Best 3 Reel Slots UK 2026
Three-reel slots aren’t making a comeback–they never left. While the industry pumps out Megaways monsters with six reels, cascading avalanches, and bonus rounds that feel like a part-time job, the simple three-reel setup keeps quietly printing money for casinos and delivering exactly what plenty of UK players want: no-nonsense spinning. This guide cuts through the noise and tells you where to find the best 3-reel slots in the UK right now, which games deserve your attention, and what you should actually expect when you drop a coin into these digital fruit machines.
We’ve analysed dozens of UK casino libraries, tested the games on mobile and desktop, and sifted through the terms and conditions that operators hope you’ll ignore. The result is a straight-talking resource for anyone who wants to play 3-reel slots online for real money–or just for fun–without being treated like a mark.
What Are 3-Reel Slots? A Quick Mechanical Primer
A three-reel slot is a gambling machine–physical or digital–with three vertical reels that spin independently. When they stop, the symbols that land on a payline determine whether you’ve won. Originally, these were mechanical devices invented by Charles Fey in the late 19th century, with physical reels that stopped under spring tension. The online versions you’ll play in 2026 replicate that setup using a random number generator (RNG) to determine each reel’s outcome.
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The standard layout is a 3×3 grid, meaning three rows visible per reel, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there are 27 paylines. Most classic three-reel slots offer one, three, or five paylines, with the classic one-payline version being the purest form. Symbols are deliberately retro: cherries, lemons, oranges, plums, bells, bars, and lucky sevens. There’s no narrative, no animated cutscenes, and no ‘characters’ with backstories. The game asks one question: did the symbols line up? Yes or no. Next spin.
Because of their simplicity, three-reel slots have a unique place in the UK gambling ecosystem. They’re the default choice for players who want a quick session or who mistrust the ‘entertainment-first’ design of modern video slots, which often hide the mechanical loss behind a wall of triggers and fancy animations. In essence, three-reel slots are gambling reduced to its bones.
The Unkillable Appeal of Three-Reel Slots in 2026
If you’ve ever watched a casino lobby, you’ll notice that the ‘classic slots’ section is rarely empty. Nostalgia plays a part, but it’s not the sole driver. Three-reel slots deliver a faster spin cycle–typically three to five seconds from spin to result, compared to fifteen to thirty seconds on a feature-heavy video slot. For high-volume players, that quicker cadence means more bets per hour, which amplifies both the potential for wins and the speed of losses.
There’s also a psychological transparency. On a 20-payline video slot, you might score a small win on line 17 that barely registers, while the rest of the screen lights up with false victories. On a 3-reel, one-payline game, you either hit or you don’t. That brutal honesty appeals to gamblers who are tired of being gaslit by flashy graphics. And with UK players becoming more attuned to terms like RTP and volatility, the straightforward math of these classics offers a sense of control–even if it’s an illusion.
Moreover, the aesthetic of three-reel slots resonates with the British fondness for fruit machines, which have been a pub staple since the 1960s. Many online versions deliberately emulate the look and sound of those land-based cabinets, complete with the iconic hold and nudge features that are absent from most video slots but appear in select three-reel titles. It’s not just a game; it’s a cultural touchpoint.
UK Online Casinos That Actually Care About Classic Slots
Not every UK casino builds its three-reel collection with pride. Some toss a handful of dusty NetEnt relics into a corner and call it a day. The operators below, however, maintain solid lineups, offer either a no-deposit welcome or a deposit match bonus that you can use on classics (check the terms, always), and operate under a UK Gambling Commission licence. That’s non-negotiable: if you’re playing for real money in Britain, a UKGC licence means your funds are protected by the strictest regulator in the industry.
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | 3-Reel Slots Count | Top 3-Reel Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 Casino | Deposit match bonus | 40+ classic titles | Cops and Robbers |
| William Hill Vegas | Welcome bonus and spins | 35+ | Mega Joker |
| Ladbrokes Casino | Deposit match bonus | 30+ | Jackpot 6000 |
| Grosvenor Casinos | Welcome package | 25+ | Triple Diamond |
| 888casino | No-deposit spins | 50+ | Break da Bank |
| LeoVegas | Deposit bonus and free spins | 30+ | Fire Joker |
| Mr Green | Welcome bonus | 30+ | Bell of Fortune |
| Betway Casino | Welcome bonus | 35+ | Double Magic |
These numbers are approximate and shift monthly as game suppliers rotate content. If you’re hunting for a specific title, always use the on-site search before committing. And note that ‘no-deposit spins’ at 888casino typically apply to selected games; check if any three-reel slots are eligible. Spoiler: they rarely are, but the welcome still gives you a chance to trial the platform before you deposit your own cash.
The Elite Lineup: Best 3-Reel Slot Games in the UK
Having a hundred classic slots is pointless if ninety of them are identikit fruit machines with slightly different clipart. These six titles stand out for their mechanics, return potential, or historical pedigree. Every one is available at multiple UK casinos listed above.
Fire Joker (Play’n GO) – A 3×3 grid with five fixed paylines. Features a respin of fire–if two reels stack with matching symbols and no win, the third reel respins. A full screen of the same symbol triggers the Fire Joker wheel, which can multiply your bet up to 800x. It’s fast, visually crisp, and works beautifully on mobile. RTP: 96.15%.
Mega Joker (NetEnt) – The granddaddy of progressive three-reel slots. This game operates in two modes: base and Supermeter. Wins grow the Supermeter balance, which you can use to spin at higher stakes for a shot at a random progressive jackpot. The theoretical RTP in optimal Supermeter play can approach 99%, but the progressive seed has been cut in recent years, and most players never reach that mode. Still, it’s a masterpiece of slot design.
Jackpot 6000 (NetEnt) – Similar dual-mode setup with a Supermeter and a random jackpot between 10 and 6,000 coins. The sound effects are pure early-2000s internet café, which adds to the charm. Offers a gamble feature after every win, which is a terrible idea for your bankroll but undeniably entertaining.
Triple Diamond (IGT) – A one-payline, three-reel slot with a wild multiplier. The Triple Diamond symbol acts as a wild and can multiply winning combinations by up to 3x. It’s the online version of the land-based machine that’s been swallowing pound coins since the 1990s. RTP: about 95%.
Break da Bank (Microgaming) – Pure, unapologetic one-payline action. Land three vault symbols on the payline to win 2,400 coins. That’s it. No bonus, no free spins, no multipliers (except a subtle 2x wild). It’s the slot equivalent of a straight bet on a roulette number–simple and brutal.
Cops and Robbers (Playtech) – Slightly more complex, with a bonus feature triggered by three badge symbols that lets you pick loot bags for extra credits. It still feels like a classic slot but gives your attention span a tiny treat. Available at Bet365 and Ladbrokes.
Behind the Reels: How 3-Reel Slots Determine a Win
At the heart of every modern three-reel slot is a pseudo-random number generator (RNG) that cycles through millions of numbers per second, each mapped to a reel position. When you press spin, the current number is captured, and the reel stops on the corresponding symbol. The result is predetermined the instant you click, despite the spinning animation that follows. That’s true for all online slots, not just three-reel games. The RNG is tested and certified by independent labs like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, ensuring that outcomes are statistically random and cannot be influenced by previous spins.
The payout structure is governed by a paytable that lists every winning combination and its multiplier. On a one-payline slot, a single line across the centre of the reels must match at least the lowest-paying symbol (usually cherries) to award a prize. On multi-payline three-reel slots, you can activate additional lines that zigzag across the reels. For example, Fire Joker’s five fixed paylines mean every spin covers those patterns automatically.
A key difference between three-reel and video slots is the hit frequency. Because the reel strips are shorter (often 20-30 virtual stops per reel, though some use weighted reels with hundreds of stops), the probability of landing a top symbol is much lower per spin. That creates the characteristic ‘feast or famine’ volatility: long barren stretches punctuated by occasional large wins.
Free 3-Reel Slots: When Demo Mode Makes Sense
Every UKGC-licensed casino must allow you to play slots in demo mode, meaning you can spin the reels with virtual credits at no cost. For three-reel slots, this is particularly useful because the limited features mean you can quickly gauge whether the game’s rhythm suits you. If a slot bores you after ten free spins, you won’t deposit to play thirty more.
Demo mode also removes the pressure, letting you study the paytable, test bet sizing, and watch how often the bonus feature triggers without losing actual cash. It’s a research tool, not a replacement for gambling, because–let’s be real–winning fake money generates exactly zero dopamine. Plenty of players use free play to scratch the itch during a break without risking a deposit, but the real action starts when you switch to real money. And if you do, remember that the transition can be jarring: those big virtual wins suddenly feel a lot more elusive when your balance is draining in pounds sterling.
Real Money 3-Reel Slots: The Stakes and the Speed
Playing three-reel slots for real money in the UK is straightforward. Deposit at a licensed casino, navigate to the classic slots section, pick a game, set your bet, and spin. Because the betting ranges on these games tend to be narrower than on video slots–often starting at £0.10 and topping out at £50 or £100 per spin–you can find a comfortable stake whether you’re a penny player or a high roller.
What catches newcomers off guard is the pace. Without animations to sit through, you can easily rattle off 15-20 spins per minute. That’s roughly a thousand spins an hour. If you’re playing a high-volatility game at £1 a spin, an hour of bad luck could cost you £500 or more. Conversely, a single top-line hit during that hour could land a five-figure sum. The speed amplifies everything, so set a loss limit before you start and stick to it. Casinos love players who get into a trance and just keep clicking–don’t be that punter.
Bonuses and 3-Reel Slots: Read the Fine Print
Casino bonuses are the glitter on the manure pile: they look enticing, but dig a little and you’ll find terms that range from mildly inconvenient to outright predatory. For three-reel slot enthusiasts, the key issue is game weighting. Most welcome bonuses have wagering requirements that count each game type differently. At many UK casinos, classic slots contribute only 50% or even 10% towards the playthrough. That means a £100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement could demand £30,000 in bets if classic slots are weighted at 10%, turning a ‘generous’ offer into a lifetime commitment.
Additionally, many three-reel slots are excluded from bonus play altogether. High-RTP games like Mega Joker and Jackpot 6000 often appear on restricted lists because their payback rate reduces the house edge. Before you accept any bonus, open the promotional terms and search for ‘excluded games’ and ‘game weighting.’ If you can’t find it quickly, that’s a red flag. This isn’t cynicism–it’s basic self-defence in an industry that literally banks on you not reading the rules.
Volatility and RTP: The Numbers That Shape Your Session
Volatility (or variance) describes how a slot pays out over time. High volatility means wins are rare but can be large; low volatility means frequent, smaller wins. Three-reel slots skew heavily towards high volatility because of the limited payline structure. On a one-payline game, the top symbol might land only once in several thousand spins, but when it does, it pays 1,000x or more. This is the essence of classic slot appeal: it’s a lottery in miniature form.
RTP (return to player) is the theoretical percentage wagered that the game returns over millions of spins. For example, a 96% RTP means the casino keeps 4% over the long term. UK casinos are required to display RTP for each game, usually buried in the help menu. Many three-reel slots sit in the 94-97% range, with a few like Mega Joker offering higher if played optimally. But here’s the harsh reality: RTP is a statistical abstraction. Your personal experience over a two-hour session will be dominated by volatility, not the theoretical return. You could hit three jackpots in an hour or drain your entire bankroll without a single win. The 96% didn’t protect you; it just laughed from the distance.
3-Reel vs 5-Reel Slots: Not Just a Nostalgia Play
Choosing between three-reel and five-reel slots is like choosing between a hammer and a Swiss Army knife. Video slots pack in features: 20+ paylines, free spins rounds, expanding wilds, bonus wheels, and often a progressive that can hit six figures. They’re designed to entertain as much as to gamble, and for many players, that’s the point. Three-reel slots strip away the noise. If you’re the type who mutters ‘just show me the money’ under your breath, you’ll likely prefer the classics.
From a mathematician’s perspective, the house edge on both formats is similar–casinos set the RTP to match their margin targets regardless of reel count. The difference lies in how that edge is delivered. Video slots nickel-and-dime you with tiny wins that never quite cover your bet, while three-reel slots let you bleed dry for a while and then, occasionally, bleed back. Neither is ‘better’ in absolute terms; it’s a matter of what kind of ride you want.
Mobile Classic Slots: Small Screen, Big Action
If you’re playing three-reel slots on a phone, you’re in luck. Their simple graphics and minimal animations mean they load instantly on any modern smartphone, even on patchy 4G. Unlike resource-intensive 3D video slots that can drain your battery and overheat your device, classic slots are lightweight. Developers like Play’n GO and NetEnt prioritise mobile-friendly UI, with oversized spin buttons and clear balance displays, making one-handed play effortless.
All the casinos listed in our table offer mobile-optimised sites or apps that host their full classic slot collection. There’s no need to download a separate app for each slot; HTML5 technology runs the game directly in your browser. For UK commuters or lunch-break gamblers, a three-reel slot on a smartphone delivers the exact experience you’d get on desktop, without the fan noise.
Paylines, Bet Sizes, and Bankroll: The Practical Guide
Before you deposit, understand the relationship between paylines and bet size. On a one-payline slot, your bet per spin equals your coin value. If you set the coin to £0.50, each spin costs £0.50. On a five-payline slot with a coin value of £0.10, the total bet might be £0.50 (5 lines x £0.10). Some games let you adjust the number of lines and the coin value independently; others fix the lines. Always check the total bet indicator on the game screen–it’s the only number that matters to your bankroll.
Because three-reel slots can be volatile, a sensible bankroll strategy is to set aside enough money for at least 200 spins. If you’re betting £0.50 per spin, that’s a £100 session. This gives you a fighting chance of hitting a decent win without going bust in ten minutes. And never, ever chase losses by increasing your bet after a bad streak; the RNG doesn’t care that you’re ‘due.’
Can You Develop a Strategy for Three-Reel Slots?
Short answer: no. Every spin is independent and random. No amount of pattern spotting, bet scaling, or button timing affects the outcome. The only strategic decisions you control are choice of game (based on volatility and RTP), bet size, and when to walk away. If anyone tries to sell you a system for beating three-reel slots, ask them why they’re not sunning themselves on a private island instead of peddling PDFs.
That said, educated selection of a game can alter the texture of your play. If you have a £50 budget and want an extended session, pick a lower-volatility game like Fire Joker with its 5 paylines and frequent respin feature. If you’re after a big splash and can afford the risk, a one-payline high-volatility title like Break da Bank might deliver. Just don’t confuse ‘strategy’ with ‘personal preference wrapped in spreadsheets.’
The History of Three-Reel Slots in the UK
The three-reel slot’s journey to UK online casinos is a story of cultural adaptation. In the 1960s, the British government legalised cash-paying fruit machines in pubs and arcades, leading to the dominance of Barcrest-style cabinets with unique features like nudges and holds. These were overwhelmingly three-reel machines, and they trained a generation of players to expect a certain rhythm and symbol set.
When the UK Gambling Act 2005 liberalised online gambling, operators rushed to digitise these classics. Games like Rainbow Riches (which is five-reel, ironically) drew from the fruit machine tradition, but pure three-reel titles found a steady audience. By 2026, after two decades of online evolution, the best three-reel slots blend traditional mechanics with modern RNG certification, mobile compatibility, and the odd respin feature. The fruit machine culture persists, and the games reflect it.
Progressive Jackpots on Three-Reel Slots
Three-reel slots weren’t left behind in the progressive jackpot revolution. NetEnt’s Mega Joker has been pooling bets since the early 2000s, and while its jackpot rarely hits the seven-figure sums of Mega Moolah or Mega Fortune, it offers a more attainable target. The jackpot is randomly triggered in Supermeter mode, and the average payout hovers around a few tens of thousands of pounds. Other three-reel progressives include Jackpot 6000 (in Supermeter) and a few Microgaming titles like Cash Splash, though that one has been eclipsed by its bigger siblings.
Be aware: progressive jackpots come with a hidden house edge increase. A portion of each bet funds the jackpot pool, which reduces the base game RTP. If you’re not specifically chasing the progressive, you’re essentially paying a tax for someone else’s potential win. For the most part, stick to non-progressive three-reel slots unless you actively want that lottery ticket.
Responsible Gambling and Classic Slots
The speed and simplicity of three-reel slots can be a double-edged sword. While they lack the immersive ‘flow’ features that can trap players in a dissociative state, their rapid spin rate makes it dangerously easy to lose track of time and money. Every UK casino offers deposit limits, reality checks, and time-outs, and you should use them. Setting a session timer before you start is a small act of self-preservation that costs nothing.
If you ever feel that the reels are spinning too fast and your balance is dropping too quickly, stop. Close the tab, take the dog for a walk, and revisit the game when the adrenaline has faded. Gambling should be entertainment, not a second job or a desperate hope for a financial windfall. The house always has an edge, and on three-reel slots, it’s starkly visible. Respect it. For free and confidential help, contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed sites.
Why 3-Reel Slots Get Ignored by Bonus Hunters
If you’ve ever dipped into a UK casino forum, you’ll notice that the bonus-hunting crowd rarely talks about three-reel slots. The reason is game contribution weighting. As mentioned, classic slots often contribute a fraction of the required wagering, and zero in many cases. This makes them useless for clearing a bonus efficiently. A mathematician-bonus hunter will gravitate towards games with 100% contribution and low house edge, which are typically table games or video slots with high RTP. Three-reel slots, with their ambiguous weighting and higher variance, are simply not worth the grind.
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So, if you’re signing up for a bonus specifically to play three-reel slots, you’re likely shooting yourself in the foot. Better to deposit without a bonus, claim any cashback promotions, and play with unrestricted cash where your bets count fully towards the game you want. The house already has a built-in edge; there’s no need to voluntarily sign up for a wagering nightmare.
Top 3-Reel Slot Developers and What They Bring
The quality of a three-reel slot depends heavily on who built it. Here’s a rundown of the key studios supplying the UK market:
NetEnt – The gold standard. Mega Joker, Jackpot 6000, and other polished classics with high RTP structures and robust RNG certification.
IGT – The land-based giant whose Triple Diamond and Double Diamond machines have been fleeceing players for decades. Their online versions are faithful ports, often licensed to multiple casinos.
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Play’n GO – Mostly a video slot developer, but Fire Joker is an absolute gem. They also have a few other 3×3 titles like Mystery Joker and Sizzling Spins that merge classic visuals with modern pay mechanics.
Microgaming – Pioneers in online slots, Microgaming’s Break da Bank is a cult classic. They also have older titles like Couch Potato and 7 Oceans that still hold up.
Pragmatic Play – A newer entrant that has dabbled in 3×3 slots with games like Gold Rush and Extra Juicy. Their titles tend to be high volatility and mobile-optimised.
Sticking to games from these developers ensures you get an RNG that’s been tested by an accredited lab, which isn’t guaranteed with no-name studios hosting games at sketchy casinos.
How UK Gambling Laws Affect 3-Reel Slots in 2026
The UK Gambling Act review white paper released in 2023 has already begun reshaping the industry by 2026. Mandatory stake limits for online slots are under active consideration, with a proposed cap of £2-£5 per spin for under-25s and a softer restriction for everyone else. If implemented, this could significantly constrain high-roller play on three-reel slots, where the max bet sometimes reaches £100. However, the classic slot category often operates at lower maximums anyway, so the impact may be muted.
Another change is the tightening of autoplay and turbo spin features. Since 2020, UKGC regulations have banned slots from spinning faster than 2.5 seconds per round and removed the ability to set up continuous autoplay. For three-reel slots, which already spin fast, the 2.5-second rule has put a subtle brake on the cadence. In practice, though, most players don’t notice the extra half-second.
Finally, the demand for single-customer view and enhanced affordability checks means that if you’re betting significant amounts–even on seemingly innocuous classic slots–operators may ask for proof of income. It’s not a witch hunt; it’s a regulatory requirement that’s rolling out across all UKGC sites. If you’re a high-volume three-reel player, keep your documents handy.
The Best 3-Reel Slots for UK Players by Theme
While most three-reel slots stick to the fruit-and-sevens template, a few subgenres have emerged. If you’re tired of cherries, try these:
Luxury and Diamonds – Triple Diamond (IGT) and Double Diamond (also IGT) lean into gemstones and bars. They feel upmarket in a Vegas-circa-1987 way.
Wild West – Gold Rush (Pragmatic Play) offers a mining theme with a 3×3 grid and a bonus round that can multiply wins. It’s rare to see a Western theme on a three-reel, so this is a quirky pick.
Fruit with a Twist – Extra Juicy (Pragmatic Play) is a five-payline, high-volatility fruit slot with a progressive multiplier in the free spins round. It straddles the line between classic and video, but the grid is pure 3×3.
Egyptian Classic – Very few exist, but some developers like to slap an Egyptian skin on a three-reel chassis. Usually, it’s just the symbols that change, but it’s a novelty if you’re bored of plums.
Theme shopping might seem frivolous for a format this simple, but when you’re staring at the same layout for 500 spins, even a different set of symbols can refresh the experience.
The Future of Three-Reel Slots: Where Are They Headed?
Are three-reel slots going the way of the dodo? Unlikely. While the industry pours marketing dollars into branded video slots and live game shows, the classic slot niche has a loyal, stable user base. Expect to see more hybrid models: 3×3 grids with a few fixed paylines, a respin or multiplier, and a slick mobile design–essentially, the Fire Joker template. Developers know that pure one-payline games are a tough sell to new players, but a classic with a twist can attract both purists and casuals.
We may also see an increase in ‘retro’ themed video slots that mimic the look of three-reel machines but with five-reel mechanics–games like Sizzling Hot Deluxe. The line will blur, but the true three-reel, one-payline diehards will keep their section in the casino lobby. As long as there’s demand for fast, no-nonsense gambling, someone will supply it.
Myths and Misconceptions About Three-Reel Slots
‘Higher RTP means I’ll win more tonight.’ No. RTP is an average over millions of spins. Your two-hour session is a tiny sample that can wildly deviate. A 98% RTP slot can still eat your entire deposit while you wonder where the ‘return’ went.
‘The casino can tighten the slot when it’s busy.’ At a UKGC-licensed site, impossible. The RTP is hardcoded into the game software audited by a testing lab. The operator can’t flip a switch to make a slot pay less during peak hours.
‘Stopping the reels manually improves your chances.’ The stop button has no effect on the outcome. The RNG has already determined the result the moment you hit spin. The animation is just for show.
‘If a slot hasn’t paid in a while, it’s due for a big win.’ The gambler’s fallacy. Each spin is independent. The slot doesn’t remember the last 200 dead spins and doesn’t owe you anything.
‘All three-reel slots are low-tech and boring.’ While they lack video clip sequences, many three-reel slots pack clever mechanics like respins, multipliers, and progressive jackpots. Fire Joker is a counter-example: simple surface, deep pockets.
Are 3-reel slots better for winning than 5-reel slots?
Not really. Winning on any slot comes down to luck and the random number generator. Three-reel slots often have higher volatility, so you might land bigger wins less frequently, while five-reel slots spread payouts over many small hits. Neither format gives you a mathematical edge–pick the one that matches your play style.
Can I play 3-reel slots for free in the UK?
Absolutely. Every UK-licensed casino offers demo versions of its slots, including the classics. You don’t even need an account at most sites to try them. It’s the ideal way to test a game’s rhythm before you commit real money.
Do 3-reel slots have bonus features?
Some do, but they’re typically simple–a respin, a multiplier, or a pick-me game. You won’t find sprawling free-spin rounds with four levels of upgrades. The charm of three-reel slots is their straightforwardness; if you want bonus features, a five-reel game is a better fit.
What is the best 3-reel slot to play in 2026?
That’s subjective, but for a balance of modern design and classic feel, Fire Joker is hard to beat. If you want a shot at a progressive jackpot, Mega Joker. For no-frills one-payline action, Break da Bank. Your ‘best’ depends on whether you value features, jackpot potential, or raw simplicity.
Are 3-reel slots rigged?
At a UKGC-licensed casino, absolutely not. Independent testing agencies audit the RNGs to ensure fairness. The house edge is built into the math, not secret rigging. If you play at an unlicensed offshore site, all bets are off–stick to the operators listed in this guide.
Can I win a progressive jackpot on a 3-reel slot?
Yes, games like NetEnt’s Mega Joker and Jackpot 6000 offer progressive jackpots triggered randomly during bonus modes. The odds are long, but the jackpots grow across the network. Just remember: the RTP on the base game is lower because part of each bet feeds the jackpot.