Casino Pokies News Archives - Page 5 of 8

Microgaming revamps an ageless classic

June 16, 2020 by Admin

Immortal Romance has been around for almost a decade but it still manages to draw players from across the globe. The slot is presently live with over 200 operators worldwide, this includes the United Kingdom and Sweden. This title has cemented its place as one of the most iconic and popular online slots ever to be released.

The original Immortal Romance online slot game first launched in December 2011 and has now been remastered in HTML5 format to encompass a host of new performance and feature upgrades. These include free games, autoplay, quick spin, enhanced animations, and improved audio to pay homage to the highly popular original soundtrack.

Players can now re-experience the vampire-themed slot in its revamped glory with its classic pulse-racing features, including the Chamber of Spins, which gives you the choice between four free spins options based on the game’s spooky protagonists, and the Wild Desire feature, which holds a win potential of over12,000x your bet.

Delve back into the darkness of paranormal mystery and intrigue in the newly re-created Immortal Romance. Further information is available on the Immortal Romance website here.

Fantasy, football, and fishing-themed pokies shaking up Microgaming’s June showcase

June 10, 2020 by Admin

Microgaming plans to release an exciting new set of exclusive games to offer its customers an even wider range of online entertainment to choose from this June. The firm has once again employed the talents of its team of independent game studios, with each title offering you a uniquely immersive experience.

The month kicked off with the launch of 11 Champions by Gameburger Studio which is a high-volatility slot with five reels and 20 paylines.

A duo of fantasy-themed real money pokies with magical gameplay is also on the release list for Microgaming’s content aggregation platform this month. Aliya’s Wishes by Fortune Factory Studios breaks ground on 9 June and Age of Conquest from Neon Valley Studios debuts on 16 June.

Roman Power also steps into the spotlight on 18 June, set against the backdrop of an opulent empire, with an adventuring soundtrack setting the scene for flaming multipliers and the expanding Hero Wild feature.

The 90s make a comeback in adventurous style with a sapphire-eyed, fearless heroine hunts down vicious monsters in Aurora Beast Hunter by Just For The Win. This retro-blast is set for release on 23 June. The game’s features include random cash prizes, four types of wilds, and a choice of three free spin variants, all to the tune of exuberant rock guitars.

Wild Catch from Stormcraft Studios is the final release for June. This atmospheric title will transport you to a serene, outdoor environment. With a set release date of 30 June, this slot promises to enchant with beautifully rendered graphics. The win potential for this artistic title is up to 9,000x your initial bet.

Microgaming’s diverse roster of content partners will also be revealing over 20 new titles this month. These include Fortress Charge from Crazy Tooth Studio, Wild Predators by Golden Rock Studios, Bar-X Pull Tab by Realistic Games, Super Sync from Plank Gaming, Joker Reelz by Tom Horn Gaming, and 9 Tigers developed by Wazdan.

Lightning Box Games reaches new heights with Eagle Sun video slot

May 25, 2020 by Admin

Hot on the heels of the release of its Blown Away video slot, third-party online casino game developer, Lightning Box is back with a new five-reel, 40 payline Eagle Sun video slot.

The firm issued a statement in the form of a press release from its Australian headquarters that was published by European Gaming Media and Events. The statement laid out how this latest four-row video slot is a depiction of the arid American southwest that features a respin bonus game that you can trigger by getting the game symbol on the third reel.

Tribal appeal

Lightning Box Games announced that Eagle Sun’s return to player ratio is 95.76% and that you can expect to collect ‘totem pole-sized payouts’ thanks to an array of extra wilds that you can activate by accumulating ‘the legendary Native American emblem’ during the re-spin bonus. The developer added that players would be able to ‘reach for the sky’ with an 80-payline free games feature that holds the possibility of a Super Eagle Spin if you can gather enough eagle symbols.

A first impression

Peter Causley, the Lightning Box Games CEO, announced in the press release that Eagle Sun would initially be exclusively hosted at WilliamHill.com, with a wider release for all operators planned for May 27.

Causley closed off by summing up why this new title is a must-play.

“Real money pokies Players can hit new heights on their way to massive wins in our latest game, Eagle Sun. Featuring two opportunities to collect extra wilds, it’s sure to appeal to a wide audience and the unique re-triggering mechanic means they won’t have to wait long for action.”

Microgaming premieres Anderthals slot and other April releases

April 11, 2020 by Admin

Microgaming has revealed its April game releases in partnership with its independent studios and content partners. An exciting month is ahead for all slot enthusiasts.

From Jewel thieves to cave dwellers

Anderthals is up first on the April roster. This title is a 5-reel, 40-payline slot, created by Just For The Win, exclusively for Microgaming. This game features Andy and Annie a cave-couple and their adventures of survival and discovery. They are depicted in bold visuals accompanied by a heart-pounding soundtrack. The game boasts feature spots that are placed atop the reels, randomly gifting you expanding Wilds, multipliers, respins, and free spins. You could win a maximum of 2,219x your wager.

On 14 April, Diamond Force makes its arrival. This slot teams you up with four superheroes and their mission to protect the city. This 5-reel slot has 1,024 ways to win and was created by the minds at Crazy Tooth Studio. This title’s special features are the Team-Up Feature and Team-Up Bonus Spins will propel you to superhuman heights of winning.

Arena of Gold, from All41 Studios, arrives next and is themed around glorious Roman gladiators. This slot launches on 21 April and has 5 reels and 25 paylines, featuring free Spins, merged reels, and the Golden Re-Spins all feature.

Snowborn games have the last of the exclusive content with their slot, The Vault, which launches on 28 April. This title transports you to a prestigious art gallery in Paris and introduces you to the slot’s protagonist, a skillful jewel thief on a hunt for the ultimate heist. The game has 5 reels, 20 paylines, and a slew of bonus features, including respins, expanding Wilds, and free spins.

Seven more April titles for Microgaming online casinos

Microgaming has a selection of non-exclusive content also set to be added to their catalog this month:

Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1X2gaming, 1 April)
Cheeky Fruits 5 (Gamevy, 2 April)
Arabian Spins (Booming Games, 2 April)
Hot Cross Bunnies Game Changer (Realistic Games, 9 April)
Spinosaurus (Booming Games, 23 April)
La Mina de Oro Plus (MGA, 27 April)
Psycho Candies (Gamevy, 30 April)

Microgaming expressed their excitement at being able to add to their roster in a press release.

“Rich in rewarding features, stunning visuals, and diverse characters and styles, there is plenty of choices available for our customers this month,” said James Buchanan, Director of Global Operations at Microgaming.

New progressives, branded slots and the return of legendary characters on the cards for Microgaming in 2020

February 14, 2020 by Admin

While the organized chaos of ICE London 2020 was underway, Microgaming took the chance to show that it has no intention of slowing its progress. The organisation has over 100 exclusive titles and 240 partner games primed for its content aggregation platform.

The prominent supplier displayed its new range to guests at the event, showcasing the diversity of its latest and upcoming games. These included new progressive slots, newly branded content, and the return of beloved game characters.

Over the three-day event, ICE attendees were enthusiastically welcomed to Microgaming’s world, consisting of nine independent studios that got to showcase some of their new, exclusive creations. The promise of even more choice and innovation for Microgaming’s customers was palpable. A series of spectacular, celebratory game reveals accompanied the exhibition, with the experience enhanced by a professional DJ.

Microgaming kicked off its ICE experience in trademark style, unveiling one of several new branded games destined for its platform this year. The announcement of its Game of Thrones™ Power Stacks™ online slot developed exclusively by Slingshot Studios was followed by an exclusive, VIP soirée for Microgaming customers at the esteemed Peruvian restaurant, COYA in Mayfair, London.

The second day saw attendees immersed in an enchanting world of magical riches with the reveal of Sisters of Oz, a new progressive slot featuring the newly revamped WowPot jackpot, created exclusively by Triple Edge Studios. The studio, which famously created the highly popular Book of Oz slot, has continually grown its portfolio and took the opportunity to tease a new title, Attack on Retro as well as another new progressive slot, Absolootly Mad™, featuring the world-renowned Mega Moolah jackpot. Microgaming closed off the day with an electrifying celebration of a new deadmau5 branded online slot, inspired by the world-renowned electronic music artist’s latest tour, cube v3.

The final day brought more delights. Attendees found themselves absorbed in a world of straight-to-video 90s action, blaring riffs and breakneck gameplay with the reveal of a new Aurora Beast Hunter slot by Just For The Win. The studio is also poised to release Treasure Skyland™ and Anderthals™ later in the year. Classic characters waiting in the wings for their return to Microgaming’s diverse portfolio of content include a legendary jungle hero in Tarzan® and the Jewels of Opar, a new branded slot from Fortune Factory Studios. Ace navigator and celebrated explorer, Victoria, and the industrious inventor of mechanical marvels, Maximillian, will also make a return in Fortunium Gold, a new title from Stormcraft Studios featuring the WowPot jackpot.

Gameburger Studios also dished out delectable content. The creators of Break da Bank and Break da Bank Again Respin and 9 Masks of Fire™, unveiled 9 Pots of Gold and 11 Champions Golden Goal. Showcasing their inspired and passionate energy for developing enjoyable, story-driven casino slots, Neon Valley Studios, who are responsible for Aurora Wilds, premiered its upcoming Age of Conquest online slot and Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah progressive.

Foxium’s creative experts revealed compelling themes and captivating narratives, revealing 3 Tiny Gods and Cossacks: Wild Hunt, While All41 Studios an ambitious studio Estonian outfit, the creators of Magic of Sahara and Book of Atem, publicized upcoming titles, including Arena of Gold and Mayan Eagle. Switch Studios, who are table game specialists, also gave a rousing presentation of their brand new table games content, which included roulette, blackjack and other popular variants, as well as a modern take on the ancient dice game Sic Bo.

Bendigo gambling records record losses

February 4, 2020 by Admin

Luck seems to be consistently evading the punters of Bendigo, Victoria. The latest data reveals that players from the region are losing more at pokies than a year prior. The period from 2018 to 2019 saw pokies losses increase by 2.5% from $50,005,104 to $51,218,482. This brings the loss to $1 million, the biggest upsurge in a decade.

Officials were blindsided by this news as efforts to combat problem gambling have been recently intensified by local authorities. Recent years have seen a number of pokies being frozen across the state. In addition, pokies have been limited in areas with higher levels of identified vulnerable players have seen their pokies limited, and restrictions being placed on cash withdrawals.

Bendigo’s 2019 gambling losses

The section below examines 11 gambling venues in the Greater Bendigo area and their losses recorded from July to December 2019.

Bendigo District DSL – $4,497,386.03. The winning average, per-machine came to $48,359 on 93 pokies.
Kangaroo Flat Sports Club – $1,150,982.95. The club’s pokies averaged $19,183
Windemere Hotel – $3,443,838.94. 40 poker machines made an average of $86,096 apiece.
Bendigo Stadium – $3,171,202.11. This sporting arena scored an average of $30,202 per machine.
The All Seasons Hotel – $5,953,660.52. The venue’s 99 machines took an average of $60,138.
The Bendigo Club – $1,452,749.29. The club’s machines earned an average of $24,212.
The Foundry Hotel Complex – $1,011,013.19. Each poker machine earned an average of $40,441.
Shamrock Hotel – $1,950,726.21. The pokies’ average earnings came in at $30,011.
The Rising Sun Hotel – $1,865,571.57. The per-machine average was $53,302.
The Borough Club – $1,497,975.14. The machines averaged $37,449.
City Family Hotel – $823,027.32. The per-machine winning average was $21,103.

Greater Bendigo has a population of over 111,000 people. Bearing this in mind, the losses average out to $441 per resident. Most Bendigonians, however, don’t play pokies, so these losses are being absorbed by an unlucky few.

The challenging peculiarities of Online Gambling

Victoria’s push to address against problem gambling still has many hurdles to clear. The state has endorsed several restrictions against online gaming operators in 2019. Among the most notable are:

Sports-betting providers are barred from marketing online services to customers. The sole exception applies where punters who want to play real money online pokies decide to opt-in to marketing of this type.
Operators must streamline the processes punters have to follow to set limits or close their accounts.
Websites are prohibited from offering vouchers, credit or other rewards to tempt punters into opening an account.
Free money can only be awarded, under the condition that it’s can only be used to make wagers.

The above rules listed above form part of the National Consumer Protection Framework. Several years’ worth of effort and dedication went into this initiative which is squarely focused on reducing gambling harm within Victoria.

Costello chimes in

Tim Costello, chief advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform understandably had strong feelings regarding the gambling losses and wasted no time in making them known.

He characterized pokies as a “blight” on Bendigo, adding, “Poker machines are designed to be deliberately addictive.”

“Poker machines are an effective drain on local economies. We know that a substantial percentage of those losses come from people experiencing gambling harm and that gambling harm is often at its worst in areas that can least afford the losses.”

Costello laid out his suggested solutions to remedy the problem:

Do away with losses masquerading as wins.
Introduce regulations to limit the spin rate of pokies.
Reduce the maximum per-spin wager limit from $5 to $1.
Cut business hours for places offering pokies.

Australia adds more Gambling Sites to block list

January 31, 2020 by Admin

ACMA, the Australian Communications and Media Authority have instructed internet service providers to add nine more online gambling sites to their block list. This order demonstrates the powers granted to the regulator by section 313 of the Telecommunications Act.

The nine sites facing the ISP block are Roo Casino, GW Casino, Wager Beat, Joe Fortune, Ignition Casino, Casino Dingo, AU Slots, Top Bet, and XBet. This action follows comes after 80 complaints about these sites were submitted to the ACMA.

An ACMA spokesperson commented on this new development, saying: “ACMA investigations found these services to be operating in breach of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.”

Over 90 iGaming operators have exited the Australian marketplace since the ACMA began enforcing illegal gambling legislation in 2017. Paul Fletcher, the Australian Communications Minister elaborated on the reason for this action, stating that: “Up to AU$400 million each year is spent on illegal gambling sites, amounting to AU$100 million in lost taxation.”

Fletcher also said, “While ACMA has a range of powers to protect Australians from illegal gambling services — including issuing formal warnings and seeking civil penalty orders, it can be difficult to take direct action against faceless companies with no legal presence on our shores.”

“This is an important partnership with the Communications Alliance, and I want to acknowledge the industry’s support. Working with ACMA, these additional measures give ISPs the ability to block illegal websites, protecting Australians and contributing to a safer online gambling environment.”

Playtech and GVC change the game with innovative new Studio

November 9, 2019 by Admin

Gambling technology company Playtech announced a new partnership with Isle of Man gambling operator GVC Holdings and revealed plans to launch a dedicated Live Casino studio.

The project, named the Elevation Live Casino space, will be introduced via a staggered launch over the next two months. A major marketing campaign has been planned to ensure the Studio gains its due attention,

Elevation’s l initial offering includes five blackjack tables and a roulette wheel studio. Players can expect more versions of popular table games to be added in the near future.

Playtech have promised a “true visual spectacle” and an enhanced player experience by with a massive video wall displaying immersive visuals. The Elevation Live Casino studio plans to provide casino gaming content exclusively across GVC’s many gambling brands.

The Live Casino space launch is merely a component in Playtech and GVC’s long-term agreement which they signed this past February. The agreement will see Playtech supply technology and content across GVC’s gaming and sports betting brands.

By June of this year, the deal had already borne fruit with the provider’s online casino content launching across GVC’s businesses, including, but not limited to; bwin, partypoker, PartyCasino, and Sportingbet.

A unique casino experience

Playtech COO Shimon Akad commented on the upcoming launch of the Elevation studio, expressing delight at the extension of their long-standing partnership with the company that is “behind some of the most iconic brands in online gambling.”

Mr. Akad also noted Playtech’s significant investment in Live Casino technology and facilities, “so, in a year when we’ve done more than ever to enhance our product, it seems only fitting to be working with an industry leader to deliver an even more-innovative live experience.”

Over the past year, Playtech has launched several new games in an effort t to bolster its Live Casino content portfolio and has expanded its Live Casino presence in a number of new markets. In the third quarter of 2019, the company has already launched its first dedicated roulette table for the Spanish market as well as releasing a number of new games and variants. The new releases include Quantum Roulette, American Roulette, All Bets Blackjack, the revamped Hi-Lo Club, and Heads Up Hold’em.

GVC COO Shay Segev weighed in on the new offering, saying that “significant investment has gone into delivering this first stage of Elevation studio” Segev expressed satisfaction with the results as online gamblers are drawn to “more immersive, entertainment-driven” Live Casino experiences.

The Live Casino segment has revealed itself as one of the major growth areas in online gambling.

South Australia Mulls Gambling Reforms

October 15, 2019 by Admin

The South Australian State Parliament will be considering a proposed package of gambling reforms this week. The proposals, if approved, would have widespread effects on the state’s punters. The reforms remain a contentious issue, with vocal opponents vowing to halt them in their tracks.

The Proposals

The following proposals have been presented to the state for consideration:

Pokies would be able to accept banknotes instead of coins.
Rather than reducing the number of poker machines in the state, a maximum limit would be put in place.
Restrictions would be lifted, allowing access to gaming machines on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Clubs would have fewer restrictions when performing certain functions including, club mergers and the transfer of gambling machines (such as video poker) between locations.
Venues would be able to indefinitely ban “problem gamblers”. Banned players would face having their winnings seized and donated to the Gamblers Rehabilitation Fund which would also absorb any unclaimed winnings.

Proponents and opponents

The reforms have found their biggest supporter in Attorney-General Vickie Chapman.

Chapman believes that the proposals will greatly assist in curtailing problem gambling in the state. “Through these changes, we’re looking to maintain support for our vibrant hospitality sector while ensuring there’s help available to those who are at risk,” said Chapman.

Chapman pointed out that allowing banknote-accepting machines would align South Australia with similar policies, adopted by other Aussie states as well as New Zealand.

Lawmakers have added their support, favouring the prospect of a reduction in the bureaucracy that clubs have to deal with. Paving an easier way for club mergers would also eventually reduce their total number.

It remains to be seen whether the proposals will survive the wrath of their fiercest detractors. Tim Costello of the Alliance for Gambling Reform called the banknote proposal “appalling.”

He drew comparisons between American gun laws and Aussie gambling laws. “It’s why going from coin-operated to cash is really like going from the ball-and-musket rifle in America – the Second Amendment right to carry a gun – to the semiautomatic and claiming the same right to carry a gun. That technology change makes no sense for liberty in America; here what South Australia is doing is just going backwards.”

Best MLC Frank Pangallo is standing in defiance, alongside Costello. In his opinion, the banknote reform is nothing less than “thoughtless, callous and heartless.”

Pangallo fears that the measure would “absolutely accelerate problem gambling.”

Another SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros has also joined the ranks of those opposed, pointing out that the coin-only policy has been the “single most effective harm minimization measure” currently in place. She accused members of the government of turning a deaf ear to gambling advocates and experts.

More than meets the eye?

Several journalists have speculated that ulterior motives may be at play. The working theory is that some parties may stand to gain from the reforms.

Records from the SA Electoral Commission clearly show that the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) has made a number of political donations. 2019 has seen the group donate more than $6,000 to the Labor Party and over $42,000 to the Liberal Party.

The AHA has lauded the proposals, eagerly pointing out the benefits to hotels, clubs, and legal casinos. The political donations have, however, left a cloud of suspicion hanging over the organization, as increased profits in the industry would offer a direct and immediate financial benefit to them.

New Pokie Releases from Microgaming

October 5, 2019 by Admin

Microgaming pokie fans will be thrilled with these new releases:

Banana Odyssey

Banana Odyssey is a space-themed game, set on the Banana planet. This exclusive title was created by Slingshot Studios who are also responsible for Zombie Hoard and Cash of Kingdoms.

In the game, two astro-chimps are on a space quest the Banana Planet’s legendary riches. This high energy, five-by-three reel, 10-payline online slot features free spins, expanding wilds and respins. This spacey slot takes players on an epic stellar journey for riches.

Buck and Chip are the astro-chimps piloting the craft in the game. When the wild symbol lands on one of the three middle reels and expands to fill the entire reel, it triggers the cosmic respin feature. When this feature is activated, the expanded wild remains locked in place as the remaining reels respin. Additional wilds present an opportunity to trigger even further respins, significantly increasing the potential for rewards.

Landing three scatter symbols on reels two, three and four triggers 10 free spins, with the potential for locked expanding wilds which astronomically boost win potential.

Aurora Wilds

Aurora Wilds, is the debut game from Neon Valley Studios, an independent exclusively developing for Microgaming.

The slot is a five-reel, ten-payline online slot set in the magical Pacific Northwest. Features include expanding wilds, respins, bi-directional paylines, and the Jackpot Wheel, Stunning visuals of the Northern Lights feature in the backdrop.

Totem animals prance along the reels as wild symbols appear on reels two, three and four. When the wild symbol lands, it expands to fill the entire reel, locking into place and awarding a free respin. A total of three successive respins can be triggered as additional wilds land during the feature.

The game’s ambiance is completed by ethereal music that perfectly matches the visual theme players will note a change in the music when three scatter symbols land to trigger the Jackpot Wheel, which guarantees one of four jackpot prizes, awarding up to 2,000x the player’s bet.

If you enjoy games with expanding wilds, like the Ariana pokie, you should definitely give Aurora Wilds a try!

Tweet Hearts

Tweet hearts features nesting love birds against the backdrop of a leafy paradise. This five-reel, 17-payline slot features lush jungle visuals with brightly coloured parrots to delight the senses. Brand new features can be found nesting in this title, including the Double Lucky Line, Random Wilds, free spins and three different types of wild symbols.

The Double Lucky Line, perches on the middle row across all five reels. When double symbols land on the Double Lucky Line, they are counted as two symbols for any winning combinations or free spin symbols.

The Random Wild feature is sure to ruffle feathers in a good way. When this feature is active, two to six symbol positions turn into wild symbols before the spin stops. Free spins are triggered when five or more free spin symbols land, immediately awarding 10 free spins. For each additional free spin symbol, an extra spin is awarded, up to a maximum of 25 spins in total.

During the free spins round, Lucky Wilds unlock extra double positions throughout the reels and award additional free spins. These transform into a double position for the duration of the free spins feature, increasing the potential for incredible rewards.

Book of Oz: Lock ‘N Spin

Triple Edge Studios has unlocked a brand-new chapter of its Book of Oz series with a five-reel, ten-payline, and high-volatility online slot. All the magic and compelling playability of the original game, feature in this title, released in December last year. The new title boasts thrilling new features including the Hyperspins™ Lock ‘N Spin and 2nd Chance.

The Hyperspins™ Lock ‘N Spin feature within the base game allows players to lock up to four reels and then re-spin for a chance at a bounty of winning. An additional Free Spins feature may also be triggered. Locking reels is a vital strategy for players to achieve near wins or activate the five Book scatter symbols, which have their own set of lucrative rewards to offer.

Book symbols serve as a wild and scatter, either helping players to conjure a winning combination, or triggering free spin rounds. Finding three, four or five Book symbols launches the Free Spins feature, rewarding 10, 12 or 25 free spins respectively. The Book of Oz’s true treasure is the wizard symbol, a real-cash bonus that pays out 5000x your line bet, if you land five of a kind.

A magical new 2nd Chance feature enhances the already spectacular free spins by allowing players to lock the original symbol in place or to take a chance with a reshuffle for a special expanding symbol upgrade. The special symbol boosts the players luck across the reels, enhancing the potential to win by up to 5000x the initial bet. If three or more Book symbols are obtained within the free spins feature, further free spins are gifted to the lucky player.

Boom Pirates

The stunningly rendered and animated crew of a pirate ship, helmed by Captain Mary, make for a compelling pokie packed with a bounty of treasures, including the all-new Wonderways™ and Foxify™ features.

Raid the treasures of the oceans with the Boom Pirates feature powered by Wonderways, during which cannon fire transforms the five-by-four reel grid into astonishing nine-by-six reels, offering over 10 million ways to win.

The Foxify feature boosts players’ chances of triggering three swashbuckling features; raising the initial wager by 50%.

Captain Mary randomly makes an appearance in the game to turn non-winning spins into a five-of-a-kind winning combinations.

When the captain gets her pirate crew fired up, YO-HO-HO scatter symbols land on reels one, three and five. Finding all three symbols will activate free spins, launching an intriguing treasure hunt. When the Boom Pirates cannon is fired, activated Wonderways remain open for the duration of the free spins. This combined with the fact that any three scatters landing offer an additional five free spins, provides the potential for huge rewards.

Players with an extreme hunger for gold can purchase free spins for the pirates’ price of 100x the initial bet. The buy-in feature lets scurvy seafarers pillage free spins at any time they choose during the game.