progressive prizes in Las Vegas.
But slots aren’t the only games offering progressive jackpots. Increasingly, table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker include progressive jackpots. These are often tied to optional side bets, separate from the main game itself, giving players additional opportunities to win big.
Even outside of casinos, progressive jackpots make an appearance. Lotteries like Mega Millions and Powerball are prime examples of progressive jackpot systems, with prize pools that continue to grow until a winner is declared.
How to win a progressive jackpot on slots
- The exact method for hitting a progressive jackpot varies by game, but there are a few common ways to win:
- Max betting: Many slot machines require players to bet the maximum amount to qualify for the jackpot.
- Winning combinations: Some games trigger jackpots when players land specific symbol combinations on designated paylines.
- Bonus rounds: Certain slots require players to enter a bonus round to have a chance at winning a progressive jackpot.
- Random wins: In some games, the jackpot can hit randomly during regular play or bonus rounds, regardless of bet size or other conditions.
Odds of winning a progressive jackpot
Like all casino games, progressive jackpots rely on random number generators (RNGs) to determine outcomes. This ensures fairness but also means that winning is entirely random.
Several factors can influence your chances of claiming a jackpot:
- Bet size: Some games increase your odds of hitting the jackpot if you wager larger amounts.
- Return-to-player (RTP) percentage: Games with higher RTP percentages tend to offer smaller but more frequent payouts, while those with lower RTPs often feature larger jackpots.
Types of progressive jackpots
Not all progressive jackpots operate the same way. Here are the three main types:
- Standalone: These jackpots are tied to a single machine or game, offering smaller prizes but with less competition.
- Local: Shared across multiple machines within a single location or online casino, these jackpots are larger than standalone ones.
- Network: Also known as “wide-area progressives,” these jackpots are linked across multiple casinos or platforms. They’re responsible for some of the biggest wins, like those in the Wheel of Fortune series.
A bonus jackpot fact
The story of progressive jackpots wouldn’t be complete without a quick history lesson. The first progressive jackpot was introduced by International Game Technology (IGT) in 1986 with the launch of Megabucks. Just a year later, in February 1987, the first Megabucks jackpot was won—a life-changing $4,988,842.17.