Must-Hit-By Progressive Slots: When Do They Actually Hit?
Welcome to this Ivy Casino blog post about must-hit-by progressive slots. These games have a unique feature that sets them apart from others, but that feature can sometimes cause confusion.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes them different, how they work behind the scenes, and how to recognise them—whether online or on the casino floor. You’ll also find out what some players consider when choosing these games, and how the underlying system affects the outcome.
Read on to learn more.
What Are Must-Hit-By Progressive Slot Machines?
Must-hit-by progressive slots are a category of games with an additional element displayed on the prize meter. Unlike regular slot machines, these games show two figures on the screen: one that keeps increasing and another that stays fixed.
The upper figure is important—it represents a maximum jackpot amount that the progressive prize will not exceed. However, exactly when the jackpot will hit remains unpredictable.
The moving meter offers a visible reference, but the moment the prize drops cannot be predicted—it could happen early or close to the upper limit.
How Do Must-Hit-By Jackpots Work?
Behind the scenes, a must-hit-by jackpot starts at a base value and increases as wagers are placed. At some point—before reaching the displayed maximum—the jackpot is triggered and awarded to the player whose spin activates it.
This process is governed by the game’s internal Random Number Generator (RNG), ensuring each spin’s outcome is independent, fair, and cannot be influenced by previous spins or the jackpot meter’s level.
After the jackpot is won, it resets to the base amount and begins to build again.
Regular Slots vs Must-Hit-By Progressive Slots
Most slot machines have fixed paytables without a progressive jackpot. The prizes you see are the maximum available.
Must-hit-by progressive slots, on the other hand, show a jackpot amount that grows over time with a guaranteed cap. Players can see the current jackpot and the maximum possible value, but this visibility does not make the outcome any more predictable.
Both types rely on RNG technology to determine wins, ensuring fairness and randomness.
Can You Predict When a Must-Hit-By Jackpot Will Drop?
If you choose to play, it’s important to know that you cannot predict exactly when a must-hit-by jackpot will pay out. Even though you might see the jackpot meter approaching its maximum, the jackpot might still take many spins before it actually hits. Each spin is an independent, random event and doesn’t take into account what happened before.
What Triggers the Jackpot?
The jackpot is triggered randomly by the game’s internal RNG during a spin. It isn’t caused by any special symbol or combination on the reels that you can see. When the jackpot does trigger, the amount displayed at that moment is awarded to the player currently spinning, and then the jackpot resets.
Are There Signs a Slot Is About To Payout?
There are no reliable signs that a jackpot payout is imminent. The flashing lights, sounds, and movements of the jackpot meter are designed purely for entertainment and don’t affect or predict the outcome of the game.
Do Must-Hit-By Slots Have Better Odds?
Not necessarily. The must-hit-by feature defines a payout window but does not affect the overall odds of winning.
The game’s Return To Player (RTP) percentage provides a more accurate indication of the average payout over time. RTP represents the theoretical amount of money a slot machine returns to players as a percentage of total bets over a very large number of spins.
However, it is important to understand that RTP is a long-term average and does not predict or guarantee outcomes in any individual gaming session, which may vary widely due to randomness.
How To Tell If a Slot Machine Is a Must-Hit-By
If you’re wondering whether a slot machine has a must-hit-by jackpot, start by checking the jackpot display. You’ll usually see two figures: the current jackpot amount and the maximum it can reach, often with a label like “Must Hit By £XXX.”
If you only see one jackpot figure, it’s probably a different kind of progressive jackpot.
To be sure, you can always look up the game’s paytable or help screen, either online or at the casino, for more detailed information.
If you choose to play must-hit-by progressive slots, always do so with responsible gambling practices in mind, and never wager more than you are willing to lose.
Play Progressive Jackpot Slots Online at Ivy Casino
If you’re curious about slots, including progressive jackpot games, you’ll find a wide range to browse here at Ivy Casino. We’ve made it straightforward to see how each jackpot works, with clear information on game pages so you can make informed choices.
Our site is fully licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and designed to be simple to navigate, with quick registration and secure payment options. You’ll also find tools to help you manage your play, like deposit limits and time reminders.
Feel free to visit Ivy Casino and explore the range of slot games we have available in a secure and regulated setting.
**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.