Jackpot! This word stirs the blood of all gamblers and makes their hearts beat faster. A jackpot fundamentally changes the game's strategy on some slots and video pokers.
In general, the jackpot is the main prize or the total amount of bets placed in a game.
Prototypes of the current jackpots were known right after the creation of gambling, so it is impossible to trace their history without considering the history of gambling in general.
It is believed that gambling originated in ancient China, although many researchers dispute it. From the 14th to the 19th century, it was widespread in Europe, where it acquired a more modern look. During all this time, the face of jackpots has been changing. Although a pot in each game was calculated according to its rules, it was always the highest prize.
Given the wide variety of jackpots, we will be exploring specific games where they are offered. Some are slot machines, bingo, card games, lotteries, etc. Pots can be raffled even at roulette.
Jackpot in Popular Casino Games
Let's analyze jackpots in the example of different games.
- Bingo. This game emerged in the 16th century in Italy and was a lottery, gradually becoming very similar to the modern version. The Bingo prize is the jackpot because it is formed by players' bets (although some casinos offer a fixed prize pool). Usually, bingo features several winning combinations.
- Lotteries. Jackpot plays an essential role in various lotteries, whose history is rooted in the days of ancient Egypt. Modern lotteries may differ significantly, but almost all have a jackpot, which you can win in case of specific winning numbers or symbols in the scorecard. Jackpot size in lotteries can vary from a few dollars to hundreds of millions.
- Poker. Also, jackpots can be found in some types of poker games. Typically, it is formed by contributions from special bonus bets. In this case, it can only be won if such a bet has been placed and the player has landed one of the two top combinations.
- You don't need any additional bets in video poker to win a jackpot. However, the maximum bet can only win the total amount while playing.
- Video slots. A wide variety of jackpots is offered on slot machines. You could even say that they now determine the development and transformation of Jackpots.
- Blackjack. Usually, you need to place a side bet to have a chance of winning a jackpot. Bet a fixed amount on the field, land a specific combination (for example, three sevens of spades), and win the jackpot!
- Roulette. You will also have to make a side bet of a proper size to have a chance of winning a jackpot on roulette. Usually, it requires winning a certain number a few times.
- Scratch cards. Instant win games also can offer jackpots. The T&C may vary. Make sure you check it in each case.
- Arcade, entertaining, and other games – bingo, keno, race simulators, and other games may become a battlefield for progressive jackpots.
We always discuss the details of jackpot drawing in the game reviews at Casinoz.
Jackpot Types
In some games, jackpots are an additional opportunity to try the fortune. In contrast, it is the main element determining an experienced player's decisions in every situation.
Studying the jackpot terms will help you better navigate the game and improve your chances of winning.
Progressive Jackpots
Nowadays, the most common type is a progressive jackpot. The idea is that the jackpot size increases with the number of games. This process is terminated only at the moment when someone wins. Then, the jackpot accumulation starts from scratch or with any amount established by the casino.
So-called Mystery Jackpots also belong to progressive ones. Their essential feature is the timeline.
Advantage players love to use it. They are looking for slots of this kind with an approaching timeline and playing until somebody wins the jackpot.
The largest progressive jackpots can be found on chain online slot machines. Often, such a chain includes tens of thousands of slots, and every spin on them increases the jackpot amount.
We have described details of these progressive slots in another article on Casinoz, so we will not dwell on them again. Many land-based and online casinos have their chains with a single jackpot.
Fixed Amount Jackpots
Non-progressive jackpots work differently. In such games, particular combinations the rules provide will pay a certain amount. The number of players or spins does not affect it.
These jackpots can not be compared to progressive ones by popularity but are also in high demand.
Summary
When choosing a new game, pay attention to the kind of jackpot, as this is what you want to consider building your strategy. If possible, you should get professional advice. The odds of winning the jackpot are small, but someone wins it daily.
You can also be the lucky one!