Progressive Jackpot Slots

So how do progressive jackpots work? Read about progressive jackpot slots covers the best progressive jackpot slots, and critical factors to choose them.

Who doesn’t dream about being a millionaire? Unlike the legendary television game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” winning a six or seven figure jackpot is the luck of the spin playing progressive jackpot slots. That’s why, despite after several losing spins, one spin can change life for the better. From elite developers like Microgaming to IGT, who are the genius behind some of the best progressive jackpot slots, discover why progressive slot jackpots are the king of online slots with expert tips.

So, how do progressive jackpots work, and why are these online slots the holy grail among casino games? On the surface, progressive jackpot slot machines work like conventional online slots. However, with one random spin, one player can average six-to-seven-figure jackpots. In fact, this past August, one player, after a $200 bet, took in the largest progressive jackpot at $6.5 million at BetMGM NJ. It’s this rare and life-changing moment, plus being celebrated throughout the online casino leaderboard, that online players can’t resist progressive jackpot slot games. 

About Progressive Jackpot Slots

So, what does progressive jackpot mean, and what is a progressive jackpot in slots? Unlike fixed jackpot games where the value never changes, a slot machine with a progressive jackpot means that every losing bet contributes to the overall progressive jackpot.

Traditional online slots with a regular jackpot usually have three to five-figure jackpots. Each online casino with fixed jackpot online slots might have different values for that site. Also, triggering a fixed jackpot slot usually requires getting a certain amount of one symbol, like the wild symbol in IGT’s Cleopatra, to win the pot.  

However, progressive jackpot slot games are part of a multi-casino network. Because of this multi-casino network, a percentage of non-jackpot winning bets goes towards the massive pots at a dramatic rate. That’s why the best progressive jackpot slots, like Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, can jump up to seven figures.

Progressive Jackpot Slots Payouts

Win or lose, progressive jackpot slot games, like other casino games, are games of chance. A certified random number generator determines all the spins for progressive jackpot slots. Still, if the online slot gods smile on you and reward the progressive jackpot, exactly how are progressive jackpots paid out? Before divining into the finer details, here is a brief overview of how an online casino pays out a progressive jackpot:

• The game signals the progressive jackpot win, and the amount
• The online casino verifies the jackpot progressive win for authenticity
• Next, the online casino withholds at least 25% for the IRS

In addition, the online casino also works with the prover of the jackpot progressive slot to verify the win is genuine. So, please, if you have the rare fortune of winning a progressive jackpot, be patient. Depending on the amount, the verification process can take mere hours or perhaps several days. 

Smaller winnings, like the daily progressive jackpot slot games at FanDuel Online Casino, are easy to process and payout. After withholding roughly 25% in federal taxes to the IRS, it’s possible to receive the entire payout in a single paper check. Typically, the game provider fronts the progressive jackpot winnings to the online casino to pay out.

Or, if the online casino supports bank transfers like Trustly or ACH, the progressive jackpot winnings can be wired into the winner’s account. Paper checks can take several business days to reach the winner, while bank transfers can finish processing in a few business days for smaller payouts.   

In the case of six and seven-figure winnings that get into the millions, it’s common for them to be paid out in installments. If the game provider does offer a lump sum payout, expect lengthy delays and at least 25% of taxes to be withheld and reported to the IRS. For annuity payments, progressive jackpot winners, like winning the lottery, will receive at least one payment every year, usually via bank transfer. 

Besides federal taxes, winning progressive slot games also means state taxes in most cases. States like Pennsylvania require progressive jackpot winners to pay 3.07% on winnings from all casino games. In addition to federal and state taxes, some states might also require progressive jackpot winners to pay taxes on the city level. For example, Detroit, Michigan, requires a 2.4% tax on casino game winnings at Michigan online casinos, usually worth over $1,200.

What Happens When a Player Wins

Okay, the progressive jackpot slot gods have smiled upon you. So, what happens next? Once the online casino verifies that the jackpot progressive win is genuine, the progressive jackpot is reset to its starting value.

Depending on the slot, it might be a five or six-figure jackpot. Or, in the case of Fruit Blaster, the five-reel slot that led to the massive $6.5 million win resets to $1.2 million. After the reset, winning progressive jackpot slot games starts over. All the wagers across the network contribute to the pot, which updates in real time.

It is also customary for jackpot winners to have their names celebrated and listed throughout the online casino. Some elite sites, like Caesars Palace Online Casino and BetMGM, will pay for the winner to fly out to one of their five-star casino resort locations.

Just like most online slot games, the progressive slot genre is like a delicious cake with many layers. To get a taste of the booming progressive jackpot world, consider these options:

• Standalone progressive slots
• Local progressive slots
• Multi progressive slots
• Wide-area progressive slots

Standalone Progressive Slots

Most progressive jackpot slot machines, like the iconic Wheel of Fortune game at the biggest casinos in the USA, have one jackpot. Some jackpot progressive slots are standalone, meaning the particular game is only available at that online casino. For standalone jackpot slot games like FanDuel’s Diamond Cash Mighty Emperor, it’s typical for the overall pot to be smaller than those on a wider network.

Local Progressive Slots

Local jackpot progressive slots can have generous pots because there can be several progressive jackpot slot machines that are part of a local network. A great example is the Wheel of Fortune progressive slot that can have several machines in the same local casino. That way, all players that play those machines quickly grow the pot.

Multi Progressive Slots

However, thanks to incredible technological leaps, many of today’s standalone best progressive jackpot slots have multiple progressive slot jackpots. Even though standalone titles like Prize Putt Luckytap are exclusive,

Part of the same network, the mega, major, grand, and minor progressive jackpots grow with each non-progressive winning bet. And yes, these multi-progressive slots allow a player to win multiple progressive slot jackpots in the same session!

Wide-Area Progressive Slots

These are the progressive jackpot slot machines that players dream of. These jackpot slots have a virtual and physical network that links several casinos. This is how players playing across different casinos with progressive slots like Mega Moolah or MGM Mega Magma at BetMGM Online Casino can reach millions. 

With elite sites like Borgata Online Casino and FanDuel adding new options, it might seem overwhelming where to start. Casino.com covers all the bases about the best progressive jackpot slots that are worth the gamble.

1.Mega Moolah

Microgaming gets the nod behind one of the most popular progressive slots at real money online casinos. Take a trip through the virtual African Safari with an epic shot to win either the mini, minor, major, or mega jackpot that exceeds millions.

Despite only having an RTP of 88.12% and high volatility, the allure of winning one of the four massive jackpots continues to draw players to Mega Moolah. Even without hitting one of the jackpots, enjoy prime wins with a free spins round that can be re-triggered.

While there might be a wait to hit one of the jackpots, Mega Moolah offers plenty of animal-paying symbols. The lion is the highest paying symbol, paying 15,000x the bet for five on the reels.

2.Hall of Gods

Experience the bliss of Valhalla's virtual halls with NetEnt’s Hall of Gods. Hall of Gods delivers insanely sharp graphics, a captivating soundtrack, and interactive gameplay. Also, Hall of Gods offers three progressive slots in one game with the chance to soar with Thor and Loki with the mini jackpot that hits regularly. 

The fuss around Hall of Gods is the mega jackpot that draws so much attention that it hits millions. Despite its high volatility, Hall of Gods offers a down-to-Earth 95.7% RTP. 

Thor’s hammer reigns supreme by launching the bonus round with the chance to claim one of three jackpots by smashing shields with Thor’s hammer. Father Odin’s free spins round launches with 20 bonus spins and a triple-winning multiplier.

3.Major Millions

Major Millions is another five-reel jackpot slot by Microgaming that makes being in the army fun. Bring out the soldier in you by enjoying steady wins with rewarding army icons like tanks, warplanes, and battleships. Major Millions support a 90% RTP.

And despite being a highly volatile slot, players get a crack at the major jackpot that is usually worth millions for as low as twenty cents per bet. Even if these bets hit the jackpot, they sure help to build up the Major Millions progressive jackpot in a hurry.

To win the Major Millions jackpot requires betting on all 15 pay lines. For those looking for free spins or re-spins, they won’t find it playing Major Millions. However, the Major Millions game logo is the wild symbol that doubles winning combinations.

4.MGM Mega Magma

One of the first things players see when venturing into the jackpot section at BetMGM and Borgata Online Casino is the impressive jackpot count for MGM Mega Magma. Part of a generous local network that also includes BetMGM and Wheel of Fortune Casino, MGM Mega Magma easily tops millions of dollars. 

Despite the epic jackpot, Mega Magma is a medium volatile slot with a generous 96.04% RTP. Mega Magma also comes with 243 pay lines making it ideal to build steady wins during base gameplay. Besides the free spins, MGM Mega Magma is ready to have the virtual volcano erupt when you crack the epic progressive jackpot.

5.Fruit Blaster

Fruit Blaster continues to be one of the most popular and dominant progressive jackpot slot games. Available at Michigan online casinos as well as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Fruit Blaster has played a role in making millionaire winners in recent years. The minimum Fruit Blaster progressive jackpot starts at $1.2 million because it is part of The Big One Jackpot Network, which also involves Party Casino.  

Fruit Blaster is a fruity theme and highly volatile slot that also offers a cascading reels feature. One spin can trigger several free winning spins, making it worthwhile without winning the big one. Also, Fruit Blaster offers a free spin round where winning combinations are doubled.

6.Mega Bars

In recent years, Mega Bars is a progressive slot that continues to draw in players with its routine five-figure jackpots. Part of Blueprint Gaming’s Jackpot King series, it plays like a classic slot game with plenty of fruit symbols, sevens, and bar icons. Getting three or more of these classic slot symbols can deliver steady base game wins.

Even having five reels with ten pay lines, Mega Bars is a medium volatile slot that delivers a solid 93% RTP. Enjoy winning 500x your bet for getting five bar symbols on the reels. Besides the generous free spins round, Mega Bars cashes in the jackpot progressive bonus by getting five Jackpot King icons to fall on the reels. 

7.The $100,000 Pyramid

The $100,000 Pyramid progressive slot is based on the iconic 70’s television game show starring the late Dick Clark. This quaint progressive slot by IGT is part of a progressive jackpot network.  

Staying true to the game show, the gameplay and background plays and resembles the game show. Highly nostalgic, The $100,000 Pyramid is a generous medium-volatile slot game with a solid 95% RTP. While the jackpot can top $1 million, The $100,000 Pyramid’s pot routinely pays out in the high six figures. 

Even without hitting the jackpot, The $100,000 Pyramid delivers a free spins round that can be re-triggered and winning multipliers. The main event is the Winner’s Circle bonus round, which is like a game show that unloads over 30 free spins and hefty winning multipliers.

8.Black Mirror - Jackpot Royale

Fans of the British television series Black Mirror can capitalize on this supernatural gaming experience with a steady 96% RTP. As a medium volatile slot, Black Mirror - Jackpot Royale features multiple jackpots. The key is getting at least 15 Jackpot Royale icons to head into the Wheel King bonus feature. 

In the Wheel King bonus round, the key is to keep getting bonus symbols to move up the ladder for a crack at one or multiple progressive jackpot bonuses. Even without hitting the big one, Black Mirror still offers the hot shoe and San Junipero bonus spins. Each free spins round offers unique winning multipliers. 

9.Thundering Gorilla

Thundering Gorilla is the centerpiece of Lightning Box progressive jackpot slot games. Prepare for thunder and lightning to strike with 40 pay lines. Even with the high volatility, Thundering Gorilla delivers mesmerizing and interactive animations with a sound 95.03% RTP. Thundering Gorilla invites players to pound their chests with a shot at winning the mini and major jackpots. 

These fixed jackpots deliver $1,000 and $8,000. However, the Thundering Gorilla progressive jackpot has the potential to hit the millions because it is available on multiple progressive networks. Besides the jackpots, when lightning strikes the reels, certain symbols like the Great Ape turn into colossal icons.

10.Almighty Buffalo King

Almighty Buffalo King is the leading slot by White Hat Studios. Despite only having ten pay lines, Almighty Buffalo King immerses players into the open frontier theme with a rampaging 95% RTP. Available on multiple local networks, it’s common for the Almighty Buffalo King progressive jackpot to hit at least $500,000. 

Winning the jackpot is the luck of the draw with any spin. And even though Almighty Buffalo King is a highly volatile slot, players can still gallop to the finish line with the free spins. Almighty Buffalo King allows players to choose from three different free spin rounds, including five bonus games with a 10x winning multiplier.

When choosing a reputable site to let it ride with progressive jackpot slot machines, you’re in good hands with real money casinos we’ve reviewed at Casino.com. After signing up for a safe gaming environment, the next thing to consider is the RTP. Because most progressive slot games are naturally high in volatility, it’s paramount to consider the RTP. 

Before going into the RTP, let’s talk about the different slot volatility levels. Low volatile slots pay more frequently but lack bonus rounds, especially a progressive jackpot. Medium volatile slots might have one or several fixed jackpots and, in some cases, a more minor progressive jackpot with a cap. However, the tradeoff is less frequent payouts. 

While progressive jackpots are promising, they are highly volatile. This means there is a long wait, sometimes several months, for the mega jackpot to hit. With progressive slots, the RTP is usually around 95%. For every $100 wager, you can expect to get back roughly $95 for regular gameplay, but not necessarily the progressive jackpot. 

For slots with several progressive jackpots, expect the RTP to be lower, somewhere between 90% and 95%. While the prospect of multi-million jackpots is mesmerizing, they usually come with a higher cost. It’s common for single progressive slots to have minimum bets starting at fifty cents. And if there are multiple progressive jackpots, the minimum buy-in is usually a buck.  

The fun part of playing progressive slots is the incredible themes. Two popular themes include the African Safari and fruit themes. African Safari progressive slots like Mega Moolah offer sensational bonuses like stacked wilds and free spins to complement the jackpot. Fruit-themed slots help bridge the love affair for classic slots with the modern-day slot experience.

Key Terms to Know in Progressive Jackpot Slots

Like other casino games, progressive slots come with essential lingo. To help get up to speed, here are the fundamental terms to know about the jackpot progressive experience:

• RTP: This is a gauge from a $100 wager that a player can get back in winnings playing slots.
• Volatility: Online slots come in high, medium, and low volatility levels. The volatility impacts payout frequency. The volatility level is tied to the hip with the slot’s RTP rate.
• Jackpot Contribution: It is the percentage of each non-progressive win bet that goes towards building the jackpot.

Minimum Bet Requirements: Progressive slots, like other online slots, have minimum and maximum bets. Typically, for progressive slots, the minimum bet is fifty cents to spin the reels, but it can be a dollar or more. Some slots require betting on all the pay lines to win the progressive jackpot. This means the minimum bet can rise well over $100 in some cases

I know the allure of having your name on the leaderboard and blasted in the press is a great temptation to play progressive slots. However, like other casino games, the first step is having a set budget. Because progressive slots usually cost more, factor in slowly building up your budget to make higher minimum bets.

Some real money online casinos like support free casino games. While playing free casino games means not winning real money, it does provide a free preview about the jackpot slot works. 

Please remember that legitimate online casinos let you set responsible gaming measures. I strongly urge you to set daily spending and loss limits to help stay in line. It doesn’t take long, and it isn’t hard to chase the big jackpots by making wild and massive bets. Chasing a jackpot with reckless bets is a path to problem gambling that can cause financial ruin or even more fatal consequences. Like other online slots, bet strategically and the minimum because winning only takes one random spin.

Biggest Jackpot Wins of All Time

Of course, putting together this guide about progressive slot games, we look forward to having our readers' names linked to some of the biggest jackpot wins. Until that day, we’ll settle for listing the top five biggest jackpot wins of all time. 

Even with the naturally high volatility, the magnetism for progressive jackpot slots can’t be denied. The chance to make up several losing spins and become the next millionaire with one lucky spin is the calling card needed. Whether it's an African Safari theme like Mega Moolah or enhanced fruit-themed slots like Fruit Blaster, each of our reviewed online casinos adds a unique twist to the progressive jackpot slot experience.