Crypto casino jackpots explained [+ top tips]

Imagine hitting that life-changing win with just one spin. That's what crypto casino jackpots offer: the thrill of massive prizes, potentially turning everyday players into instant millionaires.

And what if you could maximise your chances of winning? In this guide, I break it all down, from explaining what a jackpot is and how the mechanics work, as well as the different types of prize pools and whether there’s a strategy that could help you win.

Ready to spin?

Reviewed by

Ramona, Aleksa

Checked by

Jelena.

A ‘stolen’ jackpot

A Frenchman named Jean-David E. had his credit card stolen, and the thieves used it to buy a lottery ticket that won a €500,000 jackpot. Instead of pressing charges, Jean-David offered to split the winnings with the thieves.

Turning $5 into $1.3 million

In 2025, a Connecticut player won a staggering $1.3 million jackpot from a mere $5 side bet on a blackjack table. This monumental win showcased how a small wager can lead to life-changing sums.

Banned but winning

In 2015, an Iraqi man won a $6.4 million Oregon Megabucks jackpot after purchasing the ticket online through a lottery messenger service, despite residing in a country where purchasing such tickets is not allowed.

The curse of the jackpot

In 2005, Steven Granger won a $900,000 jackpot and put all the funds towards his retirement fund. He soon regretted his common sense as friends and family resented his good luck and called him stingy.

In a Nutshell

What is it?

A classic slot game with an added cash prize that drops if certain requirements are met.

Why is it fun?

It can turn you into a millionaire overnight.

What’s the catch?

The odds of snatching a life-changing jackpot are very slim.

Is there a learning curve?

Not really - the mechanics work in the same way as those on regular slots.

How do jackpots work?

To understand what a casino jackpot is, it helps to know how the game came about and what was the idea behind it.

The concept dates back to the 19th century, and was originally linked to poker. In a variation called ‘jackpots’, players had to hold a pair of jacks or better to open the betting round. If no one met this condition, the pot carried over to the next round, growing larger each time it was not won. And there we have it, the very mechanic that laid the foundation for modern jackpot systems.

Today, online jackpots work on a much larger scale at crypto casinos (I will go into more detail about the different kinds of jackpot prizes a bit further down).

The way jackpots work nowadays, at its simplest, is this: a portion of every wager contributes to the jackpot pool, which continues to grow until one lucky player triggers the win. This can happen randomly, or by landing a specific combination of symbols. Some jackpot rules will require you to place a maximum bet to qualify for the top prize.

So, to recap:

Origins	Derived from poker, where the pot would roll over until a player had a qualifying hand.
Growth mechanism	A portion of each bet contributes to the jackpot pool.
Winning conditions	Jackpots are triggered randomly or through specific in-game requirements.
Player eligibility	Some jackpots require a maximum bet to be eligible for the top prize.

What makes them so popular? Their unpredictability and the potential for huge payouts from relatively small stakes are the big attraction here. Granted, the odds of snagging the top prize are often slim, but the possibility of walking away with a massive windfall keeps even the most cautious players coming back for more.

What is a progressive jackpot?

A progressive jackpot is a prize pool that increases over time as multiple players place bets on a particular slot game. With every wager, a portion of the bet contributes to the jackpot, allowing it to grow until one super-lucky player bags the whole amount.

Fixed vs progressive jackpots

Let’s take a quick look at the main differences between these two types of jackpots before delving in.

Feature	Fixed Jackpot	Progressive Jackpot
Prize amount	Remains the same	Increases over time until won
Potential winnings	Generally smaller	Can reach life-changing sums
Contribution method	Player contributions don't affect the jackpot	A portion of each bet adds to the jackpot
Winning frequency	More frequent payouts	Less frequent but much larger

A fixed jackpot comes with a predetermined prize amount that doesn’t change, regardless of how many players wager on the game. By contrast, progressive jackpots continue to grow until someone wins the whole lot. While fixed jackpots like Playtech’s Buffalo Blitz return consistent payouts, progressive jackpots are the ones that offer the potential for significantly larger wins, making for a considerably more thrilling experience.

Prizes often exceed millions of dollars, with the largest one being recorded so far paying out $20,062,600. The lucky winner was British player Jon Heywood, who was having a go on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah at Betway online casino in 2015. The win made it to the Guinness Book of Records.

Local vs network progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpots also come in various shapes and sizes, with the main distinction being between local and network variants. Here are the main differences between them.

Feature	Local Progressive	Network Progressive
Linked locations	Single casino or a group of machines	Multiple online or physical casinos
Prize pool	Smaller	Larger
Odds of winning	Slightly better due to fewer players	Harder due to widespread participation
Availability	Mostly in physical casinos	Common in both physical and online casinos
Maximum payout	Limited, comparable with network jackpots	Can reach massive amounts

A local progressive jackpot is linked to a single casino or a specific group of machines within the same venue. This means that only players at that particular casino can contribute to and win the jackpot. Since fewer players contribute, the prize pool tends to be smaller compared to network jackpots, but the odds of winning may be slightly better.

Network progressive jackpots, on the other hand, are linked across multiple casinos through an online network. Also known as wide-area progressives, these jackpots accumulate funds from a large number of players, allowing them to grow much larger than local jackpots. The downside is that the competition is significantly higher, making it even harder to win.

Standalone vs linked progressive jackpots

Feature	Standalone Progressive	Linked Progressive
Number of participating games	Only one slot	Multiple machines within a casino or network
Prize pool growth	Grows from bets on a single machine	Accumulates contributions from multiple machines
Odds of winning	Higher	Lower
Maximum payout	Smaller compared to linked jackpots	Can reach significantly higher amounts

A standalone progressive jackpot is exclusive to a single slot machine. The prize pool grows only from bets placed on that specific game, without contributions from other machines or casinos. While these jackpots are generally smaller than network or local progressives, they still offer sizable prizes.

Linked progressives, on the other hand, connect multiple machines within the same casino or across a network. These machines share the same prize pool, meaning that each bet placed on any of the linked games contributes to the overall jackpot. This setup allows for substantial payouts.

If you’re looking for the best odds, you’ll find these at standalone progressives that are limited to one casino as you won’t be competing against so many players.

Timed jackpots

Timed jackpots ramp up the excitement by guaranteeing that a prize will drop within a set timeframe. Unlike standard progressives, they must be triggered before a specific event or deadline. Here’s how they work and the different types you’ll come across.

Feature	Must-drop jackpots	Daily jackpots	Hourly jackpots
Guaranteed to drop within a timeframe	✅	✅	✅
Drops at a specific time	❌	✅	✅
Prize cap before dropping	✅	❌	❌
Linked across multiple games	✅	✅	✅
Frequency of jackpot resets	Varies	Daily	Hourly

Other types of progressive jackpots

Some progressive jackpots offer unique features that set them apart from standard formats. Two main variations are random progressives and multiple progressives.

Random jackpots can be triggered at any moment, as the name implies, regardless of the outcome of a spin. This means that, unlike with traditional progressives, even a losing spin could result in a big win. One such format is Aristocrat’s Lightning Link, with a random Grand Jackpot that can land at any time.

Multiple progressive jackpots within the same slot are typically categorized as Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. Each tier has different odds of being triggered, with smaller jackpots hitting more frequently and larger ones occurring less often. In most cases, the Mega jackpot can only be won with a max bet. Microgaming’s Mega Moolah offers a good example.

What is the best way to hit a jackpot on a slot machine?

Hitting the jackpot is the ultimate dream for many players. Dreaming is good, but it’s important to understand that the odds are heavily stacked against you. Online slots operate using a random number generator (RNG), which ensures that each spin is completely independent of the last. There is nothing that can guarantee a jackpot win - unlike games like crypto poker, where strategy plays a strong role, this one’s all about luck.

So, how lucky do you need to be, exactly? Well, the probability of hitting a jackpot depends on the specific game and its configuration. Determining the exact odds of winning can be challenging, as the precise probabilities are often not disclosed by game developers and casinos.

Odds of hitting a fixed jackpot

Fixed jackpots have the reputation of being easier to win, although the exact numbers are still often not disclosed by the operator or developer. Industry estimates suggest that the odds can range from as favorable as 1 in 5,000 to as long as 1 in several million, depending on the game's design and payout structure.

For instance, certain classic slot machines like Starburst, which has a modest fixed jackpot, might offer odds around 1 in 32,768, while others with larger jackpots could have odds extending up to 1 in 49,836,032.

Odds of hitting a progressive jackpot

However, it is generally accepted that progressive jackpots (such as Mega Moolah or Megabucks) have incredibly long odds, often exceeding 1 in 10 million or more. For example, Mega Moolah has an estimated jackpot probability of around 1 in 50 million, making it one of the toughest to win.

My top jackpot tips

That said, you can still employ a measure of strategy to ensure that you make the best use of your winning potential. Below, you’ll find a list of my top jackpot tips: these may not guarantee a win, but they’ll give you a gentle push in the best direction. Best of all, they’re very simple to implement.

Know the odds

As explained above, understand the probability of winning the jackpot in the game you're playing. Some games offer better odds than others.

Choose the right game

Progressive jackpots grow larger, but fixed jackpots may offer better odds of winning. Pick the one that best suits your strategy.

Bet the maximum when required

Some progressive slots require max bets to qualify for the jackpot. Always check the rules before playing.

Set a budget and stick to it

Never chase losses. Decide how much you're willing to spend before playing and stick to it.

Take advantage of bonuses

Use free spins, cashback, and deposit bonuses to extend your playtime and increase your chances.

Join a loyalty programme

Similarly, many casinos reward regular players with perks like cashback, free spins, or exclusive jackpot opportunities.

Know when to walk away

If you hit a decent win, consider cashing out instead of putting it all back into the game just to chase that elusive jackpot.

Track progressive jackpots

Some progressive slots pay out at specific ranges or after reaching certain amounts. Research past payouts to identify potential trends.

Play at peak times for bigger pots

Progressive jackpots often grow faster during high-traffic hours, increasing the potential payout.

Read the paytable and rules

Every game has different mechanics. Make sure you understand how the jackpot is triggered before you start playing.

Have realistic expectations

Huge drops are rare, so enjoy the game itself rather than relying on a big win.

Best jackpot games to play at crypto casinos

Below, I’ve rounded up six of the best jackpot games I find quite fun in crypto casinos. Each one brings something unique to the table, so let’s check them out!

Gold Blitz

Feature	Details
Reels and Paylines	6 reels and 4,096 paylines
RTP	96%
Volatility	High
Max Win	6,400x your stake
Bet Range	$0.2 to $50
Jackpots	Minor, Major, Mega
Bonus Features	Free Spins, Collect Feature, Cash Multipliers, Wilds, Scatters

When it comes to flashy jackpot slots, Gold Blitz is the one. This game was developed by Games Global, and it offers a lot of fun. It has a bright design with lightning-bolt icons, golden reels, and a blue background. It’s a traditional-looking game with a modern twist, and the graphics definitely stand out.

With 6,400 paylines and high volatility, it’s designed for players who like a bit of risk for promise of big rewards. The RTP is 96%, and the maximum payout is 6,400x your stake.

There are both low- and high-value symbols. The low-value ones are the playing card symbols (9 through Ace), which pay between 1x and 1.2x your bet for six matching symbols. The higher-value symbols are bells, horseshoes, gold bats, coins, and dollar signs. If you land six of these, you’ll get between 1.5x and 4x your stake.

Now, the Collect Feature is where the fun starts. If a “collect” symbol lands on reels 1 or 6 with a jackpot or a cash symbol, you’ll collect all of them on the reels. Here are the jackpot amounts you can win:

Minor Jackpot – 25x your bet
Major Jackpot – 250x your bet
Mega Jackpot – 2,500x your bet

There are also free spins to be won. If you land three scatter symbols, you get to choose from different free spin options, each with jackpot/cash symbols on the reels. If you land four scatters, you’ll get even more choices.

Faerie Spells

Feature	Details
Reels and Paylines	5 reels, 10 paylines
RTP	96.03%
Volatility	Medium
Max Win	75x your stake
Bet Range	$0.1 - $10 per spin
Jackpots	4 jackpots (collected during bonus round)
Bonus Features	Free Spins, Gamble Feature, Magic Toadstool, Wilds, Scatters

Faerie Spells by Betsoft is a slot that brings you into a world full of fairies and greenery. Unlike most Betsoft games that use 3D graphics, this one has 2D visuals, giving the game a nice, old-school feel. It kind of reminds me of Pixies of the Forest, with beautiful fairies flying across the reels in a lush, green setting.

The game has 10 paylines, which isn’t a lot, but the potential to win is still there. You can bet anywhere from 0.10 to 10 coins per spin, so it’s perfect for players with smaller or mid-range budgets. Plus, there’s an autoplay function that lets you spin up to 100 times automatically, which is super convenient if you just want to sit back and relax.

With an RTP of 96.03%, Faerie Spells offers decent payouts. One of the highest-paying symbol is the fairy, which can give you 75x your stake. But, the wild green mask is also pretty great, paying 100x your stake and helping you form winning combos by substituting for other symbols.

The best part of the game is the bonus round: if you land three fairy queen symbols, you’ll trigger up to 25 free spins on special reels. Here, you can collect symbols for one of four jackpots ranging from Plenty, Luxury, Wealth, to Riches.

Additionally, there’s a diamond symbol that can pay up to 50x your stake. During the bonus, the Magic Toadstool feature adds a scatter symbol, giving you an even higher chance to win big.

Mega Moolah 4Tune Reels Review

Feature	Details
Reels and Paylines	4 sets of 5x3 reels, 100 win lines total
RTP	90.3%
Volatility	Low
Max Win	651x your stake
Bet Range	$1 to $25 per spin
Jackpots	Mini, Minor, Major, Mega
Bonus Features	Free Spins, Wilds, Jackpot Bonus

Mega Moolah 4Tune Reels takes the popular Mega Moolah slot and gives it a fresh twist. This game features four separate 5x3 reels, each with 25 paylines, giving you a total of 100 paylines to land winning combinations. With this setup, you get a lot bigger chance to win compared to the original.

The symbols in this game are pretty familiar if you’ve played Mega Moolah before. You’ll find card symbols like 10, J, Q, K, and A at the lower end of the pay scale, and then there are some animals like antelopes, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants, which give bigger payouts.

The lion symbol is the star of the game. As the Wild, it substitutes for other symbols to help make winning combos, plus it doubles the value of any win it’s a part of. It also pays 20 times more than the elephant symbol.

Another cool feature is the free spins: if you land 3 or more scatter symbols, you’ll get 15 free spins. You can even trigger free spins on multiple reels and win up to 60 spins in total.

The Jackpot Bonus, however, is where the big excitement happens. The game has four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. Each bet you make helps build these, and the higher your bet, the better your chances of hitting the jackpot.

With an RTP of 90.3% and a low volatility, Mega Moolah 4Tune Reels offers frequent wins, though smaller ones, keeping things fun and steady.

Joker Burst Frenzy Mega Moolah

Feature	Details
Reels and Paylines	5x3 reel setup, 10 paylines
RTP	86.78%
Volatility	Medium
Max Win	1,000x your stake
Bet Range	$0.1 to $200
Jackpots	Mini, Minor, Major, Mega
Bonus Features	Free Spins, Wilds, Jackpot Bonus

Joker Burst Frenzy Mega Moolah brings you a classic fruit machine vibe with jackpots. This game, from Aurum Signature Studios, features a 5x3 reel setup and offers 10 fixed paylines that pay both ways. The symbols are your typical fruit machine icons - fruits, bars, and lucky number 7s.

The wild symbol is the joker, and it appears on the center reels. When it lands, it expands to fill the reel and locks in place, triggering a re-spin. If more jokers appear during the re-spin, the feature can repeat up to three times.

In addition to the wild feature, the diamond symbols also play an important role. They can appear on reels 2, 3, and 4 and, when collected, trigger the jackpot feature. This could lead to one of four progressive jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, or the huge Mega Jackpot.

As for the game’s vibe, expect a bright, glitzy background and a loud, brassy soundtrack that’ll remind you of land-based casinos. However, if it gets a bit too much, you can always turn it down.

The RTP is 86.78%, and the game is medium variance. With the jackpot system in place, the excitement level is high, especially when the wheel spins to reveal which jackpot you might win.

Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah

Feature	Details
Reels and Paylines	5 reels, 10 paylines
RTP	92.08%
Volatility	Medium
Max Win	500x your stake
Bet Range	$0.10 to $200
Jackpots	Mini, Minor, Major, Mega ($1M+)
Bonus Features	Expanding Wilds & Respins

Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah is a fresh take on the classic Mega Moolah jackpot slot. This game offers an underwater adventure with smooth gameplay. Developed by Microgaming and Neon Valley Studios, the game features 10 paylines and allows bets ranging from 0.10 to 200 coins per spin. It also includes an autoplay option and a quick-spin mode for faster gameplay.

Like all Mega Moolah slots, this game is all about the progressive jackpots. There are four jackpots, with the Mega Jackpot starting at $1,000,000. To trigger the jackpot wheel, players must land three golden pearl symbols. The wheel then determines whether you win the Mega, Major, Minor, or Mini Jackpot.

Beyond the jackpot feature, the slot also offers one notable bonus mechanic: whenever a wild symbol lands, it expands and locks in place, triggering a respin. This can happen up to three times in a row, increasing your chances of winning. However, outside of this feature, the game keeps things relatively simple.

The game features an RTP rate of 92.08%, which is lower than many other slots.

Age of the Gods

Feature	Details
Reels and Paylines	5 reels, 20 paylines
RTP	95.02%
Volatility	Medium
Max Win	10,000x your stake
Bet Range	$0.20 to $40 per spin
Jackpots	Power, Extra Power, Super Power, Ultimate Power
Bonus Features	Free Spins, Multipliers, Stacked Wilds, Progressive Jackpots

Age of the Gods by Playtech is a mythology-themed slot with five reels and 20 fixed paylines. It features stunning visuals and a powerful lineup of Greek gods. With an RTP of 95.02%, the game sits slightly below average.

Its medium volatility ensures a balanced mix of wins, so it’s actually ideal for both casual players and high rollers. Betting ranges from $0.20 to $40 per spin, which suits most players.

The wild symbol (laurel wreath) is the highest-paying, offering 10,000x your stake for five on a payline. It also substitutes for all symbols except the scatter (game logo). Landing three or more scatters triggers the Age of the Gods Free Spins, where players unlock one of four unique bonus rounds, each tied to a god:

Athena Spins – A random multiplier (2x-5x) is applied before each spin.
Zeus Spins – A climbing multiplier (1x, 2x, 3x) increases every three spins, while a sticky wild stays locked in the center.
Heracles Spins – Heracles appears as a stacked wild on reel 3, with all other Heracles symbols transforming into wilds.
Poseidon Spins – Lightning strikes add five wilds per spin, making this the most rewarding feature, with potential payouts of up to 7,000x your line bet.

The game also includes four progressive jackpots: Power, Extra Power, Super Power, and Ultimate Power, which can reach life-changing amounts.

Sources

Jackpot: What It Is, How It Works, Consequences

Ameican Hoyle

Largest jackpot payout in an online slot machine game (nominal)

The Science Behind Progressive Jackpots

Aristocrat Gaming

What are the Odds of Winning Huge Jackpots in Slots?

Bill Morgan lottery win

The Lotter

A Treasury of Terribly Sad Stories of Lotto Winners