In this article, we’ll delve into the mechanics and various types of these slots in Canadian casinos, including well-known titles like Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, Arabian Nights, Hall of Gods, and Major Millions. We’ll also provide expert tips for increasing your chances of winning while emphasizing responsible gambling.
What Are Progressive Slots and How They Work
A progressive jackpot slot is a slot with a special prize fund. Every time someone places a real-money bet on the slot, a portion of their bet gets added to this fund. It keeps on getting bigger until someone is lucky enough to win it. It is appealing because there’s no upper limit to how big it can get.
Some progressive prizes can be as high as five, six or even seven or eight figures. The way you win depends on the slot you’re playing. For some slots, you could win the top prize on any spin. Others require you to complete a particular action, such as lining up certain symbols on a payline.
Different Types of Progressive Slots
Lots of online casino games have a few different types. Progressive slots are no different. Below is a summary of the main types that you’ll come across at online casinos and land-based gaming venues throughout Canada.
Standalone Progressives
Standalone progressive jackpots share their jackpot with no other slot game. Mega Fortune from NetEnt is a prime example. Whenever someone plays this slot, no matter what casino they’re at, they’ll contribute to the prize fund and have a chance of winning.
In-House Progressives
These slots belong to the same casino and share a progressive jackpot. These slots and the jackpot they share can’t be found elsewhere. In land-based casinos, in-house progressives are usually grouped together in a certain part of the gaming floor.
Wide Area Network Progressives
These slots share their progressive prize with one or more other slots that are from the same provider. They can be found at multiple online/land-based casinos. A great example is the Mega Moolah series from Microgaming. There are well over a dozen slots that all share the four Mega Moolah jackpots. Wide area network progressives usually have jackpots that grow in size very quickly. These cash prizes can also reach relatively high amounts.
Characteristics of Progressive Online Slots
Below are some common slot terms. For each one, there’s a brief description of how the term applies to progressive jackpot slots.
- Jackpot Size: This can vary greatly. It largely depends on what value the jackpot resets to once it’s been won. Some reset to nothing or a few hundred or thousand dollars. Others can start with a value as high as a million dollars.
- Odds of Winning: Again, the odds of winning a jackpot prize can vary a lot. Smaller jackpots pay out more frequently than bigger ones.
- Payback Percentage: Some slots with progressive jackpots have RTPs that are lower than average, i.e. considerably below 96% or so.
Top Biggest Progressive Jackpot Slot Machines
Check out the table below to see what the most prominent progressive slot payouts are. The people who won these staggering sums of money were incredibly lucky indeed.
Progressive Slots |
Jackpot Amount |
Online Casino |
Date of Last Win |
🎰 Mega Moolah |
$19,430,723 |
Grand Mondial |
September 2018 |
🎰 Mega Fortune |
$17,860,868 |
Betsson |
January 2013 |
🎰 Arabian Nights |
$8,635,872 |
Paf Casino |
November 2012 |
🎰 Hall of Gods |
$8,739,283 |
Betsson |
April 2015 |
🎰 Major Millions |
$2,801,619 |
Royal Vegas Casino |
February 2012 |
Mega Moolah
This is a Microgaming slot themed to the African plains and the animals that live there. It has four progressive jackpots. The biggest one, the Mega Jackpot, is the highest-paying one in the world.
Mega Fortune
Developed by NetEnt, Mega Fortune is an online slot based on luxury and wealth. Its features include 25 paylines, free spins and three progressive jackpots.
Arabian Nights
Another slot from NetEnt, Arabian Nights, has a Middle Eastern setting. There’s one progressive cash prize to be won and a free spins round where all wins are tripled.
Hall of Gods
Yet another NetEnt slot, Hall of Gods, is inspired by Norse mythology. It has three progressive jackpots, expanding wilds and a free spin round. Five deities appear: Odin, Thor, Freya, Loki and Idun.
Major Millions
Created by the team at Microgaming, Major Millions is themed to war and has cartoon-style graphics. It’s been entertaining players since coming online in 2002.
Tips & Tricks to Win Progressive Jackpot Slots Online
The odds of winning a progressive slot’s top prize are very low indeed. Having said that, there are a few things you can do to slightly boost your chances of winning. Even so, you’ll still need a lot of luck on your side if you’re going to win.
Choose Games With Low Volatility
Slots with low volatility should pay out fairly frequently. Their average payouts are usually on the smaller side. By sticking with these slots, you’ll risk your budget a lot less.
Try Out the Demo Version of the Slot First
Before playing a new casino game of any kind. It’s a good idea to play the demo version first. Doing so will give you an idea of how everything works. It will also show you what the gameplay is like.
Make the Maximum Bet if It Fits Within Your Budget
For some progressive jackpot slots, you have to bet the maximum amount if you want a chance of winning the top prize. If you’re going to place the biggest bet, make sure your budget allows for it.
Establish a Budget and Ensure That You Adhere to It
Speaking of a budget, it’s important you set one up before any gambling session. You should always stick to it. Spending money you can’t afford on casino games is never recommended. Also, don’t go chasing your losses. If you don’t win, don’t keep playing.
Take Advantage of All the Bonuses and Promotions
Be sure to make the most of casino bonuses. Earn rewards such as free spins and bonus money you can spend on slots. Check what games you can use bonuses on before claiming them.
Mobile Slot Games With Progressive Jackpots
Every online casino we’ve mentioned has a mobile site. You can easily access this on both smartphones and tablets. A casino’s mobile platform should offer all, if not most, of the same games as the desktop site. Some of our recommended casinos have their app in addition to a mobile site.
Progressive Slots Pros and Cons
Pros |
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Cons |
➕ You could win a huge sum of money |
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➖ Sometimes the RTP is lower than average |
➕ They come in lots of different themes, from animals and ancient civilizations to rich lifestyles and fantasy worlds |
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➖ For some slots, you have to place large bets for a chance of winning the top prize |
➕ They have exciting special features such as free spins, special symbols and bonus rounds |
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➖ The odds of winning are very low |
➕ Most Canadian casinos have them |
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➕ Some slots have more than one progressive jackpot |
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Progressive Slots vs Regular Slots
Progressive jackpots have an unlimited top prize. Regular ones don’t. When you start playing a progressive jackpot, there’s no telling how big the top prize will be. For regular slots, you can always work out the top payout, which is fixed, by reading the pay table.
Responsible Gambling
When you play any type of casino game, it’s easy to become addicted. It’s important that you always gamble responsibly. Decide on a budget and stick to it. Make sure you only spend money you can afford to lose. Also, stop gambling if it’s having a negative effect on your physical and/or mental well-being.
Each casino has a page on responsible gambling. This offers help and resources for problem gamblers. This includes links to the Responsible Gambling Council and other charities. Deposit limits, loss limits and the ability to self-exclude should also be available.
Progressive Slots Online FAQ
⚖️ Are progressive jackpot slots legal in Canada?
Yes, playing progressive slots is completely legal in Canada. Both online and mobile casinos are legal to play these slot games at.
🔝 What is the largest jackpot ever won on progressive slots?
The biggest-ever progressive jackpot payout is $19,430,723. A fortunate player won this life-changing sum of money when playing Mega Moolah.
🆓 Is it possible to play progressive games for free?
You can play progressive slot machines for free. However, you won’t be able to win the jackpot prize. This is because only real-money bets qualify.
🎁 Does a progressive jackpot game offer bonus free spins?
Yes, quite a few progressive jackpot games have a free spins round. You usually have to land at least three scatters to earn free spins.
🎰 What are the chances of hitting the jackpot on a progressive slot machine?
When you play progressive slots, the exact chances of winning are slim. They vary from one slot to the next. Generally speaking, the bigger the jackpot prize is, the lower your chances of winning it are.
❓ How are progressive jackpot winnings paid out?
Most online casinos should pay out progressive jackpot winnings in one lump sum. However, some may opt to pay the prize in installments. Check the casino’s terms and conditions to find out.