Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots are a common feature in online casinos. But you will be surprised to learn that quite a few players don't really know what they are and how they work. Although progressive jackpots originally sprang to life in bricks and mortar casinos; Las Vegas famously has progressive jackpots which 'progress' up to millions, the amount of games available in online casinos means there are now more chances to win online than in any traditional bricks and mortar casino...
How do Progressive Jackpots Work?
Each time a gamer plays a progressive jackpot game a small fraction of their contribution to the game is filtered off into the progressive pot. Add to this that there maybe hundreds and hundreds of players playing the same game at the same time across a number of different online casinos and the pot grows and grows. It’s very common to see these jackpots reach into the millions and one progressive win can often result in scoring a life changing sum of money.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
The most common casino games to feature progressive jackpots are slots machines. By simply placing a bet, you can be in with a chance of hitting the jackpot... That's all it takes! Online casinos offer a variety of progressive slots, such as: Cryptologic's fantastic Marvel Jackpot slots which feature the likes of Spider-Man, X-men and even Iron Man. As well as Microgaming's traditional and video progressive jackpot slots, such as CashSplash 3-Reel and the video slot counterpart of this traditional slots machine, CashSplash 5-Reel.
Progressive Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean stud poker became popular on cruise ships surrounding Caribbean water, but thanks to online casinos, now almost everyone plays progressive Caribbean stud poker. As the game is of the 'stud' variety of poker, there is not as much skill involved as say in 'draw' poker, so to spice things up casino managers added a progressive jackpot to the proceedings. Thankfully, Caribbean stud poker now almost always comes hand in hand with a massive progressive jackpot, which you can win by uncovering a hand of the highest scoring cards.
To be in with a chance of winning the progressive jackpot in a game of Caribbean stud poker, all you have to do is place a low currency bet in the bonus betting section. The bonus section of the table usually looks like a gray/white chip. This may differ from casino to casino, but you will easily be able to place your progressive jackpot bet as well as your ante.
A Royal Flush (Ace, King Queen Jack and 10) is the highest ranking poker hand, so it makes sense that if you reveal a Royal Flush and have placed a progressive jackpot bet, you could win 100% (or all) of the progressive jackpot on offer. A straight flush will reward you a smaller percentage of the progressive jackpot, but with online casinos offering progressives that are worth at least £100,000, placing the small progressive bet could really pay off.
Progressive Blackjack
Traditionally slots and Caribbean stud poker are the most common games to feature progressive jackpots. However, the relentless growth in popularity of progressive jackpots has meant the online casino industry now apply progressives to a wider range of games.
Similarly to Caribbean stud poker, understanding the rules for playing progressive blackjack at an online casino couldn't be easier. All players have to do is go about their usual blackjack business and simply place a bet in the progressive bonus betting section of the table. Online casinos tend to have different rules about what will trigger the progressive jackpot; for example, at Intercasino, uncovering 4 aces will win you 100% of the progressive jackpot, whereas at 32Red 3 7's of the same suit (they play with several decks) will win you 100% of the progressive jackpot. Either way, you have to be in it to win it, so if you're considering a game of blackjack, why not try your hand at progressive blackjack?
Progressive Video Poker
Video Poker is a favourite at online casinos, purely because the amount of variations such a simple game can offer is astounding. Players can play between 1 hand and 100 hands and the addition of progressive jackpots makes video poker all the more entertaining. Progressive video poker, much like Caribbean stud poker and blackjack, the progressive jackpot is awarded when you achieve a certain hand, such as a Royal Flush. Microgaming casinos such as 32Red will only allow you a chance of hitting the progressive jackpot if you place the maximum bet, so make sure you check out the rules before playing.
Often, the bet will be included automatically (like at Intercasino), or you will have to place the maximum bet in order to be in with a chance of winning the progressive jackpot.