

The Megabucks slot by IGT is one of the most legendary casino slot machines ever created.
Known for its life-changing progressive jackpot, which starts at $10 million and often climbs far higher, Megabucks has become synonymous with big wins and excitement across land-based casinos worldwide. Although it’s not available online, its reputation as a jackpot giant has made it an enduring favorite among slot enthusiasts.
Originally launched in 2003, Megabucks was the first slot to link jackpots across multiple casinos. A small percentage of every bet contributes to the progressive prize pool, which can be won by landing the elusive Megabucks logo symbols across the reels. This simple yet thrilling format has kept players coming back for over two decades in hopes of becoming the next millionaire.
The classic Megabucks slot machine can be found in casinos throughout Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other major gaming destinations. It’s available in several versions, including three-reel, five-reel, and six-reel formats. The most iconic version, however, is the three-reel, single-payline model.
Playing Megabucks couldn’t be easier. Insert your money or casino credits, then spin the reels by pressing the play button. You can bet $1, $2, or $3 per spin — but only a $3 wager qualifies you for the progressive jackpot. While the betting range is narrow, it keeps gameplay straightforward and focused on that huge potential payday.
Some versions of the game include automatic spin options and adjustable reel speeds, allowing for a more relaxed playing experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a serious slot fan, Megabucks offers a nostalgic yet thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of traditional slot machines.
There are no wilds, scatters, or bonus rounds in the original Megabucks slot — just pure old-school gameplay. That simplicity, paired with the monumental jackpot, gives the game its timeless appeal.
The main attraction of Megabucks is its progressive jackpot, which starts at $10 million and can climb into tens of millions depending on how long it goes without being won. The jackpot is triggered by landing the Megabucks logo across the center payline while betting the maximum amount.
The odds of hitting the jackpot are about 1 in 49,836,032, but that doesn’t stop hopeful players from chasing their multimillion-dollar dream. Jackpot winners receive their prize in annual installments over 25 years, though even a fraction of the payout is life-changing.
The five-reel and six-reel variations of Megabucks introduce additional progressive tiers and bonus features. For instance, the five-reel version includes smaller jackpot levels for landing two Megabucks symbols, while the six-reel version adds a bonus mini-slot above the main reels for extra excitement.
As a progressive slot, Megabucks has a lower-than-average RTP, typically around 88%–90%, since part of every bet funds the jackpot. It’s considered a high-volatility game, meaning wins may be infrequent but the potential rewards — especially the jackpot — are massive. The top payout depends entirely on the progressive pool, with the average jackpot sitting around $15 million.
Megabucks by IGT is the quintessential progressive jackpot slot — simple, iconic, and capable of changing lives with a single spin. While it lacks the bells and whistles of modern online slots, the sheer scale of its jackpot ensures that it remains one of the most exciting casino games in the world.
If you’re looking for online alternatives with similar jackpot excitement, try Cleopatra Megajackpots by IGT or Mega Fortune by NetEnt. Cleopatra Megajackpots combines the legendary Egyptian theme with a massive progressive prize and 15 free spins, while Mega Fortune delivers luxury-themed gameplay with jackpots that can exceed $10 million.
No, the original Megabucks slot is only available in land-based casinos. However, you can play similar online jackpot slots, such as Cleopatra Megajackpots or Mega Fortune.
The Megabucks jackpot starts at $10 million and often grows well beyond that before being won, making it one of the largest in casino history.
The odds of hitting the Megabucks progressive jackpot are approximately 1 in 49 million, but even smaller wins can be rewarding.
Currently, Megabucks is exclusive to physical casino machines. For mobile play, try online progressives such as Mega Fortune or Cleopatra Megajackpots.