All gamblers dream of winning a jackpot, yet very few understand how these popular games work or are even aware of the fact that different game formats trigger these gigantic prizes at different points. Even when playing with verified Canadian casino operators, plenty of gamblers are so eager to play they forget to read the rules disclosed within the game.
To help players understand what jackpot games are all about, we bring you this short guide on the most desired online prizes around.
Progressive Jackpots: Go Big or Go Home
Progressive jackpot games are the ones with the biggest prizes. The most famous is the Mega Moolah series, in which the biggest payout easily reaches a couple of million CAD. Each time someone places a bet, a small fraction of it is added to the pot. Any progressive slot will always have multiple prize levels attached.
That being said, not all progressives are created alike:
- Classic progressives are those in which only bets are placed at that particular casino count. This means the size of the top payout may vary from website to website. The best example of this game is Divine Fortune from NetEnt.
- Global progressives are prizes generated by all players at all casinos who play that particular title, thus making prizes bigger than in any other type of jackpot-inspired game. The best example of this type of game is Mega Moolah.
Casinos with jackpot games put their progressives into a prominent spot on the website, as players seem to prefer them over any other type of slot.
Random vs. Fixed Jackpots
Not all jackpots have the same gaming mechanics, and the main prize can be triggered in different ways. The most common types are random and fixed, referring to the time point at which the prize is released.
In random jackpots, there are no rules, and the big prize can drop at any point. It can grow for as long as necessary, and players can trigger it at any point. Very often, these jackpots don’t have a minimum or maximum limit.
In the fixed type, there is usually a “must-drop” amount. After the prize reaches a certain threshold, it is only a matter of time before someone wins the big one.
Integrating the Jackpot System
Online jackpot games are, just like all other titles at any iGaming platform, powered by software suppliers. The casino must sign a contract with a company to add their games to their interface. This is why it is incredibly important for players to choose safe sites that work only with premium providers.
That way, they can be sure the mechanics are fair and there is no outside intervention that could intervene with their chances.
As always, players must be aware gambling is nothing but fun. Being fixated only on the grand jackpot prize can lead to irresponsible behaviour and increased risk exposure. Ultimately, a jackpot is a wonderful addition to the mix, but it is the overall gaming experience that counts.