Progressive slots come in all shapes and sizes, with classic 3-reel 1-payline slots, multi-payline 3-reel slots, ordinary 5-reel video slots and those with paylines that go into the thousands. These slots have their own unique characteristics, some offering a more classic experience, while others are very advanced with extra features, bonus built-in games and multiple winning combinations. Although there is no difference in characteristics between progressive and non-progressive games, there is a bit of a difference in terms of how you go about betting toward the grand prize…

 

What is a "Maximum Bet"?

Every slot game has a coin value range, which is the available coin sizes that you can use to bet with. Coin sizes can be as little as $0.01, right up to $5, or more. In addition to the coin denominations, slots also have a "number of coins allowed per payline", as it is most often referred to. You will notice on the screen of these games that there is a button where you can increase or decrease the number of coins allowed – separate from the coin size button. This is where you are choosing the number of coins you would like to place on each of the active paylines. Now, you can choose any coin size and decide how many coins you would like to bet, but, when playing progressive slots you have to place the maximum permissible bet.

 

What is a Wager Multiplier?

There is also a thing called a 'Wager Multiplier' that comes into play when you are playing slots with a high number of paylines, such as 243 Ways-to-Win slots or 1024 Ways-to-Win slot. Rather than placing your coins on each of these paylines, which will lead to an unrealistic max bet, you can choose your coin value, the amount of coins you would like to play, and this will be multiplied according to the games' wager x. If you are playing a 243 Ways-to-Win progressive slot with a max coin value of $0.50, a maximum of 10 coins allowed, and a 40x multiplier, you will then have a max bet of $200.

 

How to bet on progressive slots

As we've mentioned before, you need to bet 'at max' in order to qualify for the total progressive jackpot. This means that you need to use the highest coin value, and place the maximum number of coins allowed per payline, with every spin. If you do not bet max you can still win but you will win the base game jackpot – i.e. the games' normal jackpot and not the pooled jackpot. Progressive slots also still pay out on other symbol combinations, just as with regular slots, so even if you don't land the top prize you will still benefit from normal payouts. Don't go small though, go big or go home! Play progressive slots with the intention to win the ultimate prize pot by betting max with every spin.

Progressive Slots Strategy and Tips

Some people think that there are solid strategies that can be applied to progressive slots that will significantly increase your odds of winning… There are all sorts of theories, some of them even backed by complex mathematical charts and formulas, that suggest that there are certain times and instances where jackpots are more likely to pay out. Although this is a nice thought and we would like to think that it is so, realistically, the payout frequency is unaffected and totally happens at random. It purely comes down to luck. Some sites often show 'average hit rates' that lead people to think that they should give it a shot according to that time frame… These are really just the amount of times that the jackpot has paid out, divided by how long the jackpot has been around.

 

Practical strategies to up the fun-factor

There is very little strategy that you can apply to playing progressive jackpot slots to improve your winning chances but you can however improve the fun factor! With multiple online casino software providers all having a unique game selection, including their own range of progressive slots, you can first go check out what is out there to find the perfect game for you. Casinos powered by the same software all offer the same games so go and play at a Rival casino, Microgaming casino, RTG casino, Net Entertainment casino, Playtech casino and a Cryptologic casino and explore their progressive games to find one that will deliver the ultimate entertainment for your liking!

 

Betting tips for playing toward a progressive jackpot

Although there aren't any real strategies to playing progressive slots there are a few tips that you have to remember when playing for the major prize. The number one point to remember is that you are only eligible for the giant jackpot if you have made the maximum bet. The maximum bet is using the highest coin denomination and placing the highest number of coins allowed on each payline when you wager. It is also recommended that you do so with every spin or you might end up crying long tears when you line up those symbols but don't qualify for the jackpot! Playing toward the progressive jackpot can turn out to be a costly affair too so if you can, set a little bit of playing-money aside that you can afford to spend frivolously on your game without feeling guilty.