Is there a difference between winning a progressive jackpot and a fixed jackpot? In this post, we explore the intricacies of these common forms of online casino jackpots. We also explore some of the issues to consider when choosing an online casino jackpot to get the wins you desire.
What Is a Progressive Jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is a type of cumulative jackpot that grows over time. The jackpot draws the final prize from taking a small portion of wagers from players. When you visit a slot with a progressive slot, the casino displays the amount boldly for you to see. The amounts may range anywhere from three to seven-figure jackpots, depending on how the slot is distributed and funded.
The rules of entering a progressive slot vary. Some games require you to wager the maximum bet on a certain number of game rounds or trigger a bonus round or symbol randomly to get a chance to play for the progressive jackpot. Other slots offer the progressive slot in a four-tier prize system that includes a mini, minor, and major mega prize.
What Is a Fixed Jackpot?
Fixed jackpots remain unchanged in value regardless of the number of players. The slot game usually indicates the jackpot available, whether it’s distributed in portions or as one prize for the best player.
Players like fixed jackpots for several reasons:
- They’re less volatile than progressive jackpots. The payout doesn’t change in value, and the instructions are consistent.
- They offer more payouts than progressive jackpots.
- They are easier for a bankroll manager.
However, fixed jackpots have several downsides:
- Generally, fixed jackpots pay out less than progressive jackpots. The wins are approximately between 10x and 5,000x your bet.
- Since fixed jackpots are smaller and don’t grow over time, there’s less excitement.
- Lower wins mean less significant wins.
That said, there’s no reason to shy away from fixed jackpots because there’s higher odds of winning them over progressive jackpots. The wins might not make the headlines, but they’re certainly substantial and worthwhile.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Jackpot Slot
Here are several factors you should consider before choosing a progressive jackpot slot:
Contribution Rate
Every progressive slot builds the final prize by taking a percentage of all wagers from all players. You can find this rate in the game’s terms. Since this lowers the overall wager amount, it also affects the theoretical RTP in the short term. However, it increases the prize, making it more lucrative and significant when won.
We recommend checking the contribution rate before playing to see if you’re comfortable gambling with what’s left.
Trigger Factors
Most online casino jackpot slots are triggered by specific symbols, triggering a game round or randomly, depending on the game design. Usually, the slot includes these details in the setting and game rules for you to read before making real money bets.
Knowing whether you’re playing a random-drop, bonus-round, or symbol-based slot jackpot helps you adjust your gaming strategy. For example, if it’s random, then distributing your bets across as many game rounds as possible might work best for you.
Game Fairness
No matter what slot you’re playing, you want to be sure that the randomness is guaranteed for fairness. Playing a tested and certified game ensures that you have an equal opportunity to win the jackpot. Therefore, check if the casino works with a reputable game developer before choosing a jackpot game. Also, confirm that the casino is reliable and pays out jackpot wins to players.
The Source of Funds
If the source of your funds is a casino bonus or free credit, consider exploring the casino’s bonus rules before choosing a slot with a progressive or fixed jackpot. Some casinos don’t allow you to use bonus funds for progressive jackpots. To ensure you follow the promotional terms and access your winnings, read the rules and check if your slot is allowed.
Bank Roll
The best game is the one you can afford. Before choosing a game, check the bet sizes and game rounds. Most slots will specify the game range. Check your total wager for the game and determine if it’s sufficient to carry you through to the jackpot. If the game only triggers the jackpot when you bet a certain amount or reach a specific number of game rounds, confirm that you have enough in your wallet to get you there.
Generally, progressive jackpots may cost more in the long run without hitting the jackpot. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll land a fixed deposit, the chances of doing so with a smaller bankroll are higher.
Game Familiarity
It’s easier to secure more wins in a game you enjoy and have played before. Before sticking to a progressive or fixed jackpot, find games that appeal to your favorite themes, visuals, and music. Browse through the catalogue before settling for a game. Whenever possible, play the demo mode to familiarize yourself with the symbols and paytable.
Frequency of Wins
It’s easier to get a jackpot win on a game that has more wins. Check the game payout history before committing to a progressive or fixed jackpot. Look for experiences where players share the number of rounds and total wager it took to get to significant wins before even landing the jackpot.
Remember that while your focus is the jackpot, small wins along the way make it possible for you to endure. Also, a small win is better than no win at all. Of course, confirm that the game paid out a jackpot in the past to boost your chances of picking the best slot for you.
Slots with Jackpots to Consider Games
If you’re looking for jackpots to consider, here are a few games you should check out.
Cash Chaser
While Cash Chaser leans on a traditional 3-reel grid, the futuristic neon backdrop and crisp visuals make this slot more appealing than it seems. There are five different jackpots up for grabs, with the largest Grand Jackpot awarding up to 1000x your base bet. This is a conservative game with 9 paylines, but you can set bets as low as $0.90.
Fortunate Buddha
The charming cherry blossoms and traditional Japanese houses act as a backdrop to a standard 5×3 grid where symbols like the lotus flower, Buddha, and fortune symbols align to give you huge wins. There are up to 50 paylines, and you can win up to 50,000x your original bet.
When you get 6 fortune orbs, you’ll trigger the Fortune Link feature, which awards you a fixed cash jackpot or any of the four jackpots. Two of these jackpots are progressive, and you’ll receive free respins for every new orb you get per spin.
There are up to five jackpots up for grabs, and you can get the Super Grand Jackpot if you get 15 fortune orbs during the Fortune Link feature.
Cleopatra’s Gold
Cleopatra’s Gold remains one of SpinLogic’s greatest productions. The slots plays out on a 5×3 grid. There are 25 paylines, and you can win up to 7500x your bet with bets between $0.04 per line or up to $1.00. Cleopatra is the wild symbol, and landing five of them grants you access to the progressive jackpot.