What are Jackpots?
A jackpot is a prize available within a game. In slot games, a jackpot may be a fixed prize or a prize that changes over time, depending on how the game is set up.
Some jackpots stay at the same value, while others may increase over time. In this guide, we'll explain the different types of jackpots and how they work.
How do jackpots work?
A jackpot is usually the top prize available within a game. How a jackpot works depends on the game's rules, which should explain how the prize is awarded and whether any requirements apply.
Not all jackpots work in the same way
Some jackpots stay at the same value, while others can change over time.
The two main types of jackpots are:
- Fixed jackpots – the prize amount stays the same.
- Progressive jackpots – the prize amount may increase over time.
Understanding the difference can help you get a better idea of how a particular jackpot game works.
What is a fixed jackpot?
A fixed jackpot is a jackpot where the prize amount is set.
How fixed jackpots work
With a fixed jackpot, the prize does not increase as more people play. If the game displays a jackpot amount, that amount will remain the same until it is won, unless the game rules state otherwise.
In simple terms, a fixed jackpot:
- has a set prize amount
- does not grow over time
- does not increase as more people play
- is usually explained in the game information
A simple example
If a slot game has a fixed jackpot of £500, the prize remains at £500 until it is awarded.
What is a progressive jackpot?
A progressive jackpot works differently because the prize amount may increase over time.
How progressive jackpots work
With a progressive jackpot, the prize can grow before it is awarded. Depending on the game, this growth may happen gradually over time. The jackpot may be linked to activity within a single game or across a group of games.
The game rules should explain how the jackpot works and how the prize amount is built.
In simple terms, a progressive jackpot:
- may increase over time
- can be linked to one game or multiple games
- varies depending on the game's setup
- is explained in the game rules
A simple example
A progressive jackpot might start at a set amount and increase over time. The jackpot continues to grow until it is awarded according to the game's rules.
Fixed vs progressive jackpots
At a glance
Fixed jackpot
- prize amount is set
- does not increase over time
- stays the same until awarded
- rules explain how the prize works
Progressive jackpot
- prize amount may increase over time
- can be linked to a game or group of games
- changes depending on the game's setup
- rules explain how the prize works
Understanding whether a jackpot is fixed or progressive can help you get familiar with how the game works before you start playing
What should you check before playing a jackpot game?
Not all jackpot games work in the same way. Before you start playing, it's worth taking a look at the game information so you understand how the jackpot works.
Fixed or progressive jackpot
A good place to start is checking whether the jackpot is fixed or progressive. This can help you understand how the prize is structured and whether the jackpot amount stays the same or may change over time.
Stake requirements
Some games may have specific requirements relating to jackpot prizes. The game rules should explain any conditions that apply.
Linked game networks
Some jackpots are connected to a single game, while others may be linked across a group of games. If this applies, the game information should explain how the jackpot works.
Game rules and eligibility
It's always worth reviewing the game rules before you play. These should explain how the jackpot is awarded, along with any relevant requirements or eligibility information.
What is Jackpot Champions?
Jackpot Champions is tombola arcade's exclusive network of jackpot games. The connected games share jackpot prizes that can build over time, with the game rules explaining how the jackpots operate and how prizes are awarded.
Unlike a jackpot that belongs to a single game, Jackpot Champions links multiple games together through a shared jackpot network. If you're exploring one of these games, you'll find more information about how the jackpots work within the game details.
Ready to learn more?
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A quick recap
A jackpot is a prize available within a game. Some jackpots are fixed, which means the prize amount stays the same, while others are progressive and may increase over time.
The game rules will explain how a jackpot works, whether it is fixed or progressive and any requirements that apply. Understanding these details can help you learn more about how different jackpot games work and the types of prizes they may include