Progressive vs Fixed Jackpot Slots Explained

If you've ever played slots online, you've probably noticed the terms 'progressive' and 'fixed' jackpots - but what's the real difference, and why does it matter? 

Play online at Virgin Games and you'll find an incredible selection of both types of jackpot slots in our collection. So, whether you prefer playing for a fixed award or a progressive prize pool, you'll find some serious thrills.  

Read on to learn all about the differences between the two categories of jackpots to find out which one suits you best. 

What is a Progressive Jackpot Slot?

Think of progressive jackpot slots as the lottery of the casino slots world. Every time a player spins the reels, a small portion of their bet gets added to a prize pool. This continues to grow until one player wins the award, at which point it resets to its seed value. Then, the build-up begins again.

We have two sets of progressive games to spin at Virgin Games - Red Tiger's Jackpot King slots, plus the Daily Jackpot collection from Blueprint Gaming. Enjoy thrilling gameplay and a wide range of red-hot prizes.

Why Are Progressive Jackpots So Popular?

Progressive jackpot slots are exciting, because players contribute to a shared prize pot. This communal contribution means pots can grow rapidly, often reaching impressive amounts.

Beyond the big numbers, progressive slots offer a wide range of themes to keep your gameplay fresh. Whether you're exploring new lands, diving into adventurous quests, or enjoying popular TV show adaptations, these virtual machines deliver thrilling experiences that complement the excitement of potentially huge payouts. 

What Are Fixed Jackpot Slots? 

Fixed jackpot slots offer something a little different to progressive games. With these online slot games, the amount up for grabs is based on your bet size.

No matter how many players spin the reels, or how frequently, the top prize remains constant. There's no build-up here, but fixed-value awards can pay out more often. 

With fixed-value prizes, you can see exactly what’s available to win, making it perfect for strategic players who prefer to know what’s at stake.

Some popular fixed jackpot titles include the exclusive Virgin Gold Blitz, which has three pots up for grabs and a stunning set of bonus features to trigger!

Why Play Fixed Jackpots

While fixed prizes don't typically reach the heights of their progressive counterparts, they make up for it with their frequency. It's this balance that makes fixed-value awardspopular among players who appreciate knowing the exact real money prizes they're spinning for.

Fixed jackpot slots also come in a huge variety of themes, ranging from ancient civilisations to sci-fi adventures. There's always something new to explore, adding to the excitement and keeping your spins interesting every single time you play online slots. 

Progressive vs Fixed Jackpot: Which Should You Play?

Deciding between progressive prizes and those with fixed values is all about what kind of entertainment you're looking for.  

If you prefer playing for huge prizes, progressive awards might become the next to try. But if you're more about the chance to win little-and-often wins, then fixed values are your go-to. 

Let's break it down clearly:

Progressive Jackpots: Perfect if you... 

• Love massive potential payouts 
• Enjoy the excitement of communal participation 
• Don't mind higher volatility (you might wait longer between wins) 
• Thrive on the excitement of watching the prize grow in real-time 

Fixed Jackpots: Ideal if you... 

• Like prizes which can pay out more regularly
• Want know exactly what you're playing for 
• Are looking for reliable gameplay with less variance 

Virgin Games Tips for Playing Jackpot Slots 

Now that you know how each type of jackpot operates, here are a few quick tips to help your gameplay:

Budget Wisely

Always set a budget before spinning. Big wins are fun, but smart play can help the fun last longer. Check out our responsible gambling tools before you play.

Explore the Games

Mix it up! Try different slots and see which one feels right. Maybe you'll discover you're more of a progressive player than you first thought, or vice versa!

Stay Patient

Especially with progressive jackpots, patience can be key. There's no guarantee that a prize will drop at a certain time.

Watch the Jackpot Meters 

Both progressive and fixed prizes display the amount you could win on any spin. Keep an eye out, and if you spot a particularly high value, it could be your moment.

Understand Volatility

Remember, progressive jackpot games typically have higher slot volatility, meaning payouts can be bigger but less frequent. Adjust your strategy accordingly.

Take Advantage of Bonuses

Virgin Games regularly offers bonuses and red-hot rewards. Stay up to date with our latest promotions - you never know when the next offer might give you a chance to win. 

Whether you're drawn to the huge thrills of progressive jackpots or the steady excitement of fixed prizes, at Virgin Games, we have a seriously incredible collection of both ready and waiting for you.  

Sign up to start spinning today! 

Ready to spin for the chance to win huge cash prizes? Join Virgin Games now to explore our real money online slots.