When you win a jackpot at a casino, it can change your life. However, there are some things you need to know before you go all out and claim your winnings.

A jackpot is a prize pool that awaits the winner of a slot game. A player can win a jackpot when they spin the reels on a machine and a random number generator selects a combination of symbols.

Depending on the game you play, a jackpot can vary in size. For example, the jackpot on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah progressive jackpot slot can run into millions of dollars.

Some casino jackpots are pooled across multiple games and can be won by anyone who plays at that casino. Others are exclusive to a certain slot machine or the casino itself.

There are two main types of jackpots – flat top and progressive. The former gives players a fixed amount every time they hit a payline, while the latter is a dynamic jackpot that increases with each bet made by a player.

The best jackpots are those that are pooled across a wide network of casinos, as these offer higher payouts than local jackpots.

These jackpots are also linked to each other by a central computer that tracks the value of all the machines participating in the game. They can vary in size, but the maximum amount that can be won is set by the gaming operator.

Once you win a jackpot, the casino will typically make a deposit into your account within minutes of your winnings hitting. Often, your jackpot will be transferred to a casino card or you will be able to self-pay with cash or a check.