| Updated: There are not many table games with progressive jackpots, and Triple Sevens Blackjack by Microgaming is among the few available online. To win the ever-increasing jackpot, players need to receive a hand containing three 7s of diamonds.
This progressive blackjack game retains all the features of traditional blackjack and combines them with a type of jackpot usually found in online slots. Except for this exciting addition, the game is fairly standard and follows the typical rules of blackjack.
Rules and Gameplay
Microgaming’s Triple Sevens Blackjack uses a five-deck shoe, and the cards are shuffled before each round. The game starts with players placing both a regular wager and the mandatory side bet that unlocks the progressive jackpot. Once players receive their first two cards, they can stand or hit. Doubling down is allowed only on hands totaling 9, 10, or 11.
Another option is to split the first two cards into two hands if the cards are of the same rank. In this game, only one split is allowed, and doubling is not permitted after a split. Players can hit split aces again. In addition, they can buy insurance at the start of the round, which pays 2:1. Blackjack pays 3:1, and a regular win against the dealer pays even money. Another rule to remember is that the dealer must stand on all 17s.
Distinctive Features
The most distinctive feature of this blackjack variation is, of course, the progressive jackpot. Each round qualifies because the side bet is mandatory, unlike in many other progressive games. Here, the side bet is fixed at $1. This game also awards additional prizes for receiving 7s. If the first card dealt to the player is a 7, the player receives $5. If the next card is also a 7, the bonus payout rises to $25. Here is the full Triple Sevens Blackjack payout table:
- One 7: $5
- Two 7s of any suit: $25
- Two 7s of the same suit: $50
- Three 7s: $250
- Three 7s of the same suit: $1,000
- Three 7s of diamonds: Progressive Jackpot
Conclusion
Players should keep in mind that no bonus payout is given for split 7s. The expected return of the game varies dramatically depending on the size of the progressive jackpot. At its starting point, the house edge on the side bet is high at 37.94%. However, once the jackpot reaches its break-even value of $109,862, the side bet offers a positive expectation.