The value of every 'must-hit-by' jackpot is determined immediately after the preceding jackpot is won by a random number generator and stored within an encrypted computer connected to a gaming machine (or, more commonly, a network of machines) and is publicly disclosed to be within a certain range (for example, a small jackpot might be.

If you’re looking to win a jackpot that could change your life, then progressive slots are the game to play. Let’s face it—you’ll never win several hundred thousand playing blackjack or roulette. The payouts just aren’t high enough.

The purpose of this page is to provide an explanation of what progressive slots are, how they work, and why you might be interested in playing them. We’ve also included descriptions of some of the more popular progressive jackpots available both online and in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.

1. Quick Hit is a classic Bally’s slot machine mechanic that has among the symbols on any given game a Quick Hit symbol. Landing more Quick Hit symbols is better. Most Quick Hit machines have Quick Hit symbols in a 1-2-3-2-1 configuration, allowing for a maximum of nine Quick Hit symbols, which would trigger the top Quick Hit progressive jackpot.
2. A progressive jackpot is a jackpot (a gambling grand prize or payout) which increases each time the game is played but the jackpot is not won. When the progressive jackpot is won, the jackpot for the next play is reset to a predetermined value, and resumes increasing under the same rule.

What Is a Progressive Slot, and How Does It Work?

On most slot machines, the jackpot is a fixed amount, but on a progressive game, the jackpot rises as players put coins in the machine and spin the wheels. A tiny percentage of each coin played is used to “feed” the jackpot. There are three types of progressive slot machine games.

Standalone Progressives

A standalone progressive slot machine has a jackpot ticker on the game, but only bets placed on that specific machine feed the jackpot. This was, at one time, the only kind of progressive slot machine game available, but most progressives feature multiple machines that are linked together. Still, so many standalone machines were manufactured that these games are still easily found in casinos throughout the world. Usually the jackpot on the games will be under $10,000.

Local Progressives

Local progressives were the next step in the evolution of this type of game, and they’re still commonly found. These games feature jackpots within a specific casino that are linked. This network can include as few as a dozen or so machines, or it can include a hundred machines—it just depends on the casino. Usually the jackpots available on these games are under $1,000,000, and often they’re under $100,000.

Wide Area Network Progressives

These are some of the most popular casino games on the market today. A wide area network jackpot links slot machines from multiple casinos in the same state. This allows the jackpot to accumulate into astronomical sums of money, often over $1 million and sometimes even over $10 million. The most well-known brand of wide area network progressives are the Megabucks games from IGT, which is the most successful slot machine design company in the world.

How Do You Win a Progressive Jackpot?

No strategy or system can increase your chances of winning a progressive jackpot on a slot machine game. The odds of winning are similar to the odds of winning the lottery, although you get many more chances of winning per hour with a slot machine game than you would get playing a lottery game.

An important thing to keep in mind about progressive jackpots is that they don’t become “due”. The chances of winning are astronomically small no matter how large the jackpot has gotten. It’s possible for a jackpot to grow large enough that a bet on a particular slots game will be a positive expectation bet, but it’s not a practical opportunity to win. A 1 in a million shot is still a 1 in a million shot, even if the jackpot is up to $2 million.

Online Progressive Jackpots

With the rise of online casinos, progressive jackpots on the Internet have become just as popular as the games in actual land-based casinos. Microgaming is one Internet casino provider which has established its fame and reputation based largely on its large assortment of fun, colorful, and relatively loose progressive jackpot games.

Online progressives work just like their land-based cousins. Every wager you make on your computer feeds a tiny amount into the progressive jackpot for that game. Since lots of players are now gambling from the comfort of their homes, these jackpots can become just as large and life-changing as the progressives in Vegas or Atlantic City.

Most Popular Progressive Games

Megabucks is one of the most popular progressive networks available. The probability of winning this jackpot has been estimated at 1 in 50 million. The amounts won on this machine vary from $10 million into the hundreds of millions. Like many lottery games, Megabucks is paid out as an annuity over 25 years.

Wheel of Fortune is a popular brand of slot machine, and it’s available in multiple denominations. One of the most common versions is the quarter version, which has a starting jackpot of $200,000. The jackpot on this game has gotten close to $2 million in the past, but it’s usually won when it’s still under $1 million.

The dollar version of Wheel of Fortune progressives starts with a $1 million jackpot. It’s not unusual for the game to reach $5 million or more, and it’s almost reach $10 million on occasion. Like Megabucks, this jackpot is paid out as an annuity over time.

Elvis isn’t just the king of rock and roll. He’s also a symbol of classic Vegas, so it’s entirely appropriate that he has a progressive slot machine network named after him. The game starts with a $100,000 jackpot, and it costs 25 cents per spin. Keep in mind that to be eligible for the jackpot, you have to make the max bet, which is 3 coins, or 75 cents. We don’t recommend playing progressive slots without making the max bet, because you usually won’t be eligible for the top prize unless you do.

Mega Moolah is an online-only progressive jackpot available at Internet casinos powered by Microgaming software. Multiple games feature the brand name, and the jackpots and betting limits vary. This progressive network features some of the largest jackpots online, often reaching $1 million or more.

Where’s The Gold is an online slot machine by Aristocrat Gaming. Set on 5 reels and 25 paylines, this slot features an RTP range of 92% to 95%. The title already gives a good hint of what the game entails. Players will be going on an escapade deep within a gold mine, with lots of Dynamite Scatter symbols and Gold Wilds. Free Spins exist for lucky players who land a special combo of scatters.

This slot first hit the land-based casino in 2003 and was a popular favorite like Queen of the Nile and Buffalo slots by the same manufacturer. It is now available online, and you can play our Where’s The Gold slot demo for free with no download or registration required.

Must Hit By Progressive Slot Machines Dispense

About the Provider

Aristocrat Technologies may have its roots in Australia, but with over 60 years of operation, the developer has garnered a fan base spanning the globe. Aristocrat video slots are typical for being bright and colorful with a rustic, almost old school feel. They generally lack any modern graphics or special effects; however, they offer some of the most exciting gameplay and are quite generous with rewards. Where’s The Gold online pokie perfectly embodies these elements and has become a hit at the land-based casino as well on the online scene.

Pros and Cons

Overall Opinion about Where’s The Gold

I’ve long been a fan of Aristocrat slots, so my main focus was on the gameplay rather than the game’s visual aspects. I started off on a high note, landing several base game wins in the first couple of spins. Then, I hit a dry streak before landing more matching combos. However, the Free Spins round was the most profitable. I activated it once during the first 100 spins, but it took longer for it to trigger again. Since the slot’s volatility is on the higher side, I guess it’s to be expected.

I played on my smartphone precisely because of the complaints on player forums about the poor mobile interface. In my case, it worked perfectly, and I must say it was very convenient playing Where’s The Gold slot game in portrait mode.

Where’s The Gold Theme and Unique Features

The theme here is similar to Aristocrat’s Sun and Moon slot machine, Gold Rush or Lucky Miners slots. The reels are filled with icons that are typical of what you’ll expect in such a setting. They include a gold mine symbol, pickaxes, an ox cart, a dynamite symbol, and gold diggers. Card symbols A, K, Q, and J, complete the lineup of reel figures, and all designs are pretty much basic.

The music is the standard jingle and coin chimes of the traditional slot machines and can be quite nostalgic if you’ve ever been to a physical casino.

Where’s The Gold Slots Bonus Features

If you’re playing for profits, the bonus features will be the highlights of your gaming experience.

• Wild: Gold symbols are the Wilds and can substitute for others on a winning payline, except the Scatter. Wild symbols are prominent during the Free Spins and allow greater winning chances.
• Scatter: The dynamite is the Scatter symbol and will activate the Free Spins bonus rounds whenever 3 or more of them land on the reels.
• Free Spins: There are up to 10 bonus spins to be won when you trigger this bonus game. You have to pick one of five characters – Fido the dog, Prof. Gold, Nugget Ned, Happy Lucky, and Winnie Fortune. A spotlight shines on the character you choose, revealing the number of Free Spins in the form of nuggets. Landing another 3 or more dynamite scatters will retrigger the feature for up to 20 freebies.
• Gamble Feature: Guess the color or suit of a playing card and either double or quadruple your wins.

Where’s the Gold Payouts

This game is a penny slot as it can be played with as low as 0.01 per line. The max bet amount per line is 4, and when playing all 25 lines, the total bet amount is 100, which is pretty attractive for high rollers. This online slot doesn’t feature a progressive jackpot, but players can benefit from the highest payout of 4000 coins for 5 of a kind of the gold digger symbol.

Progressive Slot Machines Tips

Paytable

Players have to land at least three similar symbols on a payline, starting from the leftmost side of the reel. Though, there are 2 symbols that pay just for two similar symbols on the reels. They are Mine Shaft and Gold Digger. The rest are shown in the table.

Big Slot Machine Hits

All payouts are fixed according to the paytable. Scatter wins offer instant credits, which are multiplied by your total stake. Winning combinations for all other symbols are multiplied by your line bet amount.

RTP and Volatility

With an RTP of 95%, Where’s The Gold slot misses the recommended benchmark for online slots by 1 percent. This means that, in the long run, it will pay less than slots with a higher payout percentage. Nonetheless, the game is designed to be quite generous once in a while. Thanks to its medium to high volatility, you stand a chance to land a big one on a lucky spin.

Mobile Experience

Where’s The Gold slots are available to play on a variety of mobile platforms. Much like many top online pokies, it is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows operating systems. So you can access the game with your smartphones and tablets wherever you are.

How to Play Where’s The Gold Online Slot

This casino slot thrives on simple gameplay, so it’s super easy even for beginners. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to play this online pokie machine:

1. Load the game in demo mode here at SlotoZilla
2. Adjust your bet level and paylines in the settings
3. Hit the spin button to start playing. You can also set the reels to auto-spin up to 100 times.
4. When playing for real at an online casino, you’ll also get the chance to double or quadruple your wins using the gamble button.

Tips to Play for Real Money

• Only play at licensed online casinos to ensure the safety and security of your data and funds.
• Always try out games in demo mode before you stake real bets.
• When claiming casino bonuses, make sure you check the wagering requirements and other bonus terms and conditions.
• Make SlotoZilla your online gambling guide and only play the top casino games and sites we recommend.

Where Can Players Enjoy This Slot?

What Are Progressive Slots

We have a list of the best online casinos where you can enjoy Where’s The Gold slots in real money game versions. These sites have passed our stringent casino review criteria, and each promises an amazing experience. They include:

• Vulkan Vegas – This site offers a dynamic collection of games with varying themes and in different categories. Plus, there is an array of fantastic bonuses for both new and existing players.
• Betsafe – One of the most long-standing online casinos, this site is a safe and trustworthy haven for gamers. It features the latest slots, table games, and over 100 live dealer options.

Conclusion

Where’s The Gold pokie review shows that it is far from many of the online slots we see today. There are no mind-blowing animations or new gaming mechanisms, but it does have the unbeatable appeal of a classic slot. It has managed to captivate players for nearly two decades. With the presence of a Wild symbol, a Scatter symbol, and Free Spins, it delivers a good dose of action too.

If you play for fun, you’ll be highly entertained. And if you play for money, it’s a good idea to take a break as soon as you land a reasonable win, considering it’s medium to high volatility.

Where’s The Gold FAQs

Does Where’s The Gold have a Free Spins feature?

Yes, there is a bonus round where you are rewarded with up to 10 freebies and as many as 20 if you retrigger the feature.

Should I download Where’s The Gold slot to play?

You can enjoy Where’s The Gold slot machine in instant play right here at SlotoZilla, without the need to download any software.

Can I play Where’s The Gold slot for real money on your site?

Must Hit By Progressive Slot Machines Machine

At SlotoZilla, our free slots are available to play just for fun.

Is Where’s The Gold slot machine mobile optimized?

Just like many other Aristocrat slot machines, Where’s The Gold is optimized to play seamlessly on a range of mobile devices.

What would you recommend playing next after Where’s The Gold slot?

Hot Shot Progressive Slot Machine

Staying in the same theme, you could also opt for Microgaming’s Fortune Finder and win as much as 12,000 coins or play Gold Rush by NetEnt and stand a chance to win a progressive jackpot.