The key difference between fixed and progressive jackpots is the way that the prize amount for each jackpot is displayed and paid out.
Fixed jackpots do not grow in size as they pay out a set multiplier. For instance, you may see a fixed jackpot game that shows a $5,000 payout when you set your bet to $1.00, which means the fixed payout is 5,000x your spin bet. If you adjust your $1.00 bet to $0.50, then the payout will show $2,500, which is still a 5,000x multiplier.
Progressive jackpot payouts increase in size every time someone playing the game spins the reels. This happens because a percentage of each bet goes towards the jackpot prize pool. In some cases, jackpots can climb into the millions, especially on networked progressive jackpot games, whereby multiple games are linked to the same jackpot(s). On the other hand, you will also see plenty of standalone progressive jackpots not connected to any network.
Here’s the quick visual comparison:
- Fixed jackpots = smaller but reliable wins.
- Progressives = massive potential, but long odds.
While online slots can be pooled together to contribute to the same progressive jackpots, Fixed jackpots are independent. You may see Hold & Win and Hold the Jackpot slot games by the same software provider, but these jackpots are not pooled.
Key takeaway: Choose the jackpot type that matches your playstyle and start spinning for your chance to hit big. For big wins, progressive jackpots offer the highest payouts, but often lower RTPs.
