Big Jackpots vs Consistent Payouts — Which One Pays Better?

A common misconception that many novice gamblers have is that profit ought to be their biggest priority when playing in online casinos. While it’s important to play responsibly and avoid financial losses you can’t recover from, online casinos can be more than an overly-optimised money machine.

This article will help you find out what kind of an online slots player you are, allowing you to have a more fun, enjoyable and stress-free experience when hunting for jackpots in online slots.

Main Differences In Payouts Across Online Slots

Before understanding the psychology behind the pursuit of big jackpots vs consistent payouts, you need to understand the difference between progressive and fixed jackpots and how variance in jackpot slots works.

You can think of progressive jackpots as a communal pot that keeps growing with every single bet placed across a network of machines from different online casinos. A small part of each wager goes into this ever-increasing prize pool, meaning the jackpot can reach truly massive sums. 

Progressive jackpot pokies are typically high-volatility games. This means that while the potential wins are enormous, they don’t happen very often. You might go through many spins without seeing a significant return, and the jackpot itself can be quite elusive. It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario. 

On the other hand, fixed jackpots, sometimes called ‘flat-top’ jackpots, have a set prize amount that doesn’t change, no matter how many people play. 

While they might not hit the astronomical figures of progressives, they offer a more predictable payout structure. This predictability often translates into lower volatility. You can expect a steadier stream of smaller payouts, which helps to keep the gameplay engaging and can extend your playing sessions.

Unlocking Jackpots

Each jackpot also has different mechanisms through which it is triggered.

For progressive online pokies, you often need to hit a very specific, rare combination of symbols, sometimes on a particular payline, or even trigger a special bonus round. Jackpot eligibility rules also vary — some progressive games might require you to place the maximum bet to be eligible for the jackpot, so always check the game rules. The hit rate in mega jackpots is low, but it’s possible.

With fixed jackpots, the winning combinations are usually clearly listed on the paytable, and hitting them awards the set amount. It’s always a good idea to familiarise yourself with these mechanics before you start spinning.

Understanding Your Slot Machine Personality

Before you even think about jackpots, big or small, you need to get a handle on what kind of player you are. It’s like picking out an outfit, because you want something that fits just right.

Progressive, Network Jackpots

High-risk, high-reward games in pursuit of big jackpots are usually played by gamblers who share some of the following characteristics:

• You may be someone who is high in sensation-seeking, which means you chase the adrenaline of rare, dramatic wins and tolerate long dry spells for the excitement, as long as there is a chance for glory at the end.
• You may be someone who is highly reward-sensitive, which means large headline payoffs capture your attention entirely and make you forget about all other wins.
• You may be someone who has a more spontaneous and intuitive playstyle, where you don’t mind relying on impulse and hope in pursuit of big wins. 
• You may be someone who values social signalling, which means publicised big wins and jackpot stories motivate you because they offer legendary stories that you can re-tell for years to come.
• You may be someone with an all-or-nothing playstyle who loves dedicating themselves entirely to the pursuit of the greatest possible reward and achievement, so anything below that doesn’t feel fulfilling. 

Local Jackpots

On the other hand, low-stakes, consistent payout games are usually played by gamblers who embody some of the following characteristics:

• You may be someone who is low in sensation-seeking, which means you prefer calm, predictable play and aren’t drawn to rare, high-adrenaline outcomes, because they induce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.
• You may be someone who likes practising delayed gratification, which means you have enough patience to wait for profits to pile up, and favour steady, cumulative gains over risky, one-off windfalls.
• You may be a person who is highly conscientious, which means you plan bets, set limits, and stick to strategies rather than gambling on hunches, because the very act of keeping your gambling routine organised and optimised brings you fulfilment.
• You may be a person who prefers avoiding risks, which means you avoid large swings and prioritise preserving your bankroll over chasing big wins, because the avoidance of risks and potential mistakes is more important than the slim chance of a huge win.
• You may be a person who values discipline and bankroll management, which means you size bets to last longer and protect against rapid depletion, because you are operating on a limited budget, or just enough being frugal and always in control.

Varying Between Casino Game Types

It’s important to remember that humans are too complex to neatly fit a single category, or even to only enjoy one type of game out of the huge pokies variety in online casinos. We are more than just personality types and psychological archetypes that always prefer one type of outcome. If none of the descriptions fully resonate with you, or you find yourself relating to characteristics from both sides, then you are likely a more balanced player who can find enjoyment in both playstyles.

Just like most people prefer to have variety in their meals, it’s perfectly normal for gamblers to enjoy different slot games and jackpot goals depending on their mood on a given day. Variety not only makes the overall gaming experience more interesting, but each distinct playstyle may have certain traits, which you can get tired of, necessitating a temporary break. 

For example, a higher-risk, higher-reward playstyle can make you feel on top of the world while surging with adrenaline, but being in a high-stress state of mind can get very exhausting over an extended period, so taking a soft break with less volatile slot games can be a nice break. 

No matter which style you prefer, it’s important to always remember that there isn’t a definitive right answer. What you end up playing ultimately depends on personal preference, which can involve factors like the enjoyment you derive from the goals you set out for yourself, the pleasure of the process itself, the style that is more suitable to your budget and financial goals, or anything else you deem important.

Strategies for Responsible Slot Play

No matter the personal preference you have, enjoyment shouldn’t come at the expense of financial health and proper bankroll management for jackpots.

Set Clear Budgetary Boundaries

Chasing jackpots comes with risks, so whether you’re aiming for a massive progressive jackpot or just enjoying the steady rhythm of fixed payouts, it’s really important to set some ground rules for yourself. Think about how much money you’re comfortable setting aside for entertainment, and stick to that amount. Putting the focus on enjoyment instead of profit alone shouldn’t be an excuse to be fiscally irresponsible and abandon any standard budgeting practices.

Forming a habit of continuously breaking the limits you’ve set on yourself can create a dangerous precedent. You begin to act on impulse, or painful emotions, like anger at a recent loss, frustration that things are not going your way, or wishful desires that you can get the money you lost back by getting lucky in the next couple of spins. 

Stay Informed By Researching The Games You Play

You should always try to understand the games you’re playing. Before you start spinning, take a moment to check out the game’s information screen. This usually tells you about the paylines, how the bonus features work, and what the potential payouts are. You can also look at the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which gives us a good idea of the game’s long-term payout potential.

Savour the Gaming Experience To Reduce Burnout

Ultimately, playing slots should be enjoyable. It’s not just about the wins, it’s about the whole experience. If you become too obsessed and dependent on the result (how frequently and how much you are winning), you may start ignoring or neglecting the pleasure and stimulation that can be derived from the experience alone. 

If you only feel stress and frustration when gambling, over time, you may become more cranky, impulsive, and irresponsible in the way you spend money. Don’t forget to choose games that you find fun to play, where you enjoy the mechanics, aesthetics, and atmosphere. 

You can check our list of the best paying online casinos to guarantee a rewarding experience.

Conclusion — Choosing The Best Jackpot Style For You

Ultimately, the choice between chasing tremendously large progressive jackpots or enjoying the steady rhythm of fixed payouts comes down to what kind of gaming experience you’re looking for. 

If the thrill of a potentially enormous win, even with less frequent hits, gets your heart racing, then progressive slots might be your game. However, if you prefer a more consistent flow of wins and a predictable gaming session, fixed jackpot slots offer that reliable excitement. 

Just remember that your style and preference don’t need to be set in stone forever, and there is a lot of joy to be found in variety and experimentation.

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