What Is a Progressive Slot Machine, and How to Win?

Article by : Divya Gandotra Apr 1, 2025

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Updated: Apr 13, 2025

Have you ever dreamed of winning a life-changing jackpot with just one spin? At least, if you’ve ever played slots with jackpots, this thought might have crossed your mind.

Today, I’ll be talking about jackpots. It’s that type of feature in some slots that could literally turn you into a millionaire after only one spin if you’re lucky. But how do they work, and what can you do to increase your chances of winning the jackpot? Is there anything you can do, other than relying on fate? In this article, I will explain progressive jackpots and their mechanics, and share some tips.

What is a Progressive Slot?

A progressive slot is a type of machine where the jackpot increases over time as players make bets. Unlike regular slots with fixed jackpots, progressive slots have a prize pool that grows with each spin on one or more machines. Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill, getting bigger with every turn — that’s how a progressive jackpot accumulates until a lucky player hits the big win. Doesn’t it sound magical?

Progressive slots also differ from regular slots in their payout structure. In a standard slot, the main prize is fixed, for example, 1000x your bet. On the other hand, progressive jackpots can reach millions, as a small percentage of each bet (usually 1-3%) goes into the prize pool. Once the jackpot is won, it resets to a base amount and starts to grow again.

There are two main types of progressive slots:

• Standalone Progressive Slots — the jackpot is tied to a single machine, so it grows only from bets on that specific slot.
• Network Progressive Slots — these slots connect multiple machines, sometimes even across different casinos, creating massive progressive jackpots thanks to a larger number of players.

Playing these slots’s especially fun and a bit strange because you don’t feel alone. Thousands, or even tens of thousands, of players are trying to win the huge prize along with you.

How Do Progressive Slot Machines Work?

The magic of progressive slots lies in their jackpot mechanics. A small portion is added to the progressive jackpot every time a player places a bet. This fund continues to grow until someone wins, after which it resets to a predefined base amount, often called the starting value. To better understand how to balance your bets for these jackpots, explore our guide on how much to bet on slots, which offers insights into managing your wagers effectively.

There’s also another way to classify these slots. Progressive jackpots can be either fixed or variable. A fixed progressive jackpot grows at a set rate, while a variable one can fluctuate depending on players’ activity. Some slots have multiple jackpots, such as Mini, Major, and Mega (although in my experience, I’ve often come across slots with four types of jackpots, not three), which grow at different speeds. For example, the Mega jackpot might start at €1 million, while the Mini starts at €100.

Players often need to make a minimum bet to be eligible for a progressive jackpot. In many games, you need to place the maximum bet to have a chance of winning. For example, if the maximum bet is €5 per spin, smaller bets may exclude you from winning the jackpot, even if you hit the right combination. If you don’t like to take risks, it’s better to avoid the latest version of such slots.

Types of Progressive Slots

Progressive slots come in various formats, each offering a unique gaming experience. Here’s a brief overview of the main types.

Each type suits different players. Standalone slots offer better odds of winning, but smaller prizes, while wide progressive jackpots promise huge payouts, but with more competition. In my opinion, wide progressive slots are much more fun to play.

How to Win on Progressive Slots

Winning a progressive jackpot on a slot is a dream for many, but let’s be honest, the chances of winning are very low — usually 1 in millions. The jackpot is triggered by a rare combination, like landing five specific symbols on a payline or triggering a random bonus round. To learn more about it, check out our guide on how jackpots are activated in slot games. Although luck plays a major role, there are ways to increase your chances.

1. Always make the maximum bet if required. Many progressive jackpot slots award the jackpot only to players who make maximum bets. For example, in the game Treasure Quest Jackpot (I should note, this isn’t an online casino, but it’s a popular game with a lot of funny and interesting videos on YouTube, so you might want to check it out), you may need to bet €5 per spin to have a chance to win. Smaller bets may mean you miss out on the jackpot, even if you hit the right combination. So always check the paytable to make sure. It contains all the necessary information. Also, you can watch how popular players play this slot on YouTube.
2. Understand your chances. Progressive jackpots increase as more players make bets, but that also means more competition. Some players wait for the jackpot to reach a large sum, thinking, “ Oh, it’s about to hit right now”. But, jackpots are random, so this strategy doesn’t guarantee a win — it just increases the potential payout if you do win.
3. Finally, manage your bankroll wisely. Progressive slots can be high-risk due to their volatility, so set a budget and stick to it. Play for fun, not just for the jackpot (although that might be a little hard when there’s a sum of several million in front of you).

Pros and Cons of Progressive Slots

Like anything, progressive jackpot slot machines have both pros and cons.

Conclusion

Progressive slots are the shining sibling of regular slots. Games with progressive jackpot mechanics offer the chance to win large sums as the jackpots grow until someone claims the prize. And sooner or later, someone will. From standalone slots to progressive networks, these games are designed for different types of players, balancing risk and reward. Although the chances of winning are low (I’ll repeat it), understanding the mechanics, like making maximum bets and managing your bankroll wisely, can improve your experience. The thrill of chasing a massive win makes progressive slots a favorite for many. Play responsibly, enjoy the process, and who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next big winner on progressive slots.