Progressive vs. Regular Jackpots

Published by Brett Chatz on June 16, 2020

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Published by Brett Chatz on June 16, 2020

Whether you are new to online casino games or you have been around for a while, chances are you have heard the term progressive jackpot. But what exactly is a progressive jackpot and how is it different from your regular jackpot?

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Basically, a regular jackpot refers to a grand prize that can be won in a game or competition. A regular jackpot usually consists of a fixed amount. No matter how many times they are played or won, a regular jackpot always pays out the same amount.

These regular jackpots are also called non-progressive jackpot slots because they are the exact opposite of progressive slots.

 

What Is a Progressive Jackpot?

 

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A progressive jackpot refers to a gambling payout that increases each and every time that a player plays that particular game but no one wins it. Games linked to progressive jackpots usually have a base (minimum) jackpot amount. Every time the progressive jackpot is won the jackpot is automatically reset to the a predetermined minimum amount, after which it will start growing and keep growing until it is won again.

Casino games linked to a progressive jackpot can also run over a network. This means that more than one casino that have that particular game may offer that progressive jackpot. So, no matter at which casino you play, the jackpot is still up for grabs. Each time players play at the specific game the jackpot increases, no matter which casino you are playing at.

 

Is The Growth Potential of All Progressive Jackpots The Same?

 

Not all progressive jackpots are equal. In most instances players need to place a bet that meets certain criteria in order to qualify for the progressive jackpot. Games that require higher bets to qualify for the progressive jackpot tend to have bigger jackpots. For example, games with a qualifying bet of 10 credits has the potential grow substantially larger than a game with a qualifying bet of 5 credits.

 

How Does The Payout of a Regular Jackpot Differ From That of A Progressive Jackpot?

 

Casino games with regular jackpots award prizes that are substantially smaller than those of a progressive jackpot. The size of the regular jackpot is usually based on the amount that the player bet. For example, the jackpot linked to a regular casino game might be 300x times your total wager. The jackpot will thus always remain the same. Whether you bet $0.10 or $100, you will always win 300 times that amount. On the other hand progressive jackpots can be worth millions at any given time.

While non-progressive jackpots are fixed, progressive jackpots keep growing until they are won. Each time a player plays a progressive game, a percentage of their wager gets added to the jackpot.

 

Where Can You Find a Progressive Jackpot?

 

Often when one thinks of a progressive jackpot, you think of slots. However, progressive jackpots can also be found in video poker machines and even blackjack. In most ways a game of progressive blackjack is identical to conventional blackjack. The only difference is an optional side bet that qualifies the player to win the progressive jackpot. Players win the side bet when they are dealt one of a few specific card combinations. The amount won depends on the specific card combination and can range from just a few dollars to the entire jackpot.

 

What Attracts Players to Progressive Jackpots?

 

While progressive jackpots are not relatively new, only a few machines at a casino is usually linked to progressive jackpots. Players tend to like the one-of-a-kind machines. Another factor that attracts players is the constantly increasing jackpot amount, which is usually displayed on the screen as you are playing. On top of that progressive jackpots also tend to be quite higher than regular jackpots.

 

Who Qualify For Progressive Jackpots?

 

Usually only players who bet the (predetermined) maximum bet qualify for the progressive jackpot. However, all bets contribute to the jackpot, whether they are the maximum bet or not.

 

How are progressive jackpots won?

 

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Usually progressive jackpots can only be won when a player lands the combination that pays out the most.

 

Mystery or Must Hit By Jackpots

 

In addition to standard progressive jackpots there is also the “must-hit-by” jackpot, which is a variation of the progressive jackpot. Every time the progressive jackpot is won the value of the mystery jackpot is determined. This mystery jackpot value is calculated by a random number generator but is usually set within a specific range. Similarly to regular jackpots the value of the mystery jackpot is determined by the wager placed. The maximum jackpot value constitutes the “must hit by” value. the maximum bet will get you the maximum jackpot.

 

Which Is Best?

 

If you are looking too this article for help in determining which jackpot type best suits you, here are some guidelines. The first step would be determining how much money you hope to win. If you are looking to win a specific amount of money in relation to your bet, you can easily find what you are looking for by looking at the specifications of regular slots. Regular slots are also usually cheaper than progressive slots.

If you hope to become a millionaire, then progressive jackpots are the way to go. However, do keep in mind that progressive games cost more than regular games and there won’t be a big variety to choose from.

 

Which One Offers Bigger Chances of Success?

 

It is important to know what your chances of winning are at any given slot. Players can win regular slots by simply lining up a combination of jackpot paying symbols. Also keep an eye on your chosen game’s RTP rate; since it will tell you exactly how likely you are to win.

On the other hand progressive jackpots can be won in a variety of ways. Some only require landing a winning combination; others have a bonus wheel or bonus game where you can instantly win. Some games also award the progressive jackpot randomly. Generally progressive jackpots are more difficult to win, which is why they are not often won.

You might also want to take a look at how available your jackpot is to other players. Progressive games are often in a network, which means that your game can be played in a variety of casinos and every player at that casino who plays that game has a chance to win your jackpot. The fewer players who play, the better your chances of winning.

 

Final Thoughts

 

There is a distinct difference between progressive and non-progressive jackpots. Each has their own advantages and there is no “right” option. The option that suits you best depends on what you are looking for. While progressive slots can instantly make you a millionaire, non-progressive slots is a guaranteed win. You always have the chance of winning a generous prize to regular slots

If you are still not sure which one is for you, play both. When a progressive jackpot has grown to a few million, go ahead and play. It will be worth your while. When it has been won go back to regular slots and wait till the jackpot reaches its peak before giving it another try. You do not have to stick to one. Play whichever one is best for you at any given time.

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Author : Brett Chatz

A Worldwide leading content writer for casinofy.com, Brett brings a decade of expertise in the online casino realm to his articles. Merging a deep understanding of industry trends with his writing prowess, he delivers insightful and engaging content.

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