Editor’s note: Branding shifted toward Games Global for much of the legacy Microgaming catalog; lobbies may list either name—verify the help screen for exact paytables.
Why classic online blackjack still fills lobbies
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When it comes to online blackjack it appears that players still prefer the classic game of 21. Microgaming (Apricot) is a long-standing developer of classic blackjack software for online casinos. Despite all the popular variations of blackjack that are found online, many casinos still use Microgaming (Apricot)’s classic version. It has the advantage of being simple to learn and play while offering the player a decent chance to win.
Microgaming (Apricot) Classic Blackjack
The game is based upon blackjack as it is still found in the casinos of Las Vegas. A player is dealt two face-up cards. The dealer is dealt one face-up card and one face-down card. The player must then act on his or her hand in an effort to come closest to a total of 21 without going over.
The dealer is required to hit any total of 16 or less, and stand on totals of 17 or above. All of the standard betting options that one would find at a blackjack table in Las Vegas are available in Microgaming (Apricot)’s Classic Blackjack. Players can double down, split, and take insurance. The virtual table layout is exactly like that found in a live casino, right down to graphics of the shoe and chip rack.
For online casinos, Classic Blackjack is a good investment. The game draws players year after year, and it provides a consistent profit for the casino. It has now become a part of Microgaming (Apricot)’s Gold Series of games.
Why is Microgaming (Apricot) Classic Blackjack so Popular?
Some might wonder why this game remains so popular among players when there are many other options. Some of the new blackjack games offer exciting side bets to players, while still others use a live dealer. The live dealer games have grown in popularity because some players regard them as a more fair version of the game where all of the actions are transparent. But there are a few reasons why Microgaming (Apricot) Classic Blackjack is still the top online card game. The most important of these could be familiarity. It has been around so long that players are just used to it. Those who gamble online can be choosy about the games they play. When they find something they like, they stick with it. A low house edge is another reason that some players keep coming back to Classic Blackjack. Published marketing often cites a base edge around 0.13% under a specific, player-friendly ruleset—your actual edge moves with deck count, double/split permissions, peek, and whether the dealer hits soft 17, so read the in-game rules card before you lock in a session stake. That edge can be lowered even farther when a player makes use of basic blackjack strategy. Card counting is difficult with online blackjack games because the deck is shuffled after each hand, but the single-deck variety of this game still works in the player’s favor. Liberal rules are also why Classic Blackjack is a preferred game. The player is generally allowed to double down on totals of 9, 10, or 11, and some online casinos may even permit doubling on other totals. Players can split any pair, and some versions of the game also have a surrender option for the player. Insurance is also available, but this is a side bet that usually works against the player instead of working for them to lower the house edge. Finally, Microgaming (Apricot) has a solid reputation in the online gambling industry for developing fair games that work as intended. Classic Blackjack has also been made available for mobile platforms like the iOS and Android. Are you ready to give Classic Blackjack from Microgaming (Apricot) a try? You can find it at some of our recommended online casinos. Signing up takes just a few moments, and you can play from the comfort of home on your computer, phone, or tablet. You’ll even get a welcome bonus from most casinos when you make your first wagering deposit. To play real money blackjack, skim our online blackjack reviews hub for current bonus language before you deposit.
FAQs: Microgaming / Apricot classic blackjack
Is Classic Blackjack the same at every casino?
No—skins can tune doubles, splits, and deck depth; always open the paytable.
Can I count cards on these RNG tables?
Continuous shuffles or per-hand RNG reshuffles break counting; use basic strategy instead.
Does a 0.13% edge mean I will win?
No—it is a long-run statistical margin; short-term variance still swings hard.
Frequently asked questions
What is Microgaming Classic Blackjack?
A longstanding RNG blackjack title family found at many online casinos; exact rules depend on the operator skin.
Is the 0.13% house edge guaranteed?
No—house edge is rules-dependent; verify deck count, soft 17, doubles, splits, and peek on the table you select.
Can I count cards on Microgaming online blackjack?
Traditional counting is ineffective when the software shuffles each round or uses continuous randomization.