Progressive Jackpot Slots July 2025

Casinos and software providers collaborate to create entertaining and exciting progressive jackpot slots. Some progressive games offer one progressive jackpot, while others provide multiple jackpots.

Progressive jackpot slots use an internal random number generator (RNG) that players must trigger via a winning combination. Also, casinos set a “seed amount” for their progressive games to ensure that a player wins a designated jackpot amount even after a previous payout of a progressive jackpot.

The chances of winning a progressive jackpot depend on the casino and software provider. Like other casino games, progressive slots are tested for accuracy and fairness. Return-to-player (RTP) averages generally reflect the odds of winning a progressive jackpot.

For example, games with high RTPs might payout more frequently, especially those with medium to high volatility. Games with lower RTPs may pay out less often but with a better prize. Other factors that may contribute to winning for progressives include bet amounts, bonus games, free spins, and "Must Hit By" amounts.

Triggering a jackpot prize at progressive jackpots is often a random occurrence. Some may claim that particular games, which show five- or six-figure jackpots, might be on the verge of paying out. However, that’s not the case — software providers test RNGs for RTP averages, determining the odds of winning a progressive jackpot.

Some progressive slots may require players to wager a max bet to be eligible for a top prize. Usually, when that happens, the game offers a significant progressive jackpot since a small percentage of each wager contributes to it.

Other progressives require players to trigger a bonus game first or activate symbol combinations on specific paylines.

The chances of winning a progressive jackpot remain the same on every spin due to an RNG tested over tens of millions of spins. For better odds of winning progressives, you can play eligible games with lower jackpot amounts (and thus fewer players) or try a "Must Drop By" game for an added way to win, other than an RNG.

With RTPs in the base game from the low to mid-90s, progressive slots generally offer small percentages for their jackpots. As you search for your favorite progressive slot game, remember that online casinos offer various jackpots, from exclusive jackpots to shared progressive prizes for the same game across multiple machines at other sites.

To sign up at our recommended online casinos, use one of our links and follow the on-screen instructions. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android users via the App Store and Google Play.

Check out our recommendations for casinos for beginners before diving into the list of top options. 

Casinos offer a diverse range of games to keep things exciting and entertaining. Providing different progressive slots, with standalone jackpots or a prize pool network linked across multiple casinos and games, helps create a satisfying user experience and encourages players to return. 

Local progressives offer in-house prize pools. However, online casinos from top providers can offer a “local” jackpot across their subsidiary sites. Before, gamblers in Las Vegas could walk into one land-based casino for a local progressive jackpot that was only available at that casino. Now, players can try their luck at the same progressive jackpot available at multiple casinos.

Network jackpots work similarly to local progressives. The only difference is that network jackpots are available at casino brands like BetMGM and BetRivers Casino. MGM’s "Big Series" offers a jackpot network across their casino brands (including Borgata Casino, PartyCasino, and the Wheel of Fortune Casino). In contrast, other casinos may offer a more extensive network, such as MegaJackpots.

Standalone progressive slots provide the lowest payouts from the smallest prize pools. While not connected to other in-house slots or a network progressive, these games generally offer five-figure jackpots.

IGT created the gaming industry’s first wide-area network jackpot across multiple slot machines available at various casinos. As a branch of network progressives, these slots offer the highest payouts, reaching up to six and seven figures. However, the chances of winning a main jackpot from a wide-area progressive remain extremely low, almost one in 100 million or more.

Online casinos may offer "Hot Drop" jackpots in categories like Must Hit By or Must Go Jackpots. While random number generators may trigger a jackpot, there’s also a designated amount or time limit for an added layer of fun and better chances of winning a jackpot prize. Examples include daily jackpots or a $20,000 prize pool that players can trigger once the progressive jackpot slot reaches that threshold.

Software providers and third-party companies routinely test slots and online casino games for theoretical RTP averages. After testing games over millions of spins, casinos choose games based on RTPs to balance revenue generation with player favorability.

Understanding RTPs can help players choose progressive slots that are suitable for their bankrolls. For example, with a smaller bankroll, you should play a progressive slot with an RTP of around 95% or above. You can check the in-game settings for the RTP of a jackpot payout.

Players with larger bankrolls can afford to take on more risk by playing progressive slot machines with RTP percentages in the low 90s. While achieving a winning combination at standalone progressive slots is more feasible, a big jackpot offers the same odds on every spin. Players with larger bankrolls can afford the long-shot chances of becoming a lucky winner.

We recommend finding a progressive slot game with a minimum wager to win a progressive jackpot that suits your bankroll. Here are some of the most popular progressive slot games:

• 88 Fortunes Jackpot Festival
• Blood Suckers Megaways
• Cleopatra
• Divine Fortune
• Double Jackpot Gems
• Mega Moolah Slot
• Mercy of the Gods
• MGM Grand Millions
• Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Gold Spin
• Wolf Run

When choosing a progressive jackpot slot, you can learn about its RTP by checking the in-game settings or information tab. The game supplier also offers information about how to trigger a jackpot. Choose games with high RTPs while paying attention to the betting requirements.

We recommend playing jackpot games on limited-number networks (standalone jackpot slots) for the best chances of winning the ultimate prize. While some players may incorrectly assume that a significant jackpot amount means better chances of winning, smaller jackpots offer better odds.

The pros and cons of playing progressive slots and other casino games with progressive prizes generally depend on your bankroll. Players at progressive slot machines contribute to jackpots not available at regular slots. However, triggering any jackpot amount comes with significantly low RTP odds, especially for the biggest jackpot.

While timed jackpots or those with a predetermined value for a jackpot size ($20,000) may offer better chances, the lucky winner truly depends on randomness more than the size of your bankroll.

Most online casinos strictly enforce Responsible Gaming (RG) protocols to ensure players gamble responsibly. The National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) offers a 24/7 hotline (1-800-GAMBLER) for players who feel they may have a gambling problem and need help or support. Limits on deposits, spending, and gaming time can also be set via your account dashboard.

To learn more about gambling online, you can read our reviews and how-to-play tutorials or visit the RG section at online casinos. Proper bankroll management includes only gambling with what you can afford to lose and placing 1% to 5% bets relative to your bankroll (i.e., $1 to $5 wagers with a $100 bankroll).

To learn more, read our responsible gambling resources.