Progressive Jackpot

A progressive jackpot is a pool of money which grows every time a bingo game is played, the whole of which is paid out to any player who wins in a way that qualifies them to receive it. If there are several such winners then the progressive jackpot fund is normally divided equally between them.

Not all winners of bingo games qualify to win the progressive jackpot. Instead, winners almost always have to achieve their win before a stated number of balls have been called in order to win the progressive. For example, in a game of 75 ball bingo it is common for a player to have to win a coverall game (one where all of the numbers on the bingo ticket need to be marked) within a stated number of calls. Similarly, in a game of 90 ball bingo players will generally have to make a full house (mark all fifteen numbers on the ticket) within a stated number of calls.

The number of calls that a player must “beat” in order to qualify for a progressive jackpot payout varies from place to place. Some bingo rooms have more than one jackpot, and the number of calls a player must beat in each case can be different. This is because the number of calls determines how frequently a progressive jackpot will pay out, which in turn determines how large the average jackpot will be when it is won. For example, a jackpot which pays out to anyone making a full house within 45 calls will pay out more frequently (and therefore have lower jackpot levels) than one which pays out to those making a full house within 40 calls.

Although many people associate progressive bingo jackpots with the online game, there are plenty of progressive jackpots available offline too. One example of a very impressive offline progressive is that offered for The Big’N game run by the National Bingo Game Association in the UK. This offers a jackpot that often runs into seven figures, giving players a chance – however slight – of walking away from their bingo session as a brand new millionaire.

Article Last Updated: 21/11/2007