Are you hoping to win big when playing online slot machines? Have you been dreaming of hitting that huge jackpot that just keeps growing? Then read on to find out everything you need to know about how jackpots work in online slot games.
In this short guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the different types of jackpots and some tips to help you choose a game with a higher chance of paying out big-time.
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What Affects the Jackpot Rate of an Online Slot Game?
First up, the big question – what determines the jackpot rate of an online casino game? You might think it’s quite a complicated process, but in fact, there are just two main factors at play – RTP and volatility.
RTP
RTP, or return to player, is the theoretical percentage return you can expect when playing a particular game. For example, if a game advertises a 97% RTP, you might expect to lose $3 for every $100 you put into the game.
However, no matter how accurate the RTP figure is, it is based on playing for a very long time. In fact, you’d have to play through around 10,000 spins before you see the effects of the average RTP kicking in.
Although you’ll never find an RTP over 100%, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of coming out in profit.
Volatility
Volatility is another significant factor when it comes to online jackpots. While RTP refers more to long-term outcomes, volatility is all about short-time winnings.
A highly volatile slot is less likely to pay out, but the winnings will be a lot bigger when it does.
When Is the Best Time to Play for Jackpots?
There isn’t a specific time when you are more likely to hit the jackpot when playing online slot machines. That’s because random number generators power these games.
So, no matter how much you might like to think you can see patterns forming, whether you win big or not at all is entirely random – no spin is related to any of the previous ones.
What Are the Different Types of Online Slot Jackpots?
While there are many jackpot slot games out there, they can be divided into two broad subtypes based on how the jackpot pays out.
Progressive Jackpots
A common type of online slot game is the progressive jackpot. Although the jackpot amount is enormous at the start, it continues to grow with every spin played on the game! And, the jackpot is generally connected throughout different networks.
So, players spinning on a different website will also be adding to the jackpot on the game you are playing. The jackpot grows more when there are more players active, and they are staking higher amounts.
Fixed Jackpots
The payout stays the same with a fixed jackpot no matter how many people are playing the game or how much they are staking. After the pot is won, it resets to the same amount, ready to be won again next time.
How Do Jackpots Work?

A few factors affect how a game’s jackpot works. First, the game’s coin size, or how much you can play with a single spin. A game with a larger coin size will have a bigger jackpot than one with a smaller maximum coin size.
The number of reels will also affect how likely it is that you’ll win big. Slots with more reels make it harder to hit the jackpot. So, if you’re hoping for a big win, look for games with between 3-7 reels.
Why Should I Play for Progressive Jackpots?
The biggest advantage of playing a slot machine offering a progressive jackpot is, of course, the possibility of winning a life-changing sum of money.
Another benefit is that you don’t have to spend much to have the chance to win big! Unlike betting on sports or playing card games, you can win the jackpot on any spin on a slot game, even from spending less than a dollar.
Of course, there’s also the excitement of playing for huge prizes. There’s something captivating about watching the reels spin around, waiting to see if you’re going to win a considerable sum of money at any moment.
Add to that the convenience of playing anytime, anywhere using your phone or computer, and you have a very exciting package.
Tips for Playing Casino Games Online

Now you know everything about how online slot jackpots work, let’s look at some tips to hopefully help you come out on top.
Don’t Let Emotions Get the Better of You
It’s easy to get a bit emotional when gambling, so it’s essential to go into the game with realistic expectations and keep a level head throughout. It’s not advisable to play online slots when you are angry or upset, as you need to ensure you gamble responsibly.
Quit While You’re Winning
Set a budget before you start playing, perhaps using the game’s settings to avoid overspending.
If you hit a decent win, it’s a good idea to stop playing rather than blowing it all on trying to hit an even bigger one. For that reason, many games also allow you to set a maximum win when using autoplay – the game will stop playing if you win your pre-set sum.
Practice Using Freeplay
Many online slot games offer a Freeplay mode, so you can try them out first.This will help you learn how the game works by looking at the pay lines and coin sizes before committing to spending real money.