What a jackpot is
A jackpot is an extraordinary win tied to a specific game or group of games. Unlike ordinary wins, which follow from paylines or combinations, a jackpot is triggered in a special way. It may be a special combination of symbols, a bonus round or a random trigger.
Jackpots are most often associated with slots, but they also appear in some table and live games. Their character differs from game to game and is always described in the rules section of the specific title.
What they have in common is that they are separate from the ordinary game and work as a distinct layer above it. The player is in the running for the jackpot alongside ordinary spins or rounds, without having to do anything extra. That is why jackpot titles play just as comfortably as any other game.
If you're interested in slots as a whole, you'll find an overview on the slots page.
Fixed jackpot
A fixed jackpot has a value set in advance, which does not change according to how many players play the game. Once it is landed, it is paid out and the game continues with the same setup as before.
This type is usually part of the game itself and requires no link with other titles. The condition for triggering it is fixed in the rules, for example a particular combination of symbols on the reels.
Fixed jackpots are as a rule lower than progressive ones, since they do not build up from players' contributions. Their advantage is clarity; the player knows in advance what they are playing for.
Often a single game contains several fixed jackpots at once, arranged into levels. Lower levels tend to fall more often, the higher ones more rarely. Here too, the conditions for triggering each level are set by the rules of the given title.
Progressive jackpot
A progressive jackpot grows gradually. From every stake placed in the game, a small part goes into the jackpot pool, which increases until someone lands it. After a win, the pool resets to its base value and grows again from scratch.
It is precisely this mechanism that can create markedly higher amounts than fixed jackpots. The speed of growth depends on how many players take part in the game.
A progressive jackpot may be tied to a single game only, or linked across several titles. And that brings us to the third type.
Network jackpot
A network jackpot connects several games, or even several casinos, into one shared pool. Contributions flow from many tables and slots at once, which is why this pool grows the fastest of all the types.
Such jackpots are usually run by the game supplier, who links them across their portfolio. Thanks to that, a player from any connected place can reach the shared win.
Network jackpots are typical of the big slot brands. It is with them that the most striking wins arise, but the chance of triggering one is also spread across a large number of players.
Involving several operations means that a broad base of players contributes to the pool, players who do not know one another and play at different times. In the end, only one of them lands the win, and that is according to the rules of the given game. The network model thus combines the potential of a large pool with a naturally spread probability.
How a jackpot is built and paid out
The source of most jackpots is the players' stakes themselves. Part of every amount placed is set aside into the pool, which makes the jackpot grow. With fixed jackpots the value is set in advance and this principle does not apply.
Triggering a win happens in different ways. Sometimes it is brought on by a particular combination of symbols, other times the jackpot triggers at random after any round. There are also jackpots with the condition that they must fall by a certain point, which are known as must-drop.
| Type of jackpot | Source of value | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed | set in advance | one game |
| Progressive | contributions from stakes | one or more games |
| Network | contributions from many places | several games and casinos |
The payout is as a rule credited all at once as a single sum to the player account. With very high network wins, the game supplier may apply their own verification procedure ahead of the credit. Such conditions are part of the rules of the title and apply equally to all the players involved.
After the win is paid out, the pool is set to its base level and the cycle starts again. The exact rules for triggering and payout are always set by the specific game.
How to find jackpot games
Jackpot games are usually marked out separately in the casino, often with their own icon or a dedicated section. With progressive and network jackpots, the current accumulated value is usually shown right by the game.
Splitting the games into categories makes finding your way easier. How the offer is arranged and where to look for jackpot titles is described on the casino categories page. Most jackpots are found among the slots, but it's worth looking through the table and live game sections too.
When choosing, it's good to note which type of jackpot it is. A fixed one pleases with its clarity, while a progressive or network one appeals with the sight of a growing pool. The choice depends on what you expect from the game.
Before playing, it pays to read the rules of the title. In them you'll find which type of jackpot it is and on what conditions it triggers. If you're not sure, contact support for advice.