Jackpots

    What is a “progressive jackpot”? It is very simple, it is a jackpot for a gaming machine (slots or video poker), where the jackpots value goes up ever time the game is played (the jackpot is not won). It is quite often that a number of gaming machines is linked to one progressive jackpot. More players are trying to hit the same jackpot at the same time,  so the jackpot level grows faster.

  How does it work?
Usually, slot machines have their 'jackpot' listed as a monetary value and this can only be won by achieving the combination with the highest payoff; whether that's 4 cherries in a row or a royal flush' at a video poker machine. After someone wins the jackpot the machine resets itself and the jackpot level is set on the starting-predefined level. The difference with progressive jackpots' is that each time a game is played on a connected machine, the jackpot increases (progresses . . .)by a small amount. So, instead of individuals all playing to win a $5,000 or $10,000 dollar jackpot at single machines, each player is increasing the jackpot they’re playing for every time they pull the handle. The ‘house’ sets the amount by which the jackpot progresses and is willing to contribute to some of the profit because progressive jackpots attract so many players. In other words, they limit some of their profit initially to make more later because of the attraction that large jackpots have to so many players. It is also very common that progressive jackpots requires the maximum number of coins in order to be won.

How to “qualify” for the jackpot?
As it was said before there are games that require the maximum number of coins wager in order to hit the jackpot. Usually games that need the maximum number of coins to qualify for the jackpot will rise to higher jackpot faster than the games that require less coins. To see this illustrated, consider the following example: If one game requires 10 credits in order to be eligible for the jackpot while another only requires 5, more people may play the 5-credit game. Thinking that 10 credits are too much to play with, they’ll choose the 5-credit game. If they usually only play with 3 credits, they may figure that an additional 2 is no big deal and indeed worth it when considering the possibility of winning the large jackpot. However, because there is such a larger difference between 3 and 10 credits, players are more likely to continue only playing with 3 at 10-credit machine and thus, they’re continually adding to the jackpot without ever achieving the possibility of winning it!

Advantages and disadvantages.
The first and probably most important thing that players think about when playing a game with progressive jackpot is the opportunity to win big money with one right combination. This is a great advantage of progressive games. But, on the other hand one must play with more credits per game than on a normal non progressive machine. However, the jackpot grows fast, and the money you can win with one single spin can be huge! But be aware that each casino has its own payout process, so once again remember to check the payout tables and requirements before you put your money into the machine.

Progressive or regular?
The choice is up to you, you may play progressive or regular machines. The chances are the same and there are no special ways of improving your advantage. However, some players are trying “team” play at progressive slots, but most of the casinos prohibit that type of playing. Slots is a game of pure luck and it is your decision which type to play, progressive or regular.