Slots & Gaming Machines
Progressive jackpot
A progressive jackpot is a prize that increases each time a player places a qualifying wager, as a portion of each bet is added to the prize fund.
- Source of growth
- A share of each wager is directed into the meter until a triggering event pays out the jackpot.1
- UK minimum contribution
- At least 70% of all progressive jackpot wagers must be added to the cumulative prize fund.3
- Meter reset
- After a win, the meter is typically reset to a seed amount set in the game rules.2
Key points
- A progressive jackpot grows automatically as a percentage of each player's bet is contributed to a shared prize pool.1
- Regulators require the game rules to explain funding, seed values, ceilings, and how the current jackpot is displayed.2
- In the UK, at least 70% of every progressive jackpot wager must be added to the prize fund, with the remainder covering the house edge.3
Pai Gow Poker progressive payout example
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Royal flush | 100% of meter |
| Straight flush | 10% of meter |
| Four of a kind | 100 × wager |
| Full house | 75 × wager |
| Flush | 50 × wager |
Common questions
What are progressive jackpot slots?
Progressive jackpot slots are slot machines that link their prize meter to a progressive jackpot system. A portion of every spin funds a growing pool, which can be local to one machine or shared across many.4
How does progressive jackpot work?
Each qualifying wager adds a set percentage to the meter. The jackpot pays out when the game hits a specific combination or event, then the meter resets to a seed amount defined in the rules.2
How to play progressive jackpot?
To be eligible for the progressive jackpot, you must place the qualifying wager — often the maximum coin-in — on each spin or hand. Check the game’s rules because some progressives require a side bet separate from the base game.2
Where this term is used
Not the same as
- Pai gow progressive jackpot — a progressive jackpot used in pai gow poker or a pai gow side bet, not a slot machine feature
- Progressive jackpot lottery — a lottery prize structure, not a wager-funded slot meter
Related terms
Sources
- Remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS) - 2 gamblingcommission.gov.uk Defines the progressive jackpot as a prize funded from wagers and sets regulatory standards for display and rules.
- Guidance to licensing authorities - RTS 9 – Progressive ... gamblingcommission.gov.uk Specifies how the meter is funded, the required description of seed and ceiling values, and handling of simultaneous wins.
- The Gaming Clubs (Bankers' Games) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 legislation.gov.uk Provides the 70% minimum contribution rule and payout ratios for a specific casino stud poker progressive.
- GLI-12: gaminglabs.com Establishes that the term applies to slot systems and gaming technical standards.
Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.