Best Progressive Jackpot Slots for December 2024

Updated: | By: Viktor Peters

In this article, you can find the best progressive jackpot slots. Our team of experts has tested casinos with the largest progressives and the most significant payouts to check their current value, so you know when it’s best to join the game. Check out our list of the best jackpot games in Australia, and start playing immediately.

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What Is a Progressive Jackpot

A progressive jackpot is the casino game’s top prize, growing on each bet. Starting from a min jackpot level, it gets bigger by a tiny percentage each time. Unlike a fixed jackpot, it is neither predetermined nor limited. The prize of a progressive slot game will continue to rise until one lucky winner gets the pot. After, the value returns to the starting level.

Types of Progressive Jackpots

Each progressive game features a jackpot that players can potentially win, and the grand prize amount increases with each game. However, these progressive games vary in their mechanics and belong to distinct categories.

Progressive Jackpot

Local Progressive Jackpots

These are progressive games connected in a local & limited area (for example, the inside of a land-based casino). Since the number of games using the same pool is small, the jackpot grows slowly and only sometimes reaches record-breaking figures.

WAN Progressives Jackpots

Wide area network (WAN) jackpots can cover a much larger region, even the entire world. Games do not need to be physically close to each other; even those in different parts of the world can use the same pool. Since many more games feed the prize pool, the jackpot grows faster and can easily reach millions.

Stand-Alone Progressive Jackpots

These games are not part of any network. Their pools are private and are often exclusive to a land-based casino. The jackpot can take quite a long time to grow and pay out. However, their costs (betting ranges) are typically much lower.

How Progressive Jackpots Work

Progressive jackpots work by taking a percentage of every bet made on the game. It pools money from players at the same operator or network. Many factors determine how big the prize of progressive jackpots can reach:

  • Jackpot’s starting value
  • Percentage contribution of every wager
  • Number of operators
  • Number of players
  • Stakes
  • Elapsed time since the last win

There are conditions to winning the total prize amount of progressive jackpot games. For example, the winning odds depend on the bet size. Thus, a player may need to wager up to the max to qualify for the top win. Wagering less may disqualify you or reduce the amount you could win. Hence, ensure to review the game rules first.

By now, you should understand that winning a progressive jackpot game is tough. For this reason, it can frequently take weeks or months for a lucky player to crack the top prize. A pot can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars between wins.

Let’s consider an example of a progressive jackpot slot machine. Imagine a jackpot slot starting at A$200,000. Here, the game diverts 2% of every bet across all operators. The rule states that a player must wager A$10 (max stake) to qualify for the prize. Hence, each player contributes 20 cents per bet (2% x A$10), which builds on the starting pot.

It has been four months since a player last won. A prize pool that now stands at over A$1 million. It will continue to grow until a player at any casino wins.

How to Play the Progressive Slot Machines

Playing progressive games is no different from other slot machines because the basic rules and gameplay do not change. But you need to pay attention to a few extra things:

  • Be sure to read the payout table before playing.
    Here it is explained how the jackpot prize is triggered (random, mini-game, a specific combination of symbols, etc.). Learn how to win the jackpot before you place your bet.
  • Place your wager and press the “Spin” button.
    Remember, you can still win payouts by placing identical symbols next to each other and/or triggering other bonuses in the game (i.e., free spins).
  • Keep spinning until the jackpot is triggered.
    The rules of the game you are playing will determine how you should act after this happens. For example, you may directly get the reward or be asked to play a mini-game.

Compare Progressive and Regular Slot

Although they have many similarities, progressive and regular slots are different. In the table below, you can see the most critical elements that distinguish them.

Progressive Slots Regular Slots
Offer an additional prize (jackpot) that can be won There are no additional prizes
The winning amount can be fixed or progressive All payouts are fixed
The RTP percentage is usually low (85-90%) The RTP percentage is usually high (95% and more)

Best Progressive Pokies for Aussies

We’ve compiled a list of the top progressive slots in AU, considering gamblers’ feedback and our experts’ impressions:

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Mega Fortune Dreams (Netent)

In the “Dreams” variant of the famous Mega Fortune slot, the base game can pay up to 250 times the bet. You can win up to 25 free spins in the bonus round. Three bonus wheel symbols trigger the jackpot game and allow you to win one of the rapid (local), major (wan) or mega (wan) jackpots.

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Joker Millions (Yggdrasil)

Designed like a classic fruit machine, this slot’s Return to Player (RTP) is 94.30%. With the Column Multiplier feature, stacked symbols can pay up to 5x. If the Joker symbol appears on all 5 reels, they start spinning automatically, and a payout is made for each extra Joker symbol. If 15 symbols appear, you win the money accumulated in the pool.

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The Great Pigsby Megapays (Relax)

Using Big Time Gaming’s Megapays feature, this game has 117,649 paylines. There are four total jackpot pools, and any of them can be won at any time. The game’s paytable states that the higher the stake amount, the higher the chance of winning the jackpot.

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Sherlock & Moriarty Wowpot (Microgaming)

These progressive slots offer the Wowpot network and four jackpots, but only one is progressive (the others are local and fixed). By collecting magnifying glass symbols, you get the right to spin a wheel of fortune, and this wheel can help you win any of them.

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Dragon Chase (Quickspin)

This game has an RTP rate of 96.39%, which is quite impressive. It has four jackpots: mini, minor, major, grand, and only the last one is progressive. You start a mini-game with 3 jackpot symbols and try to collect Dragon Pearl symbols in this game. You need to collect 15 symbols to win the progressive reward.

Tips to Win Progressive Slot Machines

Progressive jackpot slots work with a Random Number Generator (RNG), determining the payout timing. Thus, there is nothing a player can do to influence the results of a round. Our experts have prepared some tips on the smart way of playing progressive slots:

  1. Determine your budget. Determining a realistic budget is wise regardless of the casino game. This is especially true with higher volatility casino games like progressive slots. Some have lower min wager requirements than others. This can help you stay within budget.
  2. Ensure to make qualifying bet amounts. Some progressive jackpots need max bet sizes to be eligible for the top prize. Read the T&Cs on qualifying bets, or you might not qualify for progressive slot machines win.
  3. Decide your goal. Your goal can be to win small prizes often. Or, it can be to win large prizes less frequently. Therefore, choose the best progressive slots to match the desired win frequency and payout.
  4. Avoid surprises by doing your homework. Always review the rules of a progressive slot to understand the requirements. Some progressive jackpot slot machines need the largest bet size possible to qualify. Also, you want to understand what triggers the jackpot.
  5. Choose suitable volatility. A lower volatility jackpot slot might be more appropriate for a smaller budget. Conversely, a high volatility slot is ideal for a much larger bankroll. A medium volatility slot is a compromise between win frequency and payout size.
  6. Play at a safe and trustworthy casino. A reputable casino will always treat players fairly. It’s also more likely to approve your withdrawal request without problems.

Biggest Progressive Slot Jackpot Wins

The highlight of playing a jackpot casino game, like Mega Moolah, is the chance to win a mega prize.

There’s no limit to the size of progressives, and the prizes seem to get bigger with popularity. You never know what can happen when you play a progressive jackpot slot. Higher risk tolerance players love the unpredictability with odds stacked against them. Below you can see the biggest jackpot wins of all time and some fun facts.

Game Provider Casino Win Date Jackpot Amount
Megabucks IGT Excalibur 24 March 2003 $39,713,982.25
Megabucks IGT Desert Inn 26 January 2000 $34,955,489.56
Megabucks IGT Palace Station 15 November 1998 $27,580,879.60
Megabucks IGT Bally’s 27 March 2002 $22,618,156.67
Megabucks IGT Cannery Casino and Hotel 15 September 2005 $21,147,947
Mega Moolah Microgaming Zodiac Casino 30 January 2019 $20,057,734
Mega Moolah Microgaming Grand Mondial 28 September 2018 €18,915,721
Mega Fortune NetEnt Paf Casino 20 January 2013 €17,860,868
Mega Moolah Microgaming Lucky Casino 17 August 2020 €14,679,069
Mega Moolah Microgaming Luxury Casino 5 March 2019 $12,945,603

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Progressive Slot Providers

There are many vendors for progressive jackpot slots. The following list demonstrates the most prominent ones:

  • IGT: Based in the US, IGT is the largest slot cabinet manufacturer in the world and also the creator of video slots, the first example of digital casino games. The company has lots of legendary titles in its portfolio. For example, the famous “Megabucks” series contains more than a dozen names with different gameplay, but they are all connected to the same prize pool.
  • Betsoft: This studio is known for 3D cinematic-quality graphics and progressive jackpot pokies. In its portfolio, you can find multiple titles with an increasing prize pool, such as Greedy Goblins, Tycoons, and The Glam Life. Their slots include unique and creative mini-games instead of the usual bonus rounds.
  • Netent: This Sweden-based studio offers more than 200 online slot machines, and almost 20% contain a jackpot, whether fixed or progressive. Its most famous progressive pokie is Mega Fortune, developed to rival Mega Moolah. Mega Fortune offers a higher RTP rate (96.60%) and more paylines (25 instead of 20).
  • Microgaming: This studio has set a world record for jackpot payouts. Mega Moolah broke the payout of €17,879,645 ($20,062,600, £13,209,300) in 2015 and is still among the most famous progressive slots in the world. The company started an entire industry by developing the world’s first online casino software.
  • Playtech: Playtech is an Estonia-based studio founded in 1999 and was long known for its superhero-themed video slots. In recent years, it has been using the mythology theme more frequently and has developed many jackpot titles based on this theme. The Age of the Gods series is the most well-known and includes multiple progressive slot games.

Top Land-Based & Online Progressive Jackpots

Here is a table with some of the most popular jackpot games at brick-and-mortar and online casinos. The highly-favoured progressive jackpot games are fun for many reasons. Some have immersive visuals, soundtracks, or animation; others — engaging features and special symbols.

The excitement builds up when you unlock different kinds of jackpots. Sometimes, the best wins happen out of the blue, totally random. Others come from bonus games, like spinning a money wheel, getting extra spins, or collecting special symbols. It’s all about the unexpected thrills!

Progressive Jackpot — FAQs

How often do progressive jackpots drop?

Average mega jackpot progressives payouts depend on the game. It ranges from months to years. Most jackpot games have a win rate of one in every 50 million to one in every 600 million spins. The high volatility also affects a chance to win progressive jackpots and makes it difficult.

How can I become a winner playing slot machines?

Slot machines payout when a spin produces a payline of identical symbols. Furthermore, some slots award a payout when enough scatters hit the playing area. Unlocking a bonus game can also credit a win.

How does a casino payout progressive jackpots win?

A progressive jackpot win payout depends on whether it's a local or network progressive. The game provider pays out network progressives faster and in full. Local progressive payouts depend on a casino's policy because it makes the payment. The payout could be the full amount or in monthly instalments.

Can I play progressive slots for free?

Some online casinos let players try the best progressive jackpots for free. Still, it will depend on each casino's policy. An Australian online casino might ask you to sign up and log in to play for free. Others ask you to log in, deposit money, and play for real.

How do I know progressive jackpot slots are fair?

All the best progressive slots online from reputable casinos in our lists are fair. Games come from licensed providers with RNGs tested and certified fairly. An RNG is an algorithm that determines the outcome of a round.
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