Progressive jackpots are a feature used in some pokies where a jackpot amount increases over time. This page provides an informational explanation of how progressive jackpots work, without promoting or encouraging gambling activity.
What a progressive jackpot is
A progressive jackpot is a jackpot system in which the potential payout grows incrementally. The jackpot amount increases as eligible wagers are made, until the jackpot is eventually awarded.
Progressive jackpots may be linked to:
- A single game
- A group of related games
- A wider network of games or platforms
How the jackpot amount grows
In most designs, a small portion of each eligible wager is allocated to a shared jackpot pool. This contribution is defined in advance as part of the game’s configuration.
Key characteristics of jackpot growth:
- Contributions are automatic and predefined
- The jackpot value changes over time
- Growth does not affect base game outcomes
- The contribution rate does not change during play
Trigger conditions and award logic
The conditions for triggering a progressive jackpot are predefined within the game logic. These conditions determine when and how the jackpot may be awarded.
Common trigger methods include:
- Specific symbol combinations
- Bonus feature activation
- Randomised triggers defined by the game model
The triggering method is fixed and does not change based on jackpot size or player behaviour.
Progressive jackpots and standard payouts
Progressive jackpots operate independently from standard payouts. Regular wins continue to be calculated according to the base paytable and win mechanisms, while the jackpot system runs in parallel.
Important distinctions:
- Base payouts follow the standard payout structure
- Jackpot awards follow separate trigger rules
- Jackpot size does not influence base win probabilities
- Underlying randomness remains unchanged
How progressive jackpots fit into game design
Progressive jackpots are integrated into the overall mathematical model of a game. While the jackpot amount itself changes over time, the rules governing its operation remain constant.
The design ensures:
- Fixed trigger probabilities
- Consistent game behaviour
- Separation between base gameplay and jackpot logic
Technical overview
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Jackpot type | Progressive |
| Jackpot growth | Increases via predefined contributions |
| Linked scope | Single game or network |
| Trigger method | Fixed, predefined conditions |
| Effect on base payouts | None |
| Changes during play | Jackpot value only |
What you can do next
- Learn how payout structures differ from jackpot systems
- Read how RNG determines jackpot triggers
- Explore how bonus features interact with jackpots
- Return to the pokies section for more informational content
Informational disclaimer
PokiesHub Australia does not operate games, does not host jackpots, and does not provide gambling services. This information is presented for educational purposes only.
The content is intended to help readers understand how progressive jackpot systems are implemented within the Australian gaming industry.