How to Play Progressive Slots: Jackpot Guide
Progressive slots link multiple machines to a shared jackpot that grows with every bet. These games offer the largest prizes in casinos—sometimes tens of millions of dollars—but come with lower base-game returns and astronomical odds.
Table of Contents
- What Are Progressive Slots?
- Types of Progressives
- How Jackpots Grow
- Famous Progressive Slots
- Strategy and Odds
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Progressive Slots?
Progressive slots reserve a portion of each bet to feed a growing jackpot. Unlike fixed jackpots that pay the same amount every time, progressives increase until someone wins—then reset to a base amount and start growing again.
The Appeal
- Life-changing jackpots possible
- Excitement grows as jackpot climbs
- Same gameplay as regular slots
- Dreams of instant wealth
The Trade-off
- Lower base-game RTP
- Must bet max for jackpot eligibility (usually)
- Jackpot odds are extremely long
- Volatility is very high
Types of Progressives
Standalone Progressives
Single machines with their own jackpot. The jackpot only grows from bets on that specific machine.
- Smaller jackpots ($1,000-$10,000)
- Better odds of hitting
- Found on older machines
Local Progressives
Machines within one casino linked together. Bets from all linked machines feed the jackpot.
- Medium jackpots ($10,000-$500,000)
- Moderate odds
- Common in most casinos
Wide Area Progressives (WAPs)
Machines across multiple casinos in a network. IGT, Aristocrat, and other manufacturers run these networks.
- Massive jackpots ($1M-$40M+)
- Astronomical odds (1 in 50 million)
- Famous games: Megabucks, Wheel of Fortune
How Jackpots Grow
Contribution Rate
A percentage of each bet feeds the jackpot:
| Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Standalone | 1-3% |
| Local | 1-2% |
| Wide Area | 1-3% |
Example: Megabucks
- $3 bet required (max coins on $1 machine)
- ~2% feeds jackpot
- Jackpot resets at $10 million
- Average jackpot at hit: $15-20 million
Multiple Jackpot Levels
Many modern progressives offer tiered jackpots:
- Mini: $10-$100 (hits frequently)
- Minor: $100-$1,000
- Major: $1,000-$10,000
- Grand: $10,000+ or mega jackpot
Famous Progressive Slots
Megabucks (IGT)
The original wide-area progressive. Must bet $3 (max) for jackpot eligibility. Largest slot jackpot ever: $39.7 million in 2003.
Wheel of Fortune (IGT)
Multiple versions with wheel-spin bonus. Wide-area progressive with multi-million dollar jackpots.
Mega Moolah (Microgaming)
Online progressive holding records for largest online jackpot ($21.7 million). Popular at internet casinos worldwide.
Buffalo Grand (Aristocrat)
Linked progressive with Buffalo slot gameplay. Major jackpots in the $100,000+ range.
Strategy and Odds
Jackpot Odds
| Progressive Type | Approximate Odds |
|---|---|
| Standalone | 1 in 10,000-50,000 |
| Local | 1 in 100,000-1,000,000 |
| Wide Area | 1 in 25-50 million |
When Progressives Make Sense
Play progressives when:
- Jackpot is at historically high levels
- You can afford max bet without straining bankroll
- Entertainment value justifies lower base returns
- You understand the odds are astronomical
Avoid progressives when:
- You can't bet max coins
- Jackpot is near reset value
- You need better base-game returns
- Your bankroll is limited
Must-Hit-By Progressives
Some progressives MUST hit before reaching a certain amount. When close to must-hit, these offer better expected value—though still likely negative.