Linked Progressive Jackpots Explained
A linked progressive is a jackpot shared by two or more connected gaming terminals or online games. Eligible wagers add a defined contribution to the same prize pool, which starts from a seed amount and grows until a qualifying outcome awards it. A broader network can build the displayed prize faster, but it does not automatically improve one player’s probability of winning. For Canadian players, the game rules and paytable should disclose jackpot eligibility, bet requirements, trigger mechanics and applicable return to player. This glossary explains the pool, contribution model, reset process and differences between standalone, linked and wide-area jackpots.
How Linked Progressive Jackpot Pools Increase
Each eligible wager contributes a game-defined amount to a shared progressive pool. If the contribution rate is c and eligible stakes total W, the pool increase is c × W, before any secondary accounting specified by the rules. For example, a 1% contribution on $50,000 in eligible wagers adds $500. Rates are not universal, so fixed claims such as 2%–4% should not replace the published paytable.
The jackpot begins at a seed value funded under the game rules and resets after a win. Linking more play can accelerate pool growth; it does not, by itself, change the chance attached to a single eligible wager. Players should also use the published overall RTP rather than subtracting a presumed jackpot contribution from the base game return.
How Linked Jackpots Differ from Other Prizes
A standalone progressive draws contributions from one game or terminal, while a linked progressive combines eligible play across connected instances. A wide-area progressive is a larger linked arrangement spanning multiple sites, platforms or jurisdictions where permitted. Fixed jackpots do not grow with wagers. Seed values and maximum awards vary by game design; there is no reliable industry-wide starting amount for any category.
Some products use a must-hit-by ceiling, meaning the jackpot must be awarded at or before the disclosed limit. Others trigger through a random event, bonus feature or qualifying symbol combination. On Canadian regulated gaming sites, players should confirm stake eligibility, jackpot currency, trigger conditions, displayed prize rules and whether the published RTP includes the progressive component.
| Jackpot Type | Connection Scope | Seed Value | Growth Source | Award Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone progressive | One game or terminal | Defined by game rules | Eligible play on that game | Published game trigger |
| Linked progressive | Multiple connected game instances | Defined by game rules | Eligible play across the link | Published shared-pool trigger |
| Wide-area progressive | Multiple sites or platforms | Defined by network rules | Eligible network-wide play | Published network trigger |
