Slot machines come with all kinds of jackpot types, the two main ones being progressive and fixed. Both are available at CloverSpin and offer the chance at a big prize, but they function differently. Progressive jackpots grow over time as more people play without winning, while fixed jackpots stay the same. This leads to some key differences that can impact a player’s opportunity to win and the experience they have.
How Progressive Jackpots Work
Progressive jackpots are networked across multiple machines, including different games and sometimes even multiple casinos. Each wager adds to the top prize. The jackpot increases until someone comes up with the winning combination, at which point it resets to a base amount and starts growing again.
Some advantages of progressives:
- Jackpots can reach millions of dollars, rarely offered on fixed machines.
- The ever-rising meter builds anticipation and a sense of excitement.
Drawbacks include:
- Lower overall RTP percentage, since some of each bet fuels the jackpot.
- Winning combinations hit less frequently than on fixed jackpot games.
Best Progressive Jackpot Online Slots
| Slot Name | Developer | Key Features | Average Jackpot |
| Mega Moolah | Microgaming | African safari theme, 4-tier progressive jackpot | Over $10 million |
| Hall of Gods | NetEnt | Norse mythology theme, expanding wilds, bonus round | Over $5 million |
| Arabian Nights | NetEnt | Arabian theme, free spins, progressive jackpot | Over $2 million |
| Major Millions | Microgaming | Military theme, 3 reels or 5 reels, massive payouts | Over $1 million |
| Divine Fortune | NetEnt | Ancient Greek theme, falling wilds, jackpot bonus game | Around $500,000 |
Fixed Jackpot Advantages
As the name implies, fixed jackpots remain the same regardless of play volume or payouts. These machines have a few notable benefits:
- Higher RTP – less money gets diverted to the top prize.
- Jackpots hit more often, leading to more frequent payouts.
- Max bet is not always required to win the full jackpot.
The trade-off is that fixed jackpots don’t reach the stratospheric heights of progressives. But for many players, they provide better overall value.
Best Fixed Jackpot Online Slots
| Slot Name | Developer | Key Features | Max Jackpot |
| Thunderstruck II | Microgaming | Norse mythology theme, free spins, multipliers | 1,000x your stake |
| Gonzo’s Quest | NetEnt | Adventure theme, cascading reels, avalanche multipliers | 2,500x your stake |
| Starburst | NetEnt | Space theme, expanding wilds, frequent smaller wins | 500x your stake |
| Book of Dead | Play’n GO | Ancient Egypt theme, free spins, gamble feature | 5,000x your stake |
| Immortal Romance | Microgaming | Vampire theme, wild desire feature, 243 ways to win | 12,000x your stake |
Progressive vs. Fixed Jackpot Payout Percentages
| Jackpot Type | Overall Game RTP | Chance of Hitting Top Prize | Max Jackpot Size |
| Progressive | 88-93% | 1 in 10+ million to 1 in 50+ million | $1 million+ |
| Fixed | 92-98% | Around 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 | $1,000 to $25,000 |
As shown in the table, fixed jackpot slots have a higher return-to-player percentage. This means more of each wager goes back to players over time, leading to better odds and more frequent payouts.
However progressives tempt players with multimillion-dollar jackpots. Even though the chances of hitting are extremely slim, it only takes one spin to radically change a life.
So while fixed jackpots provide better mathematical value, progressives cater to players chasing a massive payout. It comes down to preference between more reasonable payouts or the allure of an elusive mega-jackpot.
Strategies for Each Jackpot Type
Here are some tips to maximize your play on progressive and fixed jackpot machines:
Progressive:
- Always bet the maximum coins, since this is required to win the full jackpot.
- Try machines with smaller starting jackpots for better odds.
- Only play when the jackpot is already sizeable.
Fixed:
- Check if the max bet is needed for the full jackpot.
- Take note of jackpot amounts to find the best pay tables.
- Play games with multiple fixed jackpot levels for more winning chances.
Which Jackpot Offers Better Overall Value?
For those focused purely on RTP percentages and frequency of payouts, fixed jackpot slots provide superior value. In addition to providing better odds and more inclusive requirements for winning, fixed jackpot games give players more bang for their buck.
However the lure of a mega-jackpot and the excitement as the meter clicks ever higher, is undeniably appealing too. While progressive jackpots are tougher to hit, their life-changing power remains a huge draw.