Online jackpots have come a long way since Microgaming released the first linked progressive game, Cash Splash in 1998. Microgaming followed this up in 2002 with Major Millions which created the Internet's first million dollar plus pokie winner when Tony P. won $1,594,694.21.
All online jackpot records were smashed in 2013 when a very lucky player betting just 25c won €17,861,813 on the Mega Fortune pokie from Net Entertainment. This win is listed in the Guinness World Records.
Right now there are some life-changing jackpots that can be won and clearly the prizes online are far better than the maximum of $10,000 per spin which you can win at your local pub or club. There are however a few things that you should know if you're going to go for the jackpots.
How The Progressives Work
Instead of having a top prize that has a fixed level, progressive games start at a base level and then a proportion of every bet is added to the jackpot. The progressive grows until one lucky player hits the jackpot.
The Odds of Winning
Your chance of winning one of the million dollar plus jackpots is probably no better than winning the lottery. The smaller jackpots like Cash Splash and Treasure Nile and are won much more frequently.
Bet Requirements
On some games you have to play max bet to have any chance of winning the progressive so be sure to read the game rules before you start playing (Our game reviews also cover the required bet level for each of the games).