Drops and Wins Jackpots Explained: How the Promotion Works
Wheel drops, tournaments and prize pools explained
What Are Drops and Wins Jackpots?
Drops and Wins is a prize promotion that runs inside online slots. Players get extra chances to win cash prizes, multipliers or free spins while they play their normal games. It has become popular because it adds a second layer of excitement to ordinary spins.
The best-known version comes from Pragmatic Play. The studio funds the prize pool itself, so casinos that join in do not pay for the prizes. This guide explains how the promotion works, how it has changed over the years and how it compares with progressive jackpots.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Promotion | Drops and Wins |
| Run by | Pragmatic Play |
| Launched | 2020 |
| Current season | Season 7, 4 March 2026 to 3 March 2027 |
| Prize pool | Over €25 million |
| Prizes on offer | About 5 million |
| Weekly feature | Wheel Drops |
| Daily feature | Tournaments |
How Drops and Wins Works
Drops and Wins has two main parts. One part gives out random prizes. The other part ranks players on leaderboards. Both are built into the game, so you do not need to learn a new system.
Random prize drops
Random prizes appear while you spin. You do not have to hit a special symbol. Instead, the promotion picks winners at random from eligible players. In earlier seasons, these were called Daily Prize Drops. In the current season, the weekly feature is called Wheel Drops.
With Wheel Drops, players are randomly awarded wheel pieces. Once you complete a prize wheel, you can win a prize. Pragmatic Play says prizes can reach up to 100,000 times your bet, capped at €100,000.
Tournaments
Tournaments rank players on a leaderboard. In the current season, they run daily. You climb the table by building up win multipliers. Prizes go up to €3,000 for the top places.
Ranking by multipliers is fairer than ranking by total winnings. A small stake can still compete with a large one, because the multiplier compares your win with your bet.
Always read the promotion rules at your casino. Details such as minimum bets, eligible games and prize caps can differ from one season to the next.
A Short History of Drops and Wins
Pragmatic Play launched the promotion in 2020. It has returned every year with a bigger or updated format. Here is how it has grown.
| Edition | Prize pool | Notable points |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | €/£2.5 million | €250,000 given away each month, with weekly tournaments and daily prize drops |
| 2023/24 | €30 million | €2 million a month on slots and €500,000 a month on live casino games |
| 2026/27 (Season 7) | Over €25 million | Weekly Wheel Drops and daily tournaments on 60+ slots |
The 2021 edition
The 2021 series was described as the supplier’s biggest promotion at that time. It ran from February to November, with €250,000 given away each month. Weekly tournaments ran from Thursday to Wednesday. Prizes went to the highest single-spin wins, adjusted for the size of the bet.
Daily Prize Drops were awarded at random throughout each day. In that edition, casinos had to opt in to take part.
The 2023 and 2024 edition
In April 2023, Pragmatic Play more than doubled the annual pool to €30 million. It set aside €2 million a month for selected slots and €500,000 a month for live casino games. Prizes included cash, multipliers and free round bonuses.
That edition also added new daily game show tournaments in the live casino.
The 2026 edition
Season 7 began on 4 March 2026 and runs until 3 March 2027. The studio says it has paid out more than €100 million since the programme began in 2020. More than 60 slots are included each month. Headline titles for the season included Sweet Rush Bonanza and Fortune of Olympus.
As the format changes each year, treat any older guide with caution. The structure, the prize amounts and the eligible games can all be different.
Drops and Wins vs Progressive Jackpots
Drops and Wins prizes are different from progressive jackpots. A progressive jackpot grows each time someone places a bet, until one player wins it. These prizes can be huge, but the odds of winning are very small.
Drops and Wins prizes come from a fixed pool that the provider funds. Many players can win, and the prizes are spread across a large number of winners. As a result, the top prize is usually smaller than a progressive jackpot, but the chance of winning something is higher.
| Feature | Drops and Wins | Progressive Jackpot |
|---|---|---|
| Prize source | Fixed pool funded by the provider | Grows with each bet |
| Number of winners | Very large | One at a time |
| Size of top prize | Smaller | Can be very large |
| Chance of winning | Higher chance of a smaller prize | Very low chance of a huge prize |
| Extra cost to play | No | Sometimes a higher minimum bet |
Neither type is better. Which one you prefer depends on whether you want regular chances at modest prizes or a long shot at a life-changing sum.
Drops and Wins Slots
Pragmatic Play offers more than 60 slots in each season of the promotion. Some are long-running favourites. Others are new releases. The studio updates the list as the season goes on.
Typical Pragmatic Play slots include fruit-themed cascades, fishing games and Egyptian-style adventures. Many feature free spins and multipliers. Because the list changes, the best way to find the eligible games is to look for the Drops and Wins banner in the lobby.
If you want to compare Pragmatic Play with other studios, browse our guide to slots by provider.
Live Casino Drops
In some seasons, the promotion has included live casino games. In 2023, for example, a dedicated monthly prize pool applied to live tables, and new game show tournaments were added. The 2026 season announcements focused on slots, so check the live lobby before assuming that a live game takes part.
Our guide to live dealer casino games explains how live tables work.
How to Take Part
Joining is usually simple. Follow these steps.
- Choose a licensed casino that offers Pragmatic Play slots.
- Check the promotions page to confirm that the casino takes part in Drops and Wins.
- Read the rules, including minimum bets and eligible games.
- Play an eligible slot for real money.
- Look for the in-game panel that shows prizes or leaderboard positions.
Some casinos opt in to the promotion, and others do not. If you do not see a banner, ask customer support.
Understanding the Terms
Drops and Wins prizes can have their own rules. Read these points before you play.
- Minimum bet: you may need to place a minimum stake to qualify.
- Eligible games: only selected slots count.
- Bet caps: prize amounts may be based on a maximum bet level, so a very large stake may not raise the prize.
- Wagering: some prizes are paid as cash, while others, such as free spins, may follow other rules.
- Dates: each edition has a start and an end date.
Pragmatic Play’s own announcements describe some tournament prizes as wager-free cash. Even so, the casino’s terms apply to your account. Our guide to casino bonus terms explains the phrases you are likely to meet.
Common Questions About Drops and Wins
Do I need to opt in?
This depends on the casino and the edition. In 2021, casinos had to opt in to the promotion. Check your casino’s promotions page. Many sites show a banner or a leaderboard widget inside eligible games.
Does a bigger bet give me a better chance?
Tournaments rank players by win multipliers, not by total money won. This means a small bet can compete with a large one. Raising your stake does not automatically improve your position, and it can cost you more.
Is it free to take part?
The prize pool is funded by Pragmatic Play, and casinos do not pay extra to join. For players, you take part by playing eligible slots with real money. There is no separate entry fee.
Can I win without playing the tournament?
Random prizes are awarded to players on eligible games, so you do not have to chase a leaderboard. Many players simply enjoy their usual slots and let any prizes arrive by chance.
Why are the rules different each year?
Pragmatic Play updates the format every season to keep the promotion fresh. Prize pools, game lists and names such as Daily Prize Drops and Wheel Drops have all changed. That is why it pays to read the current rules.
Choosing a Safe Casino
A strong promotion is no reason to take risks with your money. Choose a casino that holds a valid licence. Respected regulators include the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Our casino safety guide shows how to check a site. You can also see the casinos to avoid on our blacklisted casinos page, and browse our list of top online casinos for trusted options.
Play Responsibly
Prize promotions can make you feel that a win is close. In reality, each spin is random. Prizes are a bonus, not a plan.
- Set a budget before you start.
- Do not raise your stake just to climb a leaderboard.
- Take regular breaks.
- Never chase losses.
If gambling stops being fun, step away and seek support. Licensed casinos offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion.
Final Thoughts
Drops and Wins adds extra excitement to slots without changing how the games play. The prizes are spread widely, which makes them different from a progressive jackpot.
Because the details change each season, always read the current rules at your casino. Then enjoy the games for what they are, which is entertainment.
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