Slot machines have long been one of the most famous casino games. They are the first thing you see when you walk into a casino lobby, whether it’s physical or virtual. Players live for the delight of the spin and the possibility of winning thousands of times their wager.
Besides, playing slot machines doesn’t need an excellent level of expertise. You just put a wager and press the spin button, anticipating that the reels will spin in your favor. As a result, slot machines are now available to all gamblers, from novices to experts. It levels the playing field by giving everyone the same odds of winning. Try out the Big Bass Bonanza slot to enjoy the next level of gaming experience.
However, because online slots do not pay out as much as table games, professional gamers sometimes neglect them. Therefore, progressive jackpot slots are the solution—with multi-tiered prizes allowing slot players to become instant millionaires. In this post, you’ll learn all about progressive slots, from the fundamentals to the gameplay.
So, what are progressive slots?
What Are Progressive Slots?
Progressive slots function similar to traditional slots—there are often three to five reels with high-paying and low-paying symbols. To begin, you put a bet and press the spin button. You win immediate rewards when you land three or more identical symbols on any of the game’s pay lines—this is one of the benefits of the progressive slots that you may take advantage of. You can play slot machines that pay real money at El Royale and try your luck on some popular slots to trigger the progressive win.
There are several forms of progressive slots and jackpots, and which one you play at is typically determined by the casino you visit. Some jackpots will only be available to win on a single casino site, whilst others will be accessible to win on several sites run by the same company. This might impact your chances of winning because there will be more people competing for the big prize. Check out the progressive jackpot to see what kind of prize it is.
How Do Progressive Slots Work?
Progressive slots and video poker games have jackpots that grow larger with each wager until an individual wins. At that moment, the progressive jackpot is reset to its beginning value, and the accumulation process begins again—the amount by which the jackpot increases is determined by a small proportion of your machine activity.
Jackpots in conventional slots are insignificant in comparison to the pots available in progressive games. Progressive slot machine jackpots are more significant because they rise with each spin of the reels. The progressive jackpot increases since a percentage of every bet put on the game are added to it. So long as no one has hit the jackpot, it will keep rising until someone does.
The higher the number of individuals who play the slot, the greater the value of the jackpot. As a result, games with an extensive player base, like Microgaming’s Mega Moolah, feature some of the highest banks available on a slot machine.
What Are the 3 Major Types of Progressive Slots?
There are various progressive slots, each method of accumulating a percentage of a player’s bet—defined by the kind of casino you’re playing in. Land casinos frequently have self-contained and local progressive slots, whereas online casinos have a broader selection of progressive slots.
1. Standalone Progressive
Standalone progressive is the first type of progressive jackpot slot. This type of progressive slot only collects bets placed on that particular machine to feed the jackpot.
Only bets made on a specific machine contribute to the grand jackpot. Today, most progressive slots are interlinked, implying that all bets placed in the game—regardless of location—are added to the jackpot. However, standalone progressive slots are still available in casinos worldwide, with jackpots ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.
2. Local Progressive
This slot model is more advanced than the standalone model. Local progressive slots gather bets from all slot machines in a physical casino. It is not restricted to a single machine, but rather a web of slot machines contributes to the jackpot growing larger. Local progressive slot jackpots grand prize range from $100,000 to $1,000,000.
3. Wide Area Network Progressive
Wide area network progressive slots dominate over other slot machines with progressive jackpots. This model can gather all slot machines in various casinos simultaneously. Because of the large number of devices, the pot can reach tens of millions of dollars.
Online casinos contribute significantly to the increasing value of progressive slots because they make them instantly available to players worldwide who are all playing simultaneously.
Today, the most popular type of progressive slot is the wide-area network, and tons of slot games have this feature. It has large prizes, making it extremely popular in both online and offline casinos. To date, the highest online jackpot won is approximately $21,500,000 from Microgaming’s Mega Moolah.
What Is the Difference—Progressive Slots vs. Regular Slots
The jackpots are what distinguish progressive slots from regular ones. In traditional slots, the bank is usually won by landing a 5-of-a-kind combination on the highest-paying symbol. This is regularly Scatter or Wild if the special characters are present.
On the other hand, progressive slots allow you to win a jackpot in a bonus game resulting from special symbols. Bonus games come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the slot. One of the more popular bonus games is the wheel of fortune set up, but others like pinball-style gameplay.
In most cases, there are thousands of jackpots in regular slots. There isn’t a traditional slot machine that can pay out millions of dollars at a time. On the other hand, this is relatively common in progressive slots, and some jackpots can hit tens of millions of dollars.
How Do I Play Progressive Slots?
Playing a progressive slot machine is easy—it’s as simple as spinning the reels as usual. Progressive slots have a trigger that allows you to win the jackpot, which varies from game to game. This could mean landing a specific combination of symbols across one particular pay line or landing a particular number of jackpot symbols on the reels all at once.
To be eligible for a progressive jackpot, you must stake the maximum amount on the slot machine. Many operators will only pay out this jackpot to those willing to risk big, so read the rules to ensure you are eligible to win the progressive jackpot on the game you are playing.
There is a distinction between a large jackpot game and a progressive jackpot. If you want to play on some progressive jackpots, you should look for those that advertise this type of jackpot. Examine this list of progressive slot games to see if you can find one that you enjoy playing.
Progressive Jackpot Triggers
Although many progressive slots have various ways for players to win their jackpot prizes, most of these games have three standard methods to gather these prizes.
1. Jackpot Wheel
A jackpot wheel mode is one of the thrilling ways to win progressive jackpot slot payouts. A jackpot wheel is made up of many slots and a rooted pointer in the center. When the wheel stops spinning, you will be awarded the cash prize of the slot where the tip landed.
While it may appear much more straightforward than in a casino money wheel game, winning the most prominent possible prize is harder. The significant distinction in almost every progressive slot that uses the jackpot wheel trigger is a single square out of many others on the wheel. Luckily for progressive jackpot games such as Mega Moolah, every square may pay players with one of four progressive jackpot jackpots. The more people play the slot, the more the size of each of these prizes increases.
Other jackpot wheels, such as the one used by NetEnt’s Mega Fortune, have multiple wheels. You begin by spinning the external wheel, which contains cash prizes and arrow squares. You can enter the inner wheel by landing on the arrow squares. To win the Mega Jackpot, you must land on three arrow squares.
To enter the jackpot wheel, you must match bonus symbols during the base game. Mega Fortune is an example of this method, as the bonus symbol is the jackpot wheel itself. Specific slots, such as Mega Moolah, tend to activate the bonus mode during the base game randomly.
2. Collect Symbols
Another way to win a jackpot prize is by collecting a set count of correlating symbols. This method is typically implemented through a mini-game in which you are presented with a variety of objects. The signs for one of the prizes are hidden behind these objects. Collecting three of these symbols will bring the game to a close and award you one of the jackpot prizes.
One example of an advanced slot feature is the Hall of Gods. When the feature is activated, 15 shields replace the symbols on the reels. Hitting the shield exposes a cash prize or one of the three jackpots. Two of these jackpots, the Mini and Midi jackpots, are fixed in size. The interactive aspect of winning the massive payout is what makes this type of jackpot trigger appealing.
Other slots, such as Aristocrat’s Tiki Fire, take the ‘collect symbols’ concept to new heights. The fireball symbol contains cash prizes, two fixed jackpot symbols, and two progressive jackpots. When there are six or more Fireball symbols on the reels, the bonus mode is triggered, and you are awarded three re-spins. You get three more re-spins if a Fireball lands on one of the unoccupied spaces. When you fill all five reels with the Fireball symbol, you win the coveted progressive jackpot.
3. Symbols Match
The conventional way of winning the jackpot involves matching specific symbols on the reels. This is comparable to getting the highest paying symbols to line up on a 13 slot with a single pay line. Of course, we’re talking about progressive slots, so matching a specific sign isn’t quite as simple.
Super Bell Ringer offers five various progressive jackpots you can choose from. For you to win the lowest possible jackpot, five Gold Bell symbols must appear on all three reels. So how can you ensure that you receive the highest potential payout? Fill in all nine spaces with the Gold Bell symbol. If you bet less than the maximum number of credits and get nine Bell symbols, you win 1000 times your total bet.
Matching the symbols used to be the most common jackpot trigger, and it is still used in more traditional-styled slot games. On the other hand, the wheel has evolved into a solid strategy for a simple reason: it creates a thrill and suspense that is difficult to replicate with matching or collecting slot symbols.
How Can I Win Progressive Slot Machines?
Progressive slots often include a bonus round where you may try to win one of the jackpots. One of the most common types is the wheel of fortune. The quality is triggered by landing a particular combination of special symbols in other slots. In certain situations, this function occurs at random; therefore, you must continue spinning until the feature unlocks, at which point you may try your luck. Only then will you be able to play the bonus game and try to win the jackpot.
The same principle that governs ordinary slots also governs progressive slots. Progressive slots are similar to conventional spaces but with more considerable payouts and a variety of exciting features. You simply have to keep spinning and hope for the best.
Progressive Slots Strategies to Master
If you wish to play jackpot slots, keep the following tips in mind. You can’t improve your chances of winning any better, but you may make your efforts more rewarding.
1. Understand the Rules Before You Play
Slot machines are straightforward, and you need to insert a penny, push the lever, and sit back to watch the reels spin. You win if the reels line up on one of the pay lines. Since there are only a few reels and pay lines, it is simple to see if you have won.
But that’s not how slots appear nowadays. You play in the same way as before, but there are additional reels and pay lines. Many of the newer machines also feature specific games and rounds—before you play, you should familiarize yourself with the regulations of each slot machine.
It is good to spend a few moments reading the rules or screens to understand how the game works and win.
2. Beware of Bonus Games
Some slot machines have bonus rounds that are separate from the basic slot machine game. You have access to unique spins or games where you may win big.
The issue is that all of these items are meant to get you to play more games and spend more money. They are not there to assist you in any manner.
It’s OK to play on these machines, but you should also refuse to play them for longer than necessary to win a bonus game.
3. Don’t Do the Story Slots
Most slot machines are to be constructed around a tale, which isn’t very popular. As you go through the game, you unlock more of the adventure.
Story slots are intended to provide the same function as bonus games. It’s acknowledged that specific narrative slots are entertaining to play, but it’s hard to quit since every time you play, you end up gaming for far longer than you should have.
The trouble with slots is that they’re meant to be entertaining, and while you’re having fun, you’re more inclined to keep gambling until you’re forced to resign. This typically implies you’ve run out of money. And this is precisely what the casino wants you to do, which is why you should be cautious when playing tale slots.
4. Get Comps
Unless you’re lucky and strike a jackpot, you’re going to be losing when you play slots. You just cannot get around this. But, at the very least, you can recoup some of your losses through comps.
You shouldn’t often play slots unless you have comps or perhaps a bonus. You seldom get both simultaneously, but if you do, you should take advantage of it.
You need to understand that comps are rarely given in the form of cash, but you would still take anything you freely receive. A free lunch is a meal you don’t have to pay for; therefore, it’s almost as lovely as money.
5. Take Advantage of the Max Bet
Progressive slots will frequently only allow you to win the massive jackpot if you’ve placed the maximum wager. Before you play, double-check the paytable to ensure that this is the case. If you just stake one credit instead of the leading four credits, you will only be able to win a quarter of the jackpot (at best).
6. Stick to Your Budget
You can set aside a specific amount as your bankroll and stick to it. Remember that because you’re placing maximum bets, you’ll burn through your money faster than if you were only placing minimal bets. Don’t let your excitement cause you to go over your budget while pursuing that massive payoff.
7. Know When to Play
Just play when the progressive jackpot has reached a considerable amount to maximize your possible reward. This way, if you get the big winning combo, you’re most likely to win back more than your money, and you’re utilizing your credits.
8. Don’t Be a Victim of the Gambler’s Fallacy
Just be careful not to fall into the trap of believing that a jackpot is “expected” soon. Like in any other probability game, the outcomes are unpredictable, and each round is a restart from the preceding one. Each play has the same probability of winning the jackpot as the earlier and subsequent spins.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Progressive Slots
a) The Advantages
Progressive jackpots may be a lot of fun for various reasons, including the possibility of winning a large sum of money. Many of these progressive jackpots offer hundreds of pounds to make the maximum stake and turn the wheel. It is highly tempting to many players who want to get their hands on a lot of money and generally resort to a progressive jackpot slot to use it.
Another benefit of a progressive slot is that it provides extra excitement. While you’re concentrating on your own game, you’ll notice the progressive jackpot growing in the background, and understanding that you must pay it out to one participant adds to the suspense. You’ll enjoy spinning the reels and seeing the jackpot grow in the hopes that you’ll be the fortunate player on that particular day.
Finally, make massive deposits and wager the maximum amount on progressive slots—it has its own set of advantages. Still, it is generally only offered to players committed to the site and ready to wager large sums of money. If you play progressive slots, you’ll quickly join the elite and enjoy all of the perks that come with it. You will most likely become a professional gambler or a VIP on the casino site you are using relatively soon.
a) The Disadvantages
When you play progressive jackpots and repeatedly place the maximum wager, you put your own money in danger. These slots can be a significant drawback since you will run out of money much faster than playing a conventional slot game with lesser stakes.
Another downside of gaming progressive jackpot slots is that it can contribute to a gambling addiction since you will keep chasing the progressive jackpot until you become lucky enough to be among the winners. It can be a massive issue for many people; therefore, playing more small stakes games is frequently preferable. Consider the possibility of chasing the win and winning the progressive jackpot since this might lead to a gambling addiction, and you will be sorry for your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It Better to Play Progressive Slots?
Yes, playing progressive slots is preferable. They provide several benefits, mainly when playing progressive jackpot slots. They are the only online slot machine games where you may win millions of dollars in rewards. Non-progressive (standard) slots, on the other hand, will never let you down.
2. What Are the Odds of Winning Progressive Slots?
A progressive jackpot slot has a 50 million to one chance of winning. The most significant slot win in history was $39.7 million in 2003 on the Megabucks machine at Excalibur Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
3. How Often Do Progressive Slots Pay Out?
According to Microgaming specialists, progressive slots payouts typically occur every six weeks, RTG’s Shopping Spree pays out every four years, while Blueprint’s Jackpot King pays out every two years.
4. Why Are Progressive Slot Machines So Popular?
Progressive slot machines are popular because they provide a larger share of the jackpots found in land-based casinos. Local area network progressives connect many devices from the same casino, whilst wide-area network progressives connect several machines from different casinos.
5. How Do You Know When a Slot Machine Is Ready to Hit?
Winning symbols may occur in many locations on the lines above and below the pay line at times. When you glance at the front of a slot machine and see the three symbols spanning the pay line, you know it’s ready to hit. However, the symbols above and below the pay line are also visible.
Bottom Line
Progressive slots are a ton of fun, and they can usually help players win a lot of money. These jackpots are worth hundreds of pounds and will continue to grow until someone wins them. However, they come with some dangers that you need to know before playing one of these slots.
Since you’ve learned everything there is to know about progressive slots, you can start playing them at your favorite online casino. You have to pick the perfect slot for yourself, put your stake, and start spinning. Perhaps, you’ll become one of the winners and walk away with a large sum of cash at the end.
