Split bets: part in jackpot, part in regular game
The essence of mechanics
In some progressive jackpot slots, each player bet is divided into two parts:
- The main bet - goes to a regular game: spinning drums, winning on paylines, bonus functions.
- Jackpot installment - a small percentage of the bet falls into the jackpot savings fund, common to all participants.
Usually the size of this contribution is fixed (for example, 4-5% of the bet) and is laid down in the mathematical model of the game.
How it works in practice
1. The player bets - for example, $1 per spin.
2. The system distributes the amount: $0.95 - to the main pool of payments, $0.05 - to the jackpot fund.
3. The jackpot is accumulated at the expense of all network players or a specific casino (depending on the type of jackpot).
4. The jackpot draw is random or through a bonus game, and the main pool continues to work for standard winnings.
Examples of slots with split rates
Mega Moolah (Microgaming) - the bet percentage goes to the network's general progressive fund.
Jackpot Giant (Playtech) - a fixed bet on the jackpot part is activated only with a certain amount of spin.
Arabian Nights (NetEnt) - a jackpot contribution is required when playing on the maximum line.
Drops & Wins Jackpot Edition (Pragmatic Play) - part of the contributions goes to daily and weekly draws.
Impact on RTP
RTP (Return to Player) for such games is divided into RTP of the main game and RTP jackpot.
The jackpot part is not returned in the form of ordinary winnings, but forms a separate large prize.
At a short distance, this reduces the frequency of small payments, but gives a chance for a big win.
Pros for players
The ability to participate in the jackpot draw without increasing the total bet to the maximum (if the contribution is automatically embedded).
Understanding where part of the rate goes and a transparent fund accumulation system.
Sometimes the contribution is minimal and hardly affects the game balance.
Minuses
The effective RTP of the main game is lower than in non-jackpot slots.
At low rates, the share of the contribution in absolute numbers is scanty, and the chance of winning remains low.
Players not interested in the jackpot are overpaying for participation in the fund.
Recommendations for Australian players
1. Study the rules of the game - especially the section on bet distribution.
2. Compare the total and "net" return - some slots with a jackpot have the RTP of a regular game at 88-90%, the rest is included in the jackpot.
3. Estimate the size of the fund - the higher it is, the higher the potential value of your contributions.
4. Choose the type of jackpot - local funds may be paid more often than network funds.
Result
Splitting the bet between the jackpot and the main game is the standard mechanics of most progressive slots. It reduces the frequency of ordinary winnings, but opens up a chance to disrupt a large prize. For players targeting the jackpot, this is a must, and for those who prefer frequent small payouts, an excuse to choose slots without mandatory contributions to the fund.
