Are Progressive Jackpot Slots Better Than Fixed Jackpots?

If you’ve spent any time in online casinos, then you’ll no doubt have come across jackpot slots. However, the way websites handle them differs by operator. For some, jackpots exclusively mean progressive jackpot slots. Others throw everything with a sizeable enough payout into the category, which can be disappointing if you only love progressive jackpots.

Join us as we look at both fixed and progressive jackpots to see how they stack up. Learn all about how these jackpots work in this article.

Fixed Jackpots – Sweet and Straightforward

Fixed jackpots are the type of prizes you’ll see most often. Its name is derived from the fact that the jackpot is a fixed value – it does not change between spins. If a slot has a jackpot worth 2,000x your bet, winning it will always grant that specific amount.

Players who prefer fixed jackpots like that predictability. The prize is always the same, so you won’t feel tempted to play with more than you’re comfortable with in hopes of winning more.

Another upside to fixed jackpots is the RTP. By default, fixed jackpot slots have a higher RTP than their progressive counterparts. In progressive jackpots, a portion of the RTP is allocated to the jackpot itself. If a fixed jackpot slot has an RTP of 96%, the entire RTP applies to the game as a whole. Meanwhile, a 96% RTP progressive jackpot slot is usually a 94.5% RTP game with a 1.5% RTP progressive jackpot on top.

Progressive Jackpots – Varied and Valuable

The main draw of the progressive jackpot is, well, the progressive jackpot. Every spin increases the jackpot value, allowing it to climb into the tens of thousands or even millions. Furthermore, since bet size doesn’t affect how likely you are to win, even small wagers could pocket a massive payout.

Progressive jackpots come in several flavours. The best-known ones are wide-area network jackpots. These slots feature a single jackpot shared across several games, as is the case with Age of the Gods. However, there are also standalone progressive jackpots. For these titles, the jackpot isn’t shared between games. This means the progressive jackpot doesn’t grow as quickly, but it also means less competition to win the biggest prize.

Another great addition to the progressive jackpot portfolio is time-limited progressive jackpots. These games usually have a restriction that ensures the jackpot must be won eventually. Daily and monthly progressive jackpots are the most common form of this, though we’ve also seen hourly jackpots, as well.

How Do Jackpots Trigger?

Depending on the game, the way you win the jackpot will be different. In general, there are three ways to trigger a jackpot win.

• Random Trigger – the jackpot is awarded on a random spin without any fanfare
• Jackpot Symbols – landing special jackpot symbols awards the jackpot prize
• Bonus Round – the jackpot prize is awarded by triggering one of the slot’s features

Both fixed and progressive jackpots use all three methods. Which one they go for usually depends on the game and the additional features it offers.

Fixed or Progressive – Which Do You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach that will guarantee you belong in either camp. In general, players who enjoy predictable and fun slots that give the best bang for the buck will fall in love with fixed jackpot games. Similarly, risk-takers who love the thrill of the chase and watching the jackpot tick up will probably prefer progressive jackpots.

That said, advancements in how progressive jackpots are handled have made them more approachable over the years. Most titles no longer give an advantage to players who bet more, and time-limited jackpots allow players a more realistic chance to score a win. As such, the best way to pick the right one for you is to try both out and see which one you prefer.