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Progressive slot machines are exciting slot games that include a progressive prize pot that rises in value the more the game is played. When the progressive pot is won by one lucky player it will reset back to its base value and the process will repeat.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look a progressive jackpot slots, so you’ll be able to tell the difference between these and regular slots and maybe experience the jaw-dropping thrill of landing a progressive prize yourself.
What Are Progressive Jackpots?
Progressive Jackpots tend to be the largest single payout (outside tournament wins) that a player can win from an online slot machine. Progressive pots are accumulative, which means they will keep being added to and rising in value until a lucky player wins the lot. Once this happens the pot will reset back to its starting value, and the process will repeat. Some progressive win slot machines set time limits on when their pots will be won; such as daily, weekly, or monthly, while others will simply continue to rise in value until the winning conditions are met.
How Do Progressive Slot Machines Work?
Progressive slot machines online work by collecting a percentage of every wager made by those playing the game and adding this to the overall prize pot value. Some slots may run a few pots concurrently, with the ‘bronze tier’ jackpot taking smaller percentages than the top progressive prize. Either way, the amount in the pot will continue to be added to until a player meets the win conditions for the slot. Most commonly this is by landing 5 matching jackpot symbols, but can also be the result of a pick and win feature, or a prize wheel. When the progressive pot has been won by a player its value will reset back to its original payout and will start to increase as new players take part.
How Do You Win a Progressive Jackpot?
If you’re looking for progressive slot machine tips, we’re sorry but we’re going to have to disappoint you. There’s no hack or strategy that players can use to increase their odds of landing the progressive jackpot of a slot. Instead, the lucky winner is completely down to chance, which is a large part of the draw and excitement of this type of slot, as players could win a massive sum after any spin.
The only tip we can give is to make sure that your wager meets the requirements for being eligible to access the progressive pot. Some slots, for example, will only give players the chance to win the pot if they are wagering at the maximum betting settings, so be sure to double-check this information before playing your chosen progressive slot machine.
What Are the Different Types of Progressive Slots?
There are tons of progressive slots out there, and not all are created equal. Therefore, a vital factor in answering the question ‘What is a progressive slot machine?’ is to define the different types. Progressive slots can be broken down into the following categories, with some examples overlapping one or two:
- Game-Specific Jackpots: A few games will have their own progressive jackpot shared across multiple sites. Progressive jackpot games will also have their own fixed jackpot prize within their base gameplay that is not connected to a progressive jackpot system.
- Network Jackpots: This is the most common form of progressive jackpot. Network jackpots are those which span multiple games, usually across multiple sites. Many game providers have their own proprietary network, such as Blueprint's Jackpot King.
- Tiered Jackpots: Most progressive slots, including those with network jackpots, have a tiered system usually offering 3-5 prize pots. These pots scale in value, and some will have thresholds where they must be won before resetting to their seed value. For example, the Jackpot King Network has a Royal Pot which must be won at £3,500, the Regal Pot which must be won at £35,000, and the Jackpot King pot which has no upper limit.
- Timed Jackpots: While it could be argued that the Royal and Regal pots have a timed element it was Red Tiger Gaming who invented the online timed progressive with their Daily Jackpots, which comprise small and larger progressive pots guaranteed to pay out by a specific time of day.
The Most Popular Progressive Jackpot Slots Playable at Spin Genie
With so many progressive jackpot slots out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. Luckily here at Spin Genie, we’ve created a short list of the most popular progressive jackpot slots:
Fluffy Favourites Mega Jackpot
The Fluffy Favourites Mega Jackpot slot machine will melt your heart for many reasons, including its top reward of £500,000 and some fantastic additional features including free spins and the Toy Box feature. With an RTP of 93% and a high volatility rating, this cutesy classic from Eyecon shouldn’t be taken for granted!
Diamond Mine Megaways JPK
Designed as a follow-up to the Diamond Mine Megaways slot machine, Blueprint Gaming developed the Diamond Mine Megaways JPK. Combining the Jackpot King function with the Megaways game system, this vivid slot with interesting graphics is inspired by the California gold rush, and includes bonus features such as free spins, and mystery symbols and has an RTP of 94.5%.
Cop The Lot
Can you play a vital role in your own Hollywood Heist and clear out the bank vault? If you think so, then the action-themed slot Cop the Lot is your chance. With an RTP of 95.55%, this Jackpot King slot also includes a Smash 'N' Grab Bonus where you could collect Free Spins, plus the Cops and Robber Bonus.
Fluffy Favourites Fairground Mega Jackpot
The progressive jackpot fun doesn’t stop with Fluffy Favourites Mega Jackpot, as Fluffy Favourites Fairground Mega Jackpot from Eyecon continues the adorable entertainment. Featuring five reels and twenty-five paylines, along with setting off a Prize Pick function and up to 25 free spins, players can earn 5,000x their initial wager. Three progressive jackpots, a small, maxi, and mega are also available to be won.
Rainbow Riches Pots of Gold
Comprising five reels, Rainbow Riches Pots of Gold is a 20-payline slot machine that is inspired by the iconic 'luck of the Irish' genre. Apart from the progressive jackpot, the game offers a maximum win of 5,000x your total wager and includes a fittingly named 'Pots of Gold' bonus feature.
FAQs about Progressive Slots
Do Progressive Slots Pay Out Often?
It depends on the type of progressive system involved! Some jackpots have ‘must-win’ clauses, such as if the maximum jackpot threshold is released, or if a time limit is involved - such as daily jackpots. There’s no telling when a traditional progressive jackpot payout will occur, but on average it will be a few times a year.
Is It Better To Play Progressive Slot Machines?
There are positives and negatives behind playing progressive slot machines. As there’s a progressive pot to account for, minimum wagers on progressive games tend to be higher than traditional slots and the RTP tends to be a few percent lower. However, as most progressive games physically operate no differently than traditional slots, which gives players the benefits of ‘being in it to win it’ without making any extra effort.
Are Progressive Jackpots Ever Actually Won?
Yes! As some jackpots pay daily there are plenty of players who can attest to winning a progressive jackpot prize. As they are less commonly won with prizes in the millions, when a top progressive prize is won it usually makes for big news and is reported on by variable outlets.
Do I Have to Place The Maximum Bet To Be Eligible For A Progressive Jackpot?
Not always, but check the rules for your chosen game to ensure you qualify. Most modern progressive slots have no minimum, however, some ask you to choose the maximum paylines or coins to win. Knowing the rules may seem tedious, but it's essential to winning at slots.
Play the Most Exciting Progressive Jackpot Slots at Spin Genie
At Spin Genie we offer over 5,000 games including some of the best-loved progressive jackpot games. Play with us today and see what we have in store for you.
