Online Casino Spotlight

If you are one of the millions of people that own a smartphone, like the Blackberry or iPhone, you likely use the device to pass the time by playing mobile games. These mobile games have come a long way in recent years, adding impressive graphics and expanded game play. Turns out, they have come all the way to the casino. Several online casinos are now offering mobile versions of their slot machines and poker rooms that you can play free or for the chance to win cash prizes.

How Mobile Casinos Work

Playing at the online casino on your smartphone is the same as playing on your home computer. You download a small software program that enables you to connect to the casino’s games. Once the software is launched, you can access the online casino from anywhere you can get a data connection. The software is free and takes up very little space on your device’s memory. If you want to play for cash, you can set up an account using your debit or credit card on the mobile application as well.

Mobile casinos offer all of the same games and functionality as they would on your computer. However, some of the games may have less quality due to the size of your smartphones screen and its graphic capabilities.

The Advantages of Playing at a Mobile Casino

There are a few advantages to playing at a mobile casino. For one, you can play your favorite poker game or slot machine almost anywhere in the world, so you can pass the time while commuting to work, or on your lunch break. Playing the mobile version also gives you more opportunities to increase your skill. The more you practice, the better your skills will be, and mobile casinos give you unlimited time to practice. In addition, using the casinos software on your smartphone device may be even more secure then playing at home because smartphones are not at high risk for getting a virus or being hacked.

The Disadvantages of Playing at a Mobile Casino

The mobile version of the online casino’s playing software is limited to what your smartphone device is capable of handling. This may make some games not look as good as your use to or not function entirely. In addition, game play on a smartphone device may be difficult to get used too.

If you have a smartphone, give mobile gaming a try. The software download is free and you can test as many as you want.

Online gambling has grown to become a fiercely competitive industry.  This is evident when examining some of the top online casino software providers and their respective portfolios.  Take Microgaming for example.  This company offers more than 400 games, giving players the beauty of variety.  Rival Gaming on the other hand, only has about 60 games in its portfolio.  Does the number of games a casino offers really matter?  Does it mean that one software provider is better than the other? Although it all depends on who you ask, this article will strive to provide the answers.

Veterans vs. Newcomers

When trying to determine why one casino has considerably more games than their competition, one must understand that some online casino software providers have been in the business much longer than others.  For instance, Microgaming has been around for more than a decade now whereas Rival Gaming got its start just a few years ago.  This alone is a significant factor that accounts for the vast difference in the number of games a given casino has to offer.  The second reason is associated with the rate of releases.  Over the years, Microgaming has been committed to introducing three to four new titles every month, while Rival Gaming adds new games on a more sporadic schedule.

The Aspect of Variety

When you create an account with an online casino powered by Microgaming software, you will have your shot at well over 400 games.  More than likely, you will not have the time or desire to play all 400.  Some players prefer slots, some love scratch cards and others live for the thrill of table games.  For this reason, they are more likely to stick with the games that fall into those categories.  Hence, the power of Microgaming casinos does not lie in the 400 games, but the variety they offer to the player.  Everyone is different and has their own preference, factors that allow the software provider and its licensees to cater to the masses.  So while a company such as Rival Gaming cannot match Microgaming’s variety, one like Cryptoplogic, which offers a diverse portfolio of about 200 games, can.

Out with the Old, in with the New

The rate at which new casino games are added is another important factor on the market.  While certain games such as blackjack and poker will probably maintain their popularity for an eternity, other games will become dull over time once people grow tired of playing them.  For example, online slots without the additional bonus game on the separate screen are considered old news among many players.  While some players still prefer the old school version, that percentage is dwindling quickly.  For this reason, software providers that keep the market fresh with new titles are more likely to attract more players and maintain their interest.

Conclusion

The battle continues to wage on, but direct competition in the online gambling space is actually on the decline.  Today, operators are focused on strengthening their bottom line through niche markets.  A perfect example is Rival Gaming and its exclusive i-Slots.  As more players emerge online, they will likely discover their niche and find that the number of games a casino offers isn’t as important as it once seemed.

Today’s casino software is loaded with features that benefit the gambling operator and player alike.  One feature that can definitely work to the player’s advantage is the “Help” function.   Let’s have a closer look at this feature to see out it operates in some of the most popular software platforms.

Microgaming

When playing on Microgaming online casino software, you can usually access the Help feature by clicking on the “?” in the top left corner of the screen.  Once inside, you will find that the Help section is complimented by variety of menus on different topics.  The main menu gives you details about the game you are playing, symbols, bonus rounds, and payouts.  It also provides complete game rules, which makes it a valuable feature to new players.  Other information provided are general details regarding slots and the Expert mode functions found in Microgaming casino games.  You can also find contact information should you need to speak with the casino staff for any reason.  The Microgaming Help feature provides a wealth of comprehensive information that adds a nice touch of user-friendliness to game play.

Playtech

When playing at a casino powered by Playtech software, you can find the Help tab under the menu button at the bottom of the screen.  When clicking on the Help tab, you will be redirected to a different interface that acts as a Help Center.  Here you will find detailed sections that show you how to set paylines and place wagers, explanations on shortcut keys and the various functions they perform, information about special symbols on the reels, bonus games and much more.  Players who are uncertain of how the bonus games work tend to find the Help feature in Playtech software very useful.

Vegas Technology

When playing on Vegas Technology casino software, the Help function can be accessed by clicking the “Help” button on the game screen.  The Help section has a number of menus, providing information on how to play the game, in addition to details on coins, paylines and spins.  Under the rules section, you can find out how the software determines winning combinations as well as information about special symbols on the reels.  There are also individual sections that explain the bonus games and payouts, which make understanding them easy by reproducing the graphical table from the actual game.  The unique aspect of the Help feature in Vegas Technology software is that it allows players to print out the sections so they do not have to interrupt their game looking back and forth.

Conclusion

User-friendliness and simplicity are important factors when it comes to online gambling software.  Without these two elements, playing your favorite games wouldn’t be very fun.  The Help feature represents the effort of software makers to cater to players by creating a straightforward, user-friendly environment.  If you are completely new to a certain game, or just a need a refresher, the Help section comes through in the clutch with the answers you need.  Because it is so useful, almost all online casino software providers incorporate a Help feature in their gaming platform.

Online casino software does far more than play your favorite casino games.  Most platforms also include a variety of administrative tools needed to facilitate wagering and allow players to maintain their casino accounts.  So what else can this software do?  Here is an inside look at the inner workings of a typical gaming platform.

Facilitating Financial Transactions

One of the most important functions casino software performs is handling financial transactions.  The leading providers create software equipped with the security protocols and features needed to ensure a secure environment for handling the player’s funds.  Most software is also designed to support a variety of financial institutions.  This generally includes credit card companies and online payment services that process transactions for internet gambling.  Because the player’s account is directly connected to the games they choose to wager on, the software allows them to view their gaming history as well as the financial details that tell the player how much they have won or loss.

Bonus Features

Bonuses are a big draw on the online casino market.  This is mainly because the industry has become so competitive in recent times.  In order to cater to players with attractive incentives, casino software must able to properly keep track of bonuses and their special conditions.  Wagering requirements are an important aspect of this process.  It is the role of the gaming platform to determine whether these requirements have been met and if a player is eligible for the bonus payout.   The software must also be able to block requests from players that attempt to withdraw a bonus when the wagering requirements have not been satisfied.   It is a very complex undertaking, but an efficiently designed software solution makes sure it is all a seamless process.

Tournament Support

Many online casinos and poker rooms host tournaments on a regular basis.  In order to provide this functionality, the gaming software requires an individual engine that facilitates tournament play.  Most gambling operators have rules that state a player is only allowed to participate in a tournament once.  Therefore, the software checks to ensure that the same player does not try to enter the same tournament more times than they are allowed to.  In addition, the scores of all participating players must be tallied up and properly displayed, while the leader board must be continuously updated as new players enter the event.  All of these capabilities and more must be included in the software to run a smooth online tournament.

Conclusion

Online casino is more than meets the eye for sure.  However, players should not automatically assume the platform they wager on works like it is supposed to.  Fortunately, reputable casino operators have their software tested for safety and fairness by trusted third-party agencies.  Therefore, it would be wise to play at casinos that have proof to back up the overall reliability of their gaming platform.

Gambling online can be fun, exciting and very prosperous for winning players.  There are downsides though, and one of the most significant is that these virtual casinos continuously fail at duplicating the atmosphere of their land-based counterparts.  No matter how hard they try, the virtual world has never been able to fully live up to the glitz and glamor brick and mortar casinos tend to offer.  However, this could all change as the concept of 3D graphics has been introduced to the industry.

Poker vs. Casino Software

3D software has enjoyed some success in online poker rooms, but not so much in online casinos.  Why you may ask?  There are actually a couple of reasons.  For one, poker software is far less complicated than online casino software, which generally has more games and an entirely different structure.  When it comes to poker, it doesn’t matter whether you play Texas Hold’em or Five-Card Stud, the basis is the same.  On the other hand, online casinos typically offer blackjack, craps, roulette and a wealth of other games.  Therefore, a different structure is needed to accommodate the variety.  In addition, slots games, which are a major attraction of many online casinos, require heavy graphics and animation in order to provide players with an optimal view of the game.  For this reason, casino operators require greater storage capacity and significantly faster network connections.  This problem is only compounded by the presence of 3D graphics as it puts a tremendous strain on the casino’s system resources.

3D Requirements

While 3D poker rooms do exist online, there are some requirements players should be aware of.  Most rooms require that you have a broadband internet connection in order to play.  This is in contrast to traditional poker rooms that run efficiently on high-speed DSL connections.  And while the visual experience still fails to live up to what you would get in a land-based facility, it provides a quality that rivals some of the best video games on the market.  Poker rooms powered by 3D software offer brilliantly designed avatars that facilitate real-time interaction among players.  Two of the most common interactive features performed by the animated avatars are bluffs and tells, two integral elements of live play. Being that most casino games pit the player against the house, there is rarely interaction among players, so the aforementioned aspect is not as significant.

The Future of 3D Casinos

Although the adoption of 3D casinos has been slow, there have been a few attempts at implementation.  Created by Linden Lab, Second Life is one of the first to make an attempt.   A virtual online world, Second Life members are known for interacting with each other through 3D avatars.   It was reported that a member of the community created a 3D-driven casino and offered invitations to other Second Life subscribers.  Unfortunately, this was around the time that the UIEGA was enacted and federal authorities threatened action.  Linden Lab quickly shut down the casino before any charges could be brought forth.

Slotland Entertainment is the latest to make an attempt at 3D casino games.  The software maker currently offers a select few games in 3D format.  Whether or not it will set a successful trend others will follow remains to be seen.

Grand Virtual Online Gaming Technology is a leading software provider in the online gambling industry.  In the business since 1997, the company has been an innovator from day one and never stopped making enhancements to its products.  What sets Grand Virtual apart from the competition is its commitment to flexible, highly scalable solutions that can be easily extended for future growth.  In simple terms, its software is able to accommodate a wide variety of casino operators and their ever changing requirements.  The company’s large number of international clients serves as a prime example being that each operator enjoys feature rich gaming systems that support multiple languages and currencies.   Considering the distinct advantage it has over the competition, it is no surprise that Grand Virtual casino games are used by millions of players in more than 200 countries around the globe.

Notable Qualities

Boasting an extremely high level of modularity, Grand Virtual gaming platforms are capable of supporting traditional and emerging models.  This includes innovative features such as skilled-based, chance-based, multi-hand, lotteries, progressive games, real-time and many others.  The software also supports a variety of client platforms, most notably personal computers, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and interactive TV systems.  Furthermore, Grand Virtual software is compatible with an array of multimedia and web development technologies for enhanced graphics and user interfaces.  These technologies include Flash, Active X, Shockwave, AJAX, Java, DHTML, and various streaming formats.

Key Components

Grand Virtual software is compromised of various components.  One is the Universal Gaming Platform, which consists of the back-end of the gaming infrastructure.   Based on the powerful Unix operating system, the platform enables the functioning of several related components.  These components include gaming servers, a game points manager, e-commerce engine, financial stored value manager, and central database.   It also includes a robust toolset that facilitates data mining, fraud screening, player support, and affiliate and partner programs.  Due to its flexibility and extensibility, the Universal Gaming Platform enables Grand Virtual software to support virtually all forms of online gambling.

Another important component is the Casino Client Software.  This platform is essentially a customizable gaming module that runs on Microsoft Windows operating systems and features a visually impressive 3-D casino floor.  The software allows operators to gives players the power of choice when it comes to selecting the types of games they play and how funds are transferred.  Players also have access to their transaction records and the ability to customize the audio and video effects of game play to their liking.   The Casino Client Software offers a variety of casino games including multi-player poker with 3D tables, selectable avatars, step-by-step tutorials, automated training rooms, and a wealth of promotional features.

Conclusion

The online gambling market is changing rapidly and the Grand Virtual software platform is perfectly suited for the evolution.  It has been strategically designed to support new modules for emerging applications and can be easily integrated into existing platforms.  Therefore, it is clear to see that Grand Virtual technology will not only power the industry today, but into the future as well.

Founded in 1996, Net Entertainment is a leading gaming software provider and one of the pioneers in the online casino business.  Based in Scandinavia, the company made the decision to create its own internet casinos and games after determining that nothing else on the market would do.  The first Net Entertainment casino went live in 2000 and another four were quickly launched that same year.  As the online casino industry continued to soar into popularity, its software platform continued to evolve. In 2005, the firm decided to sell all of its casinos and focus on building state of the art software.  Today, Net Entertainment has more than 50 licenses, many of which are renown brands in Europe. It has also established a successful niche market  targeting non-US sportsbooks.

Features and Games

Net Entertainment offers casino games that are user-friendly and very realistic from a graphical aspect.  The company specializes in slots and traditional casino games, offering options such as blackjack, craps, roulette, keno and a wide range of poker.  It also has some more unique options such as a variety of scratch and lottery type games.  Net Entertainment casinos are known for regularly hosting slots tournaments where huge purses are often up for grabs.

Notable Qualities

Net Entertainment is the proud vendor of award-winning, browser-based casino software.  CasinoModule, its premiere product, is a fully loaded gaming platform that offers a large number of games that can be played right from your browser.  The company has what is one of the most robust and extensive management systems in the industry, enabling true real-time management and operational control.  Casino operators are provided with online gaming solutions that are not only tailored to their specific needs, but also easily integrate with their existing websites.  Even more impressing is that Net Entertainment offers a complete portfolio of services, including system hosting and operations monitoring, system administration, and dedicated technical support in 21 languages.  The company also provides its clients with access to new complementary software releases on a regular basis.  NetEntertainment hosting is available in Costa Rica and Malta.

The CasinoModule gaming platform has been tested and verified for its randomness by two independent third-party firms, which has garnered the software a seal of credibility that speaks highly to the quality of Net Entertainment licenses.  CasinoModule is also accredited by eCOGRA and G4.  The platform offers built-in security for added player protection and is already the gaming software of choice for some of the top operators in the online gambling space.  Bet-at-home, BetClick, Betsson, Goldbet, PokerRoom and Unibet are just a few of the operators licensed by Net Entertainment, benefitting from its royalty-revenue system.

Conclusion

Net Entertainment has an excellent history in the online gambling industry and its software is therefore, highly recommended.  The games are visually appealing, easy to use, and incredibly fun to play.  Its sophisticated gaming platform acts a multi-language system capable of incorporating supporting players from a range of locations.  It also doesn’t hurt that company has G4 accreditation and established a reputation for responsible gaming.

Many businesses have taken notice of the growing popularity of social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter. Millions of users around the world interact on these sites every day. The online casino industry is developing software to take advantage of the popularity of these social networking sites.

Bwin introduces Shoutbox

The prominent European online gambling company Bwin has introduced some technology that will enable players at their site to communicate with each other through Facebook and Twitter. The Shoutbox software introduced by Bwin enables players to comment on their wagers and interact with friends at the social networking sites. The software advances social interaction well beyond standard chat rooms. With Shoutbox, an online poker game could have quite a different feel. Players could make specific comments on their wagers while inviting others to join the game. The technology takes away some of the isolation of online casino play to provide a little bit of a Las Vegas-style casino experience to the customer. With a client base of over 20 million customers from 22 different countries, Bwin has the ability to reach millions of more new clients through social networking. The Shoutbox technology is part of a $45 million infusion that Bwin has invested in its poker platform.

Bwin Chief Technological Officer Thomas Kiessling feels that social networking is a vital part of the casino industry’s future growth heading into the next decade. “It’s really the customer experience that’s key. The customer churn is very important, anything around customer relationship management, customer intelligence, usability studies. That is a major priority for me. My challenge is not a couple of million euros I spend on data centers and server farms, not at all, that’s number 60 of my priorities. My core challenge is time to market, output, development, productivity and to crank out new products,” Kiessling said.

A shift in strategy

The move is a change in strategy for Bwin. A couple of years ago, Kiessling’s focus was primarily allocated to infrastructure issues. Now, Kiessling estimates that he spends about 80 percent of his time overseeing the development of new products, discovering the top talent for the company’s technology innovations, and improving enterprise foundations. Other European online gambling companies, such as William Hill and Ladbrokes, are also working on new ways for their online casinos to take advantage of the social networking explosion that has developed.

Facebook has emerged to become the most used social network in the world after being founded in 2004. The site has over 300 million users worldwide. While Facebook focuses on personal profiles, the social networking site Twitter is more oriented towards brief messages that are posted at the user’s account. The site has grown quickly since being formed three years ago. Twitter is currently the third-most popular social networking site on the web.

The Shoutbox technology is just the beginning of the online casino industry’s use of Facebook and Twitter to build its brand. There will be plenty of more innovations to come in the near future.        

Recently, online casino software developer CryptoLogic introduced their Batman and Wonder Woman themed games into the online casino market.

“With the Batman and Wonder Woman on our side, we’re confident CryptoLogic will again demonstrate the connection between big brands and revenue growth,” said Brian Hadfield, CryptoLogic’s President and CEO. “CryptoLogic’s greatest strength is partnering with the brands that attract players to the biggest gaming sites in the world – providing increased revenue for our licensees and value for our shareholders.”

CryptoLogic developed the games after signing an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution and DC Comics.

Both of the new releases are slot games. The Batman game is a 50-line game. In the game, Batman takes on the Joker. Players take on inmates at Arkham Asylum to stop the Joker in game that includes stacked wilds. The Wonder Woman game is also a 50-line game. The game features a bonus wager with Wonder Woman fighting an island of zombies.

The company has also introduced the Monkey to Mars and Triple Action Hold’em games into the market. The Monkey to Mars game is a 25-line slot game while Triple Action Hold’em is a new poker entry from CryptoLogic. This poker game uses only the top 28 cards in the deck. The player is given three betting options in the game. Their is a main ante bet plus a couple of side betting options. In addition, the company released updated versions of their Let It Ride and Three Card Poker games.

Other companies launch new games

On November 5th, online software game provider Microgaming will launch three new slot games into the online market. Each game features a 5 reel video bonus slot. The Dance of the Masai is a 25-line game with a 10 free spin bonus feature. The other new games are Alaskan Fishing and Kings of Cash.

Vegas Technology also has added some new slot games. Love Bugs and Bangkok Knights were recently launched into the online gambling market by the company. Love Bugs features a five-reel video bonus game with a romantic theme while Bangkok Knights is also is a five-reel game with themes tied to the Thailand city.

Realtime Gaming has introduced three new games, including a unique poker game. The company’s Texas Hold ‘em Bonus Poker brings casino poker together with the Texas Hold’em version of the game. Competitors will be able to place bets on the flop, the river, and the turn with the same structure and theme as regular Texas Hold ‘em. Also, the bonus feature allows for even more winnings in each hand.

Realtime has a couple of slot games as well. The Shopping Spree II is a progressive slot game. This game is a five reel, nine pay-line game. There is a minimum progressive jackpot of $100,000. The other new slot game is called Triple Twister. This video slot game is a five reel, fifty pay-line game. The game features two progressive jackpots.

Rival Gaming has quickly become a name in the online casino software field since being formed in 2006. With dozens of games and some of the best technology in the industry, Rival figures to be a major player in the development of some more vital casino software into the next decade and beyond. The company is based in Cyprus.

Games

Rival has a vast amount of casino games that are available to their clients. Table games, slots, video poker and specialty games are among the category of games that Rival has developed software for. Blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat are some of the table games featured at Rival. Keno is one of the specialty games at the site. There are several video poker games available, including deuces wild poker.

Slot games have been the primary focus of Rival’s casino games software. There are numerous 3-wheel and 5-wheel slot games to download at the site. Major Moolah, Strike Gold and One Million Reels BC are the main progressive slot games produced by Rival.

The company’s I-Slots games are quite unique in the industry. When players start an I-Slot game, they are introduced to a creative world with its own unique characters via a video animation clip. As the player moves forward, each level greets them with additional video clips, along with fun features and engaging mini-games. The I-Slots games combine the enjoyment of classic slots with an entertainment experience that’s part film and part video game.

Backend system

The company’s RivalPro technology is a vital tool for casino operators. The backend system enables casino operators to instantly access important information while providing some of the most secure technological software. RivalPro can track and sort players into convenient categories while providing specific info to use in marketing and advertising. The security technologies are also some of the most advanced in the industry.

Rival’s InTouch tool enables casino operators to quickly access a variety of important reports through a Blackberry or PDA device.

Rival Gaming news

In the first quarter of 2009, Rival announced the launch of their latest licensee in Vegas Regal Casino. During the spring, the company engineered some other important deals. The Rival-powered FortuneReel.com casino was launched. An even more significant deal was initiated in the middle of May. Rival was chosen to power a casino property at BetUs.com, one of the leading online casino sports books in the industry.

Fixer Upper is newest I-Slot game

The newest release from Rival is the I-Slot game Fixer Upper. The game has 5-reels and 20-lines with a theme based around home improvements. The object of the game is to fix up houses while trying to win payouts. The coin variations are 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 and can be wagered up to 10 coins per payline. There is a max payout of 8888 coins or 8888.00 credits. The bonus round’s maximum payout is 1700.00 credits and there are several bonus rounds in the game.