In my most recent trip to Michigan to check out what’s new in the casino space, I saw that the trend of online jackpots linked to a casino provider continued to evolve. The two biggest online casino players, DraftKings and FanDuel, both updated their online jackpots program to be linked to an optional ante bet when playing their large libraries of slots.
In the case of FanDuel, they had one set of progressive jackpots linked to an ante bet of 10 cents per spin. In the case of DraftKings, they had multiple options available, each with an ante bet of 10 cents to 25 cents for each jackpot you wished to play for. There were a variety of options, each with their own wrinkle as to how they operated (including one with a Must Win By structure), as opposed to the one and done approach currently taken by FanDuel.
These progressives are separate and distinct from those offered within the slots themselves, which also sometimes have large progressives on offer.
Here are the pros and cons of this new format, so you can consider whether these are right for you.
Pro: You’re In Control
The nicest thing about these options is they are just that: options. You don’t have to play for them, and pay for them, if you don’t want to. Some players want to take a swing for the fences, while others want their money to last, and for the latter group, opting out of moonshot progressives can help preserve bankroll for the slots themselves.
Con: Lower Bettors Benefit Less
The cost for access to the progressives is the same flat amount per spin, regardless of how much you’re betting on the slot itself. So players doing 10-20 cent bets could be contributing 50 to 100% or more per spin just to activate the progressives. The odds of any player winning them are the same, since the wager is the same, and the odds are long.
That means in most cases, lower bettors will burn through their bankroll faster just by opting in to these progressives, which presumably have a higher house edge than the slot game itself, just like any other side bets you’d find at the casino.
Pro: Any Game Can Be a Progressive
Previous generations of this concept had them linked to specific slots, meaning you could only play for them when playing certain slots. Now, you’re able to simply toggle it on and play the slot you wish to play, at least in most cases.
This is a better model, giving players more control over when and where they wish to pursue the progressive. Just like a side bet on a table game, you can decide if you’re in or out anytime you wish.
Con Doubling Down on Volatility
Online slots can already be more volatile than those in casinos, given the lower bets and the higher potential wins that can often be available. Many slots already have big jackpot prizes on offer, which is only achieved by a small subset of players. Layer on progressives that are only won by a small fraction of players, and most of us are fueling big wins that go to a handful of people.
Even with online slots having better long term paybacks, it doesn’t mean everyone gets that same payback – some will benefit greatly, and some will lose their budgets. The progressives raise the risk of the latter, unless you end up winning one yourself.
Takeaway
Choice is great, and that’s what these offer, but they’re not the best option for everyone. Consider your goals as a player, and what your bankroll can sustain, as you decide whether you want to take a shot at those additional progressives.
We were just wondering if some place someone could please tell us where did Raymond go? I have looked for this information every place I know to look. He just one day wasn’t there anymore and we miss him.😩🤷♀️
Hi Luann! We certainly appreciate the question. Brian has addressed this a few times – unfortunately as social media goes it’s very easy for many to not see the times he did reference it. Here’s a live stream where he discusses it.