What are progressive jackpots?
Progressive jackpots are the life of the party. Their dollar amounts build every time a player spins, until one lucky duck hits it biiiig with a capital B.
But not all progressives are built the same. Some hit more often, while others save the big bucks for one rare, lucky spin.
Scroll down to learn how progressive jackpots work, the difference between local vs. network progressive jackpots, and most importantly, how you can launch your rich era by snagging one for yourself.
Quick Overview
How Progressive Jackpots Work
Progressive jackpots grow every time someone spins the reels, with a portion of each bet feeding into a shared prize pool that keeps rising until one lucky player hits it.
When someone finally lands that jackpot, it resets to its starting point, known as the seed amount, and starts climbing all over again. Depending on the game, that starting number might already be a doozy.
Many games trigger the jackpot randomly, while others require unlocking bonus rounds or betting on the maximum. If you’re chasing that ultimate cha-ching finale, always check the paytable so you know exactly what it takes to qualify.
Top Tip: Learn more about all types of jackpots
Local vs. Network Progressive Jackpots
There are many types of slot jackpots, but progressive jackpots come in two distinct flavors: local and network. Both can deliver your slot star moment, but they grow in different ways.
Local Progressives
Local progressives are exclusive to one casino, like SlotsLV. Only the spins made here contribute to the prize pool. That means the jackpot might grow slower, but your odds of hitting it are higher. You’re not sharing the prize pool with the entire internet, just the cool kids in this corner.
Network Progressives
Network progressives, on the other hand, link across multiple casinos. Every spin from every site adds to the same mega-pool. That’s how the prize can climb into the millions fast. The catch is that more players = more competition. The odds of snagging the bag are slimmer, but the bag itself is chunky enough to require its own zip code.
Local vs. Network Progressives : Which Jackpot is better?
Local progressive jackpots offer a higher chance of winning, since the pool of players is smaller. However, network progressive jackpots grow to “finally install my in-home trampoline room”-type money. You just know it’s been living rent-free in your dream house plans since forever.
So, really, it depends. Do you want an easier chance of winning (local) or the largest possible dollar amount (network)?
Progressive Jackpot Slots Pros & Cons
Progressive jackpots are where big dreams are built, but that also means big risk. Before you chase the bag, it helps to know what you’re signing up for.
Pros
- Massive payouts. We’re talking six or seven figures. (Grrrrl – text your ex from a private jet.)
- Ongoing excitement. The jackpot grows constantly, so there’s always a new high to chase.
- Bragging rights. It’s a BIG deal when you hit the progressive jackpot. It’s your undisputed right to flex your win on our Discord server, slot forum, or even the local coffee shop open mic night – whoever will listen!
Cons
- Steeper odds. The bigger prize equates to a rarer win. You’ll need patience to land the progressive jackpot.
- Higher volatility. Most of your wins may come from the base game or regular bonus spins unless you strike gold.
- You need a big bankroll. Many progressive jackpots require you to play on the max bet to qualify. Even if they don’t, you could still spin for a while before hitting the progressive, so you need a sizeable bankroll to keep you in the running.
Learn more: Compare progressive jackpots with regular slots here
Choosing the Right Progressive Slot
Not all progressive jackpots vibe the same. Some pop off often with smaller wins, while others slow-build into jaw-droppers. If you’re picking your perfect match, there are a few key factors to consider before you spin.
- Pool size: A bigger jackpot isn’t always better. Large jackpots are tempting, but they usually come with longer odds.
- Hit frequency: Some progressives hit more often with smaller wins, while others are true unicorns, rare and magical.
- Volatility: High-volatility games can burn through your balance fast but come with higher reward potential. Lower volatility, on the other hand, means steadier play and smaller thrills.
- Eligibility: Always check the bet requirement. Some jackpots need max bets to qualify, while others let you bet low and still dream big.
Top Tip: You can find a whole guide on how to choose the right slot for you here.
Top Progressive Jackpot Games
If you can already hear the jackpot bells ringing, don’t leave them on read. Tap into one of the famous progressive jackpot slots below, and take your shot at the prize that keeps growing.
A Night With Cleo
As you spin under a twilight sky with flirtatious Cleo in her A Night With Cleo slot, the randomly awarded progressive jackpot causes your heart to flutter, knowing that it could erupt after any regular spin.
Along the way, the array of tantalizing features such as free spins, multipliers, and gamble feature may cause you to swoon, which is proof of Cleo’s impeccable taste.
Gold Rush Gus
You might show up for the one big progressive jackpot and two mini progressives, but you stay for the camaraderie with Good Guy Gus. Are those clean hands ya got there? That ain’t gonna last long.
Gus knows everything there is to know about diamonds. In Gold Rush Gus, you’ll pick up a few tricks yourself when you dig up a treasure chest on the reels.
Dust it off and peek inside. You might reveal a rowdy go-kart bonus round or instant win. But if a shiny glint catches your eye, throw that lid open and lay your eyes on the most loaded progressive jackpot the West has ever known.
Cyberpunk City
Cyberpunk City is for those who crave a dose of danger in their spins, complete with a random progressive jackpot and high-voltage $400K max win.
Tread carefully as you navigate the rain-slick, neon-glitched streets of this dystopian wasteland, knocking over trash cans looking for three types of Wilds and free spins with tripled wins.
Progressive Jackpot Strategy Tips
You can’t control when a progressive hits, but you can follow these progressive jackpot strategy tips to give yourself the best shot without torching your bankroll.
- Know your budget. Progressives can eat through funds fast, especially if you’re playing on the max bet. The only way to stay in the running long term is to set your limit and stick to it.
- Check the jackpot status. Some progressives must hit before a set amount (like Hot Drop Jackpots). If it’s getting close, now’s your moment to dive in and aggressively spin.
- Understand the rules. Some jackpots require max bets to qualify. Never assume anything. Always check the paytable before you spin.
- Play in sessions. Long sessions increase your chances, but don’t forget to take breaks. Walk away if you’re tilting.
- Have patience. Remember that progressive jackpots reward patience. Adjust your expectations and focus on the overall enjoyment of the game.
If you have questions or hit a snag in your gaming experience, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our customer service team is always on standby to guide you through any hiccups along the way.
Ready to Play Progressive Jackpots?
Progressive jackpots grow with every spin and can drop at any moment. Local jackpots build within one casino, while network jackpots grow faster by pulling bets from multiple sites. You can’t control when they hit, but with a smart strategy, you can stay in the game long enough to catch one.
Your next big win is already growing somewhere on the reels. Follow the ringing of the jackpot bells. You can’t win if you don’t spin!
