If you play online slots you will discover two basic types of jackpot games. Slots with progressive jackpot & slots with fixed jackpot. They both give you the chance to win more than the usual payouts however they do so in very different ways. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right kind of game for how you like to play and what you expect.
What a Fixed Jackpot Is
A fixed jackpot is a fixed prize amount that never changes. It doesn’t matter how many people play, or how long it’s been since it was last won. If a game has a top prize that is paid out every time it is won.
These jackpots are won more often than progressive ones because the prize pool doesn’t grow. But there is a cap on the max payout, so you know what you could win before you start.
What a Progressive Jackpot Is
As more people bet, a progressive jackpot grows because a portion of each bet goes into the pool. It goes back to a base amount when won and starts growing again.
A lot of casinos have progressive jackpots that can grow to big amounts because they are linked together. It gets more exciting as time goes on and they are still not claimed.
The Differences in Odds and Frequency
The main difference is how often the top prize is won. The smaller prize and less demanding conditions for triggering it result in fixed jackpots happening more often.
Progressive jackpots are much harder to win. The odds of hitting the top prize on a progressive slot are significantly lower than on a fixed jackpot game. This is the trade-off players accept in exchange for the possibility of a much larger payout. The best casino slot machines online cover both types, giving players the choice between chasing a life-changing sum or aiming for a more achievable top prize.
Which Type Suits Different Players
Fixed jackpot slots are ideal for players who want to play a more predictable game, with a guaranteed top prize. The wins come more often, the amounts are known in advance, and the game does not require you to chase a constantly moving target.
If the idea of a huge, perhaps life-changing windfall sounds good to you, try progressive jackpot slots. The lower odds are part of the package, and most players who like progressives see the jackpot as a long shot bonus rather than the main goal of every session.
Volatility and How It Connects
Progressive jackpot slots are often at higher volatility because a portion of each bet goes to the jackpot instead of the regular payout pool. This means the base game may pay less often but the jackpot keeps growing.
This link helps you set proper expectations for what a session on a progressive game will likely feel like versus a fixed jackpot title.
Wrapping Up
Slots with progressive and fixed jackpots offer two different experiences with varying risk and reward profiles. Fixed jackpots are predictable and have a maximum. If you want a chance to win a bigger prize, you can play progressive jackpots, but the odds of winning are lower. Knowing what kind of machine is right for your goals makes choosing between the best online casino slot machines a much easier decision.
