| Updated: Online casinos offer players a wide variety of blackjack games, and some of the best titles were created by Microgaming, a pioneer in the online gambling industry. The company has produced more than 40 variations of blackjack, ranging from traditional games to exciting versions with side bets that pay up to 500 times the stake.
By launching the world’s first online casino in 1994, Microgaming became one of the few companies to revolutionize the gambling industry. Since then, it has created a vast array of online slots, virtual card and table games, bingo, scratch cards, and live dealer games. Its online poker network remains a preferred platform for thousands of players, while its progressive slots have paid record-high jackpots over the years. With total payouts of more than €1 billion, Microgaming’s progressive jackpot network is the largest in the world.
Today, the Isle of Man-based company has one of the biggest and most diverse collections of online games. Its award-winning software is used by hundreds of web-based gambling operators and enjoyed by thousands of casino players. As one of the most successful and respected developers of online casino software, Microgaming has helped set standards for fairness and responsible gaming. Its blackjack variations are no exception: they offer clear, straightforward rules, high RTPs, and fair results that cannot be manipulated.
Variety of Blackjack Games
Over the years, Microgaming has released many variations of blackjack, each played under a specific set of rules. As mentioned above, its full collection includes more than 40 titles. In addition to classic blackjack games, there are also plenty of interesting and unique variations.
They come in two major categories, namely Standard and Gold. The Standard games feature beautiful, classic layouts and smooth gameplay, and some of them offer the Quick Deal and Auto Rebet options. The green table felt, the appearance of the chips, and the cards create a unique atmosphere as if the player is standing in a real, brick-and-mortar casino. Most of the games are also offered in single and multi-hand mode, which allows betting on up to five hands at a time.
The betting limits vary across casinos, but in most cases the standard blackjack tables allow wagers from $1 to $4, or from $1 to $200, per hand. The payouts are standard – 3:2 for player blackjack, 2:1 for Insurance, and even money for a regular win against the dealer. Here are some of Microgaming’s most popular variations of blackjack:
- Classic Blackjack
- European Blackjack Gold
- Atlantic City Blackjack
- Vegas Single Deck Gold
- Super Fun 21
- Big 5 Gold
- Premier Hi Lo 13 European
Gold Series Blackjack
Multi-Hand Blackjack Live Dealer BlackjackGold Series Blackjack
Compared with the standard offerings from many other software providers, Microgaming’s Standard blackjack games are superior in many respects. However, the titles released as part of the Gold Series are even more impressive. They feature enhanced graphics, a realistic viewing angle, and faster gameplay. With the Gold Series, the studio has improved not only the games’ aesthetics but also their mechanics.
The blackjack variations in this category deliver better performance, clearer graphics, and useful features such as Quick Deal and Auto Rebet, which speed up gameplay. Players can also decide whether losing hands are removed automatically and toggle win sounds, background sounds, and various advanced sound effects. The table design is more convenient because the most important rules are displayed on the layout, so players do not need to open a separate window to check them. Betting limits are also higher, allowing wagers from $5 to $500 per hand.
Multi-Hand Blackjack
Microgaming also offers several multi-hand versions of its Standard and Gold Series blackjack games. In these titles, players can wager on up to five hands simultaneously. Depending on the title, table limits range from $1 to $5 or from $1 to $50 per hand. Most of these variations include additional settings and customization options, such as Auto Rebet, Turbo Mode, the ability to remove losing hands, and various card styles.
Players can enable Strategy Tips and Hit/Stand warnings, which are especially useful for beginners. The default basic strategy can also be edited in Expert Mode. The Strategy Display is another helpful option that works with the Autoplay feature. Players can launch between 5 and 500 Autoplay rounds and set the conditions that stop Autoplay. The multi-hand lineup includes Blackjack Multi-Hand, Atlantic City and Atlantic City Gold, Premier Bonus MH Blackjack, Perfect Pairs Gold, Classic Blackjack Gold, Premier Multi-Hand, Vegas Downtown Gold, and European Gold.
Live Dealer Blackjack
In addition to its wide range of virtual blackjack games played against computer software, Microgaming has developed several live blackjack variations. These games are streamed from the company’s live studio in Canada, allowing players to enjoy high-definition video feeds. Each session is recorded for future playback, and players have access to detailed statistics. The games are available in multiple languages and in either Casino or Game view.
Live blackjack, offered by more than 100 casino brands, includes several advanced features. The virtual interface offers Auto Bet, PlayCheck, and My Waiting List. Multi-table play and the Bet Behind option are also available. The games use 8-deck shoes, and players have a 15-second period to place bets for each hand. In 2013, Microgaming added the branded Playboy Live Dealer section, making live blackjack even more exciting.
- Multi Hand Blackjack
- Atlantic City Blackjack
- European Blackjack
- Blackjack: Introduction to the World’s Most Popular Casino Game
- How to Play Blackjack
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- Blackjack: The Good and the Bad Rules
- Mathematics of Blackjack
- Blackjack Strategy: The Best Way to Win Consistently
- Blackjack Side Bets
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- Blackjack: Tips for Beginners
- Advantage Play in Blackjack
- How to Count Cards at the Blackjack Table
- Money Management in Blackjack
- Edward Thorpe and the Ten Count System
- The Zen Count System
- The Advanced Omega II Card Counting System
- The Uston SS Card Counting System
- The Ace/5 Card Counting System
- The Knock Out Card Counting System
- The Red 7 Card Counting System
- The Wong Halves System for Card Counting
- Choosing the Best Blackjack Game Online
- How to Play Live Dealer Blackjack
- RTG Blackjack
- NetEnt Blackjack
- Mobile Blackjack Apps
Unconventional Blackjack Games
Most of the blackjack variations developed by Microgaming follow the standard rules of American or European blackjack. However, the studio has also introduced several games that feature a range of side bets, bonus payouts, and even a progressive jackpot, a rarity in the world of online blackjack.
Bonus Games Progressive BlackjackBonus Games
One game that offers bonus payouts for specific card combinations is Premier Multi-Hand Bonus Blackjack. Played with two decks, it has an RTP of 99.62%. The title features a classic layout and authentic casino-style appearance, along with multiple customization options, Turbo Mode, and Autoplay. An optional side bet pays when the player’s first two cards are of the same suit (5:2), a Jack and an Ace (25:1), or a Jack and an Ace of Spades (50:1).
Another game with bonus payouts is Premier High Streak Blackjack, a classic-looking, single-hand variation of no-hole-card blackjack. It uses two decks, but its side bets are mandatory. Players receive bonus payouts when they win at least two consecutive hands. The longer the streak, the higher the payout. A second consecutive win pays even money, a third pays 2:1, a fourth pays 5:1, and a fifth pays 10:1.
One of the most interesting blackjack versions in Microgaming’s portfolio is Super Fun 21, which follows unconventional rules. This hole-card game is played with a single deck, and there are no restrictions on split aces: players may draw additional cards, double down, or re-split them. Bonus payouts are awarded for specific hand combinations, but none apply if the player doubles down. Collecting six cards totaling 20 or less pays 1:1, while achieving 21 with at least five cards pays 2:1. A diamond blackjack also pays 2:1.
Last but not least, Microgaming has released its version of Spanish 21, called Spanish Blackjack. It uses eight decks of 48 cards each, consisting of standard decks with all 10s removed. The game includes several interesting rules, including Double Down Rescue, which allows players to surrender after doubling down. There are 10 bonus payouts for different hand combinations. The top payout of 50:1 is awarded for holding three 7s of the same suit when the dealer’s upcard is also a 7.
Progressive Blackjack
One of Microgaming’s most popular blackjack games is Triple 7s, one of the few blackjack variations with a progressive jackpot. Winning it does not require strategy or counting techniques. To trigger the jackpot, players hope that their first three cards will be 7s of diamonds. Other bonus payouts are available for hands containing one or more 7s, with payouts ranging from 5:1 to 1,000:1. Players must also place a mandatory side bet equal to half of the original wager.
Apart from the progressive jackpot, Triple 7s is a blackjack game that can be played by anyone familiar with basic strategy. The game uses 5 decks of cards, and the dealer must stand on all 17s. Players may double only on totals of 9, 10, or 11 and cannot double down after splitting. If they have a pair, they may split it only once per round, creating a maximum of two hands.