Online Pokies Jackpot Explained
| 🕒 4 minutes read Online slot machines, or as they’re more commonly known online pokies, are an exciting activity many gamers love.
Pokies have transitioned seamlessly to the online world, bringing the thrill and anticipation of the casino straight to your device. A key part of online pokies’ allure is the ‘jackpot’, the grand prizes that every player dreams of.
In this blog, we will dive into the jackpot, investigating how they work, explaining what a jackpot is, and discussing the different types of jackpots you can find.
To finish off, we’ve created a guide with some strategic tips to increase your chances of winning big.
First things first, how does a pokie work?
Pokies work through an algorithm designed to ensure each spin is completely random – this is known as a Random Number Generator (RNG).
The RNG, unsurprisingly, generates thousands of random numbers every second, each corresponding to a different reel combination. When you hit that ‘spin’ button, the RNG picks the latest number to decide where the reels will stop.
Here’s the important part: the RNG works independently from the gaming machine and doesn’t remember previous spins. It doesn’t care about your bet amount, how long it’s been since the last jackpot, or anything else. This randomness makes it feel just like playing in a traditional casino, keeping things fair and exciting for everyone.
What exactly is a jackpot?
A jackpot in online slot machines is the ultimate prize, the collection of winnings that a player stands to earn if they hit the right combination of symbols or special features on a particular spin.
Usually, the jackpot amount is significantly higher than the regular winnings on a machine. Jackpots can be fixed, translating to a set amount of money, or they can be progressive, implying that the jackpot increases over time as more players join in the game.
The allure of the jackpot lies not only in its substantial monetary value but also in the exhilarating anticipation and thrill that comes with the chance of clinching this big win.
The different types of jackpots
There are primarily two types of jackpots in online slot machines – Fixed Jackpots and Progressive Jackpots.
Fixed Jackpots
Also known as non-progressive jackpots, are predetermined and remain the same regardless of how many players play the game. These jackpots are typically easier to win but offer smaller prizes compared to their progressive counterparts.
Progressive Jackpots
Keep increasing with each game played until someone wins them. A certain percentage of each bet placed on the pokie machine is added to the jackpot, leading to its ever-growing size.
Progressive jackpots can be standalone, in-house, or network-based. Standalone progressive jackpots are limited to a single machine; in-house or local jackpots connect several machines within a single casino, while network or wide-area jackpots link machines from different casinos, sometimes across different regions, leading to enormous potential winnings.
Tips on how to win the jackpot
Winning the jackpot on an online slot machine requires a blend of luck, strategy, and patience. Here are some tips to boost your chances:
Understand the Paytable
Each slot machine has a unique paytable that outlines how much you will win for each combination of symbols. Familiarize yourself with this before you start playing.
Play the Maximum Bet
Often, to have a shot at winning the jackpot, you must play the maximum bet. While this can quickly deplete your gaming budget, it also opens up the opportunity for the biggest winnings.
Choose the Right Game
Not all slot games are created equal. Some offer higher payouts or better odds. By conduct thorough research and choosing games with high Return to Player (RTP) percentages and low Volatility you can maximise your chances of scoring big.
Utilize Free Spins
Online casinos typically offer free spins as part of their promotional offers, and by using these to play you can increase your chances of winning by having additional funds to bet with.
Wait, what is an RTP rate and Volatility?
RTP Rate:
Return to Player (RTP) rate is a term defining the ratio between how much a player bets, compared to how much the machine pays out.
It is often expressed as a percentage, and the higher the RTP rate, the more a player can expect to win back in the long run.
For example, if the RTP rate of a slot machine is 96%, it suggests that over time, for every $100 wagered, the player can expect to win back $96.
Volatility:
Volatility, also known as variance, describes the ratio of how often a game pays out to how big the payout is.
It provides an estimate of how frequently a player can expect to land winning combinations, and how big these winnings will be.
High volatility slots are characterized by less frequent wins, but when they do hit, the payouts are substantial, whereas, low volatility slots offer more frequent.
Do Online Casinos have bigger jackpots?
Online casinos further their appeal by often having larger jackpots than physical casinos. This is because online casinos have fewer overhead costs, such as property maintenance and staff wages, allowing a larger portion of the money to go towards the jackpot pool.
The global reach of online casinos is also much greater, meaning they can attract a far larger number of players. This results in faster-growing progressive jackpot amounts.
Conclusion
Hitting the jackpot when playing online pokies provides a thrill like no other. It’s an experience that combines luck, strategy, and patience. Following these tips can maximise your chances of winning and make your online gaming experience more enjoyable. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have fun.
