Progressive Jackpot Slots

What is a Progressive Jackpot

Most online casino games have a jackpot feature, but with a traditional online slot game, the jackpot is a fixed amount. Well, that is not the case with a progressive jackpot!

For a progressive jackpot, each game is part of a jackpot network. Whenever gamblers play one of these games, players contribute a small percentage of the stake wagered to the collective pool, which continues to grow until a player wins it. Anytime a player wagers on these progressive games at any casino linked to the jackpot network, the jackpot pool grows bigger. This means that when a lucky winner eventually lands the right combination of symbols to trigger the jackpot, they will walk away with a prize worth millions of Rand!

Another important feature of a progressive slot game is that, unlike regular slots jackpot games, when someone wins the progressive slots, it doesn't reset to zero. Instead, it goes to a pre-determined jackpot amount, such as R100,000. That means that a lucky player wins money when they land the jackpot on a progressive jackpot game via a random number generator.

Types of Progressive Jackpots

There are different types of progressive jackpots, but the size and prize pool ultimately depend on the number of players or machines involved. They are:

Standalone Progressive Jackpot Slots

As the name implies, this type involves only one game or a progressive slot machine. Hence, the prize pool increases as players make bets via that machine. Not surprisingly, standalone jackpots are smaller compared to others.

Local Progressive Jackpot Slots

These progressive slots involve multiple machines within the same casino. As a result, the pool grows as players bet on those machines. Unlike standalone progressives, the jackpot is usually larger. In online casinos, a local jackpot may be linked across up to five different games or on progressive slots owned by the same software providers.

Network Progressive Jackpot Slots

Network jackpots are the most popular and the dream of any player. The jackpots are connected across multiple casinos and often operated by the same company. It grows as players bet on linked machines across different locations.

A good example of a network progressive jackpot is the Casino Rewards Group progressive jackpot, which involves 29 casinos. Another one like it is Mega Moolah. Due to the large player base, the network progressive jackpot allows players to win big, with Mega Moolah paying up to $22.3 million in 2018.

Games With a Progressive Jackpot

South Africa's online casinos offer a wide variety of casino games with progressive jackpots, including well-known slot titles and games. You can also find a progressive jackpot scratch card game called Winners Club Scratch Platinum and even a progressive jackpot darts game.

Some of the most popular progressive jackpot games are produced by Playtech through its licensing agreement with Marvel. These casino games feature dynamic superhero themes and state-of-the-art graphics. Meanwhile, they are linked to the Marvel Multi-level Mystery Progressive Jackpot Network. This network includes four jackpots: Power, Extra Power, Super Power, and Ultimate Power. All of these titles can produce enormous wins.

The Marvel-linked slot titles, which include progressive slot games like Thor, Iron Man, and The Incredible Hulk, can build up such large jackpots. This is because they are universally popular and played around the world. Other slot games with a progressive jackpot that are particularly popular in South Africa include Beach Life, Dollar Ball, and Gold Rally.

Popular Progressive Jackpots

Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah is by far the most famous progressive jackpot online slot machine game. It was developed by Microgaming and features multiple jackpots including the Mega Jackpot, which routinely reaches millions. The title has an African Safari Theme and has other slot games under it.

Mega Fortune

This is another progressive jackpot that once held the Guinness World Record for the largest online jackpot ever won. Players trigger it through a bonus wheel round, and the game is renowned for its luxurious theme and massive prizes.

Hall of Gods

Mega Fortune and Hall of Gods are both NetEnt progressive slots. The latter is based on Norse mythology and has three jackpots – mini, midi, and mega. Like its counterpart, the Hall of Gods prize pool can reach impressive sums.

Age of Gods

Playtech’s Age of Gods is the Greek variant of Hall of Gods. It is based on Greek Mythology and offers four progressive jackpots. Players trigger them randomly, adding an extra level of uncertainty and excitement to the game. Other popular progressive jackpots include Divine Fortune and Arabian Nights.

Online Casinos with the most Jackpot Slots

Where to Play Progressive Jackpot Slots

The number of South African casinos that offer progressive jackpots is increasing. Most of the casinos listed in our toplist offer at least 5 of these slots.

South African online gamers are no strangers to winning some enormous when they play progressive slots. In October 2013, one lucky South African player won $3,217,894 playing Gladiator Jackpot at Winner Casino, and a month later, another South African landed a $6,346,118 prize playing Gold Rally. Beach Life is another popular progressive jackpot, where players win big, including an $8,211,861 win in February 2012.

The Biggest Progressive Jackpot Win of All Time

Mega Moolah has recorded the most frequent jackpot payout of all the progressive slots. Here is an overview of the biggest jackpot amount progressive jackpots paid over the last ten years:

• €18,915,721 at Grand Mondial on 28 September 2018
• $20,057,734 at Zodiac Casino on 30 January 2019
• $16,496,060 at Jackpot City Casino on 5 April 2020
• $13,615,861 at Luxury Casino on 8 May 2020
• £13,212,882 at Betway on 6 October 2015
• $12,945,603 at Luxury Casino on 5 March 2019

Powerball and Mega Millions hold the record for the largest jackpot payout in history. One ticket from California won $2.04 billion on November 8, 2022, and three tickets from California won $1.586 billion on January 13, 2016. Mega Millions has paid the following prizes over the years:

• $1.58 billion on August 8, 2022.
• $1.537 billion on Oct. 23, 2018
• $1.35 billion on Jan. 13, 2023
• $1.337 billion on July 29, 2022
• $1.05 billion on Jan 22, 2021

How to Play Progressive Jackpots

If you're planning to play a progressive jackpot in search of the largest jackpot payout, we recommend you do your homework. Find out which progressive jackpot games pay the most and which pays out more frequently. Some online players may prefer the big million-rand prize, which pays out every few months. In contrast, others find their playing style is better suited to the same game that offers smaller but regular jackpot payouts. It's also important to note that if you want to be eligible for the jackpot prize, you need to wager the maximum stake on all paylines. Do this by clicking on the Bet Max button when spinning the reels.

Top Strategies for Playing Progressive Jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots work differently from normal slot games. Follow these tips when playing progressive slots to achieve the best result.

Set a Budget

Bankroll management is the most vital consideration to win a progressive jackpot game. Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Meanwhile, don’t gamble more than you can afford to lose and don’t chase losses. Take a break after a winning or losing streak, and always withdraw your profits.

Choose the Right Game

As we explained, there are different types of progressive jackpot games. Each progressive jackpot feature its unique design and odds of winning. Research the average jackpot payout history, payout rates, and jackpot triggers to find a casino game that matches your preference.

Play the Maximum Stake

Some jackpots require players to bet the highest stake. We recommend you do that, as long as your budget allows. The more you bet, the more tickets you earn and the higher the chance of winning a big jackpot. If possible, practice on free slots and a special bonus game to increase your chance to win.

Play at Peak Times

The jackpot prize pool grows faster when more players are actively contributing to the slots game prize pool. Hence, we recommend you play progressive jackpot slots during these times to increase your winning potential.

Use Bonuses Well

Some casinos award bonuses, free spins, and other promotional offers to extend your gameplay. Research the terms and conditions like wagering requirement, game contribution, and time limit to increase your chances of winning without risking additional funds. Most importantly, play responsibly. Gambling is an entertainment and not a way to make money. Manage your expectations, especially since winning a progressive jackpot is rare and often based on luck.

Frequently Asked Questions About Progressive Jackpots