All About Progressive Jackpots
If you are playing at any of the online casinos that we recommend, you’re already guaranteed a good time. But when you want to shake things up and make them even more exciting, you need to play for progressive jackpots!
What is a Progressive Jackpot?
These jackpots are created by taking a portion of every bet placed by every player in a network of games, and adding it to a central pot. At any online or land-based casino, progressive jackpots start at a default minimum amount, and then keep growing (or progressing) until someone is lucky enough to trigger them. As soon it has been won, it resets to its minimum and starts building again.
In a brick and mortar establishment, progressive jackpots can involve a network of games on a specific floor, or within a few venues. The rewards that this creates are generous, but nothing like what is seen at an online casino. The Internet allows for so many more players to be connected and adding to the cumulative pot, that payouts run into the millions very quickly. Basically, winning one of these can literally change your life in an instant!
Progressive Jackpot Games
These accumulative payouts run as side bets, and are independent of whatever the main action is. In theory, they can be attached to any type of game. While they are seen in Video Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and other games, in any casino, progressive jackpots are most commonly featured in slots. There are an abundance of slots that offer these accumulating prize pools, and even the most inexperienced player could be lucky enough to nab a huge payout.
How To Win
Often, a win happens completely at random. You will be playing as you normally do, and then suddenly you'll be a few million Euros richer! In older releases you are usually required to bet the maximum if you want to be in the running for one of these cumulative rewards, but in an increasing number of newer releases this is not the case.
A jackpot can be attached to a Classic or a Video slot, and in the case of Video slots you may be required to complete side games before you can claim your prize. In Microgaming's Mega Moolah, for example, you need to spin a wheel to see what size payout you will get.
Microgaming's Triple Sevens is a good example of progressive jackpots in Blackjack, and the developer’s Roulette Royale also shows how they work with the Little Wheel. In Triple Sevens, you win if you get 3 7s in 1 hand. For Roulette Royale, the ball needs to land in the same pocket 5 times in a row before you are paid out. With all games, you can usually see the running total displayed on the screen. As you watch the number increase, you will be motivated to keep trying to win it.
Smart Playing Tips
Because these payouts are so massive, the odds of winning one are somewhat slim. Of course someone has to win, and it could be you, but don’t let this be your main focus. Resist the urge to chase these wins, and enjoy the slots, Blackjack, Roulette or whatever else you are playing for their own entertainment value.
If you are lucky enough to win, consider it an unexpected stroke of luck. Fortunately, if you are playing at any of the online casinos that we've reviewed for you here, the games will be of such high quality that you won't mind playing them for their own sake. Browse through our recommendations now, and find the options that will suit your needs and preferences best. The next big win could be yours!
