Progressive Blackjack

Progressive Blackjack With Thrilling Side Bet Options

Adored by many, blackjack is a classic casino game that remains extremely popular with players. Its decision-based gameplay allows them to influence the outcome to some extent or at least reduce the house edge. Nowadays, blackjack is available at almost every online casino, with different variations offering fans diverse gaming experiences. Nevertheless, strategic play remains one of the game’s main attractions, giving players an opportunity to improve their chances.

In addition to rule variations, different betting limits, and multiple hands, some blackjack games also feature exciting side bet options. To make things even more thrilling, some side bets can be linked to a progressive jackpot, allowing blackjack players to win impressive payouts. If you want to learn how to play progressive blackjack games and whether this type of wager is worth making, keep reading our detailed review of progressive blackjack.

Best Rated Casinos for United States 

1. 
   Sign Up Bonus
   Up to $3500
   350% Bonus!
   9.7
   REVIEW
   GET BONUS
2. 
   Sign Up Bonus
   Up to $500
   400% Bonus!
   9.4
   REVIEW
   GET BONUS
3. 
   Sign Up Bonus
   Up to $2000
   200% Bonus!
   9.3
   REVIEW
   GET BONUS

Rules & Gameplay

Side Bet

Things to Consider

Conclusion

Overview

Progressive blackjack variations are among the most exciting casino games because they give players a unique opportunity to win substantial payouts. The main difference between classic blackjack and its progressive counterparts is that the latter feature jackpots that increase every time someone plays a given progressive blackjack title without winning the prize.

Whenever a player wins the entire jackpot amount, it resets to a predetermined sum and begins growing again. Usually, online casinos do not impose restrictions on the amount that the progressive jackpot can reach. To qualify for the progressive jackpot, players must select a progressive blackjack variation and place the required side bet.

Progressive Blackjack Rules & Gameplay

Progressive blackjack variations follow the same basic rules as classic blackjack. You play against a dealer, and your main objective is to beat the dealer’s hand. To win, you should aim to form a strong hand with a total as close to 21 as possible. You can also win when the dealer busts, meaning that the total value of the dealer’s hand exceeds 21. If your own hand exceeds 21, you lose automatically.

In progressive blackjack games, as in classic blackjack, your initial options are to hit or stand. If you choose to hit, you are dealt one more card. If you stand, your total remains the same. It may also be possible to double down or split a pair. In progressive blackjack variations, you can double down by placing an additional bet equal to your initial wager. Some variations allow you to make this move after splitting. However, you cannot double down if you have blackjack. Moreover, some progressive blackjack variants allow players to double down only when their hands total 9, 10, or 11.

Screenshot of Progressive Blackjack by Playtech

Progressive blackjack games usually allow you to split any two cards of the same rank, including aces. However, resplitting is not allowed in the Progressive Blackjack version described here. You can take insurance when the dealer is showing an ace, but surrender is not available. As for the dealer’s play, they must stand on all 17s.

Progressive Blackjack Strategy Chart

Rules:

• 4 decks
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Dealer does not peek for blackjack
• Double on hard 9-11, no double after split (no DAS)

Legend:

• H: Hit
• H*: Hit with 2 cards, stand with 3+ cards
• S: Stand
• D: Double if possible; otherwise, hit
• P: Split (pair)

Progressive Blackjack by Playtech

One of the most popular progressive blackjack variations was developed by Playtech. It uses six standard decks of 52 playing cards. At the beginning of every round, you must place your main bet. You are then dealt two face-up cards, while the dealer receives one face-up card and one face-down card. The card that is not visible to players is often referred to as the hole card.

In Progressive Blackjack by Playtech, you have the opportunity to win a large prize by placing a side bet separate from your original wager. This bet is optional, so it is entirely up to you whether you want to compete for the progressive jackpot. The required side bet is usually $1. The wager is divided into two parts, both of which contribute to the progressive jackpot in different ways.

A large portion of the side bet goes toward the current jackpot, which increases automatically. This is why progressive jackpot games can feature substantial prizes that grow over time. The other portion goes toward the “seed,” meaning that it contributes to the initial amount from which the progressive jackpot begins growing.

Side bet payouts may vary depending on the casino and the game version. Aces play a crucial role in progressive blackjack games. In general, the more aces you collect, the higher the payout will be.

Most online casinos pay 5:1 if you have one ace, which is the smallest payout available from this side bet. If you get two aces, the payout is 50:1. This means that a $1 optional side bet can return $50. The payout for three aces, regardless of their suit, is 250:1, while four aces pay 2,500:1.

Because your chances of getting aces of the same suit are lower than those of receiving aces of different suits, suited combinations offer larger payouts. If you are dealt two aces of the same suit, you will receive $100, provided that you placed the $1 side bet. Three suited aces pay 5,000:1, one of the game’s largest fixed payouts.

Triple Sevens Blackjack

Microgaming is the company behind one of the most popular progressive jackpot blackjack titles, Triple Sevens Blackjack. The game uses 5 standard decks, each consisting of 52 playing cards. At first glance, this blackjack variation follows the standard rules of the game. Players must create a hand totaling as close to 21 as possible without exceeding this number. To start playing Triple Sevens Blackjack, you must place your bet.

The game’s most noteworthy feature is its progressive jackpot. Blackjack players must place a $1 side bet to compete for the main prize. As the name implies, players need to collect three 7s to win the progressive jackpot or a portion of it. The progressive side bet offers the following payouts:

• The payout for any 7 is $5
• For two unsuited 7s, players win $25
• If the two 7s are suited, the payout is $50
• Three unsuited 7s come with a payout of $250
• For three suited 7s of clubs, hearts, or spades, the payout is $1,000
• To hit the progressive jackpot, players need to collect three 7s of diamonds

The house edge associated with the progressive side bet is 16.2%. This progressive jackpot variation allows players to double down, but only on totals of 9, 10, or 11. Splitting and resplitting are also allowed, although players can resplit only once. Insurance is available and pays 2:1. Another important detail is that blackjack pays 3:2. As for the dealer’s play, they must stand on all 17s, which works in the player’s favor.

WGS Technology’s Progressive Blackjack

WGS Technology released its own Progressive Blackjack title. The game is played with 4 decks of cards and follows the fundamental rules of blackjack. To add more excitement to the gameplay, the developer included a progressive jackpot. Players can place an optional $1 side bet to compete for the main prize. As in Playtech’s Progressive Blackjack, players must collect aces. The progressive jackpot side bet offers the following payouts:

• For two aces of any suit, the payout is $25
• If you get two suited aces, you will receive $50
• Three aces of any suit will add $250 to your bankroll
• Three aces of the same suit pay $2,500
• If you receive four aces of any suit, you will collect 10% of the progressive jackpot
• Four suited aces award the progressive jackpot

One notable feature of WGS Technology’s Progressive Blackjack is its relatively low house edge of 4.9% for the progressive side bet. The following rules work in the player’s favor:

• The game uses 4 decks of cards
• The dealer stands on all 17s
• Naturals pay 3:1

This progressive blackjack variation allows players to take insurance, which pays 2:1. Doubling down is also available, but only on totals of 9, 10, and 11. One rule that favors the house is that splitting is allowed only once.

Important Considerations

If you decide to play a blackjack game featuring a progressive jackpot, there are a few important things to consider. First, progressive side bets have a higher house edge. Therefore, your chances of winning are lower than when playing the main blackjack game. You can still apply the appropriate strategy during the base game, just as you would when playing traditional blackjack.

Remember that you can win a progressive jackpot only if you place the required side bet. Many players are skeptical about this optional wager and choose not to place it because the winning combinations are rare. Although it is very difficult to receive four suited aces or the corresponding hand required to win a progressive jackpot, it is not impossible.

Conclusion

Progressive blackjack variations are among the most thrilling games available at many online casinos. They appeal to players because they offer an opportunity to win a substantial prize while enjoying a popular casino game. To be eligible for the jackpot, you must place the required side bet, although winning is never guaranteed.

In the meantime, you can enjoy blackjack as usual and concentrate on beating the dealer. Bear in mind that using an appropriate strategy throughout your session is essential if you want to make informed decisions. If you rely solely on intuition, you are more likely to lose in the long run.

FAQ: Progressive Blackjack