Progressive jackpots have revolutionised the realm of online gaming, garnering immense popularity due to their potential to offer staggering wins.
But what occurs when someone hits the progressive jackpot? Let's delve into the intriguing world of progressive jackpots.
What Is A Progressive Jackpot?
In stark contrast to traditional slot games with fixed jackpots, progressive slots offer a dynamic jackpot that grows with each stake placed by players. This continuous growth can see potential winnings skyrocket, even exceeding the million-pound mark, until it is won.
Here are some of the different types of progressive jackpot slots:
Standalone Progressive Slots
These slot machines function independently, with the jackpot accumulating solely from the bets placed on that specific machine.
Locally-Linked Progressive Slots
In this case, a group of slot machines within the same online casino is interconnected. The progressive jackpot accrues from the stakes placed on any of the linked machines.
Network-Progressive Slots
These slots cross the boundaries of individual games and casinos, linking the progressive jackpot across an extensive network. This results in a colossal potential jackpot prize.
This is the most common type of online progressive jackpot, with numerous slot games from the same developer contributing to the same pot.
Winning A Progressive Jackpot Online
The anticipation surrounding progressive slot machines is palpable, as any player - from a newbie to a veteran - stands a chance to trigger the jackpot and walk away with an impressive payout. But what exactly transpires if you hit that elusive winning combination?
Most progressive jackpots can trigger at random on a wagered base game spin on any of the participating slot games.
If you win a progressive jackpot, the game will automatically halt, and a screen confirming your win will materialise. This screen typically displays the amount you've won, along with your username and the date of the win.
Subsequently, the online casino initiates a verification process to ascertain the legitimacy of the win. This step is of paramount importance for maintaining the integrity of the game and preventing fraudulent claims. You might be asked to provide documentation to verify your identity and address, a standard security measure enforced by most online casinos to ensure the jackpot is awarded to the rightful winner.
How Are Progressive Jackpots Paid Out?
Once the verification process concludes and the win is authenticated, the process of transferring your winnings commences. The method of payment can vary depending on the specific game and casino.
Certain casinos may opt to pay out the entire jackpot amount in one lump sum, while others may offer the option of receiving the money in instalments over a predetermined period. The specific payment method will depend on the casino's policies and your preference. Common methods of payment encompass electronic transfers, check payments, wire transfers, and annuity payments.
Can Casinos Refuse To Pay Out On A Progressive Jackpot?
The short answer is both yes and no. Reputable online casinos are obligated to pay out legitimate jackpot wins promptly. However, there have been instances where casinos have refused to pay out jackpot wins for several reasons.
One such reason could be if the casino suspects fraudulent activity or cheating on the player's part. In this scenario, the casino may conduct an investigation. If they uncover evidence of any wrongdoing, they may decide to nullify the win and confiscate any potential winnings.
However, such instances are relatively rare, and most online casinos have stringent protocols in place to deter fraudulent activity. Therefore, as long as you play at a reputable online casino and adhere to the game's terms and conditions, there should be no reason for the casino to refuse to pay out on any winnings, including a progressive jackpot.
The casino cannot refuse to pay out your winnings as long as you win them while abiding by the terms and conditions and can provide all the necessary documentation as proof of your identity.
Is A Progressive Jackpot Reset To Zero After A Win?
In most cases, progressive jackpots reset to a predetermined base amount after a win and begin increasing with every wager again. This amount, known as a "seed value", ensures that if the progressive jackpot is won twice in quick succession, the second player doesn't walk away with nothing.
The seed amount is typically given on the progressive jackpot display or in the game's paytable. It's relatively unheard of for a progressive jackpot to completely reset to zero after a win.