How Progressive Jackpots Grow: A Full Look

How Progressive Jackpots Add Up
Progressive jackpots build prize money from interconnected games. Players contribute a small percentage (often 1-3% of every bet) to these jackpots, which can grow significantly.
Big Wins and Known Examples
The biggest progressive jackpot reached $39.7 million at Excalibur Casino in 2003. Mega Moolah has awarded over £19 million since 2006, highlighting its status as a top game for large prizes.
Networks for Progressive Jackpots
Kinds of Progressive Systems
- Solo Machines: These have their own jackpots.
- Local Networks: Machines linked within a single casino.
- Wide Networks: Up to 20,000 machines across 450 casinos.
- Global Networks: Large systems spanning many countries.
How to Win and the Odds
Large bets may be necessary for a chance at the jackpot, with odds as steep as 1 in 50 million. Being familiar with these systems can improve your strategy for winning.
How Progressive Jackpots Grow
Progressive jackpots are growing prize funds increasing until won. Each bet adds a percentage (often 1-3%) to the jackpot, accumulating significant amounts across various games.
Kinds of Progressive Jackpot Setups
Single Machine Progressive Jackpots
One game progressives function independently, accumulating from each play.
Area Progressive Jackpots
Local networks consist of multiple games within one casino location.
Big Area Progressive Jackpots
Multi-spot progressives connect games across numerous locations, creating large prize pools.
Math Behind the Jackpots and How You Help Build Them
For every $1 bet, approximately $0.02-0.03 contributes to the jackpot pool. The remainder covers regular game payouts. Higher bets often increase chances for the jackpot.
Starting Values and How Jackpots Reset
Each jackpot begins with a set starting amount after a win, ensuring continued interest. Initial values start at $10,000 or more, depending on the game’s size and market.
Types of Big Prize Games
Getting Progressive Casino Games and Their Kinds
Main Types of Big Prize Games

Progressive gaming encompasses four categories, each tailored for various gameplay and jackpot structures.
Progressive Slot Machines: The Main Kind
Progressive slots represent 70% of the progressive gaming market, with three main types:
- Solo Progressive Slots: Standalone games with individual jackpots.
- Local Network (LAN) Progressives: Grouped games within a single venue.
- Wide Network (WAN) Progressives: Spanning multiple locations.
Progressive Table Games
Progressive table games integrate large prize setups into classic casino games like:
- Progressive Blackjack
- Unconventional Strategies
- Progressive Poker Tables
- Progressive Roulette
Often, additional small bets are required for jackpot eligibility.
Video Poker Progressives
Progressive video poker includes games such as:
- Megabucks Video Poker
- Triple Play Progressive
- Royal Flush Progressive Systems
Lottery-Style Big Prize Games
Progressive lottery games include:
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
These games accumulate large jackpots due to widespread participation.
Known Big Prize Records
Big Casino Jackpot Records and Noted Wins
Top Land-Based Casino Jackpots
The slot machine milestone was marked by Megabucks offering its first million-dollar prize in 1986. A 25-year-old software engineer set a record by winning a $39.7 million jackpot at Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas in 2003.
Known Online Progressive Jackpots
Microgaming’s Mega Moolah is dubbed The Millionaire Maker. It delivered a remarkable £8.9 million payout at Grand Mondial Casino in 2018. Another significant event took place in 2011 when Absolute Poker’s progressive jackpot paid out a 먹튀검증사이트 £7.8 million win.
Table Game Progressive Records
In addition to slots, table game progressives have awarded substantial sums. Caribbean Stud Poker reached its peak payout of $5.5 million at the Atlantis Paradise Island Casino in 2018.
Big Prize Trends
- Traditional casinos tend to maintain higher maximum win potential.
- Online progressives distribute wins more frequently but in smaller amounts.