Fixed Jackpot vs Progressive Jackpot
A core distinction exists between fixed jackpots and progressive ones. Fixed jackpots are always predetermined, so the top prize does not change no matter how many people are playing.
By contrast, a progressive jackpot "increases over time because a portion of each qualifying bet is added to a shared prize pool," as one source explains.
Progressive jackpots reset to a base amount after a win. Meanwhile, fixed jackpots are predetermined and do not change no matter how many people are playing.
Why RTP is Usually Lower on Progressive Pokies
Progressive jackpots tend to have "a lower RTP than fixed jackpot pokies," as one source explains, adding that progressive jackpot RTPs are usually around 90%, while fixed jackpots are usually higher than 95%.
Another source claims that progressive jackpot pokies can have an RTP that is typically 1-3% lower than equivalent non-jackpot pokies. That is because some portion of each bet is reserved for the prize pool, not for the base-game RTP.
So while a top prize of 5,000,000 AUD on Mega Moolah might be awfully enticing, a true RTP of 96.5% for that game is below the typical RTP for non-jackpot pokies. There is a tradeoff.
What Are the Bet Requirements?
Progressive jackpot pokies usually require a qualifying bet, with requirements varying by title.
But that does not mean a max bet is always required. The rules are title-specific.
Must-Drop and Daily-Drop Jackpots
"Must drop" jackpots, as one source describes them, are progressive jackpots that must be won before a set amount or deadline. They may be won randomly on any spin, without needing a special feature trigger, and not necessarily in a max-bet round.
A small percentage of every bet in a must-drop jackpot game adds to the pool. One source says three Jackpot symbols in the base game trigger the jackpot wheel, but the exact trigger rules seem to be title-specific.
Standalone vs. Networked Progressives
A standalone progressive jackpot is specific to one game. By contrast, a networked jackpot is available on multiple slots. These can be linked across games that do not necessarily share a common feature set.
Networked progressives, like standalone ones, are funded by contributions from every qualifying bet. They can include major jackpots plus smaller daily or hourly jackpots, all on the same slot or across a larger network of slots.
Beware Chasing the Mythical Top Prize
When weighing your next pokie, do not chase the top prize. The size of the advertised top prize is not as important as the title's funding model and qualifying rules. Along with the lower base-game RTP, those are the key practical facts.
