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In this guide, our experts introduce you to the exciting world of progressive jackpot slots, where cash prizes increase with each spin. Discover top-rated online casinos in Canada for these jackpot games, learn strategies for big wins, and understand how to play progressive slots for a chance at life-altering rewards.
A progressive jackpot is a slot game linked in a network with other slots in a casino, sharing a prize pool. Every time someone plays a progressive slot online, a portion of their stake is added to the jackpot, which keeps growing until one lucky player wins the entire amount. Once it has been won, the jackpot resets to a preset value.
Unlike standard slot games, which have fixed maximum payouts, online jackpots have no theoretical limit on the prize pool size, making this type of casino game appealing to players chasing major wins.
Online jackpot slots are powered by a Random Number Generator (RNG), software that ensures each reel spin is random. These RNGs must be certified by independent third-party companies like iTech Labs and eCOGRA. They check the integrity of the software and carry out stringent tests before they issue a certificate. Reputable online casinos often display these certifications on their websites, providing players with assurance of fair play.
Focus on sites with a good variety of progressive games, and make sure that the site is reputable and fully licensed. It's better to choose brands with positive user reviews, such as Jackpot City online casino, which offers five of the best progressive slots.
Go to the online casino library's progressives section and study your options. Pick your game based on RTP figure, theme, user reviews, and game provider. Check if the game has a demo mode and try it first before risking real money.
With some progressive slots, you have to bet a certain large amount to have a chance of winning the big prize. Always check the game rules at a chosen casino to determine the minimum stake to be eligible for the jackpot.
Play a game in demo mode first to try it out. Watch for bonus features, respins, and mini-games, which give you smaller wins while you play for the jackpot. When ready, make a real money deposit and spin the reels.
When you're chasing a big prize, it can be tempting to wager too much. That's why you should set aside a bankroll you can afford to lose. When that money is gone, stop playing. Set time limits for how long you play, as it can be easy to lose track of time when spinning the reels.
| Game | Provider | RTP | Paylines | Biggest Win |
| Mega Moolah | Games Global | 93.4% | 25 | $28.8 million |
| Hall of Gods | NetEnt | 95.5% | 20 | $10.8 million |
| Mega Fortune | NetEnt | 96.6% | 25 | $26.6 million |
| Jackpot Giant | Playtech | 94.2% | 50 | $9.4 million |
| Joker Millions | Yggdrasil | 95.3% | 25 | $11.6 million |
Mega Moolah by Games Global (ex-Microgaming) dates back to 2006, but it is the undisputed king of progressive jackpots. Known as the 'Millionaire Maker,' it is a low-volatility online slot with an RTP of 93.4%, based on an African safari theme. It features a free spin bonus game and four jackpots, and delivered the biggest jackpot prize among online progressive slots of $28.8 million in April 2021.
Hall of Gods by NetEnt is a Norse-themed slot packed with player-friendly bonuses, including free spins, expanding Wilds, multipliers, and three jackpots. It was released in 2010, so its graphics may look less advanced compared to modern online slots, but that doesn't make it worse by any means. It has a minimum stake of $0.20 and an RTP of 95.5%. The biggest win to date was $10.8 million in April 2015.
Mega Fortune is a classic 5x3 slot with free spins and three various jackpots. The central theme revolves around luxury and glamour. It's another low-volatility online slot from NetEnt, launched just two years after Mega Moolah. Yet, it has a much higher RTP of 96.6% and is not far behind in the big wins race. Its average jackpot is around $5.31 million, and its biggest prize to date was $26.6 million in January 2013.
Released in 2014, Jackpot Giant by Playtech still feels like a modern slot title. This low-volatility game with a Stone Age theme is full of bonuses, including a Pick-Me prize mini-game and a 50,000x standard maximum win. The slot costs $7 per spin and has delivered several big wins, including a $9.4 million prize in October 2018.
A 2015 release from Yggdrasil, Joker Millions has an RTP of 95.3% and a simple layout based on a classic fruit-machine theme. It scatters bonus features, including Sticky Wilds and the unique Joker Spin. The progressive jackpot starts at €100,000, and it produced a win of $11.6 million in November 2018.
The size of the jackpot, the player stake, and the frequency of payouts vary between types of progressive slots, so it is essential to learn their differences.
Standalone jackpot games are not part of a network, so they don't have slots from other casinos feeding into the prize pool. As the jackpot can only be won in one game, prizes tend to be smaller than those of the other types.
This is the most popular online progressive type, involving a shared prize pool from hundreds or thousands of instances of the same game. Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, and Hall of Gods are all excellent examples, and all have created millionaire winners at some point, although payouts are extremely rare.
This type of jackpot game is an option for players who want a balance between regular payouts and big prizes. Local progressives represent a single game, interlinked between multiple other progressive slot machines within a limited area, such as one casino or casino operator. They still generate big prizes but payout more frequently than Wide Area Network games.
There is no guaranteed way to hit the progressive slot jackpot since they are powered by a Random Number Generator. However, some strategies and tips can be used to lessen unnecessary risks. Our experts have drawn up the list of the best methods to help you increase the winning chances and enjoyment of the game.
To avoid spending all your funds at once, we recommend setting a realistic bankroll and dividing it over multiple sessions. This way, you can extend your playing enjoyment while keeping your gambling under control.
Look for the biggest possible Return to Player percentage. The higher the RTP, the better your winning chances. Jackpots tend to have lower RTPs than regular slots, but some, such as Mega Fortune (96.6%) and Bonanza Megapays (96.4%), won't reduce your bankroll as quickly.
There are two different ways to play progressives. If you aim for a big win, you can make large qualifying bets in games with huge prizes, such as Mega Fortune. An alternative strategy is to spread your bankroll into smaller bets and play on standalone progressive games, where prizes are smaller but more frequent.
Your chances of winning the jackpot stay the same regardless of the prize pool size. However, if you play when the prize is at its highest, you will aim for the biggest prize possible, increasing your wagers' value.
Did You Know?
The average jackpot win for the Mega Moolah slot machine is over $6 million. Since its launch in 2006, the game has created more than 70 different jackpot millionaires.
Hitting the big payout is the dream for any jackpot player. We've compiled a list of the ten biggest wins, including the historic $28.8 million win on Mega Moolah:
| Amount | Game | Date | Casino | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $28.8 million | Mega Moolah | 27/04/2021 | Napoleon Casino | Anonymous |
| $28.1 million | Mega Moolah | 28/09/2018 | Grand Mondial | Anonymous |
| $27.3 million | WowPot Mega | 14/04/2021 | 32Red | Mr M |
| $26.6 million | Mega Fortune | 20/01/2013 | Paf Casino | Anonymous |
| $24.5 million | Mega Moolah | 05/04/2020 | Jackpot City | Anonymous |
| $23.7 million | Mega Moolah | 06/10/2015 | Betway | Jon Heywood |
| $21.8 million | Mega Moolah | 17/08/2020 | Lucky Casino | Anonymous |
| $20.1 million | Mega Moolah | 30/01/2019 | Zodiac Casino | Anonymous |
| $17.4 million | Mega Fortune | 23/09/2011 | Betsson | Anonymous |
| $12.9 million | Mega Moolah | 05/03/2019 | Luxury Casino | Anonymous |
Our experts evaluate progressive jackpot slots by weighing up value for money, chances of winning, and player entertainment. Here are some of the main factors we consider:
It is no coincidence that the most accomplished game developers produce the most popular and successful jackpot slots. Our casino gaming experts focus on the providers with the most impressive track records.
Originally known as Microgaming, Games Global is the oldest casino game developer, having launched in 1994. It is known for the most famous progressives, such as Mega Moolah, King Cashalot, and Mega Millions.
NetEnt launched just two years after Microgaming and has been responsible for iconic slot games such as Starburst and the Gonzo's Quest series. It has four progressive jackpot titles to its name: Mega Fortune, Hall of Gods, Arabian Nights, and Mega Fortune Dreams.
Launched in 1999, Playtech is a major player in the online casino world. It has produced over 30 progressive jackpots, including Jackpot Giant. It is also known for making software for bingo, poker, sports betting, scratch cards, and other gambling platforms.
Yggdrasil has been around for a little over a decade. In that time, it has earned a reputation for coming up with stylish, quirky, and attractive slot games that have scooped numerous awards. It has produced nine progressive jackpots, the most successful of which is its first, Joker Millions, released in 2015.
Progressive jackpot slots can be fun, but they aren't for everyone. Our experts have compiled the key pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to play progressive slots.
Did you know?
The first ever progressive machine, Megabucks, was launched in 1986. A year later, it brought the first winner a prize of $13.1 million.
Compare a wide range of slot types in our guides for New Slots, Video Slots, and Classic Slots.
How do progressive slots work?
Progressive slots are linked to a central prize pool, and a percentage of each wager is added to this pool. There is no maximum limit on the size of the main prize.
Is there a strategy to win progressive jackpot slots?
All progressive jackpot slots are powered by RNGs, which ensure random outcomes, so you can't use a strategy to trigger the jackpot every time. However, you can increase your chances by studying the slot beforehand in demo mode and carefully managing your bankroll.
When does the progressive jackpot hit?
The jackpot is triggered once a player randomly lines up the qualifying icons on a particular spin. There is no pattern for a guaranteed win, as an RNG determines the game outcomes.
Can I play progressive jackpots for free?
Most progressive jackpots are available to play online in a demo mode, but remember that you cannot win a real money prize when you play in this mode.
What are the most popular progressive slots?
Two of the all-time most popular jackpot slots are Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune. Both brought several lucky players eight-figure prizes.
What are the best casinos to play progressive jackpot slots?
You can find progressive slots at most of the recommended casinos on our website. For example, at Lemon Casino, you can play Mega Moolah, the most famous progressive jackpot of all. Check out our experts' guide to the leading online Canadian casinos to find out more.
Are progressive jackpot slots available on mobile?
Yes, you can play modern progressives on Android or iOS. Usually, you will need either a downloadable app or just a mobile browser.
