Jackpots
Jackpot slots pay an extra top prize on top of normal wins. Fixed jackpots are set multiples of your bet; progressive jackpots grow with every stake until someone wins them. Habanero links jackpots to many Spina Zonke favourites, and Playtech runs the best-known progressive networks. Every jackpot is a long shot, so play these for fun, not for the pot.
By Mark SmithChecked On this page 5
Fixed and progressive jackpots
A fixed jackpot is a named prize, such as Mini, Major or Grand, worth a set multiple of your bet. You’ll find them inside hold-and-win bonuses like Chilli Heat, Royal Joker and 64 Gold Coins Hold and Win, and in scatter ladders like Fire Strike. Bigger stakes mean bigger fixed jackpots, and also bigger losses on dry spins.
A progressive jackpot collects a small part of every bet into a pool. The pool grows until it’s won, usually at random, then resets to a starting amount. Some are linked to one game at one casino; others are shared by many casinos, which is why they grow so large.
Our picks
- Habanero jackpots: Hot Hot Fruit, Mystic Fortune Deluxe, Wealth Inn, The Koi Gate, Fortune Dogs and Nuwa Deluxe all have a jackpot attached, and they’re Spina Zonke regulars.
- Playtech jackpots: Macabra Linx PowerPlay Jackpot uses Playtech’s PowerPlay jackpot system, and Gold Hit: Dragon Bonanza has fixed jackpots on a bonus wheel.
- Classic progressive: Mega Joker from NetEnt pairs a progressive with its Supermeter.
- Fixed-jackpot slots: Fat Cash from RealTime Gaming and 10 Shining Diamond from EGT.
- Classic jackpot fruit games: 100 Blue Star and 100 Ice Fruits from AGT Software.
What jackpots cost you
Part of each stake funds the jackpot, so regular wins pay back slightly less. If you never win the jackpot, which is the normal outcome, your real return is a bit below the published RTP. That’s a fair trade if you enjoy the chance; it isn’t a reason to raise your bet. Some progressives require the maximum bet to qualify for the top prize, so read the game’s rules before you play.
Playing jackpot slots sensibly
Treat the jackpot as a lottery ticket that comes with the spin. Choose your stake for the base game, not for the pot, and set a budget before you start. Jackpot wins are paid like any other win, subject to the casino’s withdrawal limits, so check the casino’s terms on large payouts. See our best online casinos, and if gambling stops being fun, call the NRGP helpline on 0800 006 008.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a fixed and a progressive jackpot?
A fixed jackpot is a set multiple of your stake, for example 1,000x, and is the same size every spin. A progressive jackpot takes a small part of every bet into a pool that keeps growing until it drops.
Do jackpot slots have a lower RTP?
Often the regular game pays back a little less, because part of each stake funds the jackpot. The headline RTP usually includes the jackpot's share, which most players never receive.
Is a jackpot ever 'due' to drop?
No. Most progressive jackpots trigger at random on any spin. A large pot or a long time since the last win doesn't make the next spin more likely to win it.
Which Habanero slots have jackpots?
Many do, including Hot Hot Fruit, Mystic Fortune Deluxe, Wealth Inn, The Koi Gate, Fortune Dogs and Nuwa Deluxe. The jackpot amount is shown in the game.
From our research
Other game types
Mark has been writing about online gaming since 2007, covering everything from sportsbooks to casino and slot reviews, offering insights for players of all levels.