Must-hit-by slots explained
A must-hit-by (MHB) progressive is a jackpot with a printed ceiling it has to pay by. The prize climbs as people play, and the machine guarantees it will be awarded at or before the amount shown.
Reading the meter
The current value and the ceiling are both on the screen. The gap between them is visible to anyone who looks, which is what makes these games something you can evaluate rather than guess at. How close a meter has to be before a particular game is worth playing is specific to that game.

Not every meter is real
Some machines show displays that look like progress but change nothing. The rules screen has to disclose whether what you see affects the odds, so check it before treating any display as a must-hit meter.
Frequently asked questions
What does must-hit-by mean on a slot machine?
A must-hit-by (MHB) progressive is a jackpot with a printed ceiling it has to pay by. The prize climbs as people play, and the machine guarantees it will be awarded at or before the amount shown.
How do you read a must-hit-by meter?
The current value and the ceiling are both shown on the screen, and the gap between them is visible to anyone who looks. How close a meter has to be before a particular game is worth playing is specific to that game, which is what each guide covers.
Is every progressive meter a real must-hit-by?
No. Some machines show displays that look like progress but change nothing. The rules screen has to disclose whether what you see affects the odds.
Related topics
Advantage play carries real financial risk. Nothing here is a guarantee of profit.