Progressive Blackjack
Progressive Blackjack is definitely among the most entertaining and exciting variations of the classic blackjack game due to the fact that it provides gamblers with the chance to win in a new way. In fact, this blackjack variant has become so well-liked as it comes with a progressive jackpot that can build up really fast. Progressive Blackjack is a standard version of Blackjack that has an optional side bet, usually costing £1/€1/$1 depending on the currency you are using. Progressive Blackjack Betting Systems. A progressive betting system is a kind of strategy that people employ when they play casino gambling games, one of which is blackjack, whereby the amount bet is lowered or raised depending on whether the previous hand was won or lost.
Progressive blackjack is one of the most exciting casino games due to the fact that it gives players the unique opportunity to win big. The main difference between the classic game and this variation is that it usually features a massive jackpot which increases every time someone plays. Progressive Blackjack Betting Systems Playing in a blackjack game with a side bet on a progressive jackpot isn’t the only way to win a lot of money at the blackjack table. You could also use a progressive blackjack betting system. A progressive betting system is one where you increase the size of your bets according to some established system.
Believe it or not, as exciting as the game of Blackjack is, the true rush comes only when you try the game’s progressive variant. Known for the low house edge it offers to the players, the standard Blackjack is made into a potentially more profitable card game with the implementation of progressive jackpot to the regular Blackjack structure.
Literally any variation of Blackjack can become progressive – betting on the increasing jackpot amount is usually optional and the players can choose to skip the side bet or even ignore it completely for as many rounds as they want. The amount one needs to place to qualify for the progressive reward is the table minimum and the jackpot is won if the player’s hand has four aces.
The appeal of Progressive Blackjack
Even with the low house edge, regular Blackjack does not really have sky high payout ratio that can be found in table games such as Baccarat or Roulette. With 3 to 2 or 6 to 5 payout rate, players must make sure to employ the perfect Blackjack strategy in order to generate a profit – even if your Blackjack skills are flawless and you are in complete control of your game, a certain amount of time is still required for some significant progress to be achieved.
In case you are one of those players who lack the patience to endure the standard Blackjack sessions and gradually accumulate your winnings, Progressive Blackjack is exactly what you are looking for, as it offers a chance for a quick and sudden turnaround. Together with the jackpot, the excitement at the table will also grow, giving an extra edge to each session.
What is the catch of Progressive Blackjack?
At one point, the Progressive jackpot amount will look too attractive to pass. However, before taking the leap of faith, one must be aware of the fact that the house edge on progressive side bets is enormous (around 40%) and in most cases, the jackpot will stay fixed on a certain amount, without ever exceeding it. In other words, you should dream big, but not put all of your eggs in one basket.
The payout table for the Progressive jackpot is of course separated from the standard Blackjack payout rates and can look something like this (with $1 as the set bonus bet amount and starting amount of $20,000, where approximately 33% of every bonus bet dollar goes towards the pool):
Hand | Payout |
1 Ace | $1 |
2 Aces | $5 |
2 Aces of Same Colour | $10 |
Suited 2 Aces | $50 |
3 Aces | $100 |
3 Aces of Same Colour | $250 |
Suited 3 Aces | $2,500 |
4 Aces | $1,500 |
4 Aces of Same Colour | Full Jackpot |
Progressive Blackjack Strategy
Just like with any game that features a progressive jackpot, caution is strongly advised. Still, Progressive Blackjack is a great way to break the monotony of the regular variant and step out of your comfort zone, even if just for a little while. Major adrenaline rush is guaranteed and, as the pool increases in size, so will your ambition.
For many, progressive jackpot is one of the most exciting additions to the standard game of blackjack. If in the past you were going back and forth between blackjack tables and progressive slot machines, now there is one game that gives you both (almost): the logical and solid blackjack with the thrill of a massive, life-changing jackpot.
Together with Perfect Pairs, Progressive Blackjack is one of the most popular side bets and it’s not surprise that you can find many variations of this game by multiple software providers. Naturally, the rules vary a bit from one to another and here we will focus on USA Progressive Blackjack game by WGS Technology, which is one of the rare few available at US friendly blackjack sites.
Unfortunately, WGS do not offer their games to be played for free, outside of their casinos, but if you wish to see how it goes, you can try our Free Progressive Blackjack by Microgaming.
WGS Rules & Payouts
This version of Progressive blackjack is played with 4 decks of cards. As usual with video blackjack games the cards are shuffled after each round.
- The dealer stands on hard and soft 17.
- You can split only once.
- Split Aces receive one card.
- Blackjack on a split hand counts as 21.
- You can double on initial hands with value of 9, 10 or 11.
- The game offers standard payouts of 3:2 on blackjack.
Progressive Payouts
If you wish to have a shot at the massive jackpot, you need to place a $1 progressive bet. This bet is not compulsory and you can choose whether to place it or not.
Progressive Blackjack Rules
- 4 suited aces: 100% of pot
- 4 aces: 10% of pot
- 3 suited aces: $2500
- 3 aces, any suit: $250
- 2 suited aces: $50
- 2 aces, any suit: $25
WGS Progressive Blackjack Odds
As usual with side bets blackjack, in order to analyse the odds and house edge we need to separate the basic game and the side bet. In terms of basic game, the house edge here stands on 0.57%. That’s rather average, for sure compared to WGS Single deck blackjack which has house edge of just 0.2%. But blackjack is not just about the odds, but about having a good time, and 99.43% RTP is more than reasonable.
In terms of Progressive Jackpot, the return here varies according the size of the jackpot. That’s since the odds of hitting a winning combination remain the same, but the expected payout varies. Therefore, it’s better to play this game when the jackpot goes above its average range.
Progressive Blackjack
Actually, at certain point you can even get an edge over the house. That happens if the jackpot goes $285,000. Currently, it stands just below $70,000 and the expected return is 95%.
Betting Limits
Progressive Betting Blackjack Chart
WGS games should suite all, from casual low stakes players and up to heavy high rollers. The minimum bet is just $1 and it goes up to $500 per hand. WGS Progressive Blackjack also offers multi-hand play so you can bet on 5 different hands simultaneously. As we said before, it doesn’t matter how much your basic bet is, the progressive bet is always $1.