What is a progressive jackpot? It's a slot prize that grows with play: a small slice of every qualifying bet is added to a jackpot meter until someone wins it, then the meter resets to a starting amount. The prize can get large, but you pay for it through a lower return on the rest of the game.
A progressive jackpot grows from a slice of every qualifying bet until it's won, then resets.
Jackpots can be local to one game, pooled across games and casinos, or triggered at random.
The jackpot is funded from your stakes, so the base game often returns less. Aztec's Millions is listed at 94% RTP.
Bonus terms at several offshore casinos exclude progressive slots from bonus play.
Weekly withdrawal caps can stretch a large offshore jackpot payout over months.
What it is
A prize that grows from a share of each bet
Main RTG types
Local, pooled and random (Real Series)
Pooled RTG examples
Aztec's Millions, Jackpot Piñatas
Base-game RTP example
Aztec's Millions: 94% (third-party)
W-2G threshold for slots (2026)
$2,000 or more
What is a progressive jackpot? The short definition
A progressive jackpot is a prize that isn't fixed. Each time someone places a qualifying bet, a small part of it goes into a jackpot pool, and the displayed amount rises. When a player triggers the jackpot, they collect the pool and the meter drops back to a preset starting amount, called the seed.
A fixed jackpot is the opposite: it pays the same amount, usually a set multiple of your bet, every time. Plenty of newer RealTime Gaming slots, such as Jackpot Saloon and Big Cat Links, use fixed jackpots rather than progressive ones, according to SlotCatalog. Our glossary entry on progressive jackpots gives the one-line version.
How a progressive jackpot grows, step by step
The jackpot starts at its seed amount after the last win.
Players place bets on the linked game or games.
A set share of each qualifying bet is added to the pool. Developers rarely publish the exact share.
The meter on screen climbs as play continues, faster when more people play.
Someone triggers the jackpot, by a symbol combination, a bonus game or a random draw.
The winner is credited with the pool, subject to the casino's terms and withdrawal rules.
The meter resets to the seed and starts growing again.
The growth comes from players' own stakes. Nobody adds outside money, so a bigger meter simply reflects more money already lost into it. A large jackpot doesn't make a win more likely; it just means one hasn't happened recently. That's the gambler's fallacy in action if you assume otherwise.
Types of progressive jackpots: local, pooled and random
RealTime Gaming, the studio behind most games at the offshore casinos we cover, uses several jackpot styles. The descriptions below come from Wikipedia's RTG article (opens in a new tab), PokerListings and GamesHub, all third-party sources.
Progressive jackpot types in RTG games
Type
How it works
RTG examples
Standalone or local progressive
The pool grows from one game, or games at one casino or one operator's casinos
Many classic RTG slots list a progressive jackpot feature
Pooled (networked) progressive
Bets from many games and casinos feed one shared pool, so it grows faster and larger
Aladdin's Wishes: PokerListings says its progressive is randomly triggered and can be won without betting the maximum. See Aladdin's Wishes.
Cash Bandits 3: SlotCatalog lists two progressive jackpots, a minor and a major, alongside its vault bonus.
Epic Holiday Party lists four progressive jackpots, and Paddy's Lucky Forest three, per SlotCatalog.
Some progressive games pay the top prize only on the highest bet level or require a side bet. Others, like the random-trigger games above, don't. Read the help screen before you play so you're not surprised that a qualifying hit paid less than the meter showed.
What a progressive jackpot costs you: the RTP trade-off
The jackpot has to be funded, and it's funded by the game's return. Third-party RTP figures for some progressive RTG slots sit well below the best non-progressive games:
Listed RTPs for selected RTG slots (third-party)
Slot
Jackpot style
Listed RTP
Expected cost of $500 wagered
Aztec's Millions
Pooled progressive
94%
$30.00
Aladdin's Wishes
Random progressive
93% (95% per PokerListings)
$35.00 (or $25.00)
Crazy Vegas
Progressive
94%
$30.00
Jackpot Piñatas Deluxe
Progressive
Up to 96.5%
$17.50 or more
Fruit Frenzy
Progressive
97.5%
$12.50
The expected cost column is total wagered times the house edge (100% minus RTP). Whether a listed RTP includes the jackpot's contribution isn't stated in the sources, so treat these as rough guides. The lesson holds either way: in a pooled game, part of every bet goes toward a prize that very few players will ever collect.
How big do progressive jackpots get?
GamesHub (opens in a new tab) reports that RTG is known for networked progressives that often pass $1 million, and that the highest Aztec's Millions jackpot it cites, at one casino, was over $1.7 million. Those are reported highs, not typical wins. Most jackpot meters are won at much smaller amounts, and many players never trigger one at all.
No developer or casino in our sources publishes the odds of hitting an RTG progressive. For what's known about frequency, see how often jackpots hit and our jackpot odds guide.
Getting paid: offshore withdrawal caps and taxes
At a state-licensed casino, jackpot payouts fall under state rules. Offshore casinos set their own, and their published weekly limits apply to cashouts unless their terms say otherwise. Here is what a $100,000 win would look like under caps the casinos publish or reviewers report:
Time to withdraw $100,000 under published caps
Casino
Published cap
Source type
Time to withdraw $100,000
SlotoCash
$5,000 per week, $20,000 per month
Primary (casino banking page)
About 5 months at $20,000 per month
Silver Oak
From $2,500 per week; $5,000 or $10,000 per month
Primary (casino terms)
10 to 20 months, depending on which monthly cap applies
Often not. SlotoCash's welcome terms, which are primary, exclude progressive jackpot slots from bonus play, and its general terms list progressive jackpot games among those excluded by default. Silver Oak's terms list progressives among excluded games, too.
Slot Madness is the exception in our sources: third-party reviewer esports.gg reported 2025 codes for progressive games, including PROGRESSIVE100, a 100% match on progressive jackpot games with a 10x max cashout and deposits of $30 to $1,000. Those terms are unverified and codes change. A 10x max cashout on a $100 deposit would cap cashable winnings at $1,000 even if a jackpot hit. See max cashout rules.
Progressive jackpots in the USA: the legal side
Real-money online casinos, including jackpot slots, are licensed only in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Everywhere else, sites offering RTG progressives to Americans are offshore and not licensed by any US state, so no state regulator watches the jackpot pool, verifies payouts or takes complaints.
Federal law targets payment processing for unlawful internet gambling rather than making the bet a crime for the player, and state law decides what's allowed where you live. Our guide to offshore casino legality explains the details, and more answers sit in the questions hub.
Progressive jackpot slots: offers via our links
These three casinos have published evidence of progressive jackpot games, which is why they're listed here instead of the original picks. They are offshore, not licensed or regulated by any US state, and you should check your state's law before playing. We earn a commission through these links, and the order is commercial.
Slot Madness Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews report a 275% match up to $2,750 with code MAD275, a $30 minimum deposit, 30x (bonus plus deposit) wagering on slots and no max cashout; Aztec's Millions is reported in its lobby. The Michigan Gaming Control Board named Slot Madness in an August 14, 2025 release.
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Silver Oak's own site advertises a $10,000 match over ten deposits with no free spins; its offer page says 30x wagering while its terms and conditions (opens in a new tab) say 40x on slots, so check current terms. Deposits start at $30, and progressives are excluded from bonus play. Michigan named Silver Oak on April 9, 2025.
SlotoCash Casino: $6,000 Welcome Bonus + 60 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Its terms say 25x (deposit plus bonus), a $20 minimum deposit per bonus and no max cashout, with progressive jackpot slots excluded. Michigan named SlotoCash on October 8, 2026.
The sign-up screen shows the terms that apply, which may differ from these. Bonus funds and free spins are for slots, and table games are usually excluded or weighted lower. Read the full reviews of Slot Madness, Silver Oak and SlotoCash first.
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
Chosen because each has published evidence of progressive jackpot games. All three are offshore and not licensed by any US state. 21+ (18+ where allowed); terms apply.
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 275% match up to $2,750 with code MAD275; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and keno (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Anjouan, Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, August 14, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: None (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
SlotoCash Casino#1 on our listBiggest bonus on our list
Published terms (casino terms): SlotoCash advertises up to $7,777 + 300 spins over five deposits on its own site. Eligible games: Slots, keno and scratch cards (progressive jackpots excluded).
Who runs it: License not shown on its site; reported as a Deckmedia N.V. brand (Curaçao). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, October 8, 2026.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $20 per bonus. Wagering 25x deposit + bonus. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap $5,000 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a progressive and a fixed jackpot?
A progressive jackpot grows from a share of each qualifying bet until it's won, while a fixed jackpot pays a set amount every time. Fixed jackpots are often a multiple of your bet, so they scale with your stake. Progressives can grow far larger, but the base game usually returns less to fund them. Our progressive jackpots explained guide compares the two in more depth.
Do you have to bet max to win an RTG progressive jackpot?
It depends on the game. Some progressive slots pay the top prize only at the highest bet level, while random-trigger games can pay at any stake. PokerListings says RTG's Aladdin's Wishes can be won without maximum bets, for example. Always check the help screen. If max bet is required, remember that bigger stakes raise your expected losses in the same proportion; see bet max.
What is a pooled or networked jackpot?
A pooled jackpot combines bets from many games and often many casinos into one shared prize. Because more money flows in, it grows faster and can get far bigger than a single-game jackpot. Wikipedia names Jackpot Piñatas and Aztec's Millions as RTG jackpots pooled across casinos. For details, see what is a pooled jackpot.
What are Real Series random jackpots?
Real Series jackpots are tiered random progressives that RTG can attach to its non-progressive Real Series slots. According to Wikipedia, they can be won at random whatever symbols land, and they're local to one casino or one operator's group of casinos. That makes their pools smaller than a networked jackpot. Our page on what Real Series jackpots are covers how they work.
Is a progressive jackpot more likely to hit when it's big?
No. In a random-number-generator game, each spin is independent, so a large meter just means nobody has won for a while. It doesn't mean a win is due. Some players feel a bigger prize is worth more of their money, but the odds per spin don't improve. Our guide to the gambler's fallacy explains why this belief is so persistent and costly.
Do progressive jackpot slots like Aztec's Millions have a lower RTP?
Often, yes, because part of each bet funds the jackpot. SlotCatalog lists Aztec's Millions at 94% and Crazy Vegas at 94%, while many non-progressive RTG slots are listed at 97.5%. Sources don't always say whether a listed RTP includes the jackpot share. If steady value matters to you, see what slot pays the most.
How are progressive jackpots paid at offshore casinos?
Usually through the casino's normal withdrawal process, which means weekly or monthly caps apply unless its terms say otherwise. SlotoCash publishes $5,000 a week and $20,000 a month, so a $100,000 win would take about five months. No US state regulator oversees these payouts. Read cashing out big wins before playing for a large jackpot.
Are progressive jackpot winnings taxed in the US?
Yes. Gambling winnings are taxable federal income, and for 2026 the IRS says a payer files Form W-2G for slot winnings of $2,000 or more. Offshore casinos may not issue one, but the income is still reportable. From tax year 2026, losses are reported to be deductible only up to 90% and only against winnings; check IRS guidance. See gambling taxes.
What is the seed amount on a progressive jackpot?
The seed is the starting figure a progressive jackpot resets to after someone wins it. From there, a slice of each qualifying bet pushes the meter back up until the next win. RealTime Gaming doesn't publish seed amounts or the share of each bet that goes into the pool, so you can't work out how much of a meter is player money and how much is seed. What you can rely on is the game's listed RTP, which our guide to how slot RTP works explains, alongside the paytable glossary entry.
Which RTG slots have a progressive jackpot?
Several RealTime Gaming slots carry progressive prizes, according to third-party listings. SlotCatalog tags Aztec's Millions, Crazy Vegas, Fruit Frenzy and Aladdin's Wishes with a progressive jackpot, and lists two progressives, a minor and a major, on Cash Bandits 3. LCB describes the Megasaur Jackpot, and Wikipedia names Jackpot Piñatas as pooled across casinos. Hold and Win games such as Khrysos Gold add a growing Grand prize. Listed RTPs range from 93% to 97.5%, so compare before you pick one. The RTG progressive jackpot system page groups them by family.
Can I use free spins on progressive jackpot slots?
Usually not, because free spins are locked to a named game and many casinos keep progressives out of bonus play. SlotoCash's own welcome terms attach its spins to specific titles, such as Egyptian Gold and Sweet 16, and its bonus rules exclude progressive jackpot slots. Silver Oak's terms list progressives among excluded games too. If a promotion does point spins at a jackpot game, read whether a jackpot hit counts and whether a max cashout applies. Our pages on which slots free spins are on and free spins winnings explain the usual rules.
Are progressive jackpot slots legal in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey licenses real-money online casinos, so progressive jackpot slots are legal there at sites the state approves. The Division of Gaming Enforcement's list, updated September 22, 2026, shows nine internet gaming permits held by seven entities tied to Atlantic City casinos, and the casino age is 21. Those licensed sites are separate from the offshore RTG casinos on this page, which New Jersey doesn't license. Third-party reports also say Decode refuses New Jersey players. See online casinos in New Jersey and the New Jersey real money casino page.
How much bankroll do I need for progressive jackpot slots?
Plan for a budget you can afford to lose in full, because progressives tend to pay most of their return through rare, large prizes. The math helps set expectations: 200 spins at $1 on Aztec's Millions, listed at 94% RTP, means $200 wagered and an expected loss of $12. That's only the average. A high-volatility game can take the whole $200 well before the jackpot meter means anything. Smaller stakes stretch a session further. Our bankroll management guide and the page on what a good bankroll is show how to size one.
What is a Hold and Win progressive jackpot?
It's a respin feature where collecting special symbols can award fixed jackpots plus a growing top prize. SlotCatalog says RTG's Khrysos Gold has a Hold and Win feature with three jackpots, including a progressive Grand, and that Fortunate Buddha pairs Fortune Link respins with jackpots and a progressive. The fixed tiers pay a set amount, while the Grand behaves like any other progressive meter. Rules on which prize you can win at which stake vary, so read the help screen. The hold and spin glossary entry and our Fortunate Buddha review explain the mechanics.
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