Maximum payout slots in history

Introduction

The history of gambling machines knows some really gigantic payments that have changed the lives of players. Such wins are possible in progressive slots - offline and online. Below are the six most impressive examples of payouts, amounts, providers and key features of games that gave record jackpots.

1. Megabucks (IGT) — $39,713,982 (1998)

Where: Excalibur Casino, Las Vegas
How: The Megabucks network combined terminals at dozens of casinos across Nevada.
Amount: $39,713,982 - still the largest offline jackpot in history.
Features: the minimum rate of $3 allowed to claim the entire progressive. The payout fell on the classic 3-drum model with a symbolic combination.

2. Mega Moolah (Microgaming) — €18,915,872 (2018)

Where: Grand Mondial Casino, online
How: multisite progressive from Microgaming.
Amount: €18,915,872 (~ 29,000,000 AUD) - the largest online jackpot based on Microgaming.
Features: Four jackpot levels, from Mini (€10,000) to Mega, chance of a random trigger in any spin of all lines.

3. Mega Fortune (NetEnt) — €17,861,800 (2013)

Where: Paf. com, online
How: NetEnt's network progression.
Amount: €17,861,800 (~ 27,000,000 AUD) - until 2015, a record among all online slots.
Features: bonus chariot with three jackpot levels, multiplier system up to × 5, high number of lines (25).

4. Arabian Nights (NetEnt) — €8,600,000+ (2015–2020)

Where: several NetEnt operators
How: A multisite progressive that runs on different platforms.
Amounts: a series of payments from €8.6 million to €10 million (~ 15,000,000 AUD).
Features: Classic 5-reel game with bonus round and multipliers, jackpot falls in Base or Free Spins mode.

5. Major Millions (Microgaming) — £5,840,000 (2019)

Where: Kindred Group online casinos
How: a multi-site progressive from Microgaming, designed for the European market.
Amount: £5,840,000 (~ 11,000,000 AUD).
Features: 15-line jackpot slot, three Major Millions symbols on active line trigger payout

6. Age of the Gods (Playtech) — €4,622,000 (2017)

Where: Playtech online operators
How: multisite progressive with four independent jackpots (Power, Extra Power, Super Power, Ultimate Power).
Amount: largest jackpot - €4,622,000 (~ 7,000,000 AUD).
Features: Bonus game with selection of lightning gods, random jackpot trigger, four payout levels.

How progressives work with record payments

1. Pooled pool
- combining the rates of multiple terminals or operators creates a rapidly growing fund.
2. Small interest rate
- usually 0.1-1% of any spin goes to the jackpot; with high traffic, the amount grows exponentially.
3. Accidental trigger
- the chance to win grows along with the size of the fund, but remains low, which provides a rarity and large payout.
4. Jackpot in Bonus Round or Base
- some slots allow you to win the progressive both in normal mode and in the bonus.

How to choose a slot with a chance of a record

1. Record-holder providers
- Microgaming and NetEnt lead in the number of payments from 5 to 30 million.
2. Multiwebsite progressive
- look for games available from several operators: Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, Age of the Gods.
3. Full rate requirement
- most progressives only activate the jackpot at full rate (max coin value + all lines).
4. Historical payout rating
- on aggregator sites (AskGamblers, Casino Guru) check the public list of the largest winners.
5. Combination with bonuses
- activate no-gamer freespins or deposit stocks on the same slot for additional risk-free spins.

Conclusion

Record jackpots allow one spin to hit millions. Offline giant Megabucks and online leaders Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune and Arabian Nights illustrate how multisite progressives work. To have a chance at historic winnings, opt for slots from trusted providers, make maximum bets and use wager-free bonuses - and you're getting close to your own legend.