Progressive jackpot slots offer potentially massive payouts that could instantly make any player into an overnight millionaire. Unlike fixed jackpot slots with a set-top prize, progressive games like those at Spinrollz Casino have a jackpot that increases over time.
How Progressive Jackpots Work
Before discussing gameplay strategies and tips, it’s important to first understand what makes progressive jackpot slots tick. Fundamentally these games take a small percentage of each wager and direct it into the progressive jackpot pool. This could be as little as 1-2% of bets or upwards of 5%. As more people play without hitting the jackpot, the prize pool grows higher and higher.
Once a lucky player triggers the jackpot, the amount resets to a pre-set base value known as the seed. It then resumes increasing based on wagers made on the game. The seed amount varies depending on factors like:
- The software provider (Microgaming slots may have higher seeds than Playtech slots)
- How quickly the game accumulates progressive funds
- The venue’s specifications (land-based casinos can set higher seeds than online casinos)
Understanding the seed amount can help establish reasonable expectations. If a jackpot frequently pays out over $2 million, expecting it to surpass $10 million likely isn’t realistic.
Types of Progressive Jackpots
All progressive jackpot slots have a meter showing the running total for the top prize. However, not all progressive meters rise at the same rate or reach comparable amounts. There are actually numerous types of progressive jackpot configurations:
Stand-Alone Progressives
The simplest type is a stand-alone progressive attached to just one slot machine. You’ll only find stand-alone progressives in land-based casinos rather than at online cleopatra slot machine sites. The jackpot accumulates based solely on bets made on that individual machine. Stand-alone jackpots tend to hit more frequently but for smaller amounts compared to other configurations – perhaps $10,000 to $100,000 if you’re lucky.
In-House Progressives
These link together slots within a single casino. You’ll see casinos that connect machines across their entire floor, while others link smaller bank groupings instead. In-house progressives accumulate from a larger pool of players, so their top prize is usually much bigger than stand-alone games. Many in-house progressives payout six-figure and even seven-figure sums.
Wide-Area Progressives
WAP slots connect machines across multiple venues over a large geographical area. Brick-and-mortar WAP games link various casinos across an entire city, state or country. Their online counterparts connect players on a particular network across the world.
With such an enormous player pool, WAP progressive prizes can grow to staggering amounts in the high seven-figures and even eight-figures. However they also have significantly longer dry spells between hits. But if you manage to time it right, multi-million WAP jackpots represent one of the most lucrative gambling prizes on Earth.
Progressive Jackpot Odds
We’ve established that slots with progressive jackpots can lead to monumental payouts. But actually triggering that life-altering jackpot is another matter. Wide-area progressives in particular pay out far less frequently than the typical slot machine.
Let’s compare a Game of Thrones slot progressive to a more standard online slot like Gonzo’s Quest:
- Hit Frequency. The rate at which players win anything during gameplay. Gonzo’s Quest slots have an above-average hit frequency of 48.5% compared to Game of Thrones at just 28.58%.
- RTP. The amount the game pays back over an extended period of play. Gonzo’s Quest has an industry-leading RTP of 96% while Game of Thrones is just 94.03%.
- Max Win. The highest possible wins outside the progressive jackpot. Gonzo’s Quest slots have a max win of 37,500 coins compared to Game of Thrones at 750 coins.
As you can see, chasing the progressive jackpot requires a tradeoff. You’re less likely to hit wins as frequently or for sizable amounts apart from the jackpot. That’s why these slots are best enjoyed when you don’t expect to win the jackpot. Look at it as paying for the thrill of chasing that enormous prize. Any wins you earn during play help offset the cost of that entertainment.
Strategies for Playing Progressive Slots
While winning a mammoth progressive jackpot comes down primarily to random luck, there are still a few things you can do to increase your chances:
Choose Games with Higher Seed Values
Compare the seed values of various progressives. If given the choice between slots starting at $10,000 after a hit or $50,000, choose the latter. The higher seed gives that jackpot a chance to grow larger before getting won.
Identify When Jackpots Are “Ripe”
Figure out when a WAP jackpot was last won. If it’s been an extended period, join in, as that likely means a hit is nearing. The odds don’t actually change, but you’re essentially trying to time it right.
Play at Times With Heavy Traffic
For land-based slots, times when more players are active help drive that jackpot up through a higher quantity of bets. Playing at peak evening hours and on weekends tends to be advisable.
Bet the Maximum
On most progressives, you must wager the maximum bet to qualify for the jackpot. Getting in more spins at max bet increments your odds better than playing more sessions at lower stakes. You should still only play what fits your bankroll, though.
Final Tips to Keep in Mind
Progressive jackpot slots might seem hugely appealing for the chance to win millions. But they’re still slots with odds stacked against you. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe:
- Avoid chasing losses. Stick to your predetermined bankroll.
- Understand the variance and be prepared for dry spells without wins.
- Check what the current jackpot amount is and the seed reset value.
- Read all rules carefully – especially jackpot qualifications.
- Remember that luck plays a big role, focus on fun over expectations.
Progressive jackpot slots likely won’t make you mega-rich. But they do give you the center-stage experience of pursuing truly staggering sums of life-changing money. Choose reliable slots, stick to your budget and most importantly have fun on the thrill ride!