Jackpots are the biggest prizes on casino slot machines and video slots. They vary in size, but they can be huge – even millions of dollars!

The type of jackpot you win depends on whether the game has a fixed jackpot or progressive one. In a progressive jackpot, the prize pool grows each time a player bets on any of the games that are linked to the network.

A fixed jackpot, on the other hand, is a set amount of money that is awarded every time a player wins. This jackpot is more accessible than a progressive one because it doesn’t increase with each bet.

Winning a big jackpot is definitely a thrill, but it can also be a scary experience. There are many things to consider, from how much tax you’ll have to pay to the timing of your payout.

When you win a jackpot, the casino will give you a choice of either receiving a lump sum or a lifetime payment. The former is taxed as ordinary income and bumps you into a higher tax bracket, while the latter allows you to have a controlled income stream over a longer period.

Depending on how big your jackpot is, you can expect to get paid in cash or by bank transfer within a few days. However, the casino will need to verify your win, inform managers, collect tax forms, check that you’re not on a state’s restricted list, and handle a bunch of accounting paperwork before they give you your winnings.