I've played these machines enough to know what to expect. For example, if you have 14 balls and the 15th isn't lighting up/you don't see it whizzing by (even as that drum music and rim shot happen to hasten the excitement), you're not getting the Grand.
I also know that the denomination can increase the mini and minor progressives. But that the major jackpot is set. That doesn't change with denom. I've gotten the major on the penny machines probably 6 times in the last few years. And I got the major on the high limit version once, playing $5.00 on a dime denom. I've even gotten the RANDOM major on a penny Heartthrob slot! I saw it happen on YT but never while playing or by anyone around me by playing.
I thought I saw it all when it comes to LL.
So imagine my complete surprise today when I scan the bank of machines and sit down at the one with the highest major of $1,000. Because that's the max it will reach. The minimum is $500. It was the Sahara themed one.
I play the penny denom, $2.50/spin. Maybe 10 spins in, I land 6 balls. None of them are that impressive. Then, surprise -- the major hits! Hooray. $1,000. Awesome. I'm thrilled. The total was $1060. Excellent.
So after it finishes counting up (first it does the major -- I smile and others silently seethe around me -- been there done that) then it counts the other balls for a total of $1060. Okay, all done. My card is still in. My ticket is still in. And the Major Jackpot is STILL AT $1000. Huh? I thought it was supposed to reset to $500.
So I think, maybe I need to cash out? I do, but it still says $1000. I've never seen that. It usually goes right back to $500.
So I hit the service light because now I'm thinking: What if I keep playing this machine and it hits the major again and it's $1000 and then the casino finds out it was a malfunction and comes looking for their $1000? I seriously thought that could happen.
So, attendant comes over. I explain the issue. They are stumped. They also have not seen it happen. They call a slot tech. He goes through a bunch of system checks. Also is stumped. Finally, they get a hold of someone at Aristocrat! And it's all happening in front of me. And they are told -- and tell me -- that the major and grand progressives are essentially escrow accounts. The major could REALLY be holding $2000 in escrow before it hits but only advertises $1000. So I hit the $1k and the remaining $1k in escrow means it still says $1k as the major jackpot. I didn't know this was the case.
Has anyone heard of this?

FYI for those who are playing this machine:
The 'one away' (the 15th space on the Bonus round) is actually the virtual reel where many will be left with after the 14th space is filled. On each Lightning Round bonus spins there is always one of the 15 slot spaces that has the virtual reel on it on each spin. I do not have the math stats on it, but it many have hundreds/thousands of blank spaces with only one 'amount' chip scrolling at the same speed as the other reels for the 'Grand Jackpot'. My eye has actually never seen the 15th virtual reel chip space scroll by, but I am sure its there.
Never fear, there is also an 'instant' win feature for the Lightning Link Grand Jackpot where you will just be awarded the Grand Jackpot after the conclusion of any spin without even being in the bonus round.
Which version of the game theme is your favorite and why? (Moon, Horse Race, Sahara, Mermaid, Asian Dragon, Vegas High Stakes, etc..)