Instant win jackpots: What are they and how do they work?

Instant win games are simple to play and offer fast outcomes, but some titles include jackpot prizes. These jackpots can either be fixed amounts or progressive pots that grow over time.

If you’re browsing through different instant win games, knowing how these jackpots work, how they’re triggered and how they affect things like return-to-player (RTP) can help you understand what you’re playing.

Fixed jackpots

A fixed jackpot is a set prize amount that doesn’t change. It stays the same no matter how many people play the game or how often it’s played. You’ll find fixed jackpots in digital scratchcards and other quick-play formats.

These jackpots are awarded if you reveal a certain set of symbols or match specific numbers. The odds of outcomes are already built into the game and don’t change. Most games will show this information clearly, either in the help section or paytable, so you can see what you’re playing for.

Progressive jackpots

Progressive jackpots work differently. Instead of a single set amount, a progressive prize grows gradually. A portion of each qualifying stake is added to the total, which continues to rise until someone wins the jackpot. Once awarded, the pool resets to a base value and begins increasing again.

Although progressive prizes are more common in slot titles, some instant formats, like scratchcards or wheel-based games, also include them. The method used to award the jackpot can vary. Some games use special symbols, while others rely on entirely random allocation that’s independent of what appears on screen.

How jackpots are awarded

Jackpots in instant formats follow one of several common structures:

• Symbol-based triggers – Certain symbol arrangements may award the primary prize tier.
• Random allocation – A random number generator (RNG) may award the jackpot regardless of what appears during the round.
• Bonus features – Some games present a secondary feature, such as a wheel or selection sequence, where the jackpot may appear among the available outcomes.

These mechanisms are part of the software design. Player choices or timing don’t influence the probability. Certified RNGs ensure each outcome meets regulatory standards for fairness.

RTP and volatility

RTP reflects the proportion of stakes that are theoretically returned to players over a large number of rounds. When a game includes a jackpot, especially a progressive one, part of the overall RTP goes into the prize pool.

For example, a title with a 93% RTP might allocate two percent of that to the jackpot, leaving 91% for standard outcomes. This means the regular prize structure may pay out slightly less often because a portion of the RTP funds the jackpot.

Games with jackpot elements often have higher volatility. Results may be less frequent but potentially larger when higher-tier outcomes occur. This doesn’t make the game better or worse – it just reflects how the payout structure is set up.

Understanding the odds

It’s worth remembering that jackpot amounts and other prize tiers aren’t guaranteed. The odds are fixed and transparent, but outcomes are random. Whether you’re playing for a fixed or progressive jackpot, the result of each round is determined by the RNG and can’t be predicted or influenced.

All games of chance, including instant win games, are designed for entertainment. They’re not a way to make money, and there’s no guarantee you’ll win any prize during play.

Please gamble responsibly and only gamble what you can afford to lose. If you’re concerned about your gambling, support is available through various trusted organisations.