logo phplogo phpmin
phparena 18plus and security min

Ultimate Guide to Winning Progressive Jackpots

Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular globally, and the way people gamble is changing. With the availability of online casino gaming (from anywhere in the world), numerous websites to choose from, and a wide variety of games to select from, the once-exotic world of gambling is open to a larger population than ever before. A large number of people are gambling for the first time in a virtual environment. Following these ten tips for online casino gamers will provide a strong foundation upon which you can build a successful experience as a gamer.

1
100 Bonus Spins for $5!
2
80 Bonus Spins for $1!
3
Deposit $1 Get 30 Free Bonus Spins
4
100 Free Spins for $1!
5
FREE Unlimited Bonus Spins No Deposit Required

6
$750
BONUS

jackpot-300x300

Understanding progressive

Progressive jackpots are the primary prizes awarded in online slots. Every time a player spins and loses, his/her wager adds to the jackpot. While more players lose and deposit funds, their money is automatically included in the continually increasing jackpot. Ultimately, the "progressive jackpot," or the sum of the money that could be won, continues to grow until one lucky person wins. This method creates an exciting opportunity for additional deposits and enhances the incentive for participation. The momentum created by each participant placing wagers and dreaming about winning creates additional interest. Progressive jackpots existed prior to the emergence of computers.

Origins of progressive jackpots

Prior to the onset of modern computing, there were reports of New York City gambling establishments during the 1800s that featured popular card games such as solitaire. Obviously, Popular Games produced income; therefore, it was decided to combine each player's wagers to establish a jackpot. The money in the jackpot continued to grow, and it became increasingly difficult for gamblers to leave. The development of computers made it simpler to manage progressive jackpots.

During the late 1980s, a software developer connected multiple slot machines in a land-based casino. A portion of each spin's profits was transferred into a very large jackpot fund. The continuously growing jackpot fund attracted new players and encouraged existing players to play more frequently. Later, online casinos used software to connect multiple thousands of games. Large multi-million dollar jackpots began to emerge. Today progressive jackpots are a staple of both novice and seasoned players' options, with progressive slot machines often being among the most popular types of progressive games.

Progressive jackpots -- how they work

  • One example of how progressive jackpots function is through slot machines.
  • When a player makes a bet, a portion of that bet feeds into the jackpot fund.
  • The house determines what percent of each spin feeds into the jackpot.
  • Once a player wins, the house returns the jackpot to its lowest possible payout level.

It is imperative for players to understand the withdrawal procedures for winnings at an online casino. Some casinos may have provisions that take a long time for establishing large jackpots. See if progressive jackpots are exempt from the rules for withdrawals.

Slot machines are examples of progressive jackpots

  • When a player places a bet, a portion of that bet feeds into the jackpot fund.
  • The house determines what percent of each spin feeds into the jackpot.
  • Once a player wins, the house returns the jackpot to its lowest possible payout level.

It is imperative for players to understand the withdrawal procedures for winnings at an online casino. Some casinos may have provisions that take a long time for establishing large jackpots. See if progressive jackpots are exempt from the rules for withdrawals.

Probability of winning at progressive jackpots

The probability for winning at progressive jackpots generally range between 1/30000000 (1 in three million) and 1/10000000 (one in ten million). These probabilities are poor. There are several variables affecting a player's chances of winning at progressive jackpots. One of those variables is the amount of money required to begin play.

When the beginning amount is high, it generates more interest because more people want to get involved in the potential jackpot. On the other hand, time may ultimately be favorable for players, because a jackpot cannot continue to grow indefinitely. Therefore, the longer the game runs, the greater the chances that someone will win the jackpot.

Estimating probability of winning

Understanding how a game functions is key to determining your chances of winning. For example:

  • Slot machines are an excellent model for illustrating how progressive jackpots function.
  • To determine your probability of winning at slots, examine:
  •  Number of reels
  •  Number of stops
  • Percentage of symbols that represent the jackpot
  • Paylines needed to receive winnings

For example:

  • Five reels
  • Twenty stops per reel
  • Jackpot symbol: one-stop
  • Won with one payline

Microgaming launched Mega Moolah progressive slot in 2009. According to reports, this game pays out more than $5 million approximately every two-and-a-half months. Players have reported winning as much as $18 million. The same principles apply to video poker progressives, where players must hit a royal flush in order to win.

Blackjack progressives use side bets that are independent of actual gameplay and award a separate prize for winning. Roulette uses side bets that award progressive jackpots based on consecutive hits on numbers two through five. Baccarat players can place side bets in hopes that another player will hit the progressive jackpot and end their turn.

Ways to increase your Odds of winning at a progressive jackpot

Gambling and winning at any casino game requires skill, strategy, patience, and a great deal of luck. Winning a progressive jackpot is even more unlikely. While the Odds for winning are generally extremely low (e.g., 1-in-three million or 1-in-ten million), there are some techniques that can assist you somewhat. Find a developing jackpot.

Visit online gaming forums to find jackpots that have not yet been claimed for extended periods of time. You never know; you might be next in line as well as one who ends up resetting that huge number to something less.
Learn as much information as possible about your preferred progressive slot machines. Study slot machine payouts and develop graphs showing when winners occurred. Use any bonus accounts provided by your casino(s) to maximize your bankroll.

Progressive jackpots will likely continue to be popular because people love the thought of getting a relatively small investment and hopefully getting a large payout. Unfortunately, you have almost no control over winning except doing your homework, having reasonable expectations regarding winning and enjoying your journey toward potentially receiving life-changing amounts of cash.

FAQs: About understanding progressive jackpots

What is a progressive jackpot?

A progressive jackpot in online casinos is the largest prize available in various forms of games within these venues that accumulates with each losing bet placed by players. The growth of this prize increases excitement for betting and entices players to participate due to their imagination of possibly achieving a large sum of money. Progressive jackpots occur primarily in online slot machines and some table games where a fraction of each losing bet contributes directly into the growing prize pool.

How did progressive jackpots originate?

As stated above, progressive jackpots date back to New York City gaming clubs in the early 19th century featuring popular card games, including solitaire. Club owners realized that Popular Games generated substantial revenue and thus developed the concept of pooling each player's losing bets in an attempt to generate a growing jackpot.

Gaming clubs also established side bets with fixed payouts on individual hands; however, these were not considered part of the progressive nature of accumulating bets towards a growing jackpot. Although gaming clubs have successfully operated for centuries, modern computing enabled operators to automate linking multiple gaming stations together creating vast pools of accumulated losses.

Operators were able to promote large sums being accumulated towards an eventual winner resulting in attracting new players and encouraging existing players to continue participating.

How do progressive jackpots function?

The operation of progressive jackpots can be illustrated by slot machines. Each bet made by a player on each spin includes contributing a small fraction of their total loss toward accumulation into the growing jackpot. The operator establishes a fixed percentage for each lost bet made on each spin; however, this percentage can vary between different games or even between different versions of the same game.

Upon winning the progressive jackpot, the entire amount accumulated up to that point is returned to its lowest allowed payout level; however, this does not mean that all subsequent losses go directly toward replenishing the previous maximum. Any player wishing to withdraw their winnings from an online casino should familiarize themselves with any applicable restrictions placed by their chosen casino on withdrawals.

What are my Odds of winning a progressive jackpot?

Generally speaking, winning any type of progressive jackpot can be quite difficult with standard Odds. The difficulty associated with winning progressive jackpots is compounded by large Odds against success (i.e., 1/3 million or 1/10 million). Many factors exist which impact Odds for winning progressive jackpots. One factor impacting Odds for winning progressive jackpots is the size of the initial amount deposited by players.

Larger initial amounts draw more players and create better Odds for operators rather than players. Another factor impacting Odds for winning progressive jackpots is time itself. As previously mentioned, once enough money has accumulated toward an eventual winner; at least statistically speaking -- it becomes virtually impossible for no winner to claim this money indefinitely.

New Zealand Pokies Guide

Your guide to the best pokie games. Latest Pokie Tournaments, Jackpots and Promotions.

Online Gambling

Best Casino Bonuses
100 Bonus Spins for $5!
CLAIM BONUS NOW
80 Bonus Spins for $1!
CLAIM BONUS NOW
Free Unlimited Bonus Spins. No Deposit Required
CLAIM BONUS NOW