Mega Moolah is arguably one of the most iconic progressive jackpot slots in online gaming history. It is a true game-changer, bringing the possibilities of networked jackpots online. Known as ‘the millionaire maker,’ the original title was launched by casino game legends Microgaming back in 2006.
It is a simple, low-volatility slot machine with a classic 5×3 reel formation and African animals theme. It all sounds rather ordinary, but what made this title unique at its release was not the in-game 1,800x top prize but the progressive jackpots networked to the game.
Progressive jackpot networks are interconnected slot machines that contribute to accumulating jackpots. Every time a player places a bet on any of the linked games, a portion of that bet goes towards the progressive jackpot, allowing the jackpot to grow significantly larger compared to the prizes available in standalone slot machines.
Progressive jackpot slots are incredibly popular, but it all began with this straightforward Microgaming slot that changed the face of the online gaming industry forever. In this article, we take a deep dive into Mega Moolah, the progressive jackpots network, and how it has shaped the industry.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Progressive jackpot slots were by no means new in the mid-2000s when the iconic Mega Moolah title was first launched. In fact, the first-ever progressive jackpot slot, known as Megabucks, was created by IGT in 1986 for land-based casinos with a starting seed of $1 million.
By February of the following year, the first jackpot to the tune of a whopping $4.9 million was won by one lucky Californian businessman following a breakfast stop at the Cal Neva Club in Reno. The developer followed this record win by jacking up the starting seed to $2 million.
When Microgaming released Mega Moolah, it wasn’t even the first online progressive. However, the developer upped the ante by including four separate prize pools rather than the traditional one. It meant players could be in with a chance of winning either the Mini, Minor, Major, or Mega jackpots from a single spin of the reels if they managed to trigger the Mega Moolah Jackpot Wheel.
Starting seeds for the four jackpot prizes are as follows:
- Mini Jackpot – €10
- Minor Jackpot – €100
- Major Jackpot – €10,000
- Mega Jackpot – €1 million
Evolution of the Mega Moolah Network
Following the success of the original Mega Moolah slot, Microgaming released a slew of slots linked to the popular network in 2020, including Atlantean treasures Mega Moolah, Absolootly Mad Mega Moolah, and Fortunium Gold Mega Moolah.
By the time Games Global acquired Microgaming’s distribution network and complete games IP in May 2021, six titles were connected to the popular progressive jackpot network.
Games Global thundered on with its growth, adding 16 more titles, bringing the total to 22 games that feed into the iconic jackpot network. Many are adaptations of existing popular slots, such as Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck II, attracting even more attention from slots enthusiasts globally.
Mega Moolah’s Biggest Wins
Despite the ever-growing network of Mega Moolah games, the original title remains one of the most popular in the industry. It has paid out impressive jackpot prizes many times over the years, with one of the most recent big wins on the original title being a €6.6 million payout off a €3 wager in March 2024.
Just the December before, the Book of Mega Moolah slot awarded one lucky Betway player an early Christmas present to the tune of €13.5 million, with Andy Booth, Games Global’s chief product officer, commenting: “We’re absolutely thrilled to learn of this latest winning experience in conjunction with Betway and on Christmas Eve, no less! We’d like to extend our congratulations to the winner and look forward to making more winners throughout 2024 and beyond.”
They did indeed make more winners throughout 2024, with other notable wins on the network, including a €7 million jackpot triggered on the Absolootly Mad title in May of the same year.
The Influence of Mega Moolah Slots
Mega Moolah’s influence has been far-reaching throughout the online casino industry, not just at home at Games Global but further afield as well.
The success of Mega Moolah led to the launch of the WowPot! progressive jackpot brand—also under the Microgaming umbrella—and, more recently, the King Millions network.
The WowPot! brand has also brought huge success to the provider and now has some 10 different games connected to the multi-jackpot product.
As a testament to the pure randomness of these jackpots, the WowPot! triggered three times in one week in mid-2024, paying out €2.5 million from Triple Edge Studios’ Ancient Fortunes: Poseidon WowPot!, hitting again just three hours later on 9 Blazing Diamonds WowPot!, and then again, two days later, paying out a further €2 million on Triple Edge Studios’ Sisters of Oz: WowPot!
Thanks to the two top-tier jackpots of the latter seeding at one and two million euros, respectively, this latest progressive offering from Games Global has the potential to reach record-breaking prizes in excess of some €30 million. King Millions is definitely one to watch if you’re a fan of the progressives.
Competitor Networks
It’s not just Games Global’s offerings that dominate the progressive jackpot space, despite Mega Moolah being one of the most well-known. Today, many providers offer their own version of the product, each with varying tiers, triggers, and game selections. Blueprint Gaming’s Jackpot King series and Playtech’s Age of the Gods games are the most notable.
NetEnt’s Mega Fortune games also have a three-tiered progressive jackpot and Pragmatic Play’s Jackpot series. Each of these networks works in the same way, whereby a bunch of different games feed into the pots to ensure they reach impressive prizes that go way beyond what you could expect from a standalone slot.
The Future of Progressives
Mega Moolah has earned its place as one of the most celebrated jackpot slots ever. With its Millionaire Maker status and series of games offering something to suit every type of player, the network captivates players with the possibility of triggering life-changing sums of money not possible with standalone slots.
The ever-increasing prize pools available with progressive jackpot networks, which you can quite literally watch rising in real time, make these games incredibly popular among players. As every bet placed across all networked games contributes to the prize pot, this real-time growth makes progressives incredibly exciting, as any single spin could trigger the jackpot.
We will no doubt continue to see such products offered by the world’s leading providers, with ever more innovative features added to enhance your gameplay experience further.
If you haven’t tried any of the Mega Moolah slots or, indeed, any of the other progressives currently available on the market, it is well worth a few spins to experience the added excitement. Most of these games are enjoyable in their own right, with the added bonus of the progressive jackpots making each spin just that little more exciting.
The List of the Best UK Casinos to Play Mega Moolah Slot Online
Looking to play the iconic Mega Moolah slot in the UK? This legendary progressive jackpot slot has made millionaires across the globe, and UK players are no exception! Below, we’ve rounded up the best online casinos in the UK to try your luck on Mega Moolah.
Mega Moolah is one of the most famous progressive jackpot slots developed by Microgaming. Known as the “Millionaire Maker,” it offers four-tier jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. The Mega Jackpot often starts at £1 million and can grow rapidly.
The game has a safari theme, vibrant visuals, and a simple yet exciting layout, making it popular with new and experienced players alike.
1. 888 Casino
Why Choose 888 Casino?
- Award-winning platform with over 20 years of experience.
- Offers Mega Moolah and other progressive jackpot slots.
- Generous welcome bonuses and frequent promotions.
Bonus: Up to £100 welcome bonus for new players.
Payment Methods: PayPal, Neteller, Visa, and more.
License: UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
2. Betway Casino
Why Choose Betway?
- High-quality Microgaming slot library.
- Excellent customer support and secure transactions.
- Loyalty program with exclusive rewards for frequent players.
Bonus: 100% match bonus up to £250 on your first deposit.
Payment Methods: Debit cards, PayPal, Skrill.
License: UKGC and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
3. LeoVegas Casino
Why Choose LeoVegas?
- Mobile-friendly design, perfect for gaming on the go.
- Hosts Mega Moolah and other jackpot slots.
- Top-tier customer service and fast payouts.
Bonus: Up to £100 + 50 free spins for new players.
Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, Trustly, and more.
License: UKGC.
4. Casumo Casino
Why Choose Casumo?
- Quirky design and user-friendly interface.
- Regularly updated slot library, including Mega Moolah online slot for real money.
- Weekly slot tournaments for added fun.
Bonus: 100% up to £25 + 20 free spins on your first deposit.
Payment Methods: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill.
License: UKGC and MGA.
5. PlayOJO Casino
Why Choose PlayOJO?
- No wagering requirements on bonuses.
- Massive selection of slots, including progressive jackpots.
- Transparent terms and fast withdrawals.
Bonus: 50 free spins on first deposit.
Payment Methods: Debit cards, Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal.
License: UKGC.
How to Choose the Best Casino for Mega Moolah
When picking the right casino, consider:
- Licensing and Security: Always play at UKGC-regulated sites.
- Bonuses: Look for promotions that include free spins or match new bonuses.
- Payment Options: Ensure your preferred method is supported.
- Game Selection: Check for other Microgaming titles if you enjoy Mega Moolah.
