The History of Megabucks: a Slot Machine with the Biggest Progressive Jackpot

Some of the biggest wins of gambling history have been won on Megabucks, a slot machine system based in brick and mortar casinos. The game has become hugely popular with gamblers in the US, especially in Nevada. If you’d like to play with it yourself or just know more about this famous slot, read the history of Megabucks below. 

Slot machines have always been a favorite of gamblers and casino visitors due to their simplicity. As even total beginners can play with them and win big amounts of money if they are lucky. One of these slot machines called Megabucks has become world-famous due to its huge winnings. Thanks to its progressive jackpot, its players have won tens of millions of dollars as we already mentioned in our article on the biggest gambling wins. But what makes this slot machine so special? When was the first one launched and where can you find them now? Is there an online version or other variation? Find all the answers in our summary below. 

The History of Megabucks: The Beginning

The first Megabucks slot machines made by International Game Technology (IGT) appeared in Las Vegas casinos in 1986. Megabucks was the first wide-area linked progressive slot machine system to generate the largest jackpot.  It had been only available in land-based casinos in Nevada for a long time. Until the Megabucks machines also started to appear in other American states like California and Mississippi along with casinos in Macau.  

The majority of the slot machines are still based in Las Vegas including lots of top casinos on the Strip. What made the story of Megabucks so successful was the possibility of huge winnings. Especially in Nevada where the lottery is not available. But Megabucks became a real alternative to it with its big wins and amazing stories. It’s a simple game that even beginners can use which has also contributed to the great history of Megabucks. 

Simple Game With High Volatility

The Megabucks slot machines have three reels and operate on a $1 per coin system. To play for the progressive jackpot, players need to make a $3 bet though. The slot works just like the others, you need to have three of the usual symbols (7s, cherries, and bars) to win. With the Megabucks symbol meaning the highest prize, the jackpot. This can be a staggering amount as since 2005 it always resets to $10 million.

And what are your chances of winning the jackpot? Well, not too good, it’s 1 in 50 million. Megabucks has one of the highest volatility levels so if you’re looking for better chances play with an online slot on online casino sites in the US. But of course, if you’re visiting a casino, it might be worth trying your luck on this slot. Your chances are not worse than playing the lottery. The statistics show that the jackpot is triggered 2-3 times a year. And who knows, you might be the next big winner of the game. 

Biggest Wins in Megabucks’ History

Though it’s not easy to win on Megabucks, once you hit the jackpot, your life will change forever. Like it did for several Megabucks winners who became millionaires in a blink of a moment. Megabucks has 8 out of the 10 biggest slot machine jackpots in Las Vegas. Some of these wins belong to the biggest wins in gambling history. Like the largest Megabucks jackpot win in 2003 when a player won $39,7 million at the Excalibur Casino in Las Vegas. Sadly not all winners had a happy life after. As the winner of the second-largest jackpot, Cynthia Jay Brennan suffered a serious car accident just two months following her win. There has been a rumor about a curse surrounding the game when other winners disappeared. But IGT confirmed they are all fine just chose to stay anonym following their win. 

Click here to stay tuned with Bovada Casino 

Other Versions

You can also find a five-reel, 60-pay line version of Megabucks in most casinos these days. The symbols are still similar but the multiple pay line offers more options to win. As you can win the mini-progressive jackpots by having only two progressive symbols on a spin. Prizes vary between $10 and $500. While special versions of the game include Megabucks Wild Sapphires which is a 6-reel slot with a three-wheel Mega Game feature. And Megabucks Pink Diamonds with a Wheel of Fortune style feature. 

IGT hasn’t released the online version of the game yet. But don’t worry, you can find similar slots on online gambling sites in the US. Like Mega Moolah from Microgaming or Mega Fortune by Net Entertainment. Both games offer progressive jackpots for their players, though the amount you can win on them is significantly smaller than on Megabucks. But with much better RTP and great features they can be a great alternative to the famous slot machine. And you can play with them from the comfort of your home whenever you want.