What does jackpotting mean?
Jackpotting is the present participle of the verb “jackpot,” meaning to win a jackpot or an unusually large prize. The word is especially associated with gambling and is commonly used in expressions such as “jackpotting on slot machines,” where it describes striking a winning combination. It can also be used more broadly for winning substantial prizes in contests, promotions, and other games of chance. As a gerund, it can act like a noun: “The club was famous for jackpotting on its slot machines.” The expression generally carries the excitement and chance associated with gambling, so it is more common in informal contexts than in formal writing. Although “jackpot” can name the prize itself, “jackpotting” specifically describes the act of obtaining it.
verbWinning a jackpot, especially a large prize or sum of money. It can also refer to hitting a winning combination in a game that awards a jackpot.
- Winning a jackpot or other unusually large prize.
- Hitting a winning combination that produces a jackpot in a game.
"After years of play, she was jackpotting on the machines almost every night."
"The contestant was jackpotting on the final spin when the machine stopped."
"Regular customers were jackpotting throughout the tournament, taking home several large cash prizes."
One spin can turn a routine night at the machines into jackpotting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jackpotting come from?
“Jackpotting” derives from “jackpot,” a term associated chiefly with American poker that became established in the late nineteenth century. In the compound, “pot” refers to the total stakes in a game, while “jack” recalls playing cards and the idea of an exceptional or special hand. The term later extended beyond poker to other games and to large prizes generally.
Related word forms
How jackpotting is actually used
Chiefly informal and especially associated with gambling. It is normally used as a present participle or gerund, often to describe repeated instances of winning a jackpot.
Easily confused with jackpotting
A jackpot is a large prize or the winning combination that produces one, whereas jackpotting is the act of winning such a prize.