Originally, the term “jackpot” appeared in the 19th century and was associated only with poker. But later it found its way into any game that allows for an accrued prize pool.
Classic slot machines didn’t have a jackpot feature due to the very straightforward way of operating: you inserted a coin, pulled the lever on the side, and waited to see if the patterns on the reels brought you any winning combinations.
However, with the introduction of the video slots, this situation changed. After video slot machines gained popularity, game manufacturers came up with the idea to create jackpot casino games. In most ways, including the rules of playing, these are not different from simple video slot machines. The main difference is that if you hit a certain combination, you will get a jackpot prize. Depending on the game and type of jackpot, this can be a very substantial amount.
In this guide, we will take a look at casino jackpot games, how they work, what kind of jackpots are available, and what you should know before engaging in jackpot slot betting.
What Are Jackpot Casino Games?
If you are familiar with video slot machines, you won’t have trouble playing jackpot casino games (and if you are a newbie, check out our step-by-step guide on how to play slots). The main idea remains unchanged: you choose your bet size and paylines, set the reels in motion, and wait to see if you got any winning combinations.
Each payline has its set return to player percentage, meaning your payout, in case you win, will depend on the size of your initial bet. And this is where jackpot real web slots up with something extra.
While any other winning combination will operate under the same rule, there is a winning combination that will have the jackpot money figuratively (and sometimes literally) pouring into your slot machine tray. The payout doesn’t depend on your bet size, all you have to do is get the right combination of symbols on the reels.
There are two types of jackpots in slot games. One is called progressive, here the prize pool keeps growing until someone cracks the pot. The other one is called fixed, here the prize pool is predetermined by the software developers.
Types of Jackpot Casino Games
Let’s take a closer look at both types of jackpots.
- Progressive jackpot slots offer a growing prize that is accumulated through bets. Every time a player places a bet on a slot machine, a part of it goes towards the jackpot. The prize amount here is unlimited and depending on how long it has been accumulating can grow into six or seven figures.
- Fixed jackpot games offer a predetermined payout set by the game developer. While the sums here are significantly smaller than in progressive slots, the payouts happen more frequently, with some software developers even offering weekly and daily jackpots on their games.
How Progressive Jackpot Slots Work
With multiple players contributing to the prize pool, the progressive jackpot can grow limitlessly. Usually, if you are playing at a casino, some or all slot machines in the venue are linked to add their share into the jackpot.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Some progressive jackpots can be linked over multiple casinos, geographical locations, or even have different jackpot casino games contribute into the same prize pool. While this has a positive outcome on the size of the jackpot (the more players contribute, the larger the prize), it also significantly lowers the chances of cracking the pot, as there are so many competitors after the prize.
Some of the popular progressive jackpot games include Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Spin, Mega Fortune, and Hall of Gods.
Fixed Jackpot Slots: Steady Wins
The amounts in fixed jackpot games may not be as breathtaking as in progressive slot games, but this type of jackpots has its own appeal. If you still want to play a jackpot game but don’t want to be too overwhelmed, fixed jackpots are a better choice for you.
On the other hand, fixed jackpot slots offer a steadier payout. Some jackpots are available on a monthly, weekly, and even daily basis. And while this doesn’t guarantee you will be on the winning end, it makes your game a little more predictable than in progressive jackpot slots.
Popular Jackpot Slot Features
As other video slot games, jackpot casino games include some special features that add appeal to the game and make it more exciting for the players. Some of the most popular jackpot slot features include bonus rounds, free spins, and special symbols.
Bonus rounds and free spins can be activated through hitting special combinations. With bonus rounds you get to play an additional game, select a prize, or get any other perk preset in the game. Free spins allow you to go for another spin without having to bet your own money.
Special symbols come in two variations, both of them contributing to additional ways to win. Wilds are symbols that can substitute any other symbol in the payline to create a winning combination. If you get two or more wilds on the payline, this can trigger an additional bonus.
Scatters got their name because it doesn’t matter where they are located on the screen as long as you get a preset number of them (usually, three) in one go. Having the determined number of scatters in one screen means another payout for the player.
Responsible Gaming Practices
As exciting as jackpot casino games can get, it is always important to remember about responsible gaming. There are a few steps you can take to make sure you are playing responsibly.
- Set a budget. Allocate an amount you are comfortable with and play within the limit. If you are playing at a casino, a good idea is to leave your credit cards at home and only bring cash.
- As in any game, losses in jackpot slots are inevitable. Trying to make up for them by opting for a big win is not a sustainable strategy. That’s why only play with the amount that won’t affect your overall budget.
- Always remember that slot machine games are a form of entertainment and not a way to make money.
Understanding the Odds of Winning a Jackpot
Jackpot casino games are games of chance, with outcomes generated by the Random Numbers Generator. This means you are never guaranteed winning a jackpot, whether you play randomly or try to build a strategy (for example, bet sizes, number of spins, etc.).
Odds of winning a progressive jackpot are notoriously low, especially if the jackpot is linked over multiple casinos or even various game titles.
While fixed jackpot games offer slightly better odds, there is still absolutely no guarantee for an outcome.
Players should always bear this in mind and play jackpot casino games for entertainment purposes, rather than a way of financial gain.
Playing Jackpot Casino Games Responsibly
Taking the above mentioned into consideration, always practice responsible gaming that doesn’t affect your financial or mental well-being.
- Understand the risks a game of chance involves and be prepared for them.
- Slot machine games are fast paced and don’t take longer than several minutes, that’s why it is easy to forget about time. Set a limited amount of time you can play and leave your seat as soon as it is over.
- Never try to “get even” with the machine by winning back the money you have lost in the game.
FAQ
What are jackpot casino games?
Jackpot casino games are a variation of video slot games where in addition to other winnings you have a chance to hit a jackpot if you get a winning combination.
What’s the difference between progressive and fixed jackpots?
Progressive jackpots grow over time through portions of bets players place. The longer no one hits the jackpot, the bigger it becomes, as players continue contributing to it. Fixed jackpots are predetermined by the game software developers and don’t change until someone wins them.
How do progressive jackpot slots work?
Progressive jackpot slots have the same rules of playing as any other video slot games. However, every time a player places a bet, a portion of it goes towards the growing prize pool. Sometimes this pool is linked over multiple machines, casinos, or even game titles. Once somebody hits the jackpot, it will start growing from scratch again.
Can I win a jackpot at any time in a jackpot game?
Technically, yes. As long as you hit the winning combination mentioned in the game, you can win the jackpot. However remember that the odds of this happening are very low.
What are the chances of winning a progressive jackpot?
It is impossible to calculate the odds of winning a progressive jackpot, or any other slot game, for that matter, as the outcome on slot machines is determined by a Random Numbers Generator (RNG). The more slots, casinos, or games are linked into the same prize pool, the lower the chances of winning become.
Are there strategies for winning jackpot casino games?
Jackpot casino games are completely random. There are certain myths around strategies for playing slot machines and winning jackpots, however they are nothing but myths. Instead, familiarize yourself with ways to practice responsible gaming and follow them.
Do all online casinos offer jackpot games?
No, and even those that do don’t offer them for every game. Make sure you check beforehand whether the game is included in the jackpot if you want to try your luck.
How can I play jackpot casino games responsibly?
Keep in mind that jackpot casino games are a form of entertainment and not a way of getting financial gain. Set a limited budget, learn the risks, and know when to stop.
Explore Jackpot Casino Games and Play Responsibly
Jackpot casino games are a good way to add variety to video slot machines. They offer an additional (in most cases, substantial) payout should you hit the winning combination.
Before you decide to engage in jackpot slots, make sure you learn the mechanics of the game and understand the associated risks. Always practice responsible gaming and remember that the main focus of any jackpot casino game is entertainment.
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