Most respectable virtual casinos ensure they offer a wide variety of options for their patrons. The myriad of games includes a diverse range of slots that fall under different categories, each with its own charm, attracting different slot enthusiasts. With so many options to choose from, it is only natural that players might find it difficult to decide which slots to spin.
When real-money wagers are on the line, the choice becomes even more difficult. With different slots incorporating bonus features that can unlock extra payouts, players are often tempted by the chance of landing bigger wins. Add a progressive jackpot to the game, and things become even more intriguing.
Many software providers have implemented a progressive jackpot system into their slots, allowing the same game to generate a huge prize pool thanks to the bets players place across different casinos that offer the game. Progressive slots can often award life-changing jackpots that can turn any regular player into an instant millionaire. This is why many enjoy playing progressive slots.
However, it should be noted that progressive games are not for everyone, as some players may enjoy their gaming time more if they stick to regular slots. If you want to know which type of slot variation is right for you, we recommend reading this article, as we will present all aspects of both regular and progressive slots.
Understanding Regular Slots and Their Perks
Just because we call them regular, it does not mean that slots without progressive jackpots lack advanced features. These can make the gameplay far more exciting and can also trigger generous wins that make one’s spinning adventures much more fruitful. What is more, regular slots can still offer jackpot payouts that are very rewarding, even though they are not progressive.
With regular slots, the maximum amount you can win is often based on the size of your wager. The maximum possible payout that non-progressive slots offer is typically smaller than the jackpots promised by progressive slots.
The jackpots offered by regular slots are known as fixed. This means they never change in amount according to the number of times the jackpot has been won or how frequently it has been awarded to players. In most cases, the jackpots that can be won while playing regular slots are a specific amount multiplied by the total bet placed by players. For instance, a game with a fixed jackpot of 500x your bet size means that the amount you can win depends on whether you opt for a lower stake or the maximum bet.
Regular slots usually make up the bulk of the gaming portfolio at both virtual and land-based casinos. As different software developers choose to include various features in these games, regular slots are often the favourite pastime of many players. Based on their design and features, non-progressive slots can be divided into classic and video slots.
Classic slots with fixed jackpots
Classic slots that typically have only three reels, basic symbols, and rarely feature any bonus games tend to offer simple gameplay and significantly lower payouts. The maximum possible payout may be a certain fixed amount or it may be expressed as a multiplier applied to the total bet size players have made. Even though classic slots tend to offer smaller fixed jackpot payouts, they are often preferred by players as they allow less risky wagers.
Video slots with fixed jackpots
Video slots, on the other hand, incorporate more advanced features than their classic counterparts. Special symbols and bonus games give players a chance for more winning opportunities. Some of the most common in-game features in video slots include free spins, pick-a-prize games, and earnings multipliers. Of course, even if all these features are triggered, the maximum payout that video slots may offer cannot compare to progressive jackpots. That said, many players enjoy video slots with various in-game features, as they can often grant very satisfying wins.
Understanding the Appeal of Progressive Slots
Although regular slots have their appeal and can offer plenty, many players are tempted to play progressive slots. When it comes to design, progressive slots are very similar to regular slots. That is why you can come across progressive titles that include classic fruity symbols and fewer paylines yet can randomly unlock a progressive prize. Meanwhile, there are also progressive video slots that include various bonus features and special symbols that can make your gameplay very fruitful and fun. In those cases, the progressive jackpot is also one of the bonus features that can be triggered while playing the video slot.
The main aspect that differentiates progressive slots from regular ones is the way the jackpot prizes are formed. As mentioned earlier, fixed jackpots are expressed as a specific maximum multiplier applied to the player’s bet size. Meanwhile, progressive jackpots are never fixed, as they constantly change due to the contributions of the players wagering on progressive slots.
Some of the most popular progressive slots online give players the opportunity to become millionaires in just a single spin. Such games have a prize pool generated by the contributions of bets placed on the same slot across numerous virtual casinos. With every bet that does not trigger the progressive jackpot, a portion of the wager goes to the prize pool. That causes the jackpot to grow, making the prize even more bountiful for subsequent spins.
Progressive jackpots are won randomly, forcing the prize pool to restart either from a set amount or from scratch. The progressive slots that offer jackpots of several million, however, are typically restarted from a set amount that continues to grow with the contributions of numerous players.
The prize pools of progressive slots are always increasing thanks to the bets placed by other players. That being said, there are several types of progressive slots depending on the area of contribution.
Stand-Alone Progressive Slots
The first type of progressive slot that can be found at some virtual casinos is often referred to as stand-alone. Such slots are not connected to jackpot networks, so the prize pool is generated only by the bets placed on the specific games at the respective online casino. These slots typically feature jackpot metres that indicate in real time how the prize pool is increasing thanks to the losing bets of fellow players who wager on the same slot at the same interactive casino. Stand-alone progressive jackpots are relatively smaller in amount but can still reach rather generous sizes.
In-House Progressive Slots
These slots have a broader area of contribution, as in-house jackpots usually connect several slots that share the same prize pool. However, the jackpot network extends only to a single virtual casino that features all the slots sharing the same progressive jackpot. This means that the prize pool of these slots increases thanks to the losing bets placed on the other connected games at the casino. Such progressive prizes tend to be bigger than stand-alone jackpots but are nowhere near as large as progressive jackpots that have a broader network.
Wide-Area Progressive Slots
As the name suggests, these slots share a much wider jackpot network, connecting multiple slots offered across numerous online casinos. With this type of slot, you will find the progressive jackpot accumulating larger amounts much more quickly, as far more players are contributing to the prize pool. Thanks to this extremely large area of contribution, wide-area progressive slots can often reach several million and turn any lucky player into a millionaire in a single spin.
Boiling Point Progressive Jackpot Slots
In addition to classifying progressive jackpot slots by their area of contribution, there is also another interesting type of progressive slot you may come across at some online casinos. The so-called boiling point progressive jackpot slots take a different approach to the way the jackpot is awarded.
Slots that offer this type of progressive prize have their prize pools increase to a certain amount. Once the predetermined point is reached, one lucky player wins the progressive jackpot, which then starts to build yet again. Progressive slots powered by RTG are currently the most popular Boiling Point Jackpot titles, with Spirit of the Inca being a prominent example of this type of progressive slot.
Should Players Go for Regular or Progressive Slots?
There is no right or wrong decision when you are wondering whether you should play regular or progressive slots. The truth is that your choice should be based on different factors and your overall expectations for your online slot experience. To make the decision easier, you should keep a few important things in mind.
Are you a recreational player or are you chasing life-changing payouts?
Of course, if you can afford it and you are in it for the big millions, you should definitely test your luck on progressive slots. Keep in mind that the huge jackpots are offered on wide-area progressive slots that are played by multiple players across numerous online casinos. This will make the competition fiercer, but you will have the chance to win a jackpot that no regular slot can offer.
What Is Your Slot Wagering Budget and How Much Are You Willing to Risk?
Before you start playing, you should always set a budget and follow through with the plan for your gaming expenses. Make sure to bet only money you can afford to lose, as nothing is guaranteed with games of chance such as slots. If you need to stick to a smaller budget, we recommend playing regular slots that will allow you to adjust your stake. A smaller bet might mean smaller wins, but you may actually make some profit from your wagers as a recreational player.
On the other hand, if you can afford to make high-risk bets, we recommend you go for the maximum stakes on progressive slots. That way, you will qualify for the big win and may even have the chance to become an instant millionaire.
Assessing Winning Chances on Progressive Slots
While progressive slots might declare a specific RTP, it should be taken into consideration that the RTP of a progressive slot is harder to calculate than that of regular slots. This is because the constantly increasing jackpot affects the RTP, but as the prize pool is progressing continuously, it is difficult to determine the figure accurately.
Playing higher denominations and making the maximum bet will give you a greater edge against the house and better chances of sweeping the progressive jackpot. However, you must keep in mind that you are making riskier bets in exchange for having better chances of winning the progressive jackpot.
The ultimate decision to play regular or progressive slots comes down to choosing the games that best fit your needs and preferences. We suggest sticking to regular slots if you are a recreational player hoping to make some profit while having fun. If, however, you enjoy the thrill of riskier bets and can afford to place maximum stakes, you should try your luck for the chance of sweeping a major progressive jackpot.
