Best progressive jackpots & slots for US players in September 2024
Here you can find all the largest progressive jackpot slots available at legal US casinos. Check out our list of the best progressive jackpot games and casinos in the country below.
Our top progressive jackpot casinos in the US
What are progressive jackpot slots and how do they work?
A progressive jackpot slot is an online casino game where the jackpot prize is often accumulated across multiple online casinos worldwide. Each time a player bets on a progressive jackpot slot, a small portion of that bet goes directly to the prize pot. This means that a progressive jackpot gets bigger each time the game is played. The prize will continue to increase until one lucky player hits the winning combination. After that, the jackpot resets to a predetermined value and the whole thing starts over again.
For example, in Mega Moolah, players can potentially win one of four progressive jackpots, with the largest starting at a minimum of $1 million. When someone hits that jackpot, they're rewarded with the entire accumulated jackpot amount.
How do payouts work?
Payouts, also known as Return to Player (RTP) percentages, represent the average amount of money that a game returns to players over time. Casino payouts varies between games but generally ranges from 90% to 97%. So, while the odds of hitting the progressive jackpot are slim, the potential payout can be massive, making these casino games a thrilling and potentially rewarding choice for players.
Thousands of players from around the world can play the same progressive jackpot slot and contribute to the prize pool at the same time. Take a look at our jackpot tracker above and watch the prizes skyrocket right before your eyes.
Different types of progressive jackpot slots
When you play at real money casinos you might come across four different types of progressive jackpots. Each of these types will help determine the size and frequency of the jackpot payout as well as which players contribute to the prize pot.
- Progressive jackpot
- Network jackpot
- Fixed jackpot
- Local jackpot
Progressive jackpot
Each time a player bets on a progressive jackpot slot, a small portion of that bet goes directly to the prize pot. There can also be different games which contribute to the same prize pot, to make the jackpot rise quickly.
Tips to win progressive slot machines
The outcome of a progressive jackpot slot is determined by a RNG (Random Number Generator) so unfortunately, there is no secret strategy that will increase the odds of winning. However, it’s worth keeping an eye on the prize pots for different casino jackpot slots and avoiding those that have been won recently. We’ve also gathered our expert’s top five tips on how to play progressive slots. When you’re ready to play, check out the best jackpot casino online US has to offer.
- 1Stick to a budget: When you play a US progressive jackpot game, the best tip is to decide on a budget before you begin. Then stick to it. You don’t want to risk betting money you don’t have.
- 2Bet enough to be eligible for the jackpot: Some progressive jackpots have a minimum bet to be able to qualify for the jackpot. Make sure you bet enough – but still within your budget – to be eligible.
- 3Decide what you’re going for: The way you bet will change depending on whether you’re playing for one big win or several smaller wins, so decide what type of win you want before you place a bet. Sometimes it might be more lucrative to go for the smaller wins – and win several times.
- 4Do your research: Know which online jackpot game you want to play and how to play it. Find out which jackpot is about to drop and make sure you know the rules of the slot game. You don’t want to spend your cash on a slot machine that just paid out the biggest win.
- 5Determine the volatility of slots: Basically, make sure you understand the risk involved in playing a specific online jackpot game. Volatility is about when you’re expected to win, and how often.
The odds of winning a progressive jackpot
The chance of winning a progressive jackpot depends on which online slot you’re playing. To calculate the odds of winning, you will have to look at how many reels the slot game has and how many symbols are on each reel. You will also need to take into account how the progressive jackpot is triggered.
Keep in mind that all progressive slot games rely on a random number generator, but by calculating these three things, you could get an understanding of the odds of winning the jackpot.
How are progressive jackpots paid?
While many large progressive jackpots are paid in annual instalments, spread out over a decade or more, some prizes including Microgaming’s Mega Moolah jackpot will be paid promptly in one lump sum.
If you happen to win a smaller sum, you can expect your winnings to be credited to your casino account instantly. Yet progressive jackpot winners who secure a record-shattering prize are more likely to be paid by courier, bank transfer, or in person within a matter of days. Don’t be surprised if the online casino asks you to pose with a novelty-sized check.
The biggest progressive jackpot wins of all time
When you play a progressive jackpot slot online, the aim is to hit that big jackpot win. There have been several of these over the years. Below you can see the biggest jackpot wins of all time and some fun facts.
- The top-paying progressive jackpot is Mega Moolah
- There was a slot machine in Las Vegas that didn’t hit for over 20 years
- Mega Moolah is often referred to as the “million maker”
- One of the biggest winners played on mobile when he won the jackpot
| Progressive slot game | Biggest win | Online casino | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
Mega Moolah | $23,300,00 | Betway Casino | February 2023 |
Mega Moolah | $16,496,060 | Jackpot City Casino | 5 April 2020 |
Mega Moolah | $13,615,861 | Luxury Casino | 8 May 2020 |
Mega Moolah | $12,945,603 | Luxury Casino | 5 March 2019 |
Mega Moolah | $20,057,734 | Zodiac Casino | 30 January 2019 |
Mega Moolah | €18,915,721 | Grand Mondial | 28 September 2018 |
Mega Moolah | ￡13,212,882 | Betway | 6 October 2015 |
Mega Fortune | €17,860,868 | Paf Casino | 20 January 2013 |
Best US progressive jackpot casinos 2024
Progressive slot game developers
Software developers play a crucial role in the online casino industry, crafting games with thrilling adventures, captivating visuals, and exciting gameplay. Here are three of the best progressive slot game developers in the industry, along with some of their biggest, and most popular, casino jackpot slots:
Microgaming
Microgaming's Mega Moolah is an iconic progressive slot known for its multi-tiered jackpot system. The game features four progressive jackpots, including the life-changing Mega Jackpot. A portion of each bet contributes to these jackpots, allowing them to accumulate rapidly. Mega Moolah's appeal lies in its suspenseful gameplay, as players chase the chance to trigger the jackpot wheel and potentially win one of the four progressive prizes.
Net Entertainment
NetEnt's Mega Fortune is a luxurious progressive slot that embodies the concept of wealth and lavishness. It features a progressive jackpot, and players strive to reach the thrilling bonus round where they can spin the “Wheel of fortune” for a chance to claim the ultimate prize.
Hall of Gods, another NetEnt creation, immerses players in Nordic mythology. This progressive slot boasts a multi-million-dollar jackpot, and its unique function involves players aiming to uncover valuable artifacts and trigger bonus features. These features, including a pick-and-win game and expanding wilds, add depth to the gameplay experience.
Playtech
Playtech's Age of the Gods slots form an interconnected network, featuring various titles with shared progressive jackpots. These slots revolve around Greek mythology and offer players the opportunity to access the progressive jackpot game through any of the linked titles. The function here involves players uncovering divine symbols to reveal one of four jackpot prizes.
Progressive jackpot FAQs
Are progressive jackpots legal in the US?
Progressive jackpot slots are legal in the US, but their legality varies by state. Some states permit online and land-based jackpot games, while others have restrictions. Check our recommended US progressive jackpot casinos above!
Which progressive jackpot games are most popular?
Without a doubt, the most popular online progressive slot game is Mega Moolah. The slot is made by Microgaming and offers the largest jackpot in the world.
How often do progressive jackpots hit?
It depends on the game. Some hit as frequently as weekly, while others could be less than once a year. Check our jackpot tracker at the top of the page to see how often the average hit is and whether a progressive jackpot is hot or cold.
What triggers a progressive jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is typically triggered at random or by a specific combination of symbols. For example, in Mega Moolah, the Mega Jackpot is triggered through a bonus wheel feature that is activated randomly during gameplay. Read more about how progressive jackpots work further up the page.
What is an example of a progressive jackpot?
One example of a progressive jackpot game is Mega Moolah, known for its multi-million-dollar jackpots. You are able to find all the best progressive jackpot games at the top of this page.
What are the odds of hitting a progressive jackpot at a US online casino?
The odds of hitting a progressive jackpot at a casino are generally quite low, often in the millions to one, due to the large jackpot sizes.
What is a “must hit” progressive slot machine?
A "must-hit" progressive slot machine is one with a jackpot that is guaranteed to pay out before it reaches a certain amount, providing players with better odds of winning.
What is the largest progressive slot?
The largest progressive slot, in terms of the highest recorded jackpot win, is Mega Moolah, which has paid out tens of millions of dollars in a single prize.
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Written by Adam Ryan
A writer and editor with a penchant for games and strategy, Adam Ryan has been with the Casino.org team for eight years now. Having written for and edited numerous iGaming brands in his career, he’s something of a content sage when it comes to our iGaming copy in the US and Canada.