Progressive Jackpot Roulette

Progressive Jackpot Roulette Games Explained

Roulette is a classic game that can be found in almost every land-based and online casino today. In addition to the traditional format, many casinos also offer a host of exciting variations intended to attract more roulette enthusiasts and provide them with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Thanks to this vast array of variations, you can try several intriguing roulette games and choose the one that best suits your preferences and playing style. The different versions employ wheels with varied layouts, which in turn alter your odds. For instance, in European roulette the wheel has one green pocket, whereas in American roulette it has two. The latter game is deemed less favorable, as its house edge is 5.26%, while in the former it is 2.70%.

One of the variations that you can play in many online casinos is progressive jackpot roulette. Operators introduced this format to entice more roulette fans and give them the chance to win big while enjoying their favorite game. Nowadays, progressive jackpot roulette is so popular that it is fair to say online casinos have achieved their goal. If you love playing roulette but are not entirely satisfied with the standard payouts, progressive roulette may be the perfect choice for you.

Stay with us to learn more about how progressive jackpots accumulate and how they are triggered. We will also discuss the main benefits and drawbacks of progressive roulette games, so players know what to expect in advance. Last but not least, we will introduce you to some popular variations developed by leading iGaming studios such as Microgaming, Playtech, and IGT.

Overview

Progressive jackpot roulette games are easy to spot, as they have several unmistakable features. As the name suggests, this type of game offers a jackpot whose amount is constantly increasing. Usually, every player who takes part contributes to the ever-growing pool. As a result, progressive jackpot games can award life-changing amounts that can be won by any participant. In most cases, the maximum sum is not capped in any way, meaning the jackpot will keep growing until it is finally won.

How Progressive Jackpots Pool in Roulette

It is no surprise that progressive jackpot games, roulette included, are among the most sought-after offerings, as the prizes they award can quickly reach and surpass six figures. The jackpots in these games do not start building from scratch; instead, a predetermined sum is set each time the top prize is won. This initial amount is known as the seed and, depending on the title, it may be provided by the casino operator or by the software provider that created the specific roulette variant.

Players will notice that the prize grows continuously, because each time someone places a bet, a predetermined percentage of that stake is added to the jackpot. It is important to remember that the percentage contributed to the jackpot varies greatly between the different roulette variants available.

Now, let’s assume you have found a jackpot roulette game that ticks all the right boxes, and the seed for the top prize is $50,000. For simplicity’s sake, imagine that each time a bet is placed, 10% of the stake is used to boost the jackpot. It is important to note that most of this retained amount goes toward the jackpot itself, while a small portion is reserved for the next seed. In our example, once the full seed of $50,000 has been accumulated, the retained portion of subsequent bets will be added exclusively to the jackpot.

Thus, if you decide to place $10 bets, $1 of every wager will go toward the jackpot. In other words, the more players participate—and the larger their stakes—the faster the jackpot will grow. Once someone hits the top prize, its value will be reset to $50,000 and will start rising again.

While players enjoy the action that progressive jackpot games provide, they should keep in mind that, in most cases, placing higher bets gives them a better chance of landing the massive prizes.

• Players may also encounter roulette games that offer fixed jackpot prizes. Naturally, the winning potential of these titles is not as impressive as that of progressive versions. Even so, they do pay at a higher rate than 35:1—the standard payout for a straight bet—and in most cases require a side bet to qualify for these enhanced payouts. IGT is one of the studios that has adopted this approach in several of its roulette variants.

What it Takes to Play Progressive Jackpot Roulette

When it comes to progressive jackpot roulette, remember that the main rules of the game remain unchanged. If you already know standard roulette, you will have no trouble following the action. You can still place bets according to your preferences, wagering on a single number or on several. As you probably know, it is also possible to bet based on colour or parity – red/black or odd/even.

• Side Bets – To qualify for the jackpot you must place a side bet. This wager is separate from your main bet, so you still need to place an inside or outside wager as usual. If you fail to add the side bet, you will not be eligible for the jackpot, even if you meet all other requirements. The stake for this side bet is typically small—often just one dollar per round—making it affordable for players of all bankroll sizes.

  Every time a player places this side bet, the jackpot amount increases. When someone eventually claims the prize, the pool does not start from zero; instead, it is reset to a predetermined seed. This mechanism allows the jackpot to reach the impressive amounts that make these games so appealing.

• Bonus Games – Depending on the jackpot roulette game, players may have a chance to win a massive prize by triggering a special feature. The activation method varies: in some variants a single number must appear several times in a row, while in others the bonus is launched when the ball lands in a dedicated pocket. The exact bonus mechanics depend entirely on the game you choose.
• In certain jackpot roulette games, players can win the jackpot on virtually any spin—even on rounds in which their main bet loses. In these variants, the jackpot prize, or a portion of it, is awarded at random. This is the case with Playtech’s Age of the Gods Roulette: on every spin players have a chance to enter a mini-game, and if they do, one of four jackpot prizes is guaranteed.

Yet, before betting on any roulette game that is tied to a progressive jackpot, players should consider how likely they are to bag the coveted prize. Keep in mind that the odds of winning the jackpot differ from one game to another; some titles have a rather low probability, while others offer slightly better chances.

This information may not be readily available for every jackpot roulette game, but players can get a sense of their chances by reviewing the specific requirements for triggering the top prize.

Benefits and Downsides of Playing Progressive Jackpot Roulette

Players should not get carried away by the whopping prizes these games advertise. Rather than diving in head-first, it is wise to weigh the pros and cons of playing progressive jackpot roulette.

First and foremost, these variants are appealing because of the significantly larger payouts they can deliver. In a regular single- or double-zero game, the highest return you can hope for is a straight-up win, which pays 35:1.

Another key point many players overlook is that jackpot roulette games usually carry a higher house edge. As you may know, a single-zero wheel comes with a 2.7% house edge, while the extra zero in American roulette increases this to 5.26%. In progressive jackpot variants the edge is even higher, particularly when you factor in the mandatory side bet, which in most cases is a negative-expectation wager.

It goes without saying that landing the progressive jackpot is no easy feat, primarily because the odds are always tilted in the house’s favour. Take Microgaming’s Roulette Royale, for example: to win the jackpot, the same number must appear five times in a row.

To estimate the probability, consider that this is a single-zero game, so the chance of any specific number landing on a single spin is 1/37, or about 0.0270. The probability of the same number appearing five times in a row is therefore 0.0270^5, which is roughly 0.000000014.

At this stage, you might be wondering whether progressive jackpot roulette games are worth a shot. Ultimately, only you can decide if they meet your expectations and deliver the thrill you are seeking.

Popular Online Variations of Progressive Jackpot Roulette

Progressive jackpot roulette is a great way to diversify your gaming experience, adding an extra layer of anticipation. These games give you several avenues to leave the casino with a profit. In addition to the huge jackpot, you can benefit from various bonus features that come with generous payouts.

Some variants award exclusive prizes if your chosen number wins several times in a row. Typically, these games feature wheels with extra pockets, giving players further chances to profit. Such innovative titles are supplied by industry leaders like Microgaming, IGT, Playtech, and others. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular versions and their standout features.

Roulette Royal by Microgaming

Screenshot of Roulette Royal by Microgaming

Perhaps the most popular progressive jackpot roulette variation is Roulette Royal. Developed by the renowned software provider Microgaming, it quickly became a favourite among roulette fans. The game is especially enticing because it offers multiple ways to win. As with most progressive titles, you must place a $1 side bet to qualify for the jackpot. You will land the life-changing prize if the same number appears five consecutive times.

Bear in mind that once you place the side bet, it remains in place by default for every subsequent spin. As stated, this version offers several added bonuses. For instance, you are rewarded even if the same number appears only twice in a row. In that case, the payout is 15 to 1, meaning your $1 side bet returns $15.

If the number appears three times in succession, the payout rises to 200 to 1, and four times boosts it to 3,000 to 1. Because the game is virtual, you can also take advantage of several exclusive features. For example, the history function makes it easy to track past outcomes. If you are a risk-taker, you can try the available Expert Mode, which allows you to place a range of exotic bets.

Age of the Gods Roulette

Screenshot of Age of the Gods Roulette

Age of the Gods Roulette is produced by Playtech, a leading casino-content creator for more than two decades. The title followed the success of the Age of the Gods slot series and quickly won over roulette enthusiasts. It is a European-style game with an extra pocket on the wheel that unlocks a dedicated bonus feature. By placing chips on the special bonus position, players can trigger a mini-game that awards three bonus spins. The best part is that entry to this feature guarantees a payout ranging from 5x to 100x the value of the special bet. During the bonus, a one-line slot appears, and a payout is awarded for each winning combination displayed.

Age of the Gods Roulette is anything but standard; on every round, players also have a chance to launch a multi-jackpot bonus game. Once inside, they have 30 seconds to match three jackpot symbols and claim the corresponding prize. One major draw is that triggering the jackpot bonus guarantees that a jackpot will be awarded.

This Playtech release should appeal to thrill-seekers, as it also offers French bets, detailed statistics, and a wide range of chip denominations. Owing to the game’s popularity, Playtech later introduced a live version, which delivers the same exciting winning opportunities.

Triple Bonus Spin Roulette by IGT

Screenshot of Triple Bonus Spin Roulette by IGT

Triple Bonus Spin Roulette is an exciting variation developed by the innovative software provider IGT. Several key features set it apart from other roulette games. Most notably, the wheel contains three zero pockets. It also includes a distinctive, wider yellow pocket; if the ball lands there, a special bonus is activated, giving you the chance to spin a three-ring wheel.

Your payout from this feature depends on your initial bet and the outcome of the extra wheel. The game allows you to place four specialised bets—Trio Bonus, Quad Bonus, Straight Bonus, and Split Bonus—each offering different payout rates. This extraordinary setup undoubtedly raises the excitement level by giving you multiple avenues to boost your winnings.

Frankie Dettori’s Jackpot Roulette

Screenshot of Frankie Dettori’s Jackpot Roulette

Frankie Dettori’s Roulette is another attention-grabbing Playtech creation that players may find appealing thanks to its lucrative jackpot prizes. The theme is far from hackneyed; the developers at Playtech drew inspiration from one of the greatest and most famous horse-race jockeys.

The studio has transformed the standard European-style wheel into something fresh and exciting, complete with a bonus game. The feature is unlocked whenever the ball lands in the special trophy pocket instead of a numbered one. When this happens, players are shown a racetrack and asked to pick from the available positions. Depending on their selections, they will receive either a cash prize or a win multiplier.

Unlike Age of the Gods Roulette, Frankie Dettori’s Jackpot Roulette offers only two jackpots: gold and silver. Their seed amounts differ, with the silver starting at $7,000 and the gold at $70,000. The contribution rate is 0.99% of each bet. Once again, players can trigger the bonus game, during which the jackpots can be awarded even on spins that would otherwise be losing ones.

When the jackpot game begins, players are shown 12 squares, each hiding either a silver or a gold trophy. To claim the corresponding jackpot, they must reveal five trophies of the same type. There is also a countdown timer that players should keep an eye on.

Dragon Jackpot Roulette

Screenshot of Dragon Jackpot Roulette

Dragon Jackpot Roulette is one of Playtech’s most impressively designed games. The studio set out to create a roulette variant that not only captivates with its visuals and smooth gameplay but also offers enticing winning opportunities.

To trigger the Dragon Bonus game, players must place a special bet that covers 12 numbers. If the winning number is among these selections, you will be allowed to spin two separate wheels. The first wheel awards a multiplier of up to 20x, while the second grants a 2x multiplier, two additional pointers for the first wheel, or a respin with no bonus.

The Dragon Bonus is not the only highlight; the game also features a random jackpot round. As with other Playtech titles, Dragon Jackpot Roulette offers a four-tier jackpot. The feature can begin at any time, regardless of the outcome of the preceding spin or the size of the wager. If it is triggered, a wheel with ten symbols appears; collecting four symbols of the same colour awards the corresponding jackpot. The contribution rate toward the jackpots in Dragon Jackpot Roulette is 1% of each bet.

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