Jackpot slots are among the casino games with the most eye-catching prizes, sometimes up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Plus, playing them requires no skill. Players don’t have much to do and are completely at the random mercy of a slot machine.
There’s no wonder why they’re one of the top popular casino games, whether land-based or online. It’s an easy, exciting, and terrific way to earn a lot of money, but how or is it even possible? Read on to learn more.
How Do Slots Decide Who Wins?
The random number generator (RNG) decides every outcome of a slot game. It’s a complex device inside a slot machine that generates thousands of numbers every millisecond, each of which is connected to a unique set of symbols.
RNG produces a random number at the same moment a player initiates each play or even if the slot isn’t in use. When a player hits the spin button, these sequences are seen on the screen and decide the outcome. All slots have it to ensure all players have the same chance of winning and a fair gaming experience.
How to Trigger A Jackpot Slot?
There’s no definitive way to trigger a jackpot slot since game developers configure their slot machines to provide the jackpot payout in any way they prefer. However, there are several tricks to overcome slots, which are closely related to how video slots and slot machines give payouts: at random and based on the paytable.
Specifically, here are the most common ways to win the jackpot reward:
- Trigger the jackpot randomly on any spin;
- Line up specific combinations of symbols on a payline;
- Play a mini-game bonus;
- When a slot is about to hit a certain cash amount; and
- When a slot has to hit on a daily timer.
A trigger for a jackpot may also be determined depending on the type of jackpot a player is playing for. For example:
- For fixed jackpots – triggered by a specific combination of symbols on the reels, which are often listed in the game’s instruction or the machine itself;
- Progressive jackpots – either triggered randomly or by hitting a specific combination of symbols (much like a fixed jackpot but harder to hit)
- Random jackpots – triggered entirely at random—any player could win the jackpot at any time— making its winning odds to be much lower than a fixed or progressive jackpot.
Regardless of the type of jackpot, researching is the best way to figure out how to trigger a jackpot slot. Note that each casino game such as 9 Masks of Fire, has unique rules, return to player (RTP), and jackpot hit rate, so it’s essential to read the paytables and slot reviews to know the exact odds and ways to achieve the top prize. More importantly, ensure your winning odds are worth the required bet level.
How Often Do Slot Machines Hit Jackpots?
There’s also no way to predict where or when the jackpot will hit since, in theory, it should hit randomly. However, there are determining factors that can tell how often slot machines hit the jackpot, including:
- RTP (how much a game pays back to players)
- Bet size
- Number of Paylines
- Game Type
- Hit frequency (how often a slot stops on a winning combination)
- Jackpot size
- RNG
- Volatility
Above all, slot volatility is crucial. It indicates how often the machine wins and pays out, which also helps you determine how often a slot hits the jackpot. The thing is, most jackpot slots have “high volatility,” which means the payouts are big but rarer compared to lower-volatility ones that pay regularly.
Other slots are classed as medium volatility games, such as the Secrets of Atlantis slot. They’re slots in which the frequency of winnings is balanced against their size and are often recommended for risk-averse players.
The size of the jackpot may affect its volatility. For example, slots with small jackpots tend to have lower volatility than those with big jackpots, so they pay out more frequently. However, many consider slot volatility as only a theoretical indicator. Realistically speaking, results may still vary because of the random nature of slot machines.
What Are The Winning Odds of A Slot Machine Jackpot?
As mentioned, jackpot slots have high volatility, which calls for infrequent big wins. Considering this, their winning odds are low. Another reason is that casinos have to pay more if the jackpot hits, so they tend to balance this by making it harder to win than other prizes.
Final Thoughts
Jackpot slots aren’t for everyone. It may be perfect for some, but others might want to look at other types of games. If it’s the chance and thrill of winning a huge jackpot that attracts you, then jackpot slots are a good choice. However, if you want frequent winnings, jackpot slots are a no-go. Better consider aiming for before playing.
