Progressive jackpots are a pretty exciting feature of some of the most popular casino games… drawing us in with the promise of life-changing wins. Unlike fixed jackpots, progressive jackpots can get bigger and bigger… and bigger, often reaching massive sums.
However, you shouldn’t simply play them as and when you like – it’s a good idea to go in with a more strategic approach if you want to give yourself the best chance.
Here, we’ll look at when it’s the right time to play progressive jackpots and everything else you should keep in mind when you play.
The Size of the Jackpot
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding when to play a progressive jackpot is the size of the jackpot itself. The best licensed and regulated slots sites will come with all different games with all different payouts. Obviously, the bigger the jackpot, the more enticing it becomes. Progressive jackpots can grow into millions… sometimes even tens of millions of pounds – and when they reach record-breaking heights, they can be hard to ignore.
For this reason, many players choose to wait until the jackpot reaches a particularly high amount before they start playing. This strategy is basically based on the belief that the odds of winning are the same regardless of the jackpot size – so they might as well take a pot shot at a life-changing win and get more bang for their buck.
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The Jackpot Trigger Mechanism
Progressive jackpots can be triggered in different ways – depending on the game. Some jackpots just drop randomly, while others need you to land specific combinations of symbols, or trigger specific bonus rounds. Understanding what triggers the jackpot is essential to your decision on when to play.
If a progressive jackpot is awarded randomly, it can be a good idea to play the game regularly – as each spin gives you the chance to win. However, if the jackpot is tied to certain bonus features that are hard to achieve, you may want to consider playing when the conditions are more favourable.
So, for instance, if a jackpot requires you to place the maximum bet to be eligible, you need to wait til your bankroll allows for such a wager.
House Edge and RTP
Analysing the house edge and RTP of the game is vital if you want to make a more informed decision. The house edge is essentially the casino’s advantage over you, while RTP dictates the percentage of money that a game is expected to return to players over a long period of time.
Ideally, you should look for those progressive jackpot games that come with a reasonable house edge and a high RTP. A game that has a lower house edge and a higher RTP will give you a better chance of winning in the long run… even though the odds of hitting the jackpot are still slim. Making sure you choose the right game is a very important aspect of maximising your overall jackpot gaming experience.
Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is a massive factor in deciding when you should play progressive jackpots. You should never wager more than you can afford to lose… as chasing a jackpot can be an expensive and often pointless endeavour. You need to make sure you set a budget and stick to it.
If you have a more limited bankroll, it’s probably a good idea to play progressive jackpots sparingly – or only when you come across a game that offers a lower minimum bet. If you get to grips with managing your money well, you can enjoy more playing time… and the fun of chasing the jackpot without getting into financial trouble.
The Jackpot History
Looking at the history of a progressive jackpot game can sometimes give you valuable insights into when it might be a good time to play. Some jackpots tend to be won more frequently than others – while some games have a track record of awarding massive jackpots at certain intervals.
So, for example, if a jackpot hasn’t been won for quite a long time, it may be due for a payout – as some progressive jackpots have a feature that increases the likelihood of winning after a certain number of spins. Conversely, if a jackpot has been won more recently, it can take a bit of time for the prize pool to build up again, so it’s not as appealing to play.
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Your Personal Preference
Ultimately, when to play progressive jackpots should also be about your own personal preferences and your playing style. You may like the excitement of chasing big jackpots regularly, or you may be a player who’s a bit more selective in your attempts. You should also consider your level of risk tolerance, your bankroll and your goals.
If the thrill of chasing that massive jackpot is what you’re after then playing progressive jackpots when the prize is at its peak may be your preferred way to go. On the other hand, if you are after a more conservative and controlled experience, you might prefer to play every now and then – or try those games with the smaller, fixed jackpots.
By carefully considering all of these factors, you can hopefully make the most of your experience… and have fun while you chase the dream!
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