Are online slots random jackpots truly random? And what does ‘random’ actually mean in slots?
In this guide, we will try to get to the bottom of jackpot slots and randomness and see if random jackpots are 100% random in truth. Besides exploring different types of jackpots, you can learn more about betting and other influences on triggering jackpots. There is also a list of sites where you can play progressive jackpot slots online.
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Online casino jackpots are famous worldwide, mostly because of their association with video slots. But there is more than one type of slot jackpots, which means there is more than one way of triggering a jackpot in casino games.
For starters, jackpots can be either fixed or progressive.
Besides the size of the prize, it’s also possible to differentiate between jackpots by their connection to other slots. For starters, we recognize:
Finally, it’s also possible to distinguish between jackpots based on the way that they are triggered. We have:
Since our topic for this article is random jackpot slots with progressive prizes, we will mostly focus on the randomness in games and how that affects jackpots.
Random jackpots are casino games with random outcomes. Specifically, when we are talking about jackpots, random jackpots refer to jackpot payouts that can technically hit at any random moment.
But every single casino slot is random. Slot randomness is carefully designed and programmed, as well as legally regulated, across the globe. Without it, online games would not be able to prove their fairness, which would deem them unsafe for playing.
We often talk about RNG in online casino games – especially slots – as the main indicator of the game’s unpredictability and randomness. In computing, true RNG – which stands for Random Number Generator – is based on unpredictable natural, physical events, such as the atmospheric noise. That is not exactly practical for slots and other digital games.
Instead, modern online slots rely on pseudo RNG – or pseudo-random number generators (PRNG). The PRNG is based on an algorithm which produces sequences of numbers that appear random.
A better look at the PRNGs reveals that they typically start with a seed and run calculations in the background, even when the game is not played by anyone. But when a player joins the game and clicks on the ‘spin’ button, the game will automatically select the current number in the sequence, which will then determine the outcome.
Although this seems like a simple process – and it is – the sequences are incredibly long and complex, so it’s virtually impossible to predict the outcome in such a short time.
Even though it’s pseudo, randomness in slots must meet the legal standards and requirements. Regulatory bodies such as Malta, the UKGC, etc., issue certifications that guarantee the fairness of PRNGs.
What does that mean in simple terms?
This means that all outcomes are independent and statistically random over a period of time. Curious players who want to explore more this subject often flock to Reddit where they join discussions about slot certifications.
PAR sheets, or Probability Accounting Reports, are internal documents created by game developers. They are not intended for the players, which is why you probably never heard of it before.
PAR sheets detail how often every single game symbol can appear on the grid. The frequency must align with the payback percentage – the RTP or Return to Player – to strike a balance between high-paying and low-paying symbols and how often they appear on the grid. These sheets do not affect randomness, and instead they work on shaping the probability distribution.
Many different elements together – PRNGs, RTP, volatility and PAR sheets – create a game that is seemingly random, but which delivers long-term results that are consistent.
How can a game be 100% random and yet produce consistent results or guarantee a 96% RTP?
The answer may lie in the law or large numbers and the number of spins played over time.
It’s similar to flipping a coin. In 10 flips, you might get 7 or even 8 times the head, and 3 or 2 times the tails. However, if you flip it 10,000 times, the ratio will be far closer to 50/50. The same principle works with slots.
Imagine a bag with 100 colored balls, 96 green and 4 yellow. If you draw a ball from the ball and then put it back, you will have a random outcome. However, if you do that thousands of times, ultimately a 96% of all outcomes will be green – which is the exactly how RTP in slots works. It’s the amount of money players can expect to get back as payouts based on all bets wagered over time. RTP has nothing to do with predicting the next spin or the outcomes of your next 50 spins. It’s more about the behavior pattern across millions of spins.
One of the most common myths in casinos is that playing a spin a certain kind of way may influence the outcome of the round. In land-based casinos, and at table games, that might be true – but in online slots, playing during a specific time of the day or using a specific bet stake has no effect on the result whatsoever.
Though, some games may enforce a rule wherein the biggest jackpot (or the progressive jackpot) is only attainable if you stake the maximum bet, which would mean that the stake does affect jackpots – but it’s not the same thing.
In this specific case, the size of the bet will affect the chance of qualifying for the jackpot, but not the chance of you getting it (randomness). The spin remains as random as ever.
Slots that have this type of rule typically feature a fixed jackpot and a progressive one. However, if you want to be eligible for the progressive jackpot, you must place a certain stake, which is, in most cases, the maximum possible bet.
Think of it as a bonus round – if you bet the maximum stake, you may enter the bonus round, but you are not guaranteed a payout. That part remains 100% random.
When it comes to bet sizes, it depends on the type of jackpots.
We have fixed and progressive jackpots. Fixed jackpots are expressed as a multiplier of the current stake. For example, if there’s a prize of 1000x, the payout will be higher if you place a bigger bet.
Progressive jackpots are not that way. The progressive pool grows over time from the starting seed, so if you are lucky enough to get that jackpot, it will not be related to your bet, it’s going to be equal to the current size of the pool at the time of triggering the jackpot.
In other words, you can hit a progressive jackpot with a bet of $0.10 as well as $10, the size of the bet does not matter.
Behind the scenes, every legal slot game undergoes strict tests, auditing, and certifications before it can be released in a casino or online.
In the USA, the Nevada Gaming Control Board sets strict standards for randomness and fairness. In Europe, countries such as Malta, the UK and Sweden have similarly strict frameworks. These regulatory authorities stipulate that the results of slot games must be fair:
As described on cachecreek.com and wizardofodds.com, these standards ensure that the integrity of the RNG system is guaranteed.
Before approval, the gaming machines are tested by certified laboratories such as GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) or eCOGRA. These laboratories check that the PRNG behaves as expected, does not generate any exploitable patterns and delivers values that match the specified RTP.
The auditors also confirm that the jackpot triggers, bonus mechanisms and volatility profiles all work according to the game’s specifications.
The PAR sheets, which define the symbol weighting and payback design, are also reviewed during the certification process. The regulators ensure that these internal mechanisms match the publicly visible RTP and do not mislead players.
Once the game is certified, it is sealed — meaning no changes can be made without it being retested and approved.
Progressive slot games are widespread.
You are highly likely to find a large and varied selection of jackpot slot games in online casinos that differ in theme, design and bonus features. Like all other online slot machines, progressive jackpot games are very popular in casinos. And the operators claim that these jackpots are random.
The basic idea of a jackpot game is quite simple to understand. In addition to the basic game and possible bonus features, players also have the chance to win a jackpot that is constantly growing.
However, winning a progressive jackpot does not work in the same way as with a normal slot machine.
To hit a progressive jackpot, you don't have to line up matching symbols or form winning combinations. Instead, most games require you to play and wait. Progressive slot jackpots are won at random.
In plain language: minimal effort is required. What's more, you don't even have to play with the maximum stake. A random jackpot is random and can occur at any time, no matter what you play or how high your stake is.
You can't predict a win, but there are ways to increase your chances of winning when playing a random jackpot.
To increase your chances of winning in random slot machines, you should first choose the right game. The higher the RTP, the better – this is oftentimes the best way to ensure the chosen game is legit.
Also, play proven games. Games such as Mega Moolah or Divine Fortune, because there are many proofs that these games have already yielded considerable jackpot hits. Moreover, they are not only frequent but also huge in size, so it might be smarter to opt for these games, rather than other jackpots that are new and/or unverified.
Another option would be to pick higher stakes, but only if you are playing games that limit access to progressive jackpots by enforcing maximum bet rules.
However, we do not recommend playing this type of games as they are often leading players to huge losses, as hitting the jackpots is incredibly rare and difficult.
Over the years, there have been some truly incredible jackpot wins. I mean, players managed to win millions, just by playing progressive jackpot slots. Here is an updated list of the biggest jackpot wins so far, in case you want to see.
Besides talking about the biggest wins in progressive jackpots, we are also discussing the biggest progressive jackpot games, or games with the biggest possible payout. Keep in mind that we cannot say how big they are in terms of total win – because they are progressive, so the amount is always growing – but we can rate them based on their seed amount.
Check out our list of the biggest jackpot seeds to see which progressive jackpot games have the highest win amount. And if you need a shortcut to success, here are the most popular random jackpot slots:
| Rank | Jackpot Game | Developer |
| 1️⃣ | Mega Moolah | Games Global |
| 2️⃣ | Mega Fortune | NetEnt |
| 3️⃣ | Hall of the Gods | NetEnt |
| 4️⃣ | Age of the Gods | Playtech |
| 5️⃣ | Divine Fortune | NetEnt |
As you can see, the first game on the list is Games Global's Mega Moolah slot. This game is legendary! Mega Moolah held the Guinness World record for the biggest jackpot win ever, and managed to break its own record too. At the moment, one of the slots in Mega Moolah's progressive jackpot network holds the first place for the biggest jackpot win, but we all remember fondly the mindblowing success of the African themed slot.
Moreover, the Evolution-owned NetEnt is also on the list, thanks to its amazing Divine Fortune and Mega Fortune releases. If you haven't, go check them out. You won't regret it!
The million-dollar question is not what progressive jackpots hit the most or if someone won the biggest progressive jackpot slot online. The main question is, where did that happen?
While progressive jackpots can be found at nearly every gaming venue online, it's still important to find a reliable casino. Here's a list of online casinos that you can check out if you want to play jackpots. Every site is licensed secure, so you can play without worry.
The top of the list belongs to MidasLuck Casino, one of the more successful gambling brands in the industry. The operator has a nice collection of progressive jackpot slots at your disposal 24/7. Other sites worth visiting if you want to play random progressive jackpot games include Cashed and Revolution, which are sister brands and quite popular in Canada and Australia. There is also Spin Rio, an amazing website that is similar to Mr.Play, ZetBet, and others.
If you want to find other casinos with random jackpot games, feel free to stop by our casino review database and explore the sites we’ve rated and reviewed. All operators are licensed for work in multiple markets and abide by strict gambling authority rules.
Jackpots, like all casino slots and other games, is a highly addicting casino game. What that means is, even though there is always a chance to win a prize, you should be careful. Check how long have you been playing, see how much you've wagered, and never let that exceed the time and money are willing to spare for gaming.
In other words, don't let the games dictate your experience. You can track them, but don't lose yourself in them.
Gamble responsibly, always.
Here's how to avoid getting obsessed with winning jackpots:
In other words, you are not guaranteed to win by playing the same slot game repeatedly.
At the end of the day, slots – online or land-based – are man-made items, so they sometimes have flaws. However, they must be random and provably fair, as that's the only way to ensure the safety and fairness of gameplay. To avoid rogue games and casinos, make sure to play exclusively in licensed and regulated online casinos.
If you suspect that a casino slot isn’t generating random outcomes, let the operator know. Contact customer support right away and tell them your concerns. That way, they’ll be able to look into it and either fix or remove the machine completely.
Frequently asked questions about random progressive jackpot slots online.
This is a difficult question to answer, because progressive jackpots are random. They use RNG numbers, so no sequence of symbols or result can be predicted. Therefore, we cannot say when will a progressive jackpot hit.
A jackpot is triggered randomly by a winning symbols sequence, and that means progressive jackpots are also triggered randomly. Progressive jackpots have growing seeds so players always hope to trigger the progressive random jackpot as it is usually bigger than the regular fixed jackpot.
The chances of winning a progressive jackpot are 50 million to one. The winning odds also depend on the game, so it can be one in 50 or 60,000,000.
A progressive jackpot is a jackpot whose size grows with each bet wagered in the game. A percentage of every bet goes toward the jackpot seed, which increases the sum that the players can win. The biggest progressive jackpot win is $23.5 million, and the seed of the jackpot is $1 million.
Yes, they should be as they are online casino games regulated by gambling authorities. Before launch, every game goes through extensive testing to reach the market. Only when independent testing labs confirm that the game is truly random (uses RNG numbers for sequences and therefore cannot be predicted or tampered with) can the game reach the casinos. Of course, those testing labs also maintain fairness by checking the games regularly, not just once.
Milica Markovic has been a part of the CasinosOnline team since 2020. In addition to her affection for words and writing, she also brings her love for graphic design to the table and makes our visuals happen.
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