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    What Triggers a Jackpot on an Online Slot Machine

    Article by : Matthew Gover Sep 20, 2023
    Updated: Apr 2, 2024
    The triggering of jackpots in slot machines, especially in games with random or progressive jackpots, is determined by the Random Number Generator (RNG). This slot machine component ensures that each spin is random and independent of previous spins.

    So, whether it’s your first or your thousandth, each spin has the same chance of triggering a jackpot. While it might not be the most glamorous explanation, it’s the foundation of fair and unbiased gameplay in modern slot machines.

    Generally, There are two main types of jackpots: fixed and progressive. Here’s how each of them is triggered more likely:

    • Fixed Jackpots:
      • Symbol Combinations: In most online slots, fixed jackpots are triggered by landing specific symbol combinations on the reels. These combinations are usually rare and consist of high-value symbols. For example, you should land five special jackpot symbols on an active payline to win the fixed jackpot.
    • Progressive Jackpots:
      • Random Jackpot: Some progressive jackpot slots have a random jackpot feature. This means that the jackpot can be triggered at any time during gameplay, regardless of the symbols or the size of your bet. It’s entirely luck-based, and players have won these jackpots on small and large bets.
      • Specific Symbol Combinations: Many progressive jackpot slots require you to land a specific symbol combination (usually a set of special symbols) on the reels to trigger the jackpot round. This may involve bonus games or wheel spins where you can win one of several jackpot tiers. The odds of triggering a progressive jackpot often increase with higher bets.
      • Jackpot Contributions: A portion of each player’s bet contributes to the jackpot pool in progressive slots. So, the more bets placed on the game, the higher the jackpot. When a player lands the required combination, they win the accumulated jackpot.
      • Bet Size Matters: It’s important to note that in many progressive slots, your bet size can influence your chances of triggering the jackpot. Betting at higher denominations often increases your chances of entering the jackpot game, but it’s not a guarantee.

    Triggering a jackpot in an online slot machine depends on the game’s rules. Fixed jackpots usually require specific symbol combinations, while progressive jackpots can be won randomly or through designated symbol combinations, often with a connection to your bet size.

    How Often Do Slot Machines Hit Jackpots?

    jackpot

    There are a variety of factors that influence the frequency of a slot machine hitting the jackpot. These factors can include the return to player percentage, volatility, hit frequency, jackpot size, and the random number generator.

    The volatility of a slot machine’s jackpot can be a key indicator of how often it will pay out and the size of the prizes. Jackpot slots with high volatility are likely to have larger payouts but less frequent wins compared to lower-volatility slots.

    In addition, the size of the jackpot can impact how often it is won. Smaller jackpots usually result in lower volatility and more frequent payouts compared to larger jackpots.

    Despite these theoretical indicators, the random nature of slot machines means that actual results may vary.

    How Slot Machines Determine Winners?

    Slot machines determine all outcomes, including jackpot winners, using a Random Number Generator (RNG). The RNG is a sophisticated mechanism within each slot machine that dictates every result of a game, including the possibility of hitting the jackpot.

    The RNG produces a variety of number sequences, creating thousands of outcomes every millisecond, even when the slot is idle. When you press the spin button, the specific number sequence generated at that moment determines the result that appears on the screen.

    Every slot machine is equipped with an RNG to guarantee that all players experience fair gameplay and have an equal opportunity to win.

    Myth Explanation
    1. Jackpot won’t payout for a while after being won Contrary to popular belief, the idea that a jackpot slot won’t pay out for some time after someone wins is false. Each spin is an independent event, and it’s entirely possible for two players to win the jackpot in quick succession, though the casino always has the odds in its favor.
    2. Reels wiggle indicating an imminent jackpot Some players speculate that when the reels wiggle, a significant payout is imminent. However, this belief is unfounded. Slot machines incorporate various sounds and animations for visual appeal, and reel movements are merely part of this visual stimulation, unrelated to the timing of payouts.
    3. Jackpot hits when it reaches a specific amount There’s a myth circulating that a jackpot is more likely to hit once it reaches a certain threshold, particularly in the seven-figure range for progressive jackpots. In reality, this notion is baseless; slot outcomes are purely random, and the jackpot can be won at any stage, regardless of its current amount.
    4. Jackpot follows a long losing streak Another misconception is that after experiencing a prolonged losing streak, a player is due for a jackpot win. This belief lacks any factual basis. Whether a player is winning, losing, or experiencing mixed results, each spin remains independent, unaffected by previous outcomes. Therefore, there is no correlation between past performance and future jackpot wins.

    What Are The Odds Of Winning A Slot Machine Jackpot?

    If maximum win odds in standard slot machines are 1 in a billion, can you imagine the odds of winning a progressive jackpot? One in several billion spins depending on a game design overall.

    Can You Win a Jackpot With a Minimum Bet?

    Yes, winning a jackpot with the minimum bet on some slot machines is possible. However, your chances of winning a jackpot with the minimum bet are generally much lower than if you were to bet the maximum amount allowed. There was a story when a UK Soldier won £13.3 Million With a 0.25 Bet On Mega Moolah Slot.

    Matthew Gover

    After completing his studies, Matthew embarked on a journey teaching English abroad, firstly in Spain and then Vietnam. However, his true passion lies in writing, and he eventually returned to the UK to pursue a career in this field. Combining his love for writing with an avid interest in the iGaming industry, Matthew's thoughts and viewpoints on various gambling topics can be found across the internet.