Online jackpots have developed substantially since Cash Splash was released in 1998 by Microgaming with the first linked progressive game. What if you have won a jackpot at the pokies?
Major Millions, also from Microgaming, followed next and created the first million-dollar online pokie winner. These massive online jackpots are now commonplace and easily outstrip the maximum $10,000 wins available at local pubs and clubs.
When you hit the winning combination of symbols for a large jackpot, your pokies machine locks up. Depending on the machine; the lights on top of the machine may come on and start flashing, music may play or bells ring. This happens when you play at land casinos. In online casinos also loud music is played and crackers burst on your screen.
Casino Attendant Informs
Inland casino pokies attendant arrives promptly to see what you have won. On jackpots smaller than $5,000; an attendant verifies that you hit the jackpot; and then assists you in claiming your money at the cashier’s cage. In the case of a large or progressive jackpot; the casino may have technicians come and check the machine; to certify that it was functioning properly when the jackpot hit. If you hit one of the wide-area progressive machines; such as MegaBucks; the pokies company that operates the game comes out and verifies that machine before giving you a check.
When you hit a jackpot, you have the option of taking your winnings in cash or check. Usually, large amounts are paid by check. In the case of the MegaBucks or similar multi-million dollar jackpots, you receive a check for the partial amount, and then you have 90 days to decide if you want to be paid a lump sum or an annual annuity on the balance.
If you select the lump sum option, you receive only a percentage of your actual winnings. For example, the full winnings of one multi-million slot jackpot is paid in 25 annual installments, or you can take a lump sum of 60 percent of the winnings.
Also note that casinos can refuse to pay you until you produce proper identification—a photo ID such as a driver’s license, military ID or passport. If you don’t produce an ID, you are photographed and the casino holds your winnings until you come back with proper ID. For this reason, you should always carry a valid form of identification with you when you visit the casino.
When the casino checks your identification, it also checks your age to make sure you are legally old enough to play.
Must have plan if you hit a jackpot
Therefore, before you start playing your favourite pokies machine you should have a plan for the day you hit a jackpot. Players become excited when they hit the big one, and this may affect the decisions you make about your winnings. It is helpful if you know ahead of time how much withholding you want to be taken out or whether you want a check for all or some of the amount.
If you win big then the casino will probably want to take your picture to use as advertisement. If other people see you winning (live or via photograph), they are more likely to spend their money at that particular casino
With online pokies, it’s pretty much the same but you won’t have the crowd gathering around (unless you with a crowd at home). The online casino will offer you VIP status and other perks and rewards for you to grab online. But for bigger prize wins online like land casinos you will need to submit your ID proofs to take your winning amounts.
