How Are Jackpots Triggered On A Slot Machine?
Slot games are a popular feature of both land-based and online casinos in the UK. But for many people who are new to gambling, it’s not always clear how these games work, or how jackpots may be triggered.
Whether you’re exploring casino games for the first time or simply curious, understanding how jackpots function can help you make more informed decisions.
This guide breaks down the basics of how slot machines operate, what might trigger a jackpot, and how different types of jackpots work. It also covers important terms, game features, and some common misconceptions that can affect how you view the outcome of each spin.
How Do Slot Machines Work?
Slot games operate using a computer programme called a Random Number Generator (RNG). This technology produces random combinations every time you spin, meaning each outcome is completely separate from the one before. You cannot predict future results based on past spins.
Each game also has something called a Return to Player (RTP) percentage. This number represents the expected amount a game may return to players over a very large number of spins, often in the millions.
For example, a slot with an RTP of 96% may, in theory, pay out £96 for every £100 staked over time. However, this is not a guarantee. In a single session, you could receive more, less, or nothing at all.
Slot games can vary in layout. Some have just three reels and one payline, while others may include five reels, multiple paylines, or extra features like bonus rounds or free spins. To understand how a specific slot game works, it may be helpful to read the rules and paytable. The paytable shows what each symbol is worth and how certain combinations may result in payouts.
What Triggers a Slot Machine To Hit?
A common question among many new players is whether a specific action or pattern can make a slot machine hit a potential win or jackpot. The short answer is no. Because of the RNG, each spin is an individual event with no connection to the previous or next one.
Slot machines don’t “build up” to a win, or follow a pattern. They are designed to be unpredictable. This means you can spin 100 times without a win, then win on your next spin—or not at all. It’s impossible to influence the outcome.
There are different types of slot games. Some may offer fixed jackpots, where the potential prize stays the same, while others offer progressive jackpots that grow over time. We’ll explore those more in the next section.
An important misconception is known as the Gambler’s Fallacy. This is the belief that if something hasn’t happened recently, it must be due soon. In slot games, this belief is not accurate. Each spin is random, and the result of one spin doesn’t make another result more or less likely.
What Triggers a Jackpot on a Slot Machine?
A jackpot is a large prize that can potentially be won while playing certain slot games. Depending on the game, jackpots can be triggered in several different ways. In many cases, landing a particular combination of symbols may result in a jackpot. This could involve matching specific symbols on a payline, or filling the screen with certain icons.
Some slots have a bonus round where you get a chance to win a possible jackpot. These are usually triggered by landing a set number of scatter symbols or bonus icons. Once in the bonus round, you might spin a prize wheel, or choose items from the screen that could reveal a jackpot win.
There are also progressive jackpots. These grow every time someone places a bet on the game. Some are linked across multiple games or even several casinos. A small percentage of every bet made contributes to the prize pool, which keeps increasing until someone wins it. The trigger for progressive jackpots varies. In some games, the win might be completely random. In others, it could happen in a special round.
Reading the paytable and the rules before playing can help you understand what’s needed to be in with a chance of landing a jackpot. Because outcomes are random, there’s no guaranteed way to trigger one.
How Often Does a Slot Machine Hit The Jackpot?
Jackpot wins on slot games are rare and completely random. There’s no countdown or pattern—each spin is independent, and a jackpot could occur at any time, or not at all during a session. This is because slot outcomes are powered by an RNG, which ensures fairness and unpredictability.
Progressive jackpots grow as players bet, often across multiple games or casinos. The odds of hitting these can be extremely low—sometimes estimated between 1 in 20 million, and 1 in 50 million spins. Fixed jackpots offer a set prize, but they are still hard to land and remain chance-based.
Here are a few examples of slot games and their estimated jackpot odds, where available:
- Mega Moolah – approx. 1 in 49 million spins
- Hall of Gods – estimated 1 in 20–25 million spins
- Mega Fortune – around 1 in 25 million spins
- Jackpot King games – odds not published
- Wish Upon a Jackpot Megaways – fixed jackpot, odds unknown
Most providers don’t publish exact odds, so figures are best estimates and can vary depending on how the jackpot may be triggered.
Past results don’t affect future spins. No strategy or timing can change the odds. Slot games are games of chance, and any winnings can’t be predicted or guaranteed.
Are There Any Tricks To Winning on Slots?
There are no guaranteed tricks or strategies to win on slot machines. Since every spin is random, you cannot influence the outcome or use a specific approach to increase your chances. Slot games are games of chance, not skill.
That said, there are things you can do to play more responsibly. One option is to choose games with a higher RTP. While this doesn’t guarantee a better result, it may suggest the game offers the potential for better long-term value. You can usually find the RTP in the game information, paytable or settings.
It may also be helpful to set a spending limit before you start playing. Decide how much you’re comfortable with losing and avoid chasing any losses. Some players also choose to set a time limit, so they don’t spend longer than planned.
Make use of tools offered by licensed UK gambling operators. These may include deposit limits, time-outs, or reality checks that remind you how long you’ve been playing. These tools are designed to help players stay in control of their play.
Remember that gambling is not a way to make money. It is a paid form of entertainment, and it comes with financial risk. Outcomes are never guaranteed, and wins are never promised.
Play Slots Online at Ivy Casino
If you’re new to online slots, Ivy Casino offers a range of games that vary in layout, style, and features. Each slot is a game of chance, where the outcome of every spin is random and not influenced by previous results.
Ivy Casino gives you the chance to explore games with different numbers of reels, paylines, and themes. Some games include special features, such as free spins or bonus rounds.
Before playing, it may be useful to check the rules and paytable. These explain how each game works, including the RTP rate.
Ivy Casino supports safe gambling and encourages play that stays within your limits. Please play responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.