A progressive jackpot means that the jackpot for a game continually climbs, usually a set amount for every game played. For example, a progressive slot machine might have a jackpot that starts at $10,000 and grows by a nickel for each spin until the jackpot is hit. A slight contribution with each spin might not sound like much, but with thousands of players these jackpots add up quickly. Most slot machines are not progressive - they have a fixed jackpot as outlined on the paytable. Progressive games make up a large percentage of what people play however, because of the obvious appeal of a potential life-changing big win. (Progressive games have reached jackpots of over a million dollars!) .