Today, online casinos give players a huge selection of slot games with different types of jackpots. Curious about the exact jackpot amount you could win? Then Fixed Jackpots are what you’re looking for. If you’re aiming for something bigger, it’s typically Progressive Jackpots that draw attention. It’s been quite some time since Microgaming launched the first progressive jackpot for online slot games: we’ve seen the emergence of many trusted gambling analytical resources like Legalbet, game libraries have expanded to include thousands of new slots and live dealer options, and the number of licensed platforms has grown considerably. Yet, when it comes to progressive jackpots, a couple of questions seem to always come up: is it possible to play progressive jackpot slots with small stakes? Can you really win the grand prize with a limited bankroll? These are common questions, so let’s try to answer them in this article.
What are Progressive Jackpots?
Progressive jackpots are unique because they increase as players continue to place their bets. Rather than having a fixed prize amount (like with fixed jackpots), the progressive jackpot grows continuously until someone wins the grand prize. Each time someone bets on a progressive jackpot slot machine, a portion of the bet is added to the accumulated prize amount. The more popular a slot is and, the more bets are made, the higher the jackpot amount will be. This type of jackpots is especially appealing in online casinos, where a large number of players can contribute to the jackpot’s growth. No wonder that due to the size of these prizes, progressive jackpot slots are among the most tempting options available.
Is It Possible to Win the Grand Prize with Small Bets?
If your budget is limited, is there any chance for you to get your hands on the grand prize when playing any of the progressive jackpot slots? To answer this, we need to examine how most of these slots work. First of all, in most cases, any player can win a jackpot, regardless of the size of their initial bet. However, it’s quite common that a player can only qualify for the grand prize of a progressive jackpot if they bet the maximum amount required by the game.
By placing smaller bets, players can still win substantial amounts, but not the highest prize. This is the key point of this question and the main factor to consider. Since with progressive jackpots, the maximum bet is often linked to the prize value, this means that the maximum bet can be quite high. This presents a challenge for those with smaller bankrolls. Therefore, those who prefer to play cautiously with smaller bets may consider other strategies, which will be discussed in more detail in the following section.
How to Play Progressive Jackpot Slots with Small Amounts
Let’s explore some possible strategies that allow you to play progressive jackpot slots with a low budget in a structured way. The first strategy is to place maximum bets on slots where the jackpot hasn’t yet climbed very high. This way, you can still compete for the top prize without overextending your bankroll. Another important factor to consider is checking the odds of winning on the various slots you’re interested in. Some indicators such as the RTP rate (Return to Player) or volatility provide objective insight into your winning chances, which makes them a valuable tool. Additionally, reviewing each slot’s paytable is advisable. These tables show how much you’ll win for each combination and each amount wagered. This allows players to estimate if their chosen bet could lead to a prize they find worthwhile.
Of course, the best strategy also depends greatly on your profile as a player. For instance, many players prefer longer gaming sessions because they enjoy the gameplay experience itself. After all, slot machines are primarily a form of entertainment. If this fits your gaming style, look for slots that require the lowest possible bets. This way, even though you might not win the slot’s top prize, you’ll be able to extend your gaming session.
In Conclusion
While the odds of hitting a progressive jackpot with a smaller bet may be lower than with maximum bets, the potential to win substantial prizes still exists. Consider, for example, a famous instance from 2015, when a British soldier won £13.2 million (€17.8 million) on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah progressive slot with a modest £0.25 (€ 0.3) bet placed online. This win remains one of the largest ever from a small bet, proving that even low-stakes players have a chance at life-changing prizes. While such cases are rare, they illustrate that progressive jackpots are, in fact, attainable for those who play cautiously with limited funds.
