Microgaming Blackjack

Being the software supplier to develop and launch the first-ever online casino in history, Microgaming is considered by many a real trendsetter in the online gaming industry. The company has been leading the way in gambling innovations since 1994, treating casino fans to original games and products galore.

Always leading the industry toward new heights, the Isle of Man-based company was also responsible for the launch of the first mobile gambling software back in 2004. Microgaming’s suite spans more than 500 premium casino games, among which there are over 30 enticing online blackjack variations.

The software studio certainly does justice to the classic card game. The variations Microgaming has dished out over the last 25 years stand out with highly realistic visuals, immersive sounds, excellent playability, and tons of great features that aim at making players’ experience all the more enjoyable.

Plenty of superlatives can be said about this trendsetting company but in the following article, SuperCasinoSites shall focus on the software studio’s rich selection of online blackjack games. We shall explore their features, tackle their essential rules, and take a closer look at Microgaming’s most enticing online variants of the classic card game.

Microgaming - The First Supplier to Bring Online Gambling to Players

1The Beginning

Microgaming has been enjoying the status of a leading software supplier ever since its history began in 1994. The company has cemented its solid position in the gaming industry through its continuous commitment to quality, originality, and playability.

2First Online Casino

It launched the first online casino in history, the Gaming Club, at a time when most people did not have an internet connection and personal computers in their homes. Shortly after the launch of the Gaming Club, Microgaming decided to shift its focus toward specializing exclusively in the development of online gambling software.

3First Progressive Jackpot

The decades to follow were marked by multiple accomplishments for Microgaming. The year 1998 saw Microgaming’s launch of Cash Splash, the first-ever online slot linked to a progressive jackpot network. Seven years later, the company released Tomb Raider, the first branded online slot in history. Microgaming was also the first supplier to launch a slot that played across 100 paylines.

4Fair Gaming

Not bad, huh? Mind you these are only but few of the accomplishments in the company’s long and fruitful history. But there is more to Microgaming than setting records in the gambling industry. The Isle of Man-based supplier demonstrates a firm commitment to fairness and just treatment of players.

It is one of the founding members of eCOGRA, a highly recognized organization tasked with the responsibility of ensuring fairness and advocating ethical practices in the online gambling industry. If this is not enough to demonstrate Microgaming’s commitment to fair play, the company was also involved in the creation of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC).

This non-profit organization is committed to providing online players with a forum where they can address various issues. The IGC strives to resolve such issues through discussion, fair dealing, and compromise.

Blackjack by Microgaming Gameplay


 

Microgaming’s Blackjack Features at a Glance

Being an undisputed leader in the provision of online blackjack games, Microgaming boasts the richest set of 21 variations. Expertly designed, the provider’s games are not only easy on the eye but also offer features galore that aim at improving players’ entire gaming experience. Their quality mirrors the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Let’s take a peek at some of the features you will find across most Microgaming blackjack variations.

Hit and stand warnings
Strategy display
Auto rebet
Quick deal
Software instructions
Multi-hand play
Expert mode
Statistics
Customization settings

The Key Rules in Microgaming’s Blackjack Games in Brief

Microgaming has introduced a broad selection of blackjack variations and rules over the past 25 years, all of which are visually perfect and highly authentic. The vast majority of the variants offer rather decent rules that largely work to the advantage of the player. Of course, the exact playing conditions vary from one blackjack game to the next but we shall have a look at some of the most important rules whose availability overlaps between most variations.

Number of decks
Blackjack pays 3 to 2
Dealer standing
Insurance
Peek rules
Hole cards
Late surrender

Microgaming’s Triple Sevens – The Standard for Progressive Online Blackjack

Microgaming’s Triple SevensMicrogaming is the software developer that birthed Cash Splash, the first online slot with a progressive jackpot. It was also the first studio to pioneer progressive blackjack with the release of its highly appealing Triple Sevens Blackjack.

This is indeed an accomplishment because blackjack variations do not easily lend themselves to the progressive jackpot genre. The most notable feature in Triple Sevens is the progressive side bet of $1, which goes toward the jackpot pool. Minimum bets in the base game are usually $2, which means you have to play at least $3 per round to qualify for the jackpot.

As the name of the game suggests, the sevens are the most important cards in this online blackjack variation. They hold the key to winning a portion of the pool or the entire progressive blackjack. The payouts for the progressive side bet are as follows:

  • 5 to 1 if the player’s first card is a seven, regardless of its suit
  • 25 to 1 for a pair of sevens of any suit
  • 50 to 1 if the player’s first two cards are suited sevens
  • 250 to 1 if the first three cards are sevens of any suit
  • 1,000 to 1 if the player receives suited sevens (of hearts, spades or clubs) as their first three cards
  • The entire jackpot is won when you get three sevens of diamonds, hence the name of the variation. Check out the table below for more concise information about the rest of the rules in Triple Sevens.
Base Game Rules in Microgaming’s Triple Sevens Progressive Blackjack
Deck Number 5 decks in play
Hole Cards No hole cards are in play
Dealer Standing Rules Draws to 16 and stands on soft and hard 17
Blackjack Odds Blackjacks pay at odds of 3 to 2
Doubling Rules Players can double only on two-card totals of 9, 10, and 11
Doubling after a Split Unavailable
Splitting Rules Splitting once to up to two hands
Hitting Split Aces Available
Surrender Unavailable
Peeking Unavailable due to the absence of hole cards
Return to Player Fluctuates depending on current jackpot values
House Edge for the Side Bet 37.94%
Jackpot Break-Even Value $109,862.00
Odds of Winning the Progressive Jackpot 289,562 to 1
Average Jackpot Win $80,000.00

Live Dealer Suite of Games

Live Dealer Suite of GamesThe blackjack games we discussed so far are all governed by a Random Number Generator that shuffles the cards automatically before every round. In addition to these, Microgaming also offers a fantastic suite of live dealer blackjack games. Joining the live tables is a great alternative for players who yearn a more authentic experience in a real casino environment.

The games are hosted by professional yet highly attractive female dealers. They host the games in a variety of languages to the benefit of players who are not fluent enough in English. As authentic the Microgaming live blackjack tables are, we cannot help but admit they hardly offer the best playing conditions to patrons.

For starters, the majority of the live tables use eight decks of cards. As we have explained on several occasions throughout our blackjack guide, the more decks are used, the higher the house edge gets.

Additionally, no hole cards are in play as the dealer receives a single face-up card at the start of each round. Players are permitted to double down only on certain two-card totals, 9, 10, and 11. Doubling after splitting pairs is disallowed.

The live suite is not without its advantages, though. Some tables allow you to hit split aces which is not something you see every day in online blackjack in general. Another benefit is that the live dealers stand rather than hitting soft 17.

Players can simultaneously join several live games, with the option to bet behind other participants at full tables. The dealers usually shuffle the cards manually. Table limits are rather flexible, catering to high rollers and small-scale bettors alike.

Classic Online Blackjack Games by Microgaming

Microgaming has released a plethora of great blackjack variants over the years but their classic games continue to hold a strong appeal with purists who are disinterested in side bets and unorthodox rule variations. If classic games are what you are after, we suggest you try the three conventional Microgaming blackjack releases covered below.

Classic Blackjack Gold
Vegas Single Deck Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack

Microgaming’s Suite of Innovative Blackjack Games

Long-term fans of 21 often grow tired of playing the orthodox variations of the game. Microgaming caters to such players with a host of innovative variants that deviate from the conventional blackjack rules of play.

Some of these feature interesting side bets that can help players earn massive payouts. Others allow for more customization options and use innovative rules that completely transform the gameplay. We have handpicked three of the unorthodox variations we consider most interesting.

High Streak Blackjack
Premier Blackjack Hi Lo Gold
Super Fun 21