Comparison of popular jackpot systems from different providers
Why compare jackpot systems
Each provider uses its own jackpot generation and distribution mechanism. Differences in network structure, dropout algorithm and payout level directly affect the player's chances and game selection strategy.
Major providers and their systems
Microgaming — Mega Moolah, WowPot
Type: cumulative progressive jackpot.
Features:
- The network unites dozens of casinos around the world.
- Jackpots often exceed $10 million.
- Four levels of prizes: Mini, Minor, Major, Mega.
- Winning occurs through a bonus wheel game.
- Pros: Record payouts, wide net.
- Cons: Low RTP in jackpot slots (often 88-92%).
NetEnt — Mega Fortune, Divine Fortune
Type: online progressive jackpot.
Features:
- Multiple levels of jackpot.
- Draw mechanics in a separate bonus round.
- Higher RTP compared to Mega Moolah (92-96%).
- Pros: Frequent average winnings, well-known brands.
- Cons: reaches record amounts less often.
Playtech — Age of the Gods, DC/MARVEL
Type: Tiered online jackpot.
Features:
- Four levels (Power, Extra Power, Super Power, Ultimate Power).
- Can fall out with any back, even without a bonus.
- Tied to major franchises.
- Pros: The drop rate is higher than the Mega Moolah.
- Cons: the upper levels are still rare.
Pragmatic Play — Drops & Wins, Mustang Riches
Type: fixed and temporary jackpots (promotional).
Features:
- The jackpot falls on schedule - daily, weekly.
- Most often tied to tournaments and promotions.
- Pros: high predictability.
- Cons: the amounts are less than those of accumulative ones.
Red Tiger Gaming — Daily Drop Jackpots
Type: daily and hourly mystery jackpots.
Features:
- Guaranteed dropout until a certain time.
- Suitable for players who prefer frequent winnings.
- Pros: high frequency of payments.
- Cons: Prize sizes are limited.
BTG, ReelPlay, Ainsworth (Australian Studios)
Type: Progressive and local jackpots.
Features:
- More often focused on the Australian market.
- Local networks within the same platform.
- Pros: Closer in mechanics to land casinos.
- Cons: Not reaching record global totals.
Comparison table
| Provider | Jackpot Type | Average Mega Prize | Frequency | Jackpot Levels | RTP in Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microgaming | Progressive Networking | $5-15 million | Rare | 4 | 88-92% |
| NetEnt | Progressive Network | $1-5 million | Average | 3 | 92-96% |
| Playtech | Progressive Networking | $500K - $5M | Average | 4 | 91-95% |
| Pragmatic Play | Mystery/Temporary | Up to $250,000 | Common | 1-2 | 94-96% |
| Red Tiger Gaming | Mystery (daily) | Up to $100K | Very common | 1-2 | 94-96% |
| BTG/Ainsworth | Local/Progressive | Up to $1M | Medium | 1-3 | 94-97% |
Result
The choice of jackpot system depends on the player's priorities:
- For record amounts - Microgaming and NetEnt.
- For frequent average winnings - Red Tiger Gaming, Pragmatic Play.
- For a balanced game with big chances - Playtech.
- For local players and fans of Australian slots - BTG, ReelPlay, Ainsworth.
