
A progressive jackpot is a prize pool that grows with every qualifying bet — a small contribution from each stake feeds the pot until one player wins it, after which the jackpot resets to a seeded base amount.
Progressives come in several pooling architectures, each with different economics:
Operationally, operators should understand: the jackpot contribution (typically around 1–3% of stakes) is part of the game's total RTP but is redistributed extremely unevenly; network wins create liquidity and reconciliation events with the provider; and jackpot displays are regulated content — advertised values must be accurate in real time.
Why it matters: progressives are proven acquisition and retention mechanics — visible, growing prize counters convert lobby traffic — but they carry real liability management. Local jackpots put prize risk on the operator's balance sheet, so seeding, contribution rates and caps deserve the same scrutiny as any financial product the platform runs.