Jackpot slots are a favorite among many players at non GamStop casinos. while many online slots offer jackpots, not all jackpots are created equal, which is why some beginners choose to begin your casino journey with £10 to explore games without a large initial risk. There are significant differences between jackpot slots—not only in jackpot size, but also in how they work. In this article, we explain the difference between a pooled jackpot and a local jackpot at non GamStop casinos.
To explain these differences, we’ll use several NetEnt slots as examples. This popular game provider frequently uses the terms “pooled jackpot” and “local jackpot.” We’ll also discuss the similarities and differences and explain which jackpot type is best suited for which player.
What Is a Pooled Jackpot?
To understand the difference between a pooled jackpot and a local jackpot, let’s start with pooled jackpots at non GamStop casinos. The term “pooled jackpot” may not mean much on its own, but you might be familiar with popular jackpot slots such as Mega Fortune, The Dark Knight Rises, and Hall of Gods. These slots all have one thing in common: they offer a pooled jackpot.
When you play a slot with a pooled jackpot, a portion of your bet is added to the progressive jackpot—regardless of which online casino you’re playing at. Players from all over the world contribute to the same jackpot. For example, in Mega Fortune, 5.39% of every bet goes into the Mega Fortune jackpot. This keeps the progressive jackpot growing.
Pooled jackpots can reach millions of euros. Mega Fortune has made several players multimillionaires. NetEnt isn’t the only developer offering such massive jackpots—Microgaming is also known for its million-euro jackpots, such as those linked to the Mega Moolah and WowPot networks.
What Is a Local Jackpot?
A local jackpot works slightly differently. Although it is also progressive, it is not fed by players worldwide. Instead, the jackpot is tied to a specific casino. Only players at that particular casino contribute to the jackpot.
Examples of slots with a local jackpot include Mega Joker and Super Lucky Frog. A local jackpot is funded by player wagers within that casino, typically around 2% to 3% of each bet. For example, if you bet €1 on Icy Wonders, roughly €0.02 to €0.03 goes into the Mega Wonder jackpot, causing the jackpot to grow progressively.
The key difference is the jackpot’s reach. Players betting on a local jackpot only increase the jackpot at that specific casino.
Similarities Between Pooled and Local Jackpots
There are several similarities between these two types of jackpot slots at non GamStop casinos:
• Both jackpots are progressive
• Both are linked to an online slot machine
• A percentage of each bet is added to the jackpot
• The jackpot continues to grow until it’s won
Differences Between Pooled and Local Jackpots
Despite their similarities, there are clear differences. Here are the key distinctions:
• A pooled jackpot is not tied to a single casino; a local jackpot is
• A pooled jackpot is generally larger than a local jackpot
• Local jackpots are usually easier to win
• Pooled jackpots are the same size at every casino, while local jackpots vary by casino
Which Is Better: a Pooled Jackpot or a Local Jackpot?
Generally, the larger the prize, the harder it is to win. In other words: the odds of winning a huge pooled jackpot like Mega Fortune are much lower than the odds of winning a local jackpot like the Mega Wonder jackpot.
The best choice depends on your goals:
• If you’re chasing a life-changing win, choose one of the major pooled jackpots—such as Divine Fortune, Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune, Hall of Gods, Arabian Nights, or The Dark Knight Rises Again.
• If you prefer a higher chance of winning, choose an online slot with a local jackpot. These jackpots are smaller but are awarded more frequently, meaning your chances of winning are significantly higher.
Be sure to check the value of the local jackpot before you play. A jackpot worth only a few hundred euros may not be worth the effort—you could win just as much, or more, on many regular casino games.
One advantage of local jackpots is that you can compare casinos. The size of a local jackpot varies per casino, so you can choose one where the jackpot is currently high.
If this requires creating a new account, you may even be eligible for a welcome bonus. Just make sure to check whether jackpot games are included in the bonus terms.
