Few things in a casino are as eye-catching as a progressive jackpot ticking upward in real time. At the time of writing, Diamond Reels' Aztec's Millions jackpot was sitting at around $1.78 million, and Megasaur had passed $1 million.
But how do progressive jackpot slots actually work? Why do they keep growing, what are your chances of winning and how should you play them? This guide explains it all.
What Is a Progressive Jackpot?
A progressive jackpot is a prize that grows every time someone plays the game and doesn't win it. A small slice of each qualifying bet is added to the jackpot pool. The prize keeps climbing until a lucky player hits it, then it resets to a starting amount (called the 'seed') and begins growing again.
That's different from a fixed jackpot, where the top prize is always the same, for example 1,000x your bet.
How Progressive Jackpots Grow
Think of it as a shared pot:
- A player places a bet on a progressive slot.
- A small percentage of that bet goes into the jackpot pool.
- The jackpot meter rises.
- This continues until someone wins it.
The more people play, the faster the jackpot grows. That's why the biggest progressive jackpots are usually on popular games.
Types of Progressive Jackpots
Standalone Progressives
The jackpot grows only from bets on one machine or game at one casino. These jackpots usually stay smaller but can be hit more often.
Network (Linked) Progressives
The jackpot is shared across many players, sometimes across many casinos. Because more bets feed the pool, these jackpots can grow to life-changing amounts.
Multi-Level Progressives
Some games offer several jackpots at once, such as Mini, Minor, Major and Grand. The smaller tiers hit more often, while the top tier grows much larger.
Diamond Reels' Live Progressive Jackpots
These were among the jackpots showing on the Diamond Reels homepage at the time of writing. Values change constantly, so check the lobby for the latest amounts.
| Game | Approx. jackpot at time of writing |
|---|---|
| Aztec's Millions | $1,779,941 |
| Megasaur | $1,016,942 |
| Spirit of the Inca | $264,062 |
| Let 'Em Ride (poker-based table game) | $233,666 |
| Shopping Spree 2 | $196,254 |
| Cleopatra's Gold | $102,050 |
What Are the Odds of Winning a Progressive Jackpot?
Progressive jackpots are very hard to win. That's what allows them to grow so large. The exact odds aren't usually published, but every spin has only a tiny chance of landing the top prize.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The jackpot is 'due' myth: A jackpot isn't more likely to hit just because it's large or hasn't paid out in a while. Each spin is independent. Our slots tips explain how random number generators work.
- Base-game RTP can be lower: Part of every bet funds the jackpot, so the regular game may pay back a little less than a non-progressive slot. Read our guide to RTP vs house edge for more.
- Volatility is high: Progressive slots tend to have long stretches without big wins. See slot volatility explained.
Do You Need to Bet the Maximum?
On some progressive slots, only a maximum bet qualifies for the top jackpot. On others, any bet can win it, or your chances scale with your bet size.
Always check the paytable before you play. If a game requires a max bet for the jackpot and that bet is outside your budget, you may be better off choosing a different game rather than stretching your bankroll.
How to Play Progressive Jackpot Slots Sensibly
- Treat the jackpot as a bonus, not a plan. Play for entertainment; the jackpot is a long shot.
- Set a budget first. Decide what you're happy to spend before you start. Our bankroll management tips can help.
- Read the qualifying rules. Know whether you need a specific bet size.
- Enjoy the base game. Pick a progressive you'd enjoy playing even without the jackpot.
- Don't chase. A growing jackpot isn't a reason to raise your bets or play longer than planned.
FAQ
How do progressive jackpots work?
A small part of every qualifying bet goes into a shared jackpot pool. The prize keeps growing until someone wins, then resets to a starting amount.
Are progressive jackpots ever 'due' to hit?
No. Each spin is random and independent. A large jackpot isn't more likely to pay out than a small one.
Do I need to bet max to win a progressive jackpot?
It depends on the game. Some require a maximum bet; others don't. Check the paytable before you play.
What is the biggest progressive jackpot at Diamond Reels?
At the time of writing, Aztec's Millions was the largest at around $1.78 million. Check the lobby for current amounts.
Chase the Fun, Not the Jackpot
Progressive jackpot slots add a thrilling 'what if' to every spin. Understand how they work, read the qualifying rules and keep your budget fixed, and you can enjoy watching the meter climb without letting it take over your session.
See today's progressive jackpots
Play responsibly. Diamond Reels is for players aged 21 and over. Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Set limits before you play, and if gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for free, confidential support, or visit our Responsible Gaming page.
