Microgaming Progressive Jackpot Networks

• Published: June 10, 2016
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There are two types of progressive jackpot online casino games. The first is the stand alone type in which the progressive jackpot can be hit from only one game. In the second type, a number of casino games are networked to the same progressive jackpot. Wagering on any of the games increases the jackpot amount. The jackpot can be hit from any of these games. These are often referred to as progressive jackpot networks. Microgaming is a leading software provider to online casinos. It offers a number of interesting progressive jackpot networks to its licensees.

The best known of the Microgaming progressive jackpot networks is Mega Moolah. In 2006 it was launched as a stand alone progressive slot game Mega Moolah with an African Safari theme. Soon three other online slots were added to this network. They were 5 Reel Drive, Isis and Summertime. When Microgaming launched Lord of the Rings, it was added to the Mega Moolah network. Unfortunately this game had to be withdrawn for copyright reasons. Now the Mega Moolah progressive jackpot network has another branded video slot – The Dark Knight. Mega Moolah is a four-tier progressive jackpot, with each level of different amounts operating independently. The tiers are named Mini, Minor, Major and Mega. The largest level Mega Moolah resets to a million credits and pays out several millions when hit. The progressive jackpots are hit through a randomly triggered bonus game.

Microgaming offers quite a few networks in which 3-reel and 5-reel versions of the same slot game are linked. These games were first released as classic progressive jackpot slots. When video slots became popular, Microgaming launched 5-reel versions and linked them together. Some of the pairs are Cash Splash, Fruit Fiesta, LotsaLoot and Wow Pot. In these networks, the progressive jackpot is hit by aligning the stated symbols on the last payline. In order for the system to work, the bets are equated. For example, in the 3-reel Wow Pot you have to wager 3 coins amounting to 1.50 credits in total. In the 5-reel Wow Pot you have to wager 15 coins amounting to 1.50 credits in total.

However, the best of such Microgaming progressive networks is Major Millions. As a stand alone slot game it has become a part of history by being the first progressive jackpot to pay over a million credits in a single hit in 2002. The Major Millions network includes, apart from the 3-reel and 5-reel versions, Major Millions Mega Spin. This has six independent 3-reel sets that can be spun simultaneously.