Must-hit-by jackpots: progressives with a ceiling
A must-hit-by jackpot is a progressive that will pay before it reaches a stated cap, such as $500. The trigger point is picked at random between the reset and the cap. Each bet pushes the meter closer to it.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Tier | Reset | Must hit by |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | $10 | $50 |
| Minor | $100 | $250 |
| Major | $500 | $1,000 |
| Grand | $10,000 | $20,000 |
Key numbers
Must-hit-by in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- The jackpot must pay before the cap, but the exact point is random.
- A meter close to its cap is more likely to hit soon, not certain to hit for you.
- On a bank, any linked machine can win the prize.
- Check the minimum bet that qualifies for the jackpot.
On the machine
A meter near its cap
Minor at $180
Must hit by $250 — still room
Major at $985
Must hit by $1,000 — close to the cap
Major hits $991
Jackpot pays and resets to $500
The trigger point is hidden; only the cap is posted.
How the meter fills
| Bet | Meter rate | Added to meter |
|---|---|---|
| $1 | 1.5% | 1.5 cents |
| $2.50 | 1.5% | 3.75 cents |
| $5 | 1.5% | 7.5 cents |
| 1,000 bets of $2.50 | 1.5% | $37.50 |
Example rate; each game sets its own.
How the trigger works
When the jackpot resets, the game picks a hidden trigger value between the reset and the cap. The meter rises with each bet until it reaches that value.
The spin that crosses the trigger wins, whatever the reels show.
Near-cap math
| Meter | Cap | Room left | Bets to reach cap at $2.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $900 | $1,000 | $100 | About 2,700 |
| $980 | $1,000 | $20 | About 530 |
| $995 | $1,000 | $5 | About 130 |
Bank play shares those bets across all linked machines.
Why players hunt high meters
A meter near its cap is closer to a forced payout. Some players look for these and play only then.
The edge is still small on most games, and many other players may be chasing the same bank.
Sequence
Before you play
Step 01
Read the glass
Find the "must hit by" amount.
Step 02
Check the meter
Compare with the cap.
Step 03
Check the qualifying bet
Some prizes need a minimum.
Step 04
Set a budget
The cap does not change your own odds much.
Where you see them
Must-hit-by games are common in regional and tribal casinos and in many online slot lobbies. Online versions often use a daily jackpot that must drop by a set time.
The rules screen shows the reset, the cap and the meter rate.
Floor rules
Jackpot terms
Know before you sit
- Must hit by
- The cap the jackpot pays before.
- Reset
- The starting value after a win.
- Meter rate
- The share of each bet added.
- Bank
- A group of linked machines.
How casinos set the caps
Operators choose the reset, cap and meter rate when they install the game. Regulators approve the math, and the posted cap must be honored.
If a machine malfunctions near the cap, ask a slot attendant before playing on.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the hit is due to you
- Any linked player can win.
- Ignoring the qualifying bet
- Low bets may not count.
- Overspending near the cap
- Stick to your budget.
- Confusing caps and meters
- The posted cap is not the current prize.
Hand pays and taxes
Larger must-hit-by prizes are often paid by an attendant instead of the machine. A win of $2,000 or more on a slot creates a W-2G form in 2026, and you will need a photo ID.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, game mix, floor facts). Venues with this game in official counts, sorted high to low.
Open a casino page
Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
What is a must-hit-by jackpot?
A progressive prize that must pay before reaching a stated cap. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Is the trigger point fixed?
No. It is picked at random between the reset and the cap. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Does any spin win it?
The spin that pushes the meter past the hidden trigger wins. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
02Strategy
Should I play when the meter is near the cap?
The jackpot is closer, but other players can still win it. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Do I need max bet?
Some games require a minimum bet to qualify. Check the rules. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Does the meter include my bet?
Yes. A small share of each bet adds to it. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
03Online
Are there online must-hit-by jackpots?
Yes. Many online casinos run daily jackpots that must drop by a set time. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Are online versions fair?
Licensed online casinos use tested random systems. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Are wins taxed?
Jackpots of $2,000 or more trigger a W-2G form in 2026. Details vary by game, so check the help screen first.
Sources
- Nevada Gaming Control Board — Regulations · accessed Oct 14, 2026Progressive jackpot rules
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Slot research
- American Gaming Association — Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026US casino industry data
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER