Microgaming Software: Empowering 511 Reviewed Online Casinos

Introduction

Microgaming is one of the oldest and best known suppliers of online casino software in the industry. Their story begins in 1994 when they launched the first Internet casino, the Gaming Club, which continues to use Microgaming software to this day. Since then they have grown to about 70 Internet casinos. In online gaming news, they have broken the record for the largest progressive jackpot won online many times over. They have paid out jackpots over $1 million multiple times. Unlike some other Internet casinos which dribble-pay big winners, Microgaming casinos pay jackpot winners immediately and in full.

In 2008, Microgaming announced their casinos would no longer accept American players due to anti-Internet gambling laws in the US. Despite losing a large portion of the market, Microgaming has continued to grow, adding many new games and casinos from their headquarters in the Isle of Man. In particular, Microgaming offers hundreds of video slot machines with state of the art graphics and sounds. They have licensed some themed games, like Lord of the Rings and Batman.

What players can expect is the same package of games at every Microgaming casino with the same rules and odds. At the Gaming Club website, they claim, “All payout percentages are reviewed by independent auditors, and with an average 97.48% payout ratio, you can expect better returns than those from a land-based casino. ” This is probably true on average, but on some games the Microgaming rules are just as stingy as land casinos, or more. This review looks in depth at the rules to advise you when you’re getting a good bet and when you’re not.

As an American, it isn’t easy playing a Microgaming casino at all, even in fun mode. To do so, I had to get a proxy server, making it appear like I was in the UK via a phony IP address. I played only the Flash casino at the Gaming Club in free mode, as opposed to the download and using real money. This review details the games that they have and the rules they follow.

 

Table Games

In the Flash casino, Microgaming lists 55 table games. However, some of these are nearly identical to each other, like the same set of blackjack rules with and without a side bet. The minimum on most games is $1 and the maximum is usually $100 to $500. Following is a description of each game

 

Crown and Anchor

This is a simplified skin of sic bo. In both games, three dice are rolled and the player can bet on any given face appearing at least once. One match pays 1 to 1, two matches pays 2 to 1, and three matches pays 3 to 1. Sic bo offers the same bet, except three matches pays 12 to 1.

The house edge in Crown and Anchor is 7.87%. The equivalent bet in sic bo has a house edge of 3.70%. So, there is there no reason to play Crown and Anchor when Microgaming offers a better bet in sic bo two clicks away. Playing this game would be like betting the Big 6 or 8 in craps. Why get only even money when a place bet is exactly the same but pays 7 to 6?

Double Exposure

In the tradition of liking outdated table games, Microgaming offers Double Exposure. For those who aren’t familiar with the game, it plays like blackjack except both dealer cards are exposed. For this, the player loses most ties and a blackjack pays even money. Here are the specific Microgaming rules.

  • 8 decks.
  • Dealer hits soft 17.
  • Player blackjack always wins.
  • Double on hard 9 to 11 only.
  • Double after split allowed.
  • Player may re-split to four hands, except aces, which may be split once only.
  • Player may not split unlike tens.
  • Drawing to split aces not allowed.

The limits are $5 to $500. I estimate the house edge to be about 0.32%.

 

Live Dealers

The Microgaming web site claims they have a live dealer studio, as well as some other affiliate sites, but I’m having difficulty finding anybody who actually offers them. From other affiliate sites, it seems they offer both generic tables as well as Playboy tables, dealt by lovely ladies in Playboy Bunny outfits.

What I can do for you is comment on the games offered, the rules, and odds, as follows:

  • Blackjack — 8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17, no hole card, double 9-11 only, no double after split. House edge under these rules is 0.88%.
  • Casino Hold ‘Em.
  • Baccarat — Standard bets and pays are offered on the Banker, Player, Tie, Player Pair, and Banker Pair.
  • Roulette — Single-zero, for a house edge of 2.70%.

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