Progressive slot machines have an undeniable allure for players because of the tantalizing promise of a mega jackpot that could make you an instant millionaire with just one lucky spin. However, there’s more to these games than just the top prize. A number of Pragmatic Play slot titles are some of the most innovative and feature-packed games you’ll find at both land-based and online casinos, providing plenty of excitement even if you don’t hit the grand jackpot.
Innovative Bonus Features and Gameplay
While the jackpot understandably gets most of the attention on progressive slots, software providers go out of their way to pack these games with bonus features and innovative gameplay. This includes features like:
- Cascading wins. Symbols explode after a win, and new symbols cascade potentially down to trigger more big wins.
- Locking wilds. Special wild symbols lock in place after a spin to help trigger multiple wins over multiple spins.
- Free spins. Triggering scatters or bonus symbols starts free spin rounds with big multipliers or extra wilds added to the reels.
- Bonus jackpots. Some progressives have multiple jackpots like mini, minor, and major jackpots that all steadily grow alongside the grand jackpot.
- Gamification. Some progressives add skill-based gambling elements and decision-making to add to the gameplay.
Common Bonus Features in Progressive Slots
| Feature | Description |
| Cascading Wins | Winning symbols explode, and new symbols cascade down, triggering potential multiple wins |
| Locking Wilds | Special wilds lock in place after a spin to remain on screen over multiple spins |
| Free Spins | Hitting scatters starts free spin bonus rounds with 5x, 10x, or even 50x multipliers |
| Bonus Jackpots | Games have mini, minor, and major local jackpots alongside the main grand jackpot |
| Gamification | Some games add skill-based elements like decision-making or mini-side games |
These features combine with the high volatility and RTP of progressive slots to provide plenty of big win potential outside of just the grand jackpot.
Bigger Rewards and Entertainment Value
Outside of the headline-grabbing top prize, progressive slots generally offer some of the biggest rewards and highest return-to-player (RTP) percentages compared to other slots. Many progressives have RTPs of 96% or more, compared to 94-95% for standard slots.
Plus, a portion of every bet placed goes towards funding the jackpots, ensuring payouts steadily grow into the millions. Even if you don’t win the grand prize, landing five jackpot symbols could easily award $50,000 or $100,000 – life-changing money.
And with immersive graphics, animations, and sound effects modeled after the latest video games, playing progressive slots is intensely entertaining whether you win or lose. All the bells and whistles enhance the entertainment value that you simply don’t get from playing penny slots.
More Variety and Themes Than Ever
Progressive jackpot slots started out heavily featuring generic fruit machine symbols. But today’s progressive slots draw from exciting themes covering every interest, including:
- Blockbuster movies like Justice League and The Matrix
- Chart-topping musicians like Guns N’ Roses
- Beloved TV game shows like Deal or No Deal
- Adventurous explorer characters like Lara Croft
- Branded franchises like DC Comics and Anchorman
You’ll even find offbeat themes like zombie apocalypses, magic potions, and leprechaun adventures. This variety adds to the overall enjoyment since you can play progressive slots tailored around your interests whether that’s music, movies, or something else entirely.
Better Odds Playing Online
When chasing a mega jackpot, your odds are exponentially better when playing online versus at land-based casinos. That’s because online progressive networks connect thousands of players across hundreds of internet casinos.
With so many more players contributing to the jackpot, the top prizes steadily grow at a faster rate online. It’s not uncommon for online progressive jackpots to reach $10 million or more before somebody triggers the grand prize. Local land-based progressives in Las Vegas or Atlantic City rarely exceed $2 or $3 million.
Plus, online casinos allow betting as little as $0.01 per spin versus $1 per spin at slot machines. This stretches your bankroll further for more chances at that life-altering jackpot spin.
Progressive Slots Deliver More Than Just Jackpots
While every progressive jackpot chaser dreams of taking down that eight-figure top prize, these slots deliver excitement even when you don’t land the grand jackpot. With innovative features, bigger payouts, and a variety of themes, progressive slots provide plenty of entertainment value and winning potential on top of the obvious chance for a mega payday.
So while you’re taking your shot at a jackpot that could change your life forever, sit back and enjoy all the action-packed entertainment progressive slot games offer. Those jackpots are nice, but they’re really just the cherry on top of an already exciting casino gambling experience.
