Online Poker Guides Picks Guide Daily Fantasy Betting Tools Team Rivalries Gambling in the USAStore

Best Online Casinos

$10,000 Welcome Package on 1st 3 Deposits »

250 Free Spins with Your First Deposit »

$20K in Bonuses on Your First 8 Deposits »

300 Welcome Free Spins »

400% Up to $8,000 + $75 Free Chip »

$2,000 + 40 Cash Bandits 3 Spins »

400% Up to $4,000 Welcome Bonus »

Up to $3,000 Crypto Welcome Bonus »

500% Welcome Bonus + 150 Free Spins »

400% First Deposit Bonus Up to $4,000 »

Everything You Need to Know About Playing Progressive Jackpot Slots Online

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Last Updated: Fri Jun 06, 2025, 10:25 pm ET

Read Time: 8 minutes

Progressive jackpots are one of the numerous types of casino jackpots that can be won and one of the most exciting features in the world of casinos. These jackpots offer the potential for life-changing payouts, often reaching millions of dollars. There are different types of progressive jackpot casino games, but these variable jackpots are most found in progressive jackpot slots, which can be found at both land-based casinos and online casinos.

Here, we explore everything you need to know about progressive jackpots, including how they work, the different types, strategies for playing, and tips for maximizing your chances of winning at physical casinos or at a top online casino for progressive jackpot slots.

Build Your Knowledge—And Your Bankroll—With Our Comprehensive Gambling Guides

This guide to online casino payment methods is just one of the many pages we have devoted to educating players of all experience levels on all aspects of casino games and gambling.

Casino Guides

Our guides cover the rules, strategy, and other valuable information for the most popular online casino games, as well as online casino bonuses, popular terms and concepts such as RTP and RNGs, similarities and differences between traditional physical casinos and online casinos, and other important information about gambling online at desktop sites or mobile casinos.

Casino Guides: Learn the Basics of Online Gambling in 2025

If you would like to learn more about everything from how to choose an online casino, to online casino terminology, to how to play popular table games such as baccarat, to tips for responsible gambling, we have you covered.

Our goal is to be a vital resource for players who love online slots or enjoy playing blackjack games like Perfect Pair Blackjack, roulette, video poker and its variants (including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild), casino poker games (including Caribbean Stud Poker and Pai Gow Poker), and more.

What are Progressive Jackpots?

A progressive jackpot is a prize that increases every time a game is played but not won.

Unlike fixed jackpots, which offer a set amount, progressive jackpots continue to grow until a lucky player hits the winning combination.

A small portion of each player's wager contributes to the jackpot, making it accumulate rapidly, especially in popular games.

Both progressive jackpots and fixed jackpots can be large amounts, but the biggest fixed jackpots do not match the biggest progressive jackpots.

How Do Progressive Jackpots Work?

Progressive jackpots are typically linked across multiple slot machines or games, contributing to a single, ever-growing prize pool.

Here is how things work when you play progressive jackpot slots:

Networked Jackpots

Many progressive jackpots are networked across multiple real money online casinos. This means that players from different online casinos are contributing to the same jackpot, allowing it to grow faster.

Contributions

A small percentage of each bet (usually between 1% and 5%) gets added to the jackpot. The rest of the bet goes towards regular game payouts and the casino's revenue.

Trigger Conditions

Winning a progressive jackpot typically requires hitting a specific combination or triggering a special bonus feature. The exact conditions vary depending on the game.

Types of Progressive Jackpots

There are several types of progressive jackpots potentially available at the best U.S. online casinos. Each offers unique features and prize structures:

Standalone: These are linked to a single machine or game and grow based on the wagers placed on that specific game.
In-House: Also known as local progressives, these jackpots are linked across multiple machines within the same casino. They grow faster than standalone progressives but slower than wide-area progressives.
Wide-Area: These jackpots are linked across multiple casinos and can reach massive amounts. Examples include Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune.
Random: These jackpots can be triggered randomly, regardless of the game outcome or bet size. They add an extra layer of excitement since they can be won at any time.

Popular Progressive Jackpot Games

Several progressive jackpot games have gained fame internationally for their massive payouts and exciting gameplay. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Mega Moolah

Known as the "Millionaire Maker," Mega Moolah has awarded some of the largest online jackpots in history. The game features an African safari theme and offers multiple progressive jackpots.

Mega Fortune

Another famous progressive slot, Mega Fortune, offers luxurious themes and multiple jackpot tiers. It holds the record for one of the largest online jackpot payouts.

Hall of Gods

This Norse mythology-themed slot offers three progressive jackpots. Players know it for its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay.

Arabian Nights

With its enchanting Arabian theme, Arabian Nights offers a single progressive jackpot and has made several players instant millionaires.

Age of the Gods

This series of slots features multiple games, each with its own progressive jackpots, all linked together to form a networked progressive system.

Strategies for Playing Progressive Jackpots

While winning a progressive jackpot is primarily a matter of luck, certain strategies can enhance your gaming experience and increase your chances of hitting the big prize.

Here are a few of those strategies:

Bet Max: Most games with big progressive jackpots require you to bet the maximum amount to qualify for the jackpot. Ensure you understand the betting requirements before playing.
Understand the Game Rules: Familiarize yourself with the rules and paytable of the game. Knowing how the bonus features and jackpot triggers work can help you make informed decisions.
Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your gaming session and stick to it. Progressive jackpots can be enticing, but it's essential to gamble responsibly.
Choose the Right Time: Some players believe in playing progressive jackpot games when the jackpot is unusually high, as the potential payout is more significant. However, the odds remain the same regardless of the jackpot size.
Play for Fun: Remember that progressive jackpots are games of chance. Enjoy the excitement of playing and view the jackpot as a potential bonus rather than a guaranteed win.

Tips for Maximizing Your Chances with Progressive Jackpots

To maximize your chances of slots success, there are some tips that you should consider.

Play Reputable Games

Choose games from reputable online casino game and software providers known for fair play and high-quality graphics. Choose a top RTG casino, a site that has Arrow's Edge games, or another casino with well-reviewed games.

Join a Casino with a Good Reputation

Only use licensed and regulated online casinos that boast a strong reputation for security and fairness.

Take Advantage of Bonuses

Use casino bonuses and promotions to extend your gameplay and increase your chances of hitting the jackpot.

Most online casino bonuses exclude progressive jackpot slots from eligibility for bonus wagering requirements, but the money that you win from bonus play can be used on them. If you seek a bankroll boost, look for a casino site with a generous welcome bonus or a casino with great free spins offers.

Practice with Free Games

Many online casinos offer free versions of their games. It is not hard to find an online casino with free demo games. Use these options to practice and understand the game mechanics without risking real money.

Notable Progressive Jackpot Wins

Several players have made headlines by winning massive progressive jackpots.

Here are some notable international wins:

In December 2023, a player at the Sportbet.io online casino received quite the early holiday present as he bagged a $42 million jackpot while playing the WowPot! Wheel of Wishes. It was the all-time biggest slots win of any kind (online or land-based slots) by more than $2.5 million, surpassing a $39.7 million win at Excalibur in Las Vegas in March 2003.
On April 27, 2021, a player hit it big with the Mega Moolah Mega jackpot, winning more 19.4 million euros, which would have been worth more almost $23.5 million U.S. dollars at the time.
On September 28, 2018, a player hit it big with a Mega Moolah Mega jackpot, coming away with more than 18.9 million euros, or almost $22 million U.S. dollars at the time.
Almost two weeks before the big Mega Moolah Mega win in April 2021, a British man won big with a WowPot! Mega progressive jackpot. He collected almost 15.2 million pounds, which would have come out to almost $21 million U.S. dollars.
Rounding out the top five biggest progressive jackpot wins is a $20 million U.S. dollar Mega Moolah Mega win on January 30, 2021.

Online progressive jackpot sizes in the U.S. do not match the size of those found at land-based casinos, but there are a lot of options for five and six-figure progressive jackpot slots.

How to Play Progressive Jackpots Responsibly

While the allure of progressive jackpots can be strong because of big wins like those listed above, it's essential to gamble responsibly. Here are some tips to ensure a healthy and enjoyable gaming experience:

Set Limits: Establish deposit, wagering, and time limits to keep your gambling within manageable boundaries.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Accept that losing is part of gambling and avoid trying to recoup losses by continuing to play.
Take Breaks: Regular breaks can help you stay focused and make better decisions.
Seek Help if Needed: If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, seek help from professional organizations like Gamblers Anonymous or the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Future Trends in Progressive Jackpots

As technology advances, the world of progressive jackpots continues to evolve.

What are some trends to watch out for?

Virtual Reality (VR)

VR technology is set to revolutionize online gambling, offering more immersive and interactive progressive jackpot experiences.

Mobile Gaming

The rise of mobile casinos means that players can now enjoy slots on the go, increasing accessibility and convenience.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain offers enhanced security and transparency, making it an ideal solution for verifying progressive jackpot games and ensuring fair play.

Innovative Game Designs

Game developers are continually creating new and exciting games with unique themes, features, and mechanics.

Conclusion

Progressive jackpot slots offer the potential for life-changing wins and add an extra layer of excitement to online casino games.

By understanding how they work, exploring different types, and employing strategies for playing, you can enhance your gaming experience. It won't guarantee a big six, seven, or eight-figure win, but it can increase your chances of hitting the big prize.

Always remember to choose reputable casinos, engage in responsible gambling, and enjoy the thrill without expectations or stress. With the right approach, you could very well join the list of big progressive jackpot winners.