The first progressive jackpot slot launched in March 1986 and was created by International Game Technology is known as IGT. Megabucks video slot featured a progressive jackpot that differed from other jackpots in the sense that instead of offering a fixed jackpot prize, its jackpot was linked and contributed to by a percentage of players wager.

The major fascination with the progressive jackpot was due to IGT’s announcement, the developer would fund the first million dollars to set the jackpot into motion, and by February 1987, the first jackpot winner, Reno cashed in a jackpot prize worth $4,988,842.17.

Stand-alone progressive slots: This is a category valid only for land-based casinos. It includes progressive slots that are not connected to any other game and run on a network. In this type of games, the jackpot increases very slowly. Local area progressive slots: A term that covers all copies of a game in the same casino. Standalone Progressives. A standalone progressive slot machine has a jackpot ticker on the. Progressive Slots are those which have progressive jackpots which increase each time player slots in a coin and spins the playing reels. A small fraction of every coin is used to grow the jackpot. When it comes to online games, progressives stand out because they do not online give you a chance to win a jackpot but multiple ones with only one game.

Being named the “biggest progressive jackpot” in the world is a title, many online software developers compete for, and currently, the two main contenders are Microgaming and NetEnt.

Microgaming launched its signature progressive jackpot slot titled Mega Moolah in December 2006, and during its steady climb from one million to five and a half without any winnings along the way, the first lucky winner was awarded $5.5 million in April 2008.

NetEnt released Mega Fortune in January 2009, the first winner of the mega jackpot bagged an extraordinary win worth €4.3 million, while the second winner won €3.9 million, yet the progressive jackpot first to astonish the world & enter the Guinness World Record was in January 2013 when a student from Finland claimed €17.8 million!

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Progressive Jackpots the Millionaire Makers

There are several types of progressive jackpots including standalone progressives, in-house progressive jackpots known online as local progressives and wide area progressive jackpots also referred to as linked progressive jackpots.

Progressive jackpots wins are something every player have fantasized about, its life-altering and a single spin can transform a casual player into a multi-millionaire. The difference between a jackpot and a progressive jackpot is major, fixed jackpots offer players the prize indicated in the paytable while progressive jackpots increase every time the slot is played, should the progressive jackpot be won the minimum jackpot prize instantly re-sets to its minimum guaranteed predetermined value.

Every online and land-based slot machine operates via a computerised algorithm called a random number generator referred to as the RNG, which determines the result of every spin and at the same time guarantees that every result is completely random. Playing a progressive jackpot very much depends on the progressive jackpot rules indicated in the paytable section. Most progressive jackpots state that the main jackpot prize can only be triggered via a maximum bet, but at the same time this hugely differs from one slot to the next. The first step towards winning a progressive jackpot is to ensure you are familiarised with the requirements, since should you be lucky enough to spin in the required combination it would be dramatic to only win a part of the jackpot should your selected bet not adhere to the conditions.

Types of Progressive Jackpots

The two main types of progressive jackpots offered at online casinos are local and pooled jackpots. Local progressive jackpots are exclusive to players at the casino, only wagers made by members contribute to the always increasing jackpot, and it can only be won at that casino. Local progressive increase slower than linked progressive jackpot and often don’t reach the same massive payouts in the same time-period.

Linked progressive jackpots are shared amongst several online casinos and players at all the participating casinos contributes to the same jackpot/s, while the progressive prize can be won by a member of any one of the participating casinos. The benefit of selecting to wager on a linked progressive jackpot is that the contributions from thousands of online players ensure that the top prize increase much quicker and that it always reaches multi-millions.

Video Slots Featuring Multiple Progressive Jackpots

One of the best-known progressive jackpots is Mega Moolah, which offers players the change to win three progressive jackpots linked to five different slots. The jackpots include the major offering the highest payout, the minor which is in the middle and the mini jackpot rewarding a lesser jackpot prize than the minor and the major.

Mega Fortune created by NetEnt also features three different progressive jackpots with the highest payout offered by the mega, a lesser payout by the major and the smallest of the three is the rapid progressive jackpot.

Unique Progressive Jackpots

NetEnt created, Cosmic Fortune slot is quite unique in that it offers avalanche style play with a total of five jackpots, consisting of a mixture of fixed and progressive jackpots.

Playtech’s progressive jackpot titled Everybody’s Jackpot is an eight payline slot and in remaining true to its name the winner of the progressive jackpot shares a percentage of the prize with players who wagered in the past 24 hours. The winner receives 70% of the progressive jackpot prize, while the remaining 30% is distributed to the most recent participants.

Top Progressive Jackpots by Award-Winning Software Developers

Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune are the best known for their frequent multi-million payouts, although online players have an enormous variety to choose from, and therefore we list some of the most popular jackpots created by premier online software providers.

NetEnt: Mega Fortune, Arabian Nights, Hall of Gods, Mega Fortune Dreams, Cosmic Fortune

Microgaming: Major Millions, Mega Moolah, King Cashalot, Tunzamunni, Major Millions

Playtech: Jackpot Giant, Gold Rally, Beach Life, Gladiator, Age of the Gods, Funky Fruits

Yggdrasil: Joker Millions, Empire Fortune, Holmes & the Stolen Stones

Biggest Progressive Jackpot Payouts by NetEnt

The biggest progressive payouts awarded by NetEnt’s progressive jackpots include €7,820,888 awarded by Hall of Gods on the 18th of April 2015, €8,835,872 won on Arabian Nights in November 2012, and Mega Fortune’s mega jackpot has awarded a lucky player with €8,577,104 in November 2015, €11,735,446 in September 2011 and its biggest payout yet was €17,860,868 on the 20th of January 2013.

Biggest Progressive Jackpot Payouts by Microgaming

Mega Moolah is not only the biggest progressive jackpot part of the Microgaming platform it has also recently surpassed its biggest competitor when it awarded the biggest progressive payout on a slot on the 28th of September 2018 when the luckiest player in the world won €18,915,721. Other massive payouts by Mega Moolah also includes £13,212,882 in October 2015, $11,633,898 in November 2016 and $10,423,223 in April 2016.

Biggest Progressive Jackpot Payouts by Playtech Slots

Playtech’s signature progressive jackpot is Beach Life which awarded its biggest payout to date in February 2012 when an anonymous winning cash in a prize worth $5,219,723, other high payouts also includes £3,780,736 in July 2015 as well as $4,248,570 in December 2009. Other high payouts awarded by Playtech slots include £3,917,927 in January 2016 via Jackpot Giant, and Gold Rally awarded £3,917,927 in November 2013.

Biggest Progressive Jackpot Payouts by Yggdrasil Gaming Slots

Yggdrasil Gaming is a newcomer in the world of progressive jackpots games, although the developer has accumulated quite a list of big winners in recent years. The highest rewarding jackpot is Joker Millions, which have rewarded a €5,196,319 on the 4th of July 2017, €3,475,894 in October 2017, €3,201,285 in December 2016, and €2,881,257 in July 2016.

Mega Moolah vs Mega Fortune Progressive Jackpots

Mega Fortune is inspired by a wealthy theme. It represents the flamboyant lifestyle that awaits the winner of its mega jackpot across twenty-five paylines and five reels. While the background displays an evening-sky enjoyed on an island, lounge music sets the mood. The theme related symbols all drenched in gold and diamonds includes golden rings, silver and gold cufflinks, designer watches, cognac & cigars, limousines and a stack of cash kept orderly via a gold dollar designed money clip.

Ten different bet levels are available to select from, while the coin value starts from a minimum of $0.01 up to $0.50. Packed with bonus features, Mega Fortune enhances winning chances via wild yachts paying maximums worth up to 10,000 coins, champagne scatters releasing free spins and bonus wheels unlocking the door to the jackpot bonus round. The main attraction is the three progressive jackpots displayed directly above the reels, which includes the rapid, major and the mega jackpots.

Mega Moolah is inspired by the freedom of nature, it’s twenty-five paylines transport players to the wild where a purple monkey throws the bonus, and for the lucky winner, he predicts a life of riches. Apart from four progressive jackpots, Mega Moolah also features an array of fantastic bonus boosters including the wild lion replacing all symbols to increase combination winnings. The monkey represents the scatter, and during the free spins bonus round all payouts are tripled.

Once the jackpot bonus round activated a window appears over the main game, and the player gets the chance to spin the wheel. The colour the bonus wheel halts on determines which of the progressive jackpots are won, the mini activates on red, the minor jackpot triggers on orange, the major n yellow and the mega jackpot pays out should the wheel land on the paw prints on the grey area.

Despite the fact that online casinos offer thousands of different online slots, it is progressive slot machines that match extreme attention and popularity. These are special slot machines that stand out from the crowd due to their superb wins and real chances for a player to change one life for the better with a single spin.

In this short post, we will introduce you to the best progressive jackpot slots that you should definitely play to test your luck and land a massive jackpot. We would like to recommend that you play progressive slots at reliable casinos in order to be sure that your winnings will actually be paid to you once you hit the jackpot!

#1 – Mega Moolah

The Mega Moolah progressive jackpot slot currently holds the record for the largest jackpot win of £ 13.2m out of a 25p bet hit by a British soldier in 2015. This online slot has 25 pay lines, 5 reels and features the African Safari Adventure theme. The progressive jackpot game can start randomly from any spin, after which you will be taken to the jackpot wheel, where you have a chance to win any of the 4 progressive jackpots – major, basic, minor, or mini.

#2 – Mega Moolah Isis

Inspired by the Mega Moolah progressive jackpot slot, the core of Mega Moolah Isis is basically different from the original game. There are 5 reels and 25 pay lines, apart from the free spins bonus that comes with a win multiplier. The biggest difference between this game and Mega Moolah is its design, as this one features the Egyptian theme, with symbols like Isis, pyramids, Nile crocodiles, golden lotus flowers, soaring eagles, and others.

#3 – Mega Fortune

Mega Fortune is NetEnt’s product. The game is as popular as Mega Moolah when it comes to winning. This game actually held the largest online jackpot record at any given time. It comes with 25 pay lines and has a luxury theme, with expensive wine bottles, cars, watches, etc. It’s quite easy to activate the jackpot – you just need to land 3 bonus wheels anywhere on the pay lines.

#4 – Arabian Nights

While NetEnt’s Arabian Nights slot game isn’t as popular as Mega Fortune and Mega Moolah, it’s right at the top when it comes to their jackpot size. The company has consistently delivered million dollar jackpots to the lucky players for a long time. You have a chance to win the jackpot if you wager the maximum amounts on all 10 lines and eventually hit 5 wild symbols on any of the pay lines. Overall, this is a must-try game for anyone looking to win big jackpots and have already tried their luck at Mega Moolah and Mega Fortune.

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#5 – Beach Life

The Beach Life slot machine is the pride and the latest achievement of Playtech. The game boasts a jackpot of over a million dollars and exciting gameplay. On July 22, 2007, the first lucky player – Heinrich S. – landed a whopping $ 4,801,527 jackpot in the game. Beach Life is an incredibly simple game, where the bet per line is fixed at only 50 cents. A progressive jackpot is something that makes this video slot even more attractive. Beach Life’s special features include the scatter symbols and a bonus game that makes it even more interesting and fun.

#6 – Millionaires Club

CryptoLogic’s Millionaires Club slot machine has long been the most famous, most popular, and the most played slot game with the largest jackpot. After each win, the progressive jackpot is set at $175,000, and thanks to its popularity among players, it grows at a gigantic pace every week. When playing at CryptoLogic online casinos, any player should make a couple of spins to try their luck.

#7 – Major Millions

The Major Millions slot is another progressive jackpot slot from Microgaming, whose popularity is growing steadily. There is nothing difficult in winning the grand prize in the game. Three Major Millions symbols on the third line will give you this progressive jackpot. If the Major Million symbol hits a pay line and completes a winning combination, the win is tripled.

The coin size for bets is limited to 20 cents, so the maximum bet is very low, which means that you do not have to be a high-roller to start the game. However, it is not the min bet size that catches the interest of gamblers. Major Millions is attractive to players due to the size of the jackpot – $332,863.

#8 – Treasure Nile

Fans of ancient Egypt will undoubtedly appreciate the Treasure Nile video slot and the size of its jackpot that they can win if they are lucky enough. Pharaohs on the ninth payline will bring you the well-deserved jackpot. You can win the progressive jackpot in the game if you play with the maximum bet per line, which is only $4.5. Obviously, this slot is affordable for all categories of players. Treasure Nile has a Wild and a Scatter symbol to increase the player’s chances of winning on every spin. The minimum jackpot in it is set at $40,000.

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#9 – King CashaLot

The King Cashalot slot machine has been present in Microgaming online casinos for a long time, but it still gets more and more fans. Five Kings on the ninth pay line at the maximum bet will bring you the progressive jackpot, which is currently $614,034. So this machine can change once life. The bonus game is extremely profitable; it is activated when there are three Dragon symbols on reels 2, 3, and 4.

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#10 – Captain America

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Fans of comics will love this slot dedicated to one of the most famous retro comic heroes – Captain America. The jackpot in this video slot from CryptoLogic is 12,500 coins. Another great thing about the game is that you can win not one but as many as three jackpots. Interestingly, the Captain America video slot is part of the CryptoLogic family of slot machines licensed by Marvel, the publisher of superhero comics. Among them, you can find slot machines themed Hulk, Punisher, Daredevil, Blade, and many other heroes known around the world.