Online Casino Spotlight

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.

Due to their fast growing popularity, just about all casino software makers create gaming platforms with slots games.  One of the most unique variations is I-Slots, a collection of slots games developed by respected software provider Rival Gaming.  If you like to play slots online, you will definitely want to know more about what makes these games stand out from all the rest.

What Make I-Slots Different?

Rival Gaming’s I-Slots differ from other slots games in a variety of ways.  For example, each time a bonus game is triggered, you must play an entirely new game until the cycle is complete.  Other unique aspects are more subtle yet differences nonetheless.  When playing the bonus games, stories unfold and the outcomes ultimately determine how these stories proceed.  This is a factor that adds a higher degree of interaction to the game, hence the “I” for interactive in I-slots.  In addition to being more interactive than other slots, some of the bonus games are based on skill, which makes them more attractive to players who love a good challenge.

I-Slots Favorites

Based around a golf theme, Hole in Won has quickly become one of the most popular games in the I-Slots franchise.  It is also one of the easiest games to play.  The bonus games in Hole in Won take you through a nine-hole mini golf course.  Bonus points are accumulated depending on various factors, including the wager, number of scatters that triggered the bonus, and the number of strokes needed to put the golf ball in the hole.  Skill is also a factor because the ball must be aimed correctly in order to for you to sink it.  This is not as difficult as it may sound as you simply move the mouse to set the direction in which the ball will travel.  When the bonus is triggered again, you are taken to the next hole, and this process continues until playing all holes on the course.  Once all nine holes are complete, you return back the first one and start all over again.

Reel Crime Heist is one of the more exciting, yet complex I-slots games.  This game is based around an art heist masterminded by Remy and Rauol Mourchard.  Your role is to help them get away with it.  Reel Crime Art Heist offers five bonus rounds in a single cycle.  Each round consists of choosing the piece of art to steal, selecting the tools to pull off the heist, actually conducting the robbery and eluding the law, finding a shady collector to purchase the stolen merchandise, and selling the art without getting busted.  If the band of thieves are caught, they are arrested and you must start over from the beginning.  However, if you complete the heist in its entirety, you are rewarded generously with bonus credits and a virtual trip to Jamaica.

Where to Find I-Slots

You can find these popular I-Slots games and more at casinos powered by Rival Gaming software.  Some that come to mind are Superior, Club Vegas USA, and Cocoa Casino.  The good news is that each casino accepts U.S. players.  Have fun!

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.

Cryptologic has been one of the casino software development leaders since being founded in 1995. The Ireland base corporation offers a variety of games and business services for the online casino industry. Cryptologic is a publicly traded organization that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (CRY, CXY), the NASDAQ Global Select Market (CRYP) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (CRP).

Games

Cryptologic offers over 280 games as part of their software portfolio. The company offers a variety of games in several categories. Cryptologic has games in branded slots, card games, casual games, classic slots, jackpot games, multi-player games, table games, video poker and video slots. The company introduces over 20 new games every year.

Cryptologic is engaged in exclusive partnerships involving some significant brand names. The company offers King Kong, Spider-Man, Call of Duty and Jenga themed games. There are several Cryptologic progressive jackpot games that have been played in many online casinos. The Marvel, Rapid Fire, Movie Mayhem and Millionaires Club progressive jackpot games have paid out some significant jackpots.

Business services

The company offers a variety of business services to support their software development. Cryptologic has account and fund management services while also providing support for players and operators. Their unique reporting and analytic toolkit is a valuable resource for online casinos. The technology enables casino operators to identify their top players, incorporate appropriate marketing strategies based on the type/volume of games played at the casino, gain insight into under performing areas of the business and develop successful marketing strategies to bring in new customers.

A new deal with Rank Interactive

This week, Cryptologic engineered a major deal with Rank Interactive. As part of the agreement, Cryptologic will provide at least ten of their branded games for inclusion on Rank’s websites. Two games are already live with more scheduled to go live throughout the end of this year and further roll-outs are set for the first half of 2010.  Rank is a division of Rank Group, a leading European gaming business. With the deal, Cryptologic now has a total of 28 licensees.

Justin Thouin, Vice-President of Cryptologic, said: “Demand for our games remains strong as illustrated by this agreement with Rank Interactive, a well respected UK brand. With each new licensee, we open up a new recurring revenue stream that will improve our profitability and long term growth prospects.”

Rank also expressed their enthusiasm for the new arrangement. “At Rank Interactive we have been looking to build on our success and expand our increasingly popular games offering. By striking this deal with Cryptologic our customers are gaining access to the very best and most innovative betting games on the market, enhancing our relationship and revenue prospects going forward,” said Rank Interactive Gaming Director Angus Nisbet.

Rank was established and is one of the UK’s top 350 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. The company has an active membership of 300,000 with annual sales of over 50 million pounds. While their primary market is Great Britain, it also provides betting and gaming websites in Spanish, German, Danish and Swedish.

Microgaming has been one of the industry leaders in casino software over the last 15 years. The company lays claim to launching the first online casino in 1994. In 2002, Microgaming introduced their Viper software into the market. Microgaming is based in the Isle of Man in Europe. It is not a publicly-traded company. Because of this, Microgaming casinos have the option of signing up players based in the United States.

Portfolio

Microgaming services over 120 casinos and 40 poker rooms on the internet. Their software is used extensively for some of the biggest poker and progressive jackpot networks. The company has developed some unique technology to support the player and casino operator. Microgaming’s PlayCheck is a tool that tracks a player’s gaming activity in a format that is easy to comprehend. The company’s CashCheck feature enables players to see their balance and activity in a simple click. Microgaming also offers payout percentage reports for their participating casinos.

Microgaming was involved in the development of eCOGRA, which stands for e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. The non-profit organization is a standards authority for the online gaming industry. This has enabled Microgaming to gain a solid reputation as a reliable operator in the online casino marketplace.

Games

Microgaming is constantly introducing new games into the online casino marketplace. The company has developed over 400 games. Roulette, video poker, slots and blackjack are among the game categories that Microgaming has been involved in. The company is able to cater to a large clientele by offering their games in the English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, German and Spanish languages. The games are available in a download or Flash version. Each month, Microgaming introduces at least four new online casino games.

For October, three video slot games and a Texas Hold’em casino poker game have been launched. The slot games are Kung Fu Monkey, Pure Platinum and Wooly World. The new poker game has some unique features. Unlike the traditional Texas poker game, Microgaming’s new game allows side bets. It is played with a single deck of 52 cards. In another rule adjustment, the new game does not allow any bets after the river.

Last month, Microgaming unveiled nine unique bingo side games. The games include a range of scratchcard and video slots while also featuring casual and pub-style titles.

The bingo side games are beginning to play a bigger role in the gaming industry.

Microgaming teams up with Ladbrokes

Microgaming has been actively involved in the growth of poker over the past several years. The Microgaming Poker Network software has been used extensively by online casinos. The technology allows multiple players to play a variety of poker games in real time.

Earlier this year, Microgaming Poker Network launched a major partnership with Ladbrokes Poker. The British gambling company has one of the most prominent brand names in the industry. In a promotional element to the deal, the companies are offering a monthly $1 million payout to 3,000 leading players.

Playtech has become one of the major industry leaders in casino software since being founded a decade ago in 1999. The company lays claim to being the world’s largest publicly traded online gaming software supplier.

Playtech has grown steadily over the last ten years. In 2002, the company initiated Casino Soleil which became the first European land based casino to go online. In the following year, the company launched a worldwide bingo network. In 2006, the company’s shares were admitted to the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. Last year, Playtech reached a deal with Paramount Digital Entertainment that enabled the company to produce online games related to a couple of viable brands/movies of Paramount Pictures.

Products

The company has implemented a variety of software products over the last decade. Casino, poker and bingo games are among the games that Playtech has developed software for. Playtech’s online casino features over 140 games for the player to choose from. Software is available in slots, table games, live games, arcade games and Asian games. The company claims to have the world’s biggest independent poker network through their iPoker software.

Playtech also offers broadcast gaming and mobile phone software. Playtech TV software brings the atmosphere of a live casino directly into the player’s living room through live or fully automated game shows. A televised presenter actually leads a real casino game show with real time statistics.

The company’s fixed odds games were designed to amplify online Sports book casino operations. Playtech’s Derby Day is among the virtual racing games that the company offers.

Playtech’s Information Management Solution (IMS) is an all-encompassing management system for all of the operations of the products offered by the company.

Services

Playtech offers their clients a range of support to supplement the company’s software. Financial, hosting, payment advisory, live dealer and marketing services are a few of the areas offered by Playtech. The company also offers a poker and bingo management network.

Marvel slots added to portfolio

Playtech recently engineered a deal with Marvel Entertainment to produce a series of online games related to the popular comic book/movie characters. The first games are set to launch this week. The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man slot games are being launched with other characters set to be featured in upcoming months. Each of the Incredible Hulk/Iron Man games are 20 payline video slots.

Playtech is hoping that the Marvel games will follow in the footsteps of their previously released Gladiator slot games based on the Russell Crowe movie. “Following the overwhelming success of the Gladiator branded slots Playtech is delighted to enable our licensees to add these remarkably popular, well known brands to their games offering. We are confident that these slots, with their established mass market appeal will appeal to a large audience of new and existing players, supporting our licensees’ acquisition and player retention efforts, by raising the profile of their games portfolio and further enhancing the gaming experience for the players,” said Playtech’s Shahar Sella.

Online casinos emerged right alongside the mainstream introduction of the internet.  Software developers such as Boss Media AB, Cryptologic and Microgamming are credited with pioneering the development of internet casinos and online gambling in general.  Microgaming is known as the first to introduce software that allowed players to play free casino games while Cryptologic is famed for creating the first casino software platform able to facilitate financial transactions.  Boss Media got its start by powering Golden Club Casino and many casinos in the Europe, a jurisdiction where online gambling is arguably the most lenient.

In the Beginning

In the mid to late 1990s, online casinos evolved in terms of features and overall quality.  One of the most notable features introduced during this time was the progressive jackpot.  Still popular today, this feature allowed players across a network of online casinos playing the same game to contribute to a growing jackpot that grew large very quickly.  Another feature added in the late 1990s was a built-in function that gave players the ability to view details on their gaming and financial transaction history.

Evolution

Once the new millennium rolled around, online gambling had grown to become a phenomenon.  A large majority of the online casino software vendors improved their platforms significantly and new players were signing up at an amazing rate.   The 2000s saw the launch of many new features, including Flash implementation, which enabled casinos to be compatible with operating systems other than Microsoft Windows.  This revolution also provided players with a way to play casino games directly through their browsers without needing to download them.  With the industry growing fast, multilingual and multi-currency casinos were introduced to service new players emerging in the continents of Asia and Europe.  Around this time, the self regulation framework came into play and casino operators began to have their software platforms tested and audited by independent organizations such as TST (Technical Systems Testing) and eCOCRA.

The UIEGA Shakes up the Market

The popularity of online gambling continued to explode through the middle of the decade and it appeared as if that growth would proceed without interruption.  However, in 2006, the United States Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, a legislation initially put in place to prevent terrorist organizations from laundering money through internet casinos.  Under this act, it was now illegal for financial institutions to process and transfer funds for players involved in online gambling.  With leading online casinos such as PartyGaming already facing legal ramifications over the Wire Act, Cryptologic, Playtech and many other prominent software providers fled the market by closing their doors to American players.  Microgaming is another well known vendor to recently flee the U.S. market.

Online gambling has come a long way but its progress has not been without controversy. And while several software providers have abandoned U.S. players, vendors like Real time Gaming, Wizard Gaming and Vegas Technology have remained and actually strengthened their brands in the United States following the departure of Microgaming.  Will others follow suit?  Only time will tell.

Founded in 1998, Slotland Entertainment has been in the online gambling industry nearly since the beginning and many players would agree that its experience is starting to show.  The veteran software provider offers a wide variety of no-download slots games that do not require the use of Adobe Flash or Javascript, making its selections compatible with virtually any computer operating system capable of browsing the web.  Slotland Casinos are a premiere choice for online gaming, boasting the industry awards and thousands of loyal players to show for it.

Layout and Presentation

Slotland casinos do not try to overwhelm the player with glitz and glamor.  In fact, there is nothing fancy at all about its presentation.  All you will find when visiting a Slotland casino is an excellent selection of slots and video poker games.  The layout is compromised of well arranged rows featuring all the available slots and video poker options, making it easy to choose the game you want to play.  After making your selection, you simply register, fund your account, and start playing right from your browser, all without the hassle of a time consuming download.   If you are seeking quality online slots or video poker games and can do without all the bells and whistles that come along with the typical internet casino, a Slotland casino could be the place for you.

In-Game Graphics and Sound

In comparison to many other online casino providers, Slotland is lacking when it comes to replicating the visual realism of the land-based casino in the virtual world.  Because the vendor only specializes in slots and video poker, this is its sole focus.   With that said, the slots and video poker machines at Slotland casinos tend to have a more realistic look, sound and feel than what is currently offered by most other software providers.  The company also offers quality versions of their games for mobile platforms, opening up its technology to the market of players who enjoy wireless gaming.

Gaming Variety

Slotland online casinos offer an extensive assortment of slots games to keep you busy.  Some of its most popular slots include the extra bonus filled Lucky Stars, the action packed Slotris and the original favorite Golden 8.  All of its games contribute to the same progressive jackpot, which hits the six-digit market quickly.  The jackpot is usually cashed out every 40 days with one of the biggest winners taking home $163,000.  Slotland casinos ofeature some of the best video poker options around with options like Deuces Wild, the classic Jacks or Better and Striking Sevens as well as the increasingly popular Fourcast card prediction game.

Conclusion

Slotland casinos are not big on flare, but they do offer all the excitement an avid online slots or video poker needs.  Its software is easy to use and equipped with security features to ensure secure payment processing.  As a member of the Interactive Gaming Council, it is a vendor you can count on to deliver a safe and fair online gaming experience.

Though perhaps best known for its ties in the world of sports betting, Chartwell Technology is quickly making a name for itself as a big impact player in both the online casino and mobile gaming industries.  Its impressive portfolio includes a nice variety of downloadable and browser-based games, offering exceptional speed and high quality graphics to boot.  From blackjack and roulette to multi-hand poker and a wide range of slots, Chartwell has the technology to suit the needs of most online gamblers.

Layout and Presentation

When gambling at any online casino, players want to find their desired games quickly without all the hassle and confusion.  Most players are not concerned about looks outside of the presentation of the games they will actually be playing.  This is what you get when visiting a Chartwell casino.  Its casinos offer a simple and straightforward design, showing players all the games that are available and how to access them.  Whether it is through the conveniently accessible menu bar or comprehensive screen of icons, Chartwell casinos make sure you have an easy to time getting to the games you want to play.

In-Game Graphics and Sound

Chartwell is very solid in the graphics and sound department.  Although the company mainly specializes in no-download games, its software still delivers the convincing realism that mimics the vibrant environment of a land-based casino.  While the platform is limited due to its inability to utilize a sufficient amount of memory for greater effect, the graphics, animation and sound are suitable enough to enjoy whatever game you choose to play.

Gaming Variety

In comparison to other online casino gaming software vendors, Chartwell is lacking severely in terms of variety.  Although the company does not have hundreds of games to offer, it does have plenty to keep the average player busy.  If roulette is your game, you can have a fill day with your choice of American Roulette and its double zero or the single zero in the European version.  If blackjack is more of your flavor, Chartwell casinos have a nice mix of variants and stakes to satisfy your tastes.  Poker players can get their thrills with Let it Ride, Pai Gow and Red Dog as well as video poker varieties such as Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better. With a broad selection of three-reel and five-reel slots, Chartwell proves that it can accommodate the gaming needs of almost anyone.

Notable Mentions

The most unique aspect of Chartwell casino software is that it not only works in browsers, but some cell phones as well.  In addition, players are allowed to preview the casino games they want to play and conveniently make deposits directly through the software.  Both deposit and withdrawal funds are immediately processed with withdrawals taking only up to forty eight hours to complete.  Chartwell casino software offers the utmost in security to ensure safe transfers and the confidentiality of your personal information.

Conclusion

Chartwell Technology is one company you can depend on to deliver a fun and safe gaming experience.  The firm is a member of the Interactive Gaming Council and a corporate member of the Remote Gaming Association.  These relationships confirm that it is currently in excellent standing with the online gaming industry.