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James CallagherOnline casino slots can offer two types of jackpots: the first is fixed (also known as non-progressive) and does not change at any stage of the game. It is not fixed or progressive at any stage of the game. Players will find the details of this amount via the paytable and will know exactly how much they can win as the game progresses.
The second is called the progressive jackpot, and this is where things get really interesting.
What is a progressive jackpot?
As the name suggests, a progressive jackpot, unlike the fixed or non-progressive version, can grow. With each spin, a small percentage of the player's bet is added to the total pot. These increments are taken by the casino hosting the game and the jackpot moves upwards until it is won.
A wide range of progressive jackpot slot games are available. Big favourites include Mega Moolah, Arabian Nights, Mega Fortune Dreams and Cosmic Fortune, and as we'll see shortly, the amounts can be astronomical.
Jackpot meters
Because of the way progressive jackpots work, the numbers are very variable. Increments can seem to rise in the blink of an eye, but it's very easy to keep track of what's at stake. All games with this type of jackpot have a highly visible meter that shows you exactly how much you can win ,before each spin.
This meter is usually located at the top of the screen, but can also appear in the bottom left-hand corner. Although its exact location may vary, it is always brightly coloured and clearly visible.
Maximum bet
If you are looking to play online casino games that offer progressive jackpots, you should note that you should usually play with the maximum bet. As with all slot games, there will be a range of bets available, but you must have the maximum number of coins in play to hit the progressive jackpot.
This won't be right for everyone, so if you don't feel comfortable increasing your bet to the max, there are hundreds of fixed jackpot games available at most casinos.
Tips for Winning a Progressive Jackpot
If you’re looking to take on slot machines with progressive jackpots, here are some tips that could boost your chances of winning.
Watch Your Budget
Before you start spinning, check the terms and conditions to find out the exact amount of the maximum bet. Set a budget for your time on the slots beforehand and make sure to stay within your own betting limits.
Look for “Due” Jackpots
When you enter a gaming lobby, you’ll see a list of games offering progressive jackpots. Players can then choose from options like Mega Moolah, Arabian Nights, and many others, but those serious about chasing big wins will choose wisely.
If a jackpot appears lower down the list, it’s likely the big prize hasn’t hit yet. This factor isn’t guaranteed, but generally speaking, a progressive jackpot doesn’t pay out until it reaches a certain level. Ideally, you’re looking for a progressive jackpot that’s “ripe.”
Eight-figure sums aren’t uncommon among slot machine payouts, so take a look at the numbers involved. Is there a game where the jackpot seems particularly bloated? Use your judgment and jump in when the figures look exceptionally high.
Monitor the Amounts
Dedicated players can potentially take things further by tracking the points at which jackpots pay out and using this as a possible indicator. This is actually quite simple, as casinos aim to handle payout amounts openly and transparently.
Players can therefore check the exact amounts won so far on progressive jackpot games. If a pattern emerges over time, it can be used to speculate on future returns.
Boost Your Balance
Even high rollers sometimes switch up their slot gameplay. Progressive jackpots do happen, but relatively speaking, they’re quite rare. That’s why it might be wise to play a variety of slots rather than focusing solely on that one big win.
Slot games like Wild Run and When Pigs Fly feature an increased number of paylines in their base game, and while there are no guarantees, these types of games can more regularly lead to smaller wins.
We also recommend keeping an eye on offers and promotions tied to slots. Be sure to find ways to mix up your gameplay and grow your account balance instead of solely chasing the big progressive jackpot.
Of course, massive prizes can be won, and now it’s time to take a look at some of the biggest slot machine wins to date.
1. Mega Fortune: €17,861,800
At the end of 2018, the world record for the highest slot machine win stood at this incredible figure. The prize was won by a lucky player from Finland, paid out in euros, and at the time of writing, this amount equates to roughly 7 billion Hungarian forint.
The slot in question was Mega Fortune, one of the oldest online games still available today. Released by NextGen in 2009, this slot has been delivering progressive jackpot wins for years, and this colossal payout is unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. What makes this win even more unbelievable is that it stemmed from a mere 25-cent bet, spinning into a truly life-changing sum.
This record has stood since 2013, and while it might hold for a few more years, plenty of other multimillion-dollar wins are vying to take its place.
2. Mega Moolah: £13.2 Million
Fast forward just two years, and we find Jonathan Heywood from Cheshire, UK, trying his luck on Mega Moolah. Another hugely popular and successful slot, online since 2006, this title has been producing happy winners for over a decade, but this amount proves once again that a single spin can change everything.
The stake was again relatively modest, and from a 25-pence spin, Mr. Heywood suddenly became a multimillionaire. What’s more, it served a good cause, as this massive progressive jackpot winner revealed he planned to use the money to help his sick father—a positive twist to yet another lucky story.
3. Mega Fortune: €11,736,375
The popular Mega Fortune slot returns to deliver the third-highest progressive jackpot payout of all time. Back in 2011, this payout was a world record, won by a fortunate player from Norway who took on the slot while struggling to sleep after a few spins.
Insomnia doesn’t have many upsides, but this multimillion-pound winner must have been grateful for the restless night. We suspect the gentleman still struggled to sleep once that fearsome progressive jackpot finally landed.
4. Mega Fortune: £9.57 Million
While many games offer progressive jackpots, you’re probably starting to take an interest in Mega Fortune. This classic slot was also responsible for the fourth-largest win to date when a lucky Swedish player struck this incredible prize in 2015.
Known only as Alexander, the man said he’d use the money to pay off his mortgage, though it’s clear he could do much more with that sum.
5. Mega Moolah: $9.2 Million
Like many big slot winners, the recipient of this $9.2 million prize chose to remain anonymous. What we do know is that Mega Moolah once again served as the source of another multimillion-dollar payout.
This colossal cash prize hit when the player was betting $7.20 per spin. Finally, we see that most progressive jackpots kick in when higher stakes are involved, but this still represents a massive return.
Only two slot games occupy spots in the top five all-time payout list, but that doesn’t mean you should limit your online gaming to Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune.
Progressive jackpots can also appear at gaming tables, and if you’d rather focus on cards instead of slots, we suggest checking out Caribbean Stud Poker.
If you’re new to slots, remember you can always click on the demo game before diving into the real-money version of any title. It’s the perfect way to try a few practice spins while getting used to the gameplay and bonus features—and who knows, it might be your first step toward landing that massive progressive jackpot.
