Jackpot

An especially large reward, almost invariably with an especially small probability.

A jackpot, might, at a stretch, be considered an extreme form of AsymmetricalDistribution. While a large value exists in only one place, the low probability usually makes the payout per play rather low.

In spite of the mathematics behind it, players frequently find the CalculatedRisk attractive enough to make games with jackpots quite profitable.

Many jackpots are 'progressive,' meaning that the jackpot value slowly increases until it is won. The methods of increasing the jackpot are usually tied to games played. A game might use a rule like 'increase jackpot by one ticket for every two games played' or 'direct 0.05% of game fee to the jackpot.'

Some games with jackpots:

• Bingo? and Lottery? are almost pure jackpot.
• Many RedemptionGames have jackpots (although they usually substitute a word like 'bonus.')
• Many Gambling? games have long shots that act like jackpots.
• SlotMachine?s are frequently linked into a progressive jackpot.