How do Progressive Roulette Games Work?

One spin. One side bet. A jackpot that can rival Mega Moolah.
That’s the promise of progressive roulette. It’s the perfect blend of classic roulette gameplay and jackpot mechanics. Much like progressive blackjack, roulette fans can unlock huge wins with just a $1 side bet.

But how does progressive roulette work? In fact, what is progressive roulette? In our guide, we will take a look at progressive jackpot side bets in roulette, explain how and where to find tables with this particular side bet, and list all the pros (and cons) of playing progressive roulette online.

What Is Progressive Roulette?

Progressive roulette is a hybrid type of roulette with a progressive jackpot side bet. The side bet allows players to try their hand at winning a progressive jackpot that may or may not be multi-tier (which varies from table to table). It’s not to be confused with progressive roulette betting, which refers to positive/negative progression betting systems such as the D’Alembert, Martingale, and various others.

In progressive roulette jackpot games, the jackpot prize pool is built by pooling a portion of players’ side bets. So, the more players play the game, the more the prize grows.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• IT’S A SIDE BET: A small, side bet (usually $1) is placed alongside the main roulette wager.
• EVERY BET COUNTS: Around 3–5% of each side bet placed goes toward funding the progressive jackpot prize.
• HOW JACKPOTS GROW: Jackpots may be either standalone or network-linked, but the more players play the game, the bigger the prize can grow.

How Progressive Roulette Works

The first thing that’s important to understand about progressive roulette games is that they are not unique in terms of gameplay.

In fact, progressive roulette games are the same as any version of standard roulette. The only difference they might have is the jackpot-enhanced twist.

Of course, it does affect betting as it takes a portion of the side bet as jackpot contribution. Still, it’s a side bet, so it’s fully optional and no player is required to place the wager if they do not wish so.

Moreover, although there is no direct influence on roulette strategy, some players decide to switch up their playing styles to adjust to the potential progressive jackpot win and secure the best winning chances. That may include changes in betting frequency or bet size, but it’s personal and depends on the players’ preferences. Bet size or frequency holds no sway over the chances of triggering the jackpot as it’s 100% random.

Jackpot Contribution & Seed Values

Progressive jackpot seeds vary.

A jackpot seed is the starting prize of the jackpot. As the players begin playing the game, the jackpot prize pool will grow with from that amount. Once someone hits the jackpot and wins the pot, the prize will then reset to the seed amount.

The seed amount varies from jackpot to jackpot, and it can go anywhere from $5,000 to $1,000,000 or maybe even more. However, it’s not common to see humongous jackpot seeds used for table games – it’s more popular with slots as they are the most popular game category.

A great example of such a jackpot would be Ezugi’s Jackpot Roulette announced in 2020. It was supposed to be a fantastic live roulette game with jackpots. However, during our last search, we could not find the game at any live or online casino that works with Ezugi. Still, if you want, you can check out our game review and strategy guide right below to learn more about this interesting game.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF EZUGI JACKPOT ROULETTE

Trigger Mechanisms Explained

Not all progressive roulette jackpots are triggered the same way. Depending on the provider, a jackpot in roulette can be awarded in two ways.

• RNG Trigger: A background random number generator selects one winning side-bet player, regardless of roulette result (an example is the Ezugi game).
• Outcome-Dependent: Certain results (like a specific number + color combo) are required to hit the jackpot (e.g., Bonus Spin Xtreme Roulette).

These mechanisms have influence on hit frequency and player appeal, of course. RNG triggers are more frequent but as they are entirely luck-based, hitting them is not easy at all.  On the other hand, outcome-dependent jackpots add strategic elements to gameplay, which is perfect for roulette and jackpot enthusiasts.

 Progressive Roulette Games in 2025

Right now, we were unable to locate reliable progressive roulette games you can play for real money at casinos. While we know of several games' existence – such as the Jackpot Roulette by Ezugi and Roulette Royale by Apricot (Microgaming) – we were unable to find them at casinos online and play in real or fun mode. However, Playtech is a big fan of progressive games, and there are two Playtech games that you can play and hopefully win a progressive jackpot. Those are the Age of the Gods Roulette, a live casino title; and Frankie Dettori's Jackpot Roulette, an RNG game.

Here is a list of all roulette games with progressive jackpots that you can find online.

We also located several brands of progressive side bets that offered the players a chance to hit the jackpots.

Notable examples include Roulette Xtreme from TCS John Huxley, Tsogo Sun's Roulette Xtra and Cash & Cars Roulette, and Roulette Up by Galaxy Gaming. You might find those bets used in games at land-based casinos or in select online releases.

Be aware that not all games are necessarily available in your jurisdiction. Check before registering and depositing real money at the casino.

Progressive Roulette vs Progressive Slots (and vs Blackjack)

Here is a table that compares progressive jackpots found in roulette, slots, and blackjack games.

Slots award the biggest jackpots, as it’s clear from the massive Mega Moolah win in the middle column. Roulette and Blackjack games with progressive jackpots are a bit different, typically lower – but they are also rarer and not for all types of players so that makes sense.

Where to Play Progressive Roulette Online in 2025

Here is a list of the most popular casinos that host roulette games – both online and live – that you can enjoy with or without the progressive jackpot side bet.

1. LeoVegas Casino

Licensed by the MGA and UKGC, LeoVegas offers fantastic games with smooth mobile integration. The site has a solid history of fast payouts and a max cash-out of €100,000/day. If you want to play the best gambling games and even hit a jackpot or two, head out to the fantastic casino. It’s also perfect if you enjoy mobile casino games, as it’s one of the first brands to focus on mobile gameplay.

2. 888 Casino

888 is among the biggest casino brands in the world. It has casino games that accommodate players who enjoy live gambling, crash games, video poker, video slots, and a variety of other categories that you might not even know exist. When it comes to roulette, it’s a no-brainer: playing at 888 Casino is an unmatched roulette experience.

If you want to take things a bit further and get some hefty prizes, you can check out roulette tournaments, which may contain a jackpot prize for the top winners.

Progressive Roulette Tournaments

First things first, there are no progressive roulette jackpot tournaments. There are roulette tournaments that may feature jackpots, but they are not typically progressive. Instead, players compete by playing selected roulette games – sometimes RNG, but they can also be live – and scoring the best results. When they reach the top of the leaderboard, before the promotional period ends, they secure a prize at the end of the tourney.

So, if you want to join tournaments with progressive jackpots, you won’t find them in online casinos. Instead, look for classic roulette tournaments – or live roulette tournaments – and join them to play roulette and earn a prize or a daily/weekly jackpot.

Common Myths Debunked

Like every gambling casino game, roulette has had its fair share of myths and erroneous theories. Here are some of the most popular myths exercised amongst roulette players that are not just untrue, but also potentially harmful.

“A win is due after a long dry spell.”

Completely false. Jackpot triggers are independent, 100% random thanks to the RNG (well, pseudo RNG) used in casino games online. That guarantees that every spin or round has a unique outcome completely unrelated to previous ones.  This is a very common myth at online casinos, it’s not just present in roulette.

“The Martingale system and the jackpot is a guaranteed win.”

Another myth that is not true at all. Martingale is not for amateurs and novices, as it can quickly take matters from bad to worse if you are not careful. It can bust your bankroll long before the jackpot hits, so it’s not that recommended for players who are not experts in using the Martingale. Even then, it’s not the best choice for this particular side bet, as side bets don’t follow exact roulette odds.

“Live dealer wheels are rigged.”

Reputable providers like Ezugi, Evolution, and others are audited by UKGC, MGA, and eCOGRA for fairness. This guarantees that the games are provably fair and cannot be rigged. The same goes for all casino games, in fact, but since live tables are targeted the most given, they are actual tables with physical wheels, a number of conspiracies and myths have been associated with them. But no, all live roulette tables are fair.

Progressive Roulette FAQs

Here’s a quick list of the most common questions about progressive jackpot roulette.

• What triggers the jackpot?

Usually, a random mechanism is tied to the side bet, though some games require specific results.

• Do I have to bet max?

No. The side bet is fixed (e.g., $1), and base bets don’t affect jackpot eligibility.

• What are the odds of hitting it?

Around 1 in 1.8 million spins, depending on the game.

• Is the side bet worth it?

Not in strict EV terms—unless the jackpot is tall. But it adds excitement.

• Can I play progressive roulette on mobile?

Yes, most versions like Ezugi’s are mobile optimized.

• What was the biggest win ever?

Roulette Royale paid out £1.5 million in 2018.

• Are there progressive roulette tournaments?

Typically, no. Instead, there are standard roulette tournaments that sometimes may feature jackpot leaderboards awarded daily or weekly.

• How are jackpots taxed?

It depends on your jurisdiction. In the UK, gambling winnings are tax-free. In the US, they’re taxed as income.

Final Thoughts

Progressive roulette is rare, but it’s a fantastic game choice for all fans of classic roulette looking to add a twist to traditional gameplay. As it adds a significant dose of risk, it’s not suitable for most players – high rollers and risk-prone bettors are more likely to seek out and enjoy progressive roulette online. Still, you can never be too cautious, so please gamble responsibly. The jackpot is a bonus, not the goal.