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How to Play Progressive Slots

Progressive slots are a popular choice at online casinos in New Zealand, offering an exciting twist on classic pokies. While gameplay remains familiar, their jackpots grow continuously, creating the potential for life-changing wins. This guide explains exactly how progressive jackpots work, highlights key differences from traditional pokies, and outlines important factors to consider before spinning the reels.

Table of Contents:

What Are Progressive Slots?

Progressive slots are pokies featuring jackpots that increase gradually over time. A small portion of every bet is funnelled into a collective prize pool, causing the jackpot to grow continuously until someone wins it. Once the jackpot is awarded, it resets to a predetermined base amount and begins building up again with each new spin.

In most respects, these games function like standard slots: symbols land on the reels, paylines determine winning combinations, and bonus features such as wilds and scatters frequently appear. Many also offer bonus rounds with free spins or special prize wheels. The critical difference is how the jackpot is funded.

Instead of offering a fixed top prize, progressive slots channel part of each player's wager directly into the jackpot, allowing it to accumulate silently in the background. This system can result in substantial jackpots, particularly when multiple casinos or platforms contribute to a single prize pool. Progressive pokies come in various types depending on how their jackpots are structured, which we’ll explore further in this guide.

RTP and Volatility in Progressive Slots

Two key traits influence how progressive slots behave: Return to Player (RTP) and volatility.

Return to Player (RTP)

In progressive slots, a small percentage of each wager contributes to the growing jackpot. As a result, the average RTP is lower, typically ranging between 88% and 94%. While RTP doesn't influence individual spin outcomes, it does indicate what the game is statistically designed to return to players over extended gameplay periods.

Volatility

Progressive slots typically feature high volatility, meaning payouts are less frequent but can vary significantly in size. Because part of every bet is channelled into the jackpot, the base game payouts tend to be unpredictable. Players might experience extended periods with limited or no significant wins, but there's always the chance of securing a substantial payout on any given spin.

Types of Progressive Slot Games

Progressive slots come in several variations, each distinguished by how jackpots are funded and the pool of players contributing to them.

Standalone Progressives

A standalone progressive is linked exclusively to one individual game, rather than a wider casino network. Only bets placed on that specific title add to its jackpot, causing the prize pool to grow at a slower rate. Although the smaller number of participants may seem advantageous, the chance of hitting the jackpot remains low since wins are always based on random outcomes. Standalone progressives are typically managed by a single developer or hosted solely on one platform.

In-House Progressives: LeoJackpot

Some casinos run their own internal progressive jackpot systems, pooling contributions exclusively from games on their platform. At LeoVegas, this feature is known as the LeoJackpot. Players can opt in by pressing the LeoJackpot button, adding an extra €0.10 per spin for jackpot eligibility.

Once activated, LeoJackpot becomes available across a variety of games, including traditional progressive slots and standard pokies like Starburst, which usually don’t have a jackpot. When triggered, players see a bonus wheel offering one of four prize tiers: Mini (€5), Minor (€100), Major (€10,000), or Mega (€5,000,000). Each jackpot resets to its base value after being won, then continues growing again with each subsequent qualifying spin.

LeoJackpot spins can randomly activate during regular gameplay, and once opted in, the additional bet automatically applies each round.

Wide-Area Networked Progressives

Wide-area progressive slots are connected across multiple casinos and gaming platforms, sometimes spanning different countries. Every wager placed on the same game at participating casinos contributes towards a shared jackpot.

This interconnected structure allows jackpots to accumulate quickly, frequently reaching far greater totals compared to standalone or in-house progressive games. Well-known examples include Microgaming’s Mega Moolah and WowPot! jackpots, and Relax Gaming’s Dream Drop series.

How to Play Progressive Slots

Playing progressive slots is simple, but understanding the process beforehand can improve your experience. The steps below clearly outline how to get set up and start spinning on a licensed casino platform.

  1. Sign Up at LeoVegas: Click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, then enter your email, create a password, fill in your personal details, and complete the identity verification process
  2. Set Your Bankroll: Before playing, decide how much you’re willing to spend. Deposit your chosen amount into your account and set clear limits to manage your session. It’s good practice to establish win and loss caps in advance and stick to them
  3. Load a Slot and Adjust Your Bet: From the slots or jackpots section, choose a progressive game. Once it loads, you’ll see options to adjust your coin value and bet size. These settings let you control how much you're wagering per spin. When you’re ready, press “Spin” to start playing

Betting Requirements for Jackpot Eligibility

To qualify for a progressive jackpot, certain betting conditions often apply, as outlined below:

  • Minimum Bet Requirement: Some progressive slots require a minimum bet or full-coin wager to qualify. Smaller bets still spin the reels but usually don’t count toward the jackpot. Check the paytable or info screen for exact rules.
  • Max Bet and Jackpot Access: In plenty of pokies and table games, hitting the top jackpot often requires placing the maximum bet. Betting less could restrict you to lower prize tiers. While betting the max doesn't boost your odds of landing a win, it's usually the only way to qualify for the biggest jackpots. If you do decide to go all-in, just make sure it's within your budget.

New Zealand players have access to several exciting progressive slots, each offering distinct gameplay and jackpots. Here are some of the most popular progressive titles you'll find at licensed online casinos.

Mega Moolah

Developed by Microgaming, Mega Moolah is widely recognised for its long-standing jackpot history. The game features four prize tiers: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega, all triggered through a randomly activated bonus wheel. The Mega jackpot has reached record-setting totals in the past, contributing to its reputation.

Templar Tumble Dream Drop

Developed by Relax Gaming, this title is part of the Dream Drop progressive series and features five jackpot levels: Rapid, Midi, Maxi, Major, and Mega. What sets Dream Drop apart is its “must-win cap” system. The Mega jackpot is guaranteed to trigger before reaching a set threshold.

Book of Atem WowPot!

Developed by All41 Studios, Book of Atem WowPot! builds on the original slot by integrating it with the WowPot! progressive network. A randomly triggered jackpot wheel offers one of four possible prizes: Mini, Minor, Major, or WowPot.

Sisters of Oz WowPot!

Created by Triple Edge Studios, Sisters of Oz WowPot! is another entry in the WowPot! series. The game’s jackpot feature activates at random and spins a wheel that can land on any of the same four prize tiers.

Software Providers Behind Progressive Slots

Various software providers develop progressive slots, each bringing their own game mechanics and jackpot structures. Below are some of the most active names in this space.

  • Microgaming: One of the first to build wide-area progressive networks, Microgaming is known for creating Mega Moolah and the WowPot! series. The developer’s networked jackpots have been available across hundreds of casinos for years, helping establish the format online
  • NetEnt: The developer’s progressive slots include well-known titles like Hall of Gods and Mega Fortune. These games are typically rich in visuals and include layered bonus mechanics that lead into the jackpot round
  • Playtech: Known for the Age of the Gods series, Playtech also developed earlier progressive titles like Jackpot Giant. Some Playtech jackpots are linked across multiple casinos, while others are limited to specific platforms based on how each operator chooses to offer them
  • Other Providers: Several other developers offer progressive slots, including Play’n GO, IGT, Blueprint, Yggdrasil, and Pragmatic Play. These titles often use local or casino-specific jackpots rather than wide-area networks

Winning and Strategies

Knowing what to expect from progressive slots can help you approach them with the right mindset.

Can You Win a Progressive Jackpot?

Winning a progressive jackpot is possible, but the odds are extremely low. These games utilise random number generators (RNGs), ensuring that every spin is entirely independent and unpredictable. There’s no system, skill, insider knowledge, or pattern recognition that can influence the outcome. While there are verified winners, these outcomes are rare and purely the result of chance.

Strategies to Improve Your Winning Potential

While progressive jackpots are random by nature, there are still practical ways to approach them with more control. The tips below focus on managing risk and making more informed decisions while playing.

Bankroll Management

Set a clear budget before you begin and stick to it. Use stop-loss limits to avoid overspending, and end your session once you reach those limits. Staying within a defined bankroll helps avoid chasing losses and keeps gameplay in check.

Betting Max vs. Conservative Play

If a game requires the maximum bet to qualify for the jackpot, always verify the rules before playing. Only bet the maximum if it fits your budget, as high stakes can quickly drain your balance, particularly in high-volatility games.

Game Selection Tips

Select progressive slots that offer multiple jackpot tiers or a relatively high RTP. Titles like Mega Moolah offer multiple prize levels, providing additional opportunities during play. Slots with RTP above 90% are generally more favourable over time. You might also look for “must-drop” jackpots or games with scheduled prize releases, since these are designed to trigger within a set timeframe rather than continuing to build without limit.

Progressive Slot Features

Below are common features found in progressive slots, often shared with regular pokies:

  • Wild Symbols: Substitute for other symbols to help complete winning combinations
  • Scatter-Triggered Free Spins: Unlock a round of free spins by landing a certain number of scatter symbols
  • Multipliers: Boost the value of successful combinations during base or bonus rounds
  • Bonus Rounds: Trigger special game modes that may include additional wilds, multipliers, symbol expansions, or fixed bonus prizes
  • Jackpot Wheel or Prize Draws: In some games, the progressive jackpot is tied to a bonus feature, like a randomly activated wheel or draw during gameplay

Jackpot Trigger Mechanisms

As established, progressive jackpots are triggered in different ways, depending on the game’s design. Knowing how a jackpot is activated matters, especially when eligibility depends on your wager or symbol combination.

Random Jackpots

In some progressive slots, jackpots are triggered at random during standard gameplay, with no need to land specific symbols or enter a bonus round. In games like Mega Moolah, the jackpot wheel can appear without warning after any spin. These systems are designed to keep the exact drop timing unpredictable.

Bonus Game Triggers

Other games require players to activate a bonus round to access the jackpot. This typically involves landing a specific set of symbols. In NetEnt’s Mega Fortune, three bonus symbols unlock a multi-level wheel that can award the jackpot.

In Hall of Gods, the jackpot is hidden behind a shield-breaking mini-game triggered by three special symbols. In these slots, the jackpot can only be won by completing the designated bonus game.

Timed or Must-Drop Jackpots

Certain progressive jackpots come with a built-in deadline, triggering before a set time or amount is reached. These are often labelled as hourly or daily jackpots and are guaranteed to drop within that window, regardless of the number of players involved or the amount bet.

This setup introduces a layer of predictability compared to traditional jackpots, which can continue to climb indefinitely. Relax Gaming’s Dream Drop jackpots, as previously noted, use a “must-win” mechanic that ensures the top prize pays out before reaching a set cap.

Progressive Slots FAQ

What makes a progressive slot different from other pokies?

Progressive slots include a jackpot that increases over time, with a portion of each bet contributing to the total. Regular pokies have fixed top prizes that don’t grow. While the base gameplay is similar, progressive slots usually have lower RTPs. They also tend to be more volatile and may require larger bets to qualify for the jackpot.

Can I play progressive slots for free?

Yes. Most online casinos offer a demo or free play mode. You can try the game without risking real money, but jackpot wins are only possible in real-money mode.

Do I need to bet max to win the jackpot?

In many games, yes. Some progressive slots only award the top jackpot to players wagering the maximum amount. Check the game rules before you start and only bet the maximum amount if it fits within your budget.

Are online progressive slots rigged?

No, not if you're playing at a licensed casino. These platforms use certified RNGs, ensuring that outcomes are unpredictable and fair. Reputable sites are also independently audited to maintain transparency and compliance.

How often do progressive jackpots pay out?

It depends on the game. Wide-area jackpots may not be won for months or even years, while local or in-house versions tend to trigger relatively more often. Timed jackpots are designed to activate within specific periods, and capped jackpots must hit before reaching a set limit.

Can I play progressive slots for real money on my mobile device?

Absolutely. Most online casinos offer progressive slots on mobile through their apps or via your web browser. Once you log into your real-money account, your wagers and jackpots function exactly as they would on desktop.

How do you win a progressive slot machine?

There is no magic formula to winning a progressive slot machine. Luck plays the biggest part in it. If it is the big jackpot you have your eye on, be sure to check the rules as it’s likely you’ll need to wager the maximum to be in the running for it.

How do you know when a progressive slot machine is going to hit?

If we knew that, we would be very rich. Modern slot machines are designed to reveal random results each time a spin is played, so it is impossible to know when a progressive slot machine is going to hit. No matter what the outcome was of your last spin, the probability of the next result is exactly the same.

Are progressive slots better to play?

Progressive slots play in the very same way as regular slots. The idea is to spin those reels and hope you can land winning pay lines or match symbols to unlock bonuses or features. The only difference is that progressive slots offer much bigger jackpots, which can mean that minimum wagers are a little higher.

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