The excitement of playing casino games is not only found in the thrill of winning. For many players, the idea of chasing a life-changing jackpot is what adds to the excitement. Among the many types of jackpots, “must-go” jackpots stand out for their unique features. These jackpots are sought after by players because of the certainty that the jackpot will be won before a specific time, regardless of whether someone has hit the winning combination. In this article, we take a deep dive into the history of must-go jackpots, from its humble beginnings through to their popularity in casino gaming today.
To understand the history of must-go jackpots, we must start with the concept of the progressive jackpot. In progressive jackpots, a percentage of each bet made by players is added to the jackpot pool. The jackpot increases until someone hits the winning combination. However, with progressive jackpots, there is no set timeframe for when the jackpot will be won. Some jackpots might go for months or even years without a winner.
The first must-go jackpot was introduced by a major casino in Las Vegas in the early 1980s. The idea was to create a jackpot that would build up over time but would eventually be won before hitting a specific dollar amount. The jackpot was set to be won once it hit $1 million, but it also had a deadline of six months. If it wasn’t won by then, the jackpot would be split among the players who had played the game during that time. This was a game-changer for casino gaming, as it guaranteed that the jackpot would be won, adding more excitement and anticipation for players.
As time went by, other casinos started to adopt the concept of must-go jackpots. In 2005, the idea was further developed with the introduction of the ‘must-hit-by’ jackpot. This type of jackpot combines the best of both worlds, with a time limit and a guarantee that the jackpot will be won by a certain dollar amount. There are a few different versions of the must-hit-by jackpot, but the typical jackpot will have a timer that counts down until the jackpot must be won.
Throughout the years, must-go jackpots have continued to evolve and grow in popularity. Nowadays, they can be found in both land-based and online casinos, with various types of games offering must-go jackpots. Casinos use must-go jackpots as a way to attract players with the thrill of a guaranteed prize.
Overall, the history of must-go jackpots is fascinating, showing how innovation and an understanding of what players want can change the face of casino gaming. These jackpots have added a new level of excitement and anticipation to playing casino games, which is what makes them so popular among players today. Whether you’re a seasoned casino player or just starting, trying your luck on a must-go jackpot game might be worth your while for the chance to win big.