Do Mega Jackpots Create Player Count Spikes?
By Alex╺
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It is no hidden secret, we all tempt our luck when the risk vs. reward is great. We are all chasing that big win that will turn our lives from ordinary to extraordinary. This is how the human brain works, hence this is the reason we all get excited at the notion of a big jackpot win.
Progressive jackpots and lotto are two of the most popular online games that will see punter activity spike when the stakes are high, and sometimes those stakes happen to land in the million win region.
Whilst jackpot games do get ample traffic on a daily basis, online casinos do state that gambling at jackpot games increases with mounting jackpots. The bottom line is, if the jackpot amount is massive and rising, you can expect online players to start paying attention.

What type of jackpots get the most attention from players?
There is a variety of jackpot games that you can delve into when playing at online casinos, with the most prominent being a progressive jackpot. However, in the spirit of helping you land jackpots, below we explain the different types of jackpot games and where to find them.
Fixed Jackpot – A fixed jackpot is an online game with 3 fixed jackpot amounts that you could land. The 3 amounts on offer are defined by a name, most commonly referred to: Mini, Max and Mega jackpot, with the latter having a heftier prize.
Local Jackpot – A local jackpot is a slot game that is traditionally located at a land based casino, where a set of slot games are connected to each other to offer one big local jackpot.
Must Drop Jackpot – A must drop jackpot is a slot game that, as the name suggests, is close to finding one lucky winner. Must drop jackpots are both fixed or progressive jackpots and are often located at online casino sites. The online casino will have a dedicated section for must drop jackpots, thus making them easy to locate.
Progressive Jackpot – A progressive jackpot game is a slot machine that offers a mounting jackpot. This means that with each spin of the reels any player takes, a small portion will go towards the winning amount. These games are popular, but will see a higher spike in activity when the jackpot reaches a specific winning amount.
How is traffic created when jackpot amounts rise?
Seasoned players who are into jackpots will definitely keep abreast with the amount of progressive jackpot games that are available at online gambling sites. Still, casinos and betting sites will always see a spike in activity when a jackpot is rising and also about to hit. We did some digging, and this is why …
Wider Game Marketing
Large jackpots such as Microgaming’s Mega Moolah have their own website, that is how popular some games are. You can see the rising jackpot in real time via the casino’s lobby.
Once a jackpot is mounting, you will see many sites, including Microgaming issuing emails blasts, media campaigns and an increase in marketing communication. Visibility is key in the world of jackpots, with higher pot attracting a wider audience.
More Casual players join in
With media high and also extended marketing related to spiking jackpots, you can expect casual players to join the frenzy.
The itch to play and tempt your luck is higher when potentially you could walk away with a million. New punters would be able to join the fun with a small wager that potentially also includes a casino welcome bonus.
The once in a lifetime chance to win big.
Not everyone is into gambling, but most of us chase that one opportunity in life to walk away with millions. Some dream of the big Hollywood dream, whilst others wait for that one life changing moment. That moment could well be a big jackpot win.
With some jackpots sometimes topping the 5 million mark, it is tempting to give it a go and see if Lady Luck is on your side. This is the mentality of many ‘non-gamblers’ when seeing a rising jackpot.
Progressive (mounting) Jackpots are meant to spike player activity
A progressive jackpot game is designed to grab your attraction. This means when the winning amount reaches the millions, players start watching activity.
When did the jackpot hit previously? Did it top the millions? Once a jackpot tops millions, you can expect to see players flocking in. One spin, two spins of the reels, and a life could change with one single spin of the game reels.
What other games or events attract players to play more?
There are massive events that could see players gamble. The NBA finals, the NFL, Jackpot Games, the FIFA World Cup and even political events and outcomes. Whilst many sports and casino enthusiasts are seasoned and place bets on a regular basis, specific big events draw in crowds.
Even non – gambling people might be tempted to place a wager on who is favourite to win an event, and that includes also landing a spiking jackpot. In a nutshell, people are more inclined to wager money on big events as opposed to placing smaller sporadic bets.

Not All Jackpots attract the masses
We did mention earlier that there is a vast selection of jackpot games for players to choose from. If you head to an online casino and tap jackpots, you will be able to see all progressive jackpots available. Still, this does not mean that all games are popular.
Graphics play a massive role with player game choice, and so does gamification and winnings. A game needs to be easy on the eye, and also easy to navigate to become a fan favourite.
Game campaigns also play a massive role in game selection, where casinos set specified timed campaigns to go hand in hand with your gameplay, eg. Wager $50 on X Jackpot game and get a $50 in return (including wagering requirements)
Whilst some jackpots get massive traffic, others are less popular. Marketing is key when game developers and casinos want to market a jackpot game. Game site visibility is also something for casinos to consider.
Conclusion
We love a good jackpot game, and let’s be frank, if you are lucky enough to walk away a jackpot winner, your life could indeed change in an instant.
This reminds us of responsibility whilst playing. If you are tempted to wager money on a jackpot, set your limits, and do not go over that budget.
Jackpot games are meant to offer thrill and winnings, sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. The most important part is enjoying the thrill, having some fun, with no negative impact on your bankroll. Aim to win, but know when to stop.
