Are progressive jackpot slots worth playing in the long run?

Yes, progressive slots are usually a poor choice for anyone trying to eke out a long-term advantage. It’s simple arithmetic: because progressive jackpots are funded by taking a percentage of every wager and “taxing” it, the overall RTP is reduced.

But if you want to hit that jackpot, and don’t mind going for a Hail Mary, fine. You’re paying up for hope. Just remember your odds of success are very long.

Instead, I would recommend viewing them as a side bet or a special prize. Understand the odds, place a cap on your losses, and enter them as an entertainment expense with a smile. Then, the power is still fully in your hands. And if you strike it big, good for you – but don’t get carried away with expectations. We’d be happy to nerd out with you about jackpots in our interactive discussion.

Yes, progressive slots are a sucker bet if you are looking to make an expected-value profit – but then, so are all slots. The good news is that progressives might still be worth your time if the jackpot gets large enough that a low probability of hitting it with a very cheap ticket is worth taking. (Gambling is gambling.) Just don’t fall for the lie that these things are anything more than a game. As long as you treat them like a game and are not counting on them to pay the bills, you’re fine. For the purposes of grinding, though, better chances are better.