Jackpot Slots
| Jackpot Slots: Lucky Players’ One-Way Ticket to Massive Wins
Slots are the simplest and most widespread casino game and as such, enjoy massive popularity among both seasoned and inexperienced players. To meet the high demand for this particular type of game, online gambling operators have added hundreds of slot variations to their gaming collections, each one boasting a bespoke theme, features and betting options. There is something for all players’ needs and preferences, from classic 3-reel slots to the latest 3D multi-payline titles.
Progressive jackpot slots are especially sought after as they carry a massive winning potential and can truly turn the lives of lucky players all over. Jackpot slots provide players with the opportunity to scoop an impressive prize, which often reaches six or seven-figure sums. If you are new to jackpot slots, we suggest you take a quick look at the following article where we explain how this type of game works, how the jackpot pools are accumulated, and what types of jackpot slots you can find online.
Accumulation of Jackpot Pools
The jackpots of progressive slots are pools of money which increase incrementally, meaning that each player contributes to the accumulation of the pot. A small percentage of each player’s bet is subtracted and goes towards the overall jackpot. The jackpots of some slots are linked together across several online casinos which operate on the same software. As the number of players to contribute to the linked slots’ pools is greater, the jackpot tends to increase at a shockingly rapid pace.
In table games like roulette, Caribbean Stud poker, and blackjack, players are typically required to make a small side bet in order to contribute to the jackpot pool and qualify for the prize. However, this is not the case as far as progressive jackpot slots are concerned.
With slots, this fee, or contribution, is built directly into the games’ payout percentages. That is to say, progressive jackpot slots tend to pay out regular wins less frequently in order to compensate for the life-changing prizes they offer. A small portion of each player’s wager goes towards the overall pool, so there is no need to make any side bets. Usually, the contribution of each wager is roughly 1%, but it all depends on the specific slot title. You may not notice this at first, but it would definitely take its toll on your bankroll in the long run.
On that note, it is worth mentioning that the jackpot is triggered at random, so there is no way of knowing when the prize will hit. Some superstitious players avoid betting on progressives when they see the jackpot is close to its base level because this indicates the huge prize has been paid recently and the next massive win is unlikely to occur so soon. However, this is not entirely true as a recent jackpot payout by no means affects the probability of someone winning the prize again. This may happen on the very next day, or in two years’ time.
Once someone collects the pot, the pool starts accumulating again. Please note that the accumulation does not start from scratch, but from a predetermined amount, called a seed or base level. The jackpots seed at different starting amounts, depending on the slot title. The seed aims at maintaining the interest of players once somebody has claimed the massive prize. Needless to say, this is precisely what furthers the quick accumulation of the jackpot pools. The current amount of the prize is usually displayed in the slot’s Jackpot Meter.
Playing Jackpot Slots
There is hardly any difference between jackpot slots and standard video slots in terms of gameplay and interface. The player simply needs to load the game and adjust their coin value, coin multiplier, and the number of paylines to bet on per spin. Of course, it is a good idea to check the paytable in advance to see what your winning regular bets can earn you. On some progressive jackpot slots, the paylines are fixed so players are required to bet on all of them on every spin.
Once you have adjusted your bet amount per round, you simply click on the Spin button and wait for the outcome. Progressive slots lure players with the promise of life-changing prizes, but slot fans should bear in mind the probability of actually winning the pot is rather small. It matters not how much the pot has grown. The jackpot is not due to hit since it is awarded at random by the slot’s Random Number Generator.
As was mentioned previously, players are the ones to actually “feed” the pool with each wager they make. As a rule of thumb, one is required to place the maximum bet amount allowed in the game to become eligible for the jackpot. In other words, you need to play the maximum number of coins per spin to qualify for the colossal prize.
If winning the jackpot is not what you are after, there is pretty much no point in playing the progressives at all because they come with a higher volatility. That is to say, you can expect to land regular wins less frequently. The overall theoretical return during the base games is also lower to compensate for the enormous progressive jackpots.
Types of Jackpot Slots
Jackpot slots can be divided into several categories, depending on how their pools accumulate. As we said earlier, there are progressive slots where the jackpots are linked across several casinos, powered by the same software developer. As the slots are linked over a wider area, their jackpots escalate to reach seven-figure amounts.
Wide-Area Progressives
The jackpots on slots linked in networks across multiple casinos are typically paid off by the game’s software developer. The same applies to the seed amount – whenever the jackpot is reset, it is usually the software supplier to provide the jackpot’s base amount.
This is to spare smaller online casino operators from handling the losses when someone collects the gargantuan payout. The chances of landing a linked, wide-area jackpot are the same as the probability of winning the lottery. Nevertheless, wide-area jackpot slots are well worth your time as they do hit eventually and can transform your life all over.
Standalone and Local Progressives
Many online casinos offer slots with standalone jackpots. Since such slots are not linked to any other titles (or casinos) in a jackpot network, their pots increase at a slower pace as fewer players contribute to the pools. In other words, only wagers made on that particular slot title fuel its jackpot. Such jackpots rarely exceed $10,000 in value.
Local progressives are similar to wide-area jackpot games because their prizes accumulate across several slots within the same online casino. One such network sometimes comprises a dozen or so games, although there are local networks that span as many as one hundred slots. Local networks rarely, if ever, yield progressive jackpots in excess of $100,000.
Multi-Level Progressive Jackpots
Aristocrat Technologies pioneered the multi-level progressive jackpot format with the introduction of the land-based Cash Express link. The multi-level jackpot games quickly caught on and are now readily available at many online casinos. One great example is Microgaming’s Mega Moolah jackpot network which comprises multiple games across dozens of Microgaming-powered casinos.
Four jackpots are waiting to be won, and each one starts seeding at a different amount provided by Microgaming itself – Mini ($10), Minor ($100), Major ($10,000), and Mega ($1,000,000). The average drop time varies for each level. The lower the jackpot, the higher its average hit frequency. Thus, a major jackpot would hit nearly every day, while the mega level would yield its prize once every eight weeks on average.
Boiling Point Progressives
Some online slots have what is called a “boiling point” jackpot. As was previously explained, the majority of jackpots are awarded at random and there is no way of knowing when exactly they will hit. This is not the case with boiling-point jackpot slots, where the pot’s value is determined in advance. In other words, such jackpots hit once the “boiling point” amount is reached, although there is no way for players to tell precisely when this will happen.
In this case, there is no need for players to align a specific combination of symbols on the reels. The pot is awarded to the player, whose bet has caused the jackpot meter to reach the boiling point. Needless to say, the exact boiling points are not revealed to the players and vary from one jackpot slot to another.
Mystery Progressive Jackpots
Some progressive slots award randomly triggered jackpots without the need of aligning specific symbol combinations on the reels. These are known as mystery jackpots and in a way are similar to boiling point ones. The winning criteria are game-specific, though.
The mystery jackpot can drop at a randomly selected time, when the players reach a specific preset wagering total, or when the pot escalates to a specific random amount. It all depends on how the game was programmed. Here is an example of how this works. Let’s assume the second tier of a three-level jackpot starts accumulating at $100 and every $1 wagered on the game has one percent ($0.01) contribution to the pool.
The game’s RNG randomly picks an amount between $100 and $150. The spinner whose bet takes the jackpot to this randomly selected sum wins the pot. To proceed with the example, suppose you are betting $4 per spin and the generator has picked a random payout amount of $125.32. At a certain point, you see the jackpot has escalated to $125.28 but you have no way of knowing it is close to dropping.
You make another $4 bet, the software subtracts $0.04 from the wager, and brings it to the randomly chosen drop amount of $125.32. By contrast, a player betting only $0.40 per spin would have to make ten more bets to push the mystery jackpot to its drop amount.
Progressive vs. Fixed Jackpots
The majority of slots one can play at online casinos offer fixed jackpots. That is to say, the jackpot amounts remain the same and do not increase incrementally. The maximum sum players can collect on one such game is to be found in the paytable and is expressed in terms of coins.
NetEnt’s popular Jack and the Beanstalk slot is the perfect example as it comes with a fixed jackpot of 600,000 coins, which is great for a non-progressive game. It is important to remember that the greater the maximum number of coins you can win on a given slot, the higher the game’s volatility will be. Slots with massive fixed jackpots typically offer less frequent regular wins.
Popular Jackpot Slots to Play Online
Slot fans have nothing to complain about when it comes to variety, considering the wild diversity of titles they can possibly choose from. There are slots to suit all individual preferences and bankrolls, but if you are looking to test your luck on a progressive jackpot game, in particular, we strongly recommend you to try Microgaming’s Mega Moolah. It plays across five reels and offers 25 paylines as well as a Wheel of Fortune-style bonus game which awards the pot.
There are four progressive jackpots to be won here. These are linked in a network to most casinos running on Microgaming’s software and initially accumulated across several slot titles, namely Mega Moolah, Mega Moolah Isis, Mega Moolah Summertime, and Mega Moolah 5-Reel Drive.
The software studio has gradually revamped some of its most popular releases and added them to the constantly expanding Mega Moolah network. Players can now win one of the four jackpots (Mega, Major, Minor, and Mini) in slots like Fortunium Gold, Absolootly Mad, Juicy Joker, and Atlantean Treasures. Immortal Romance, one of the most successful additions to the Mega Moolah progressive jackpot network, continues to enjoy excellent popularity among slot aficionados. The record-breaking Mega Moolah network has awarded over one billion in progressive prizes at the moment of writing.
The slots from Playtech’s Age of the Gods series are another favorite of players, who are looking to bag life-changing prizes when spinning the reels. These are based on the popular Greek mythology-inspired series and include titles like King of Olympus, Pantheon of Power, Prince of Olympus, Furious 4, Goddess of Wisdom, and Fate Sisters.
The jackpot is linked across all titles from the series, so that all Age of the Gods slots contribute to the accumulation of the pool. There are four different progressive prizes to be won. These are again triggered randomly and include the Power, Extra Power, Super Power and Ultimate Power jackpots. In order to win, players should unlock a bonus game by matching three of the symbols, hidden behind the grids displayed on the screen. The bonus jackpot game can trigger after any spin in the base game, even a losing one.
NetEnt’s Mega Fortune is yet another progressive jackpot game which enjoys a tremendous popularity among slot enthusiasts. This 5-reel slot features a total of 25 adjustable paylines and was obviously inspired by the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy. There are three progressive prizes to be won, namely the Mega, Major and Rapid jackpots.
Players unlock a bonus game at random and are taken to a separate screen, containing a wheel with three concentric rings. There are various sections on the wheel, each one corresponding either to different cash prizes or to one of the three jackpots. Thus, if you succeed in triggering the bonus game, you most certainly will not end your betting session empty-handed.
Top Jackpot Slots
Mega Moolah Slot
Mega Moolah is the quintessential progressive jackpot slot that has made headlines for creating millionaires overnight. Originally developed by Microgaming and now distributed by Games Global, this safari-themed adventure offers not just the thrill of hunting for big wins but also the charm of engaging gameplay with Free Spins and Wild multipliers. Despite being a veteran in the online slot scene since its release in 2006, Mega Moolah’s allure remains undiminished, thanks to its life-changing jackpots and straightforward gameplay.
Mega Moolah Slot Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 25 |
| Min. Bet | $0.25 |
| Max. Bet | $6.25 |
| Gamble | No |
| Jackpot | Yes |
| Software | Games Global |
| Autoplay | Yes |
| Volatility | Low |
| RTP% | 93.42% (88.12% without the progressive jackpot) |
| Release Date | November 2006 |
Pros and Cons
- Opportunity to win life-changing progressive jackpots.
- Free Spins feature with 3x multiplier and potential for retriggering.
- Low minimum bet makes it accessible to all players.
- Simple and engaging gameplay suitable for all levels of players.
- Lower RTP compared to other slots without considering the jackpot.
- Graphics and animations may appear dated compared to newer slots.
- High volatility of jackpot rounds might not suit players looking for more frequent wins.
- Limited betting range may not appeal to high rollers.
Symbols and Theme
Set against the backdrop of the Serengeti, Mega Moolah’s reels are alive with the roar of wild animals and an African choir that enhances the safari experience. The symbols, ranging from majestic elephants to the high-paying lion wilds, are designed to keep you engaged while eyeing the lucrative jackpot wheel. The visual and audio elements of the game, though not the most modern, effectively convey the theme and add to the excitement of each spin.
Slot Features
The heart of Mega Moolah lies in its progressive jackpot round, but the game also offers a rewarding Free Spins feature. Triggering the Free Spins with three or more Scatters not only awards 15 free spins but also triples all payouts during the round. The Jackpot Wheel Bonus Game, randomly activated, is where fortunes are made, with players having a shot at one of the four progressive jackpots, including the coveted Mega Jackpot starting at $2 million.
Divine Fortune Slot
Divine Fortune, crafted by the renowned NetEnt, invites players on a mythological journey to ancient Greece, blending rich storytelling with the chance to win both fixed and progressive jackpots. This slot doesn’t just rely on its progressive jackpot allure; it’s also packed with features like Falling Wilds Re-Spins, Wild on Wild, Free Spins, and the thrilling Jackpot Bonus Game. Released in January 2017, Divine Fortune has established itself as a favorite among players seeking both entertainment and the opportunity for significant wins.
Divine Fortune Slot Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 20 |
| Min. Bet | $0.20 |
| Max. Bet | $100 |
| Gamble | No |
| Jackpot | Yes |
| Software | NetEnt |
| Autoplay | Yes |
| Volatility | Low |
| RTP% | 96.59% |
| Release Date | January 2017 |
Pros and Cons
- Engaging ancient Greek theme with stunning graphics and sound.
- Multiple special features, including Falling Wilds Re-Spins and Wild on Wild.
- Opportunity to win fixed and progressive jackpots.
- High RTP of 96.59% enhances player returns.
- Progressive jackpot wins are rare, requiring patience and luck.
- Low volatility might not suit all players, especially those who love chasing less-frequent but more substantial individual wins.
- Fixed paylines limit flexibility in betting strategies.
- The maximum bet of $100 may not appeal to high rollers.
Symbols and Theme
Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, Divine Fortune’s reels are adorned with mythical creatures and iconic figures such as Medusa, Minotaur, and the majestic Pegasus. The game’s design and sound effects immerse players in a world where divine power and fortune converge. With every spin, players are treated to a visually stunning experience, underscored by an enchanting soundtrack that complements the game’s mythical theme.
Slot Features
The heart of Divine Fortune lies in its special features, especially the Jackpot Bonus Game, where players have a shot at winning one of three jackpots, including the coveted progressive Mega Jackpot. The Falling Wilds Re-Spins and Wild on Wild features ensure that the base game remains engaging, offering players increased winning potential. During Free Spins, any Wild symbol transforms into an expanding Wild, filling the reel and significantly boosting payout opportunities.
Age of the Gods Slot
Immerse yourself in the divine realms of ancient Greek mythology with the Age of the Gods slot, a masterpiece by Playtech. Featuring a pantheon of gods including Athena, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hercules, this game not only offers a thrilling experience with its rich thematic elements but also houses the allure of four mystery progressive jackpots: Power, Extra Power, Super Power, and Ultimate Power. Dive into this detailed review to explore what makes Age of the Gods a heavenly slot choice for both enthusiasts of mythology and progressive jackpot hunters.
Age of the Gods Slot Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 20 |
| Min. Bet | $0.20 |
| Max. Bet | $500 |
| Gamble | No |
| Jackpot | Yes |
| Software | Playtech |
| Autoplay | Yes |
| Volatility | Mid-High |
| RTP% | 95.02% |
| Release Date | June 2016 |
Pros and Cons
- Engaging ancient Greek mythology theme with visually appealing symbols.
- Four types of progressive jackpots, increasing the chance of significant wins.
- Variety of Free Spins features themed around different gods, each with unique modifiers.
- Wide betting range suitable for casual players and high rollers alike.
- RTP slightly below the industry average might deter some players.
- Progressive jackpot triggers randomly, which might require patience and persistence.
- Complexity of features and multiple Free Spins modes might overwhelm new players.
- High maximum bet could be risky for players without a substantial bankroll.
Symbols and Theme
Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Olympus, Age of the Gods stands out with its beautifully crafted symbols that bring the deities to life. From the highest-paying wild symbol depicted as the word “WILD” to the scatter symbol represented by the game’s logo, each element is designed to enhance the mythological narrative. The presence of Athena, Zeus, Poseidon, Hercules, along with other thematic symbols like the special helmet, enriches the gaming experience, making every spin a venture into the ancient Greek saga.
Slot Features
The essence of Age of the Gods lies in its dynamic features, especially the progressive jackpot game, which can be triggered on any spin. The anticipation of revealing three matching jackpot symbols among the 20 gold coins adds an element of suspense and excitement. The Free Spins feature, activated by landing three or more scatter symbols, introduces players to various gods’ realms offering unique benefits, from Athena’s random multipliers to Poseidon’s wild lightning strikes. The Pantheon of Power and Age of the Gods Bonus further amplify the chances of divine wins.
Jackpot Giant Slot
Jackpot Giant by Playtech is a delightful journey into a world of gentle giants and hidden treasures, where volcanoes spill not lava, but gold coins. This slot captures your imagination with its progressive jackpot and with engaging features like the Giants Bonus. With its simple gameplay against a backdrop of an idyllic giant’s island, this slot promises both fun and the potential for colossal wins.
Jackpot Giant Slot Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 3 |
| Paylines | 50 |
| Min. Bet | $0.50 |
| Max. Bet | $4 |
| Gamble | No |
| Jackpot | Yes |
| Software | Playtech |
| Autoplay | Yes |
| Volatility | High |
| RTP% | 94.22% |
| Release Date | December 2014 |
Pros and Cons
- Progressive jackpot offers a chance for significant wins.
- Giants Bonus and Mystery Bonus features add exciting layers to gameplay.
- Visually appealing with a fun, engaging theme.
- Accessible betting range suitable for various bankrolls.
- RTP lower than the industry average may deter some players.
- High volatility might not suit those looking for more consistent wins.
- Limited betting range may not appeal to high rollers.
- Lacks free spins, a feature beloved by many slot players.
Symbols and Theme
Set in a lush, green landscape, Jackpot Giant creates a vivid world where friendly giants roam. Symbols range from colorful gems to thematic icons like volcanoes and the giant himself, portrayed as a cheerful character bringing wealth and joy. The playing card symbols offer lower payouts, while the higher value symbols depict the giant in various scenarios, reinforcing the slot’s playful theme. The immersive graphics and cheerful background music complement the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
Slot Features
The standout feature of Jackpot Giant is, unsurprisingly, its jackpot, a progressive prize that grows with each spin and can be won when landing five Wild symbols on payline one. Additionally, the Giants Bonus, triggered by Bonus symbols on reels one and five, offers players the chance to select volcanoes for cash prizes or extra picks. This slot also includes a Mystery Bonus, where selecting from six boulders can reveal instant gold coin wins or a gamble for more.
40 Super Hot Slot
40 Super Hot, an enhanced spin on the classic fruit slot 20 Super Hot, offers a nostalgic yet fresh spin on the beloved theme. With a larger layout and more paylines, this slot by Amusnet Interactive (formerly EGT) brings the retro charm with modern twists. Its simplicity, combined with engaging graphics and a relaxing soundtrack, makes for a delightful gaming experience. Discover the appeal of this fruit-themed slot and why it’s a hit among players who appreciate the timeless appeal of classic slots.
40 Super Hot Slot Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 4 |
| Paylines | 40 |
| Min. Bet | $0.40 |
| Max. Bet | $400 |
| Gamble | Yes |
| Jackpot | Yes |
| Software | Amusnet Interactive |
| Autoplay | Yes |
| Volatility | Low |
| RTP% | 95.81% |
| Release Date | August 2015 |
Pros and Cons
- Enhanced version of a beloved classic, offering more ways to win.
- High-quality graphics and animations that elevate the retro theme.
- The inclusion of the Jackpot Cards and the gamble features adds an extra layer of excitement.
- Wide betting range caters to a variety of players, from casual to high rollers.
- Lack of free spins or intricate bonus rounds may not appeal to all players.
- RTP slightly below the industry average, though compensated by the jackpot feature.
- The game’s simplicity might not satisfy those looking for more complex slots.
- High maximum bet may deter players with smaller bankrolls from maximizing their gameplay experience.
Symbols and Theme:
40 Super Hot stays true to its fruit slot roots with vibrant symbols like oranges, lemons, cherries, plums, watermelons, and grapes, alongside the high-value Lucky 7 and the star Scatter. The leap from 20 to 40 paylines on a 5×4 layout signifies a more exciting gameplay opportunity, with bets ranging from $0.40 to $400 per spin. Despite its retro design, the slot shines with high-quality graphics and smooth animations, proving that classic-inspired games can still be up to par with other contemporary slots.
Slot Features:
While 40 Super Hot keeps it straightforward without complex bonus features, it introduces the Jackpot Cards and a gamble feature for those looking to spice up their winnings. The gamble feature offers a chance to double wins by guessing the color of a hidden card, adding a layer of excitement to every win. The Jackpot Cards feature, a hallmark of Amusnet’s Super Hot slots, promises random triggers and the chance to win significant amounts by matching three suits from a selection of 12 cards.
FAQ
Jackpot slots are the big fish of the slot world, offering the chance to win life-changing sums of money with a single spin. Unlike regular slots with fixed payouts, jackpot slots have a growing pot that could turn you into a millionaire overnight. It’s like playing the lottery but with reels and paylines!
Every time a player spins a progressive jackpot slot, a small part of their bet gets added to the jackpot pool. It’s like a community piggy bank that grows and grows until one lucky player cracks it open. It’s the ultimate team effort with a solo winner!
No, winning the jackpot is like catching lightning in a bottle – it’s all down to luck. The jackpot triggers randomly, thanks to the game’s Random Number Generator (RNG). So, whether you’ve been playing for minutes or months, your chances are as good as anyone else’s.
Often, yes. Many jackpot slots require you to place the maximum bet to be eligible for the top prize. It’s like buying a VIP ticket to the jackpot party. But always play within your budget to keep the game fun and sustainable.
Hitting a progressive jackpot is a bit like finding a four-leaf clover, i.e., it is a matter of pure chance. Landing the jackpot is far rarer, however. While odds vary slightly from game to game, for the most part, they’re similar to winning a major lottery. The thrill is in the chase, and the payouts are life-changing when luck strikes.
Local jackpots are confined to a single casino or casino group, growing with the bets placed by players at that specific site. Networked or wide-area progressives link across multiple casinos, swelling the jackpot to eye-watering sums as players from various locations contribute. It’s the difference between a community potluck and a nationwide feast!
Absolutely, if you dream big! Jackpot slots offer the excitement of potentially huge wins, and they’re perfect for thrill-seekers looking to hit it big. Just remember to play responsibly, as due to the odds of the ordinary game being adjusted to compensate for the possibility of the massive jackpot landing, the regular wins might be less frequent than on standard slots. It’s the ultimate gamble with a glittering prize.
| Payment Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Visa Card | YES | YES |
 | Mastercard | YES | NO |
 | InstaDebit | YES | YES |
 | PayPal | YES | YES |
 | Skrill | YES | YES |
 | PaySafeCard | YES | NO |
 | Citadel | YES | YES |
 | Neteller | YES | YES |
 | Sofort | YES | YES |
 | PayForIt | YES | NO |