Often multiple machines are pooled or linked together to form a larger progressive jackpot which grows more quickly because more non-winning plays can be counted toward it.
The first progressive slot machine was Megabucks, developed by International Game Technology (IGT).
As a result, a game which requires a 10-credit wager to qualify for the progressive jackpot tends to have its progressive jackpot rise to higher levels (relative to its break-even level) than a game that requires only a 5-credit wager to qualify.
Usually the jackpot can only be won by winning the combination with the highest payoff, e.g. a royal flush at a video poker game, or five of the most valuable symbols (lemons, cherries, alligators, etc.)
If the jackpot is "reset" to this amount each time it is won then in essence the house is not providing any "seed money" for the jackpot since the minimum that can be won in such a case would simply be the amount the player would normally be awarded for the jackpot-winning combination.
When the progressive jackpot is less than the break-even point, there is a negative expected value (house edge) for all players.
In such cases, it is beneficial for the player to play in dollars, as the qualifying wager is a smaller proportion of the jackpot.
[1] Those who only play when the progressive jackpot provides them with a positive expectation situation, still generate revenue for the casino.
Advantage gamblers sometimes organize teams of players to play machines where the progressive jackpots generate a positive expectation situation.
Such teams often displace ordinary players, making the machines unavailable just when they are the most attractive to gamblers generally.
Team members often have cell phones and work in shifts, calling a teammate to replace them when they're ready for a break.
Most casinos offer slot clubs, which pay back a percentage of a gambler's wagers on their games in the form of cash rebates or other perks with a monetary value.
Participating in a slot club can reduce the break-even point of a progressive jackpot game because of the value of the rebate on each wager.
The side bet wins if the player is dealt one of several specific card combinations such as four suited aces.