The 6 Types of Jackpot Slots and How They Work

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Types of Jackpot Slots and How They Work
BetMGM Mar 25, 2024, 3:15 AM

Slot machines aren’t just about spinning reels and hoping for a lucky combination. They offer much more excitement, especially when it comes to the potential of hitting a jackpot. While many players may be familiar with the term “jackpot,” few realize there are different types of slot jackpots to be won. Explore the six types of jackpot slots that online slot players should know about.

Understanding these differences can inform your decisions when selecting a game; this can be instrumental in ensuring you’ve chosen a title that suits your playing style and budget. Below, learn what sets each type of slot apart and discover which one might give you that edge for the next big win.

Understanding Jackpots

So, where does the term jackpot come from? It has its roots in the late 19th century and was initially associated solely with poker. During a game, players would contribute to a pot until someone could open the betting with two jacks or better, hence the term “jack-pot.” Over time, the concept of accumulating a pot until a specific condition is met migrated to other forms of gambling and contest winnings, ultimately broadening to signify any large cash prize or accumulated wealth. Today, in the context of slot machines, it represents the substantial sum of money won through the game’s highest winning combination.

1. Progressive Jackpots

Slots with a progressive jackpot are the giants of the slot world. With every bet players place, a percentage goes towards the jackpot, allowing it to grow progressively until one lucky player hits the big prize. Progressive jackpots can be linked to a particular slot title or connected to a network of titles in a casino or across multiple casinos. The more machines that are linked, the faster the prize grows. What makes these big jackpot slots so attractive is their life-changing payouts. They aren’t fixed and can reach into the millions, making headlines when they pay out.

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2. Fixed Jackpots

The opposite of progressive slots, fixed jackpot titles have a maximum payout predefined by the developer. These jackpots do not increase or accumulate over time; instead, they offer a static amount, which can be found in the game’s paytable. This type is ideal for those who prefer knowing exactly what they can win, providing a more straightforward slot experience but still with substantial potential payouts.

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3. Local Jackpots

Local jackpot slots are confined to a specific casino or gaming website. Since the jackpot is only contributed to by the players on that title, the amount is generally smaller than progressive jackpots, which are pooled across a network of titles or casinos. However, your winning odds are higher than networked jackpots since the competition is limited.

Two critical factors to consider here are spatial constraints and timing. When playing at a land-based casino, all the machines may be occupied, making it harder to get a seat and thus a chance at winning the jackpot. This isn’t an issue when playing online — though you may want to consider the time of day when playing a local jackpot at an online casino. Playing during the platform’s peak hours may mean that the jackpot builds up faster, but more players will compete for the prize. Playing during off-peak hours will result in a slower building jackpot but a better chance at scoring it.

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4. Network Jackpots

Network jackpots, also known as pooled jackpots, receive contributions from players across multiple slot titles or various casinos that host the same game whenever they place a wager. These online jackpot slots can quickly balloon to staggering amounts, offering an alluring win. But, as one might expect, with more players trying their luck from around the country — or even the globe — the odds of claiming this jackpot are significantly lower.

5. Must-Drop Jackpots

Titles featuring a must-drop jackpot have a predetermined deadline by which the jackpot must be won. These can be hourly, daily, or before reaching a certain amount. This newer type of progressive jackpot offers additional excitement, as players have a clearer idea of when the jackpot will drop, making for heart-racing gameplay.

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6. Multiple Jackpots

Why settle for just one jackpot when you can have multiple chances to win? Multiple jackpot slots offer several jackpot levels — mini, minor, major, and grand, for example. Each of these has a different value and offers extra winning opportunities. The caveat is that each jackpot level may have different requirements — like reaching a certain bet level or activating a specific game feature.

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Play To Hit the Slot Jackpot at BetMGM Casino

Experience the thrill of online jackpot slots when you register with BetMGM Casino. You can play jackpot slots and other great casino games for real money if you’re playing from within one of the four legal U.S. casino states where BetMGM Casino is legally active: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia.

Explore the guide to BetMGM Casino jackpot slots to see what’s on offer and spin the reels with a targeted strategy in mind. For a different type of jackpot, expand your selection from slot games to online casino games, where you can choose from a range of table games, live dealer entertainment, and variety games like Slingo and scratch cards.

Actress Vanessa Hudgens flipping casino chips next to the text "The King of Casinos"
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Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.

Our BetMGM editors and authors are casino experts with a wealth of knowledge of the online casino industry at all levels. Their coverage includes company news, game reviews, how-to instructional articles, strategy guides, and editorials showcasing BetMGM’s superior product and game library.