What Is a Progressive Slot Machine?

Simply put, a progressive jackpot has a prize that increases every time the game is played but not won. With every spin, a small portion of the stake amount goes towards the progressive jackpot prize, so the longer it goes without being won, the higher the potential payout will be. 

Once the jackpot is won, it is reset to a lower level and the process restarts. Some slots even have multiple progressive jackpot prizes, so even if you’re not lucky enough to scoop the biggest one, you might still be able to bag a smaller prize. 

But progressive jackpot slots don’t have one chance to win a life-changing sum of money. The games still allow you to land smaller wins by matching symbols on the reels like any other slot game. 

Depending on the game, the progressive jackpot payout might be triggered by landing a specific combination of symbols or by dropping randomly, giving you a real chance of winning any time. 

Like all other trustworthy slot games, progressive jackpots use Random Number Generator technology, which means that the outcome of every spin is random, and there’s nothing you, as a player, can do to influence it. 

There are three main types of progressive jackpot slots, each working slightly differently. Different games might appeal to you depending on whether you’re aiming for a gigantic win or want a good chance at bagging a top prize on a game with a fun theme. The types of progressive jackpots are standalone, local, and wide-area jackpots, as explained in detail below.

If you consider games from all the leading software providers, there’s probably a selection of a few hundred big progressive games out there. Like all other slots, progressive jackpots have themes, special features, and ways to win. Below are some of our favourites:

Mega Moolah is probably the most famous progressive jackpot slot in the world. Since its debut in 2006, it has paid out dozens of six- and seven-figure jackpots. This pokie even holds the record for the biggest prize payout, over $28 million. 

If the classic Mega Moolah game isn’t enough for you, there are also many spinoffs, including Mega Moolah Absolutely Mad and Immortal Romance Mega Moolah – each with a big progressive jackpot.

The Age of the Gods slots by Playtech offers four progressive jackpot prizes. The series has several games, all themed around ancient Greek Gods. The games have special features like wilds and scatter symbols, and they all have bonus rounds based on the legend of ancient Greece.

The biggest Age of the Gods progressive jackpot prizes usually drop when they reach the mid-six figures, around $300,000, or even more. The jackpot prizes can be triggered on any spin – including a losing one.

This NetEnt title is one of the most popular slot games ever. With a mythological theme, it has a luxurious look and feel and many special features, such as re-spins, free spins, and wild substitutions. 

Land three bonus symbols to open the jackpot game, where you can bag that substantial progressive prize. The jackpot game has 15 reels, and if you fill up the entire grid with bonus symbols, you’ll win the mega progressive jackpot prize. 

Many online casinos offer a good selection of progressive jackpot slots, but surprisingly, not all do. Before you sign up at an online casino, it’s a good idea to check if it has any jackpots available. These games often have their dedicated section in the games lobby. Below are some of the top Australian online casinos where you can enjoy progressive jackpots: 

• A$2000 Bonus + 200 Free Spins
• Payments via bank cards, e-wallets, and crypto
• Over 100 progressive jackpots
• Six-figure jackpot prizes
• Games include Mega Glam Life, Mega Gems, A Night in Paris

• A$5000 Bonus + 300 Free Spins
• Payments via bank cards, e-wallets, and crypto
• Over 100 progressive jackpots
• Top payouts of over six figures
• Games include Divine Fortune, Mega Joker, 10 Power Hot

• A$750 Bonus + 200 Free Spins
• Payments via bank cards, e-wallets, and crypto
• Daily jackpots available 
• Games include Age of Gods: Norse Legends, Leprechaun’s Luck, and Gem’s Splash Kings Court

There are many online pokies, but none are more thrilling than progressive jackpots. While these vast prizes don’t always drop, thousands of happy players have won gigantic jackpots thanks to games like Mega Moolah, Age of the Gods, and Divine Fortune. 

Whether you’re new to online casino games or a seasoned pro looking for extra excitement, progressive jackpots are unmissable. 

To ensure you stay up to date with which online casinos have the best pokies, including progressive jackpots, keep an eye on our Betsquare blog or our top pokies page.