AP Glossary
WhatIsMust-Hit-By?
A progressive jackpot guaranteed to trigger before reaching a specified ceiling value. MHB progressives are the most mathematically analyzable form of advantage play because the ceiling creates a known upper bound for expected cost calculations.
Why It Matters
Why this matters for advantage play
MHB progressives are the cleanest math in slot AP. The guaranteed ceiling makes expected cost computable, and the floor + meter rate let you forecast cycle length. If you're learning AP, start here — every other mechanic is messier than MHB.
MHB Strategy GuideCross-Reference
Related terms
Ceiling
The maximum value a must-hit-by progressive can reach before it is guaranteed to pay out. The closer a progressive gets to its ceiling, the higher the expected value of playing that machine.
Floor
The starting or reset value of a progressive meter — the lowest point it returns to after a jackpot hit. The distance between the floor and the current meter value indicates how much has been contributed by players since the last hit.
Midpoint Method
A calculation technique for MHB progressives that estimates the breakeven point by finding the statistical midpoint between the current meter value and the ceiling. Assumes uniform trigger distribution — in practice, some games may be biased toward triggering near the ceiling.
Progressive Jackpot
A jackpot that increases with each bet placed, funded by a small percentage of each wager. Progressives can be standalone (single machine) or linked (multiple machines). When a progressive grows high enough above its reset value, the added value can push the total RTP above 100%.
Live Examples
Machines that use this
Documented Must-Hit-By machines on Run the Slots. Tap any title for the full advantage play guide.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about must-hit-by
Regular progressives have no ceiling — they can grow indefinitely. MHB progressives have a published or visible ceiling that the meter cannot pass without forcing a trigger.
It's printed on the cabinet, usually as 'must hit by $X' or 'awarded by $X'. On some games it's only visible in a help screen or on the par sheet.
The exact trigger value is random within the floor-to-ceiling range, but the trigger is forced before the ceiling. Some games are biased toward triggering near the ceiling, which affects optimal play.
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