Online Casino Gambling

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.