In the world of online casinos, progressive jackpot slots are some of the most popular options for players. Progressive slots have a good reputation due to their probability of paying big.
Their unique feature is that with every bet made on the game, the jackpot increases. More is added to the jackpot pool after every spin. This process continues until the player wins the full prize amount.
What makes progressive slots online, so fun is the fact that they give Canadian gamers something to look forward to even when they lose. Playing these games at the best casinos will bring even more perks such as bonuses, live chats, and more.
But what are the best online casinos for progressive slots in Canada? Keep on reading to find out.
Top-Rated Online Casinos in Canada
What Are Progressive Slots and How Do They Work?
If you’ve never played this type of online casino game before, chances are you’re wondering “What are progressive slots?”
Progressive jackpot slots are a type of slot machine with increasing jackpots. The jackpot grows with each spin made by the player. The overall prize keeps increasing until you eventually win. Then, the progressive jackpot feature starts again and keeps going until reaching another win.
There are two main types of progressive jackpot slots online: local jackpots and network jackpots. Local jackpots are tied to a particular online casino or gaming platform. This means that the jackpot will only be contributed by that game’s contributors. This is similar to progressive jackpots, but the jackpot amount is smaller.
On the other hand, network jackpots are more commonly known as “pooled jackpots”. Players from multiple slot titles or several casinos that have the same game contribute to the jackpot. Because they get so many contributions and grow so much, they can lead to massive wins.
It’s easier to see what makes progressive slots special when you compare them to regular ones. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Regular slots have fixed jackpots, while progressive slots have jackpots that increase in size
- In regular slots, the win is based on how much you wager, whereas in progressive ones, the prize keeps growing with each wager
- Progressive jackpots lead to bigger wins compared to regular slots
Types of Progressive Slots Explained
Progressive slots come in three popular types: local, standalone, and wide-area. Here’s what each one entails:
Type |
Description |
Typical Prize Size |
Standalone |
Standalone progressive jackpots are tied to one machine. Contributions come from wagers placed on that machine only. |
Over $20,000 |
Local |
In local jackpots, the amount is only contributed to by the players on that title. |
Over $20,000 |
Wide-Area |
Wide-area network jackpot slots receive contributions from gamers on multiple platforms or across multiple slot titles. |
Over $1 million |
How Progressive Jackpots Are Built
Progressive jackpots slots prizes accumulate based on player contributions. Every wager made by the players is added to the prize pool. Sometimes, the games are linked across a wide range of casinos and machines, enabling the jackpot to grow more. There’s also a seed amount that most progressive jackpot slots start with.
When players land on a winning combination, it triggers an internal random number generator. The seed amount also makes sure that the player wins a specific jackpot amount even following a previous payout.
RTP and Volatility in Progressive Jackpot Slots
In many cases, when a slots progressive game has a jackpot, the RTP is lower while the volatility level is high. This makes it harder to win the reward, not to mention that a bigger portion of the prize will be taken by the online casino. Playing high-volatility progressive slots has some pros and cons that you should be aware of, though:
Pros
- The jackpot prizes are often six-figure ones
- The games are more competitive, and network progressives even help offer a social experience
- There are often creative bonus games for an interactive element
Cons
- High-volatility progressive slots pay out more rarely
- Whether you win or not depends on the RNG system
How to Play Progressive Slots Online
If you want to know how to play progressive slots, we’re here to help. Here are some general tips on playing online progressive slots:
- Find a game to play. Look through the available options and choose one with an appealing theme.
- Read the game rules. This helps you become familiar with the game before doing your spins.
- Adjust your bet size. Respect the bet limits and only bet as much as you afford.
- Do your spins. The wagers will add to the jackpot prize.
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
As a beginner, there’s a lot to learn about playing progressive jackpots slots. Let’s look at some steps to follow if you’re new to this type of slot:
- Choose a casino with progressive slots online. Read reviews and make sure the casino is licensed and offers convenient bonuses.
- Go to the gaming library and find the available progressive jackpot slot games.
- Set your bet size. The games let you adjust the size of the bet before every spin.
- Understand the paylines. This way, you will know which symbols you should aim for.
Tips to Increase Your Winning Chances
Online progressive slots use RNGs to determine a winner. However, there are some small things you can do to increase your winning chances:
- Only bet the maximum amount when necessary
- Choose jackpot games that have second-chance bonus features
- Manage your bankroll carefully and make sure you have enough for each bet
Top 10 Progressive Jackpot Slots to Play in Canada
There’s no shortage of jackpot slots for Canadians. Some slots perform better than others, and online casino lovers should give them a try. Here are the top 10 progressive jackpot slots to play in Canada:
Game Name |
Max Jackpot |
Developer |
Mobile-Friendly |
Divine Fortune |
$300,000 |
Yes |
|
Mega Moolah |
$20,000 |
Yes |
|
Arabian Nights |
$2,500,000 |
NetEnt |
Yes |
Age of the Gods |
$5,450,000 |
Playtech |
Yes |
Buffalo Blitz Megaways |
$100,000 |
Big Time Gaming |
Yes |
Might of Ra |
$1,022,013 |
Yes |
|
Mega Fortune |
$17,860,868 |
NetEnt |
Yes |
Hall of Gods |
$5,619,688 |
NetEnt |
Yes |
Joker Millions |
$2,985,974 |
Yggdrasil Gaming |
Yes |
Jackpot Giant |
$5,189,611 |
Playtech |
Yes |
Best Progressive Slots with Million-Dollar Jackpots
Some slots progressive games have million-dollar jackpots, making them more exciting for players. Some of the most famous titles with such prizes include Major Millions, Hall of Gods, and Mega Moolah. An Estonian Player won the Mega Jackpot in Mega Moolah in 2021, getting a prize of 6,596,418 euros.
New Online Progressive Slots Worth Trying
A few progressive slots were released in recent years, and they are worth playing. Here are some picks you should be considering:
- Thunderstruck II Mega Moolah: This game offers 4 progressive jackpots and 243 ways to win. It has a low RTP of 92.01% but its max win is 8,000x the bet.
- 4 Fantastic Fish Gold Dream Drop: This slot is fishing-themed and was released in 2024. It has 4,096 ways to win and 94% RTP.
- Break Da Bank Again Mega Moolah: The jackpot slot came out in 2024 with a variable RTP rate and a max win of 4,388x your bet.
Pros and Cons of Playing Progressive Slots
Playing progressive slots online can bring both benefits and drawbacks. Whether you play casually or you’re a regular, here are some pros and cons to be aware of.
Pros |
Cons |
The possibility of winning big prizes |
The RTP is usually lower |
No wager is truly lost, as each one adds to the big prize |
Payouts are less frequent |
Progressive slots come with big bonuses |
They have a higher risk compared to regular slots |
Advantages of Progressive Jackpots
The best progressive jackpots can lead to huge wins that change people’s lives. Each game is exciting, always bringing hope that the next spin could be the winning one. There is a wide range of games to choose from. Some even have a community pool mechanic, adding a social factor.
Risks and Bankroll Management
Some of the biggest risks of jackpot slots include low RTP and chasing losses. It’s hard to win, which might make someone keep spending more money. Players should always set limits on their betting budget and never spend more than they can afford to.
Are Progressive Jackpots Fair and Safe?
Progressive jackpots are generally safe and fair. To make sure you don’t have any issues, you should look for online casinos with valid licensing and audited RNGs. The games should also come from reputable developers.
Licensing and RNG in Progressive Slot Games
RNGs, or random number generators, pick winning bets arbitrarily. Spins are determined at random, which ensures game fairness among players. Licensing also guarantees everything goes according to the laws, making sure the game rules are fair and everyone receives their rewards.
How Casinos Ensure Jackpot Payouts
Casinos always verify wins to make sure there are no issues. Afterward, they pay the money securely to the winners. Sometimes, players have to show personal documents to prove their identity, which is a common security measure.
Online Progressive Slots vs. Regular Slots
Progressive slots tend to be more volatile and pay less regularly yet have bigger prizes. They also bring more unique mechanics. On the other hand, regular slots have fixed jackpots and pay more often, but in smaller amounts.
Feature |
Progressive Slots vs. Regular Slots |
Less frequent but larger payouts |
Progressive slots |
More frequent, smaller payouts |
Regular slots |
Higher risk, higher reward |
Progressive slots |
Lower risk, more reward consistency |
Regular slots |
Increasing, lottery-like jackpots |
Progressive slots |
Fixed jackpots |
Regular slots |
Key Differences Every Player Should Know
Regular slots have more consistent payouts. Meanwhile, progressive ones have lower RTPs, leading to less frequent rewards.
In regular slots, pay lines are fixed. Progressive slots continuously grow until someone wins, which makes them feel more like a lottery.
FAQ
- What Are Progressive Slots and How Do They Differ from Regular Slots?
Progressive slots are games where the jackpot increases with each wager. This is different from regular slots, where the rewards are fixed.
- How Do I Know If a Progressive Jackpot Is Ready to Hit?
You cannot tell when a progressive jackpot is about to hit. Slots use RNGs, meaning the results are completely random.
- Can I Play Progressive Slots on Mobile Devices?
Some progressive slots are available on mobile devices too. Before playing, check mobile availability to make sure everything works smoothly.
- Are There Any Strategies for Winning Progressive Jackpots?
You can increase your odds of winning by choosing second-chance bonus feature games. Also, you can only bet the maximum amount when required.