Neogames and Cryptologic Join Forces

NeoGames is one of the globes leading providers of instant win games and scratch cards, and has built up a highly populated network of online players who love nothing more than the thrill of instant wins. In the new agreement with Cryptologic, NeoGames will allow the software provider to access its network, providing scratch card enthusiasts the chance to indulge in some slot gaming too. Initially, it is believed that just two of Cryptologic’s most popular titles will be offered, though which two have not yet been unveiled. Throughout the lifetime of the licensing agreement, an increasing number of games will be made available, with NeoGames spreading the titles through their network of more than 30 online casinos so that an increasing number of players can gain access to new gaming options.

Cryptologic’s Instant Click Platform Providing a Hit

The new deal with NeoGames will see the instant win game provider utilising Crpytologic’s popular Instant Click platform. This carefully developed piece of software allows for selected slots and games titles from Cryptologic’s extensive suite of over 300 online games to be quickly spread through a network. Software providers and online venues can use the Instant Click feature to integrate the games into their own web offerings, without the need to seek simultaneous licensing for games from Cryptologic. This means that integrating new games into websites only takes a matter of weeks instead of many months, and means that new relationships can quickly be evolved for the benefit of both companies and players.

NeoGames Looks Forward to Prosperous Future

Established in 2005, NeoGames is looking forward to a prosperous and healthy future with Cryptologic. The firm provides services for national lotteries, online gambling operators, media companies and affiliates, and with the integrating of third party games into its NeoSphere platform, managing director of the NeoGames network, Shay Bar-Joseph, said that a new milestone had been marked.

Further Amaya Gaming Information Released

In addition to sharing news of the new relationship with NeoGames, Cryptologic revealed that Amaya Gaming is now looking to acquire Cryptologic’s entire ordinary share capital. The offer of $2.535 per share is yet to be accepted, and is currently being taken under advisement as the purchase would result in Amaya gained over a 50per cent share in both capital value and voting rights. With shareholders having up until March 28^th, 2012, to decide, it may be many weeks until a final outcome is announced.

Mardi Gras Bonus at Slots Jungle

Whilst Cryptologic revealed that a plethora of new gamers were going to be enjoy their popular titles through the new NeoGames licensing agreement, Slots Jungle announced a new Mardi Gras bonus which will make current slots players happy. The website is currently offering a fantastic bonus for those who want to get into the mood to party, and for deposits made this month, players can received up to a 300per cent bonus. Using the MDGRA300 bonus code, players at Slots Jungle need simply log into their account and use the deal at the cashier when making deposits. This means that for those who make deposits of $200, $600 can be gained in a free bonus, allowing a whopping total of $800 to be played with. A selection of table games are included in the bonus, but for the majority of players visiting Jungle Slots for the online slot titles, the bonus can be used on each and every slot game.

Mardi Gras Free Cash

In addition to the great 300per cent bonus, Jungle Slots are adding the extra lure of free cash. When making a deposit and receiving the bonus, players can choose whether they want to receive 100per cent or 50per cent of the money in cash. Once the bonus wagering requirements have been made, players simply contact Jungle Slots customer service quoting ‘Mardi’ or ‘Gras’. 50per cent or 100per cent will then be received back as a free chip, with the upper limit for the 100per cent free chip being $400. This chip can then be wagered on all slot games and a chosen few table games with in the casinos extensive range of entertainment.

Highlighted Slots for the Mardi Gras Bonus

Jungle Slots have highlighted a number of great games for players to enjoy their Mardi Gras bonuses on including White Rhino, T-Rex and Ocean Dreams. In White Rhino, players are taken to the plains of Africa where they can see lion, deer, ostrich, elephant, gorilla and rhino featured on the reels. Meanwhile, T-Rex sends players back in time to prehistoric ages when the Tyrannosaurs ruled the Earth. When the T-Rex itself appears on reel 3 during any free spins round, it will eat all of the other dinosaurs on the screen and convert them into wild symbols. Finally, Ocean Dreams plunges gamers into the depth of the oceans and seas and features a beautiful golden avatar of the stunning orca.

Online Opportunities Continue to Grow

For online game enthusiasts, the new Jungle Slots Mardi Gras promotion offers one of the best opportunities to take advantage of, providing a substantial pot of free money to play with when gambling. Whether this is used to max out winning payouts, or simply to enjoy more online play, the monthly promotion has a huge benefit for those watching their bankroll this month. Meanwhile, with the announcement of the Cryptologic and NewGames licensing deal, it means that slots will become even more present in the world of online gambling, even for those who prefer scratch cards.

RTG Video Poker Differences

Whilst RTG has no major differences in the actual gaming of video poker, its wagering system is different. Instead of video poker games automatically withdrawing wagered amounts from your online casino account, you have to preload the game with a certain amount of credits. These can then be played with, transferring more credits into the game as you play. Likewise, you must ensure that you transfer winnings back to your account at the end of your gaming session as this too is not automatic. Though credits can be cashed back to your account at any time, they will remain in the game if you forget to release them.

Developing a Video Poker Bankroll Strategy

With this slight change in bankroll, a new question will arise; how much should be transferred initially? This will of course be highly varied depending on how much you’ve played video poker before and how much time you intend on playing the slot for. It is best to take a responsible approach to your bankroll, and set limits of how much you transfer for specific periods of time. For example, if you want to play with 1,000 credits for an hour, then only transfer 1,000 credits. If they run out before the hour is up then you should attempt to not reload any more money into the game. Likewise, when the hour ends, you should transfer out all of your remaining credits back into your casino balance.

How to Incorporate Winnings into Bankroll Strategies

The obvious problem with this form of bankroll strategy is that if you win, the winnings will remain in the video poker balance for the entire hour that you play. This means that, though you could win a lot, you could actually end up spending it all on additional wagers. You could cash out every time you win, but this is not practical and could well break your focus on the game, with negative consequences as a result. One method to counter this if you want to play with 1,000 credits for an hour is to only load 500 credits initially. If you note a winning streak for the entire hour you may not have to transfer any more credits into the game, thus saving yourself 500 credits for the hour. If you run out of money at any point you have two options; either to stop play entirely or to transfer some more credits. For example, if you had 15 minutes remaining, you could inject a further 250 credits into your video poker game.

Using Cryptologic’s Over Poker

Whilst RTG has some wagering changes for its video poker, Cryptologic has also released a poker format called Over Poker. In normal video poker, you’re able to either discard cards or hold onto them. Upon discarding a card, it is replaced and offers you your final hand. However, in Cryptologic’s Over Poker variation, you’re offered a third card with the ‘Move Up’ feature. During this option, the original card is moved up a level and a new one appears below. Whilst the feature may offer you a better chance of winning, it also costs more to play, and should be used at your indiscretion.

Avoid Weakening Your Hand

The Move Up feature should never be used if the result will weaken your hand at the lower level. If you have a winning combination on the lower cards, then avoid the Move Up feature completely as it’ll not only cost you more to play, but you could significantly damage your chances of winning the round. For example, if you have two lower level queens, then you’re assured of a payout. Moving one of them to the higher level will almost certainly see bad results.

When Move Up should be Used

There are certain times when the Move Up feature can provide a number of benefits. When you’re starting a new level, generally you will not be weakening a lower level of cards and will be incurring a cost anyway, so the extra Move Up wager could be used. In upper levels, payouts start with Jacks or more, so you should only use the Move Up option if you have a jack, queen, king or ace to start a new level.

An alternative use for the Move Up feature is when a new level has already been created. If a lower level is showing no signs of winning, then lifting the card to a new level where there are greater chances of getting a payout can be beneficial. There are certain times however, when this should once again be avoided. If you only have a jack at the higher level, for example, then you could move a 10 up and play for a straight. With three cards left to be dealt, this is not likely however, and so 10’s should be discarded at the lower level. On the other hand, if you have a jack on the upper level and a queen on the lower, the queen should be moved up for the chance of a straight or double queens.

Over Poker’s Increased Difficulty

Cryptologic’s Over Poker is slightly more complicated than many other video poker titles because of the extra Move Up feature. Whilst this can be beneficial in some cases, and can offer you the chance to increase your winnings considerably, its wrongful use can have a negative impact upon your winnings. And, unless you’re an experienced gamer of video poker, casting the Move Up option aside or avoiding Over Poker altogether, may be the best option.

Promotional Period

Therefore, players will have between August 15^th and the 19^th to wager between GBP 500 and GBP 25,000 on these two games and several other selected top slots. If players meet the wagering requirements for release of bonus amounts, they will bring home guaranteed cash prizes.

Ten Wagering Tiers

To accommodate the variety of bettors at the casino, the promotion signifies ten wagering tiers with subsequent bonuses for each tier. The first tier requires betting at least GBP 500 for a bonus of GBP 10. The second tier involves wagering at least GBP 2,500 to receive a bonus of GBP 50. Therefore, as the wagering limit increases so does the awarded bonus. The top tier entails a wagering requirement of GBP 25,000 for a maximum bonus of GBP 650.

Eligible Playtech Slot Games

The Virgin Casino website displays the complete list of eligible games for the promotion. Players can only wager on these games to count toward the fulfillment of the wagering requirements. All amounts won during the betting on these games are the players to keep. The list of Playtech games include: Monopoly YITM, Star Trek, Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds, Crocodopolis and the War of the Worlds

Eligible Microgaming and Cryptologic Slot Games

Eligible Microgaming slot games include, the Lord of the Rings, Rhyming Reels Queen of Hearts, Hot Ink and Tomb Raider II. Cryptologic games that are part of the promotion include 300 Shields and Batman. Since Virgin Casino does not have one exclusive supplier, they utilize many of the best casino software development companies.

There is always a lot of exciting activity at Virgin Casino. Game launches, promotions, tournaments and bonuses are the norm at the casino. This is simply another example of the launch of two new games accompanied by generous bonuses. It will be interesting to see what the casino has up its sleeve for the month of September and beyond.

Financial Results for the Second Quarter

The financial results for the quarter ending June 30^th, 2011 highlight an increase in revenue to $7 million from $6 million in the first quarter. However, the total expenses remained consistent at $6.5 million. Therefore, income prior to tax is $0.5 million compared to a loss in the first quarter. The company made an announcement that the Board of Directors is pleased with the performance and will continue to focus on improving revenues in the future while decreasing costs.

Small Reasons for the Increase in Revenue

The company further reported the reasons for an increase in revenue. Although small, there was a reduction in liabilities from the previous quarter as a result of a dispute with a supplier. Also, there was an upsurge in revenue from branded games. During the second quarter, six new branded slot games went live for a total of 185 revenue-generating online games. However, there was a loss in revenue from online poker.

Progressive Jackpot Win

Another highpoint from the second quarter was a progressive jackpot win of $4.2 million at Sky Vegas online casino. The result was a decreased provision for jackpot wins but also a decrease in cash and cash equivalents. Cryptologic directly pays out any progressive jackpot wins to avoid a player-casino dispute.

Update on Commercial Agreements

The financial announcement also gave an update on commercial agreements. Cryptologic has signed a binding agreement with a specific game supplier to continue their business relationship. However, the disagreement between the brand licensor and Cryptologic continues to be unresolved. Therefore, the online gambling community is anxious to learn the results of the review being conducted by Deloitte Corporate Finance which is ongoing.

Cryptologic appears to be making significant improvements from where it was several months ago. As it continues to release games and improve its financial results, the online gambling industry is following closely. Hopefully in the future, Cryptologic will revert back to the game-releasing, financial online gaming powerhouse it once was.

The Parrot Symbol

The parrot is the most important symbol in the game as it pays the most. Five parrot symbols on any payline award 5,000 coins. The second most important symbol is the Magic Potion which pays out 1,000 coins when five of the icons appear on a payline. Other symbols include toadstools and flowers. Additionally, high value cards from nine to ace are an active part of the game. The reels are set in a forest environment with bright, exotic flowers.

The Fairy Symbol

The wild symbol is represented by the fairy which only appears on reels two through four. The fairy icon animation involves the fairy leaping out of the symbols and spreading across the rows transforming the reel into an enchanted forest. This incredible feature only occurs during winning combinations.

The Scatter Symbol

The scatter symbol is the forest which awards scattered payouts when more than two forest icons appear on any reels. If five are hit the maximum payout is 100 coins multiplied by the total bet which converts them to credits. Three or more forest symbols equate to ten free spins. When the fairy symbol appears during a winning combination, payouts from the free spins are multiple by three. If three or greater scatter characters appear, the free spins are retriggered.

Gaming Technology Solutions Enhanced Gaming Engine Platform

A product of NextGen Gaming, Fairies Forest has already proven to be extremely popular due to the large payouts, amazing graphics and sound and high level of fun. Since Virgin Casino does not have a sole gaming supplier, the operator uses  Gaming Technology Solutions (GTS) Enhanced Gaming Engine platform which allows access to games from my suppliers including, WagerWorks, Cryptologic and Microgaming.

With so many similar online slot games available on the market, Fairies Forest is a breath of fresh air to players. The game presents so many excellent features that players will never want to walk away from this game. Stop by Virgin Casino soon to reap the many benefits of Fairies Forest.

Thor The Movie

The movie Thor was produced by Marvel Movies and directed by Kenneth Branagh. The cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, Tom Hiddleston as Loki and Academy Award winning actor Anthony Hopkins as Odin.

Playtech Versus Cryptologic

There are currently two leading online gaming software developers that provide Marvel-branded slot games: Playtech and Cryptologic. Playtech has an agreement with Marvel Movies and provides numerous slot games based on their superheroes. When Iron Man 2 the movie was released, Playtech simultaneously launched the slot game.

Prior to the Playtech agreement, Cryptologic has released several Marvel-branded games. Cryptologic has an agreement with Marvel Comics which is an entirely different entity from Marvel Movies. To date, Cryptologic has release over 15 Marvel Comics super hero online slot games, one of which details the life of Thor. This begs the question, since the comic was converted into a movie, will Playtech produce a new version of the game?

The Original Thor Game

Thor is a super hero based on the mythological Norse god and features all his allies and enemies as symbols in the game. Other symbols include accessories and weapons that grant him super powers. The wild icon is the thunderbolt which becomes animated when the jackpot is hit which pays out 4,000 coins.

The Thor logo is representative of the scatter symbol and activates the free spins bonus round. During this extra game, players are given 10 free spins at triple the payouts. The highlight of the game is that the progressive jackpot can be randomly hit on any spin. This jackpot is three tiered. The first level is Hero, second is Super Hero and third is Marvel. This game is available at all Cryptologic online gaming sites.

Since a popular Thor game already exists from the Marvel Comics-brand, it is difficult to predict whether an additional game will be released to the public based on the movie. However, to remain competitive in the industry, Playtech may release a newer, updated version to give players a choice.

Seizure of Three Domains

On Friday, April 15^th, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice seized the domains of the three largest online poker room operators: Poker Stars, Full Tilt and Absolute Poker. A warrant for the arrest of the owners has been issued along with a demand of $3 billion in penalties. However, the owners do not currently reside in the United States so they cannot be taken into custody at this time.

UIGEA 2006

The Department of Justice enforced this indictment under UIGEA 2006. One of the charges held against the operators is conducting illegal online gambling with the most severe being bank fraud and money laundering. According to the UIGEA, the funding of illegal gambling is a criminal offense therefore, since payments have been made from the casino to players, these operators are violating the law.

Payment Processors and the UIGEA

Due to this section of UIGEA, most online banks are weary of making financial transactions with online gambling sites. The payment processors used for financial transactions in the incident claimed to be online merchants that purchase various types of physical merchandise. According to legal experts, these are the primary aspects of the transactions that can get gambling operators into trouble.

Reaction from the Online Community

Of course the actions taken by the Department of Justice have been condemned by the online gambling community. The three poker rooms at fault have not yet released any type of statement. Additionally, no statements have been made from other online poker rooms that allow U.S.-based players. Legal professionals are advising players to wait and keep an eye on this situation.

This event was not unexpected as online gaming software providers Playtech and Cryptologic and payment processor Neteller all withdrew from the American market when the UIGEA was enacted in 2006. Microgaming followed two years later after the Kentucky domain name case began. It is unpredictable as to whether this particular event will cause additional flight by operators from the online gambling industry.

Amaya Purchasing a 5 Percent Stake

Following this announcement was unconfirmed news that Amaya had acquired a 5 percent stake in Cryptologic prior to an acquisition bid. Based out of Canada, Amaya is an online gaming company that is active in the Kenyan market. Amaya recently acquired an online gaming license from the Dominican Republic jurisdiction and is planning to launch an online gaming site featuring a variety of casino games in the third quarter of 2011.

The Filing of an SC13D Notification

This unconfirmed news was finally confirmed the week of April 11^th when Amaya notified the stock exchange of this strategic move. On April 15^th, 2011 Amaya filed an SC13D notification which is a report of the acquisition of 5 percent ownership of a company. Amaya purchased 652, 170 shares of Cryptologic for slightly over 1 million USD. This is typically the beginning phase of an acquisition.

The Chief Executive and President of Amaya filed the statement to the stock exchange. The shares of Cryptologic were purchased between March 25^th, 2011 and April 7^th, 2011 at an average price of $1.65. The stock was purchased to facilitate a possible strategic transaction with Cryptologic. The executive further stated in the notification that Amaya is keeping all options open and will continue to monitor business performance and activity.

Playtech’s Purchasing Rampage

At the same time, Cryptologic’s largest competitor, Playtech, is on a purchasing rampage. The latest company in their scope is London-based online gaming provider, Ash Gaming. Media reports that Playtech is on the brink of an acquisition. This purchase is a strategy move to complement Gaming Technology Solution’s (also acquired by Playtech) EdGE platform which is currently used with several of Ash Gaming’s top games.

The acquisition of Cryptologic could be excellent for specific entities in the online gambling industry, especially Playtech and other online software developers. Since Cryptologic, Microgaming and Playtech are constantly competing to be the most popular developer, removing Cryptologic from the race could significantly improve the other two company’s profits depending on the direction Amaya plans to take the company.

Currently, the largest progressive jackpot is featured at a Vegas Technology-powered casino in a game aptly named, “Progressive Blackjack.” The value has currently reached $140,575, slightly below the average winning size of $187,328. On average, the jackpot hits once per month with the maximum winnings ever being $259,342 which occurred 18 months ago. In the past year alone, Vegas Technology has paid out over $2 million. Progressive Blackjack is available at:

• Go Casino
• Online Vegas Casino
• Millionaire Casino

The Cryptologic Progressive Blackjack game currently has a jackpot of $77,128. Unlike most other progressives, this is slowly moving and hits on around $135,000 once per year. The game hits when four aces of the same color are dealt. Therefore, it should be more popular than the Vegas Technology variant which requires four aces of the same suit. This game is available at popular casinos like InterCasino and VIP Casino.

The Playtech variant is also called Progressive Blackjack and currently boasts of jackpot of $69,007 which is slightly greater than the average amount to trigger the jackpot – $63,971. The jackpot hits 1 in every 10 days but was last hit 15 days ago so the system is due turn out a winner. Another trend is that the past 10 hits have been in the $60,000’s range. Therefore, the time is ripe for players to login and try their luck with the potential for winning big.

The Playtech version of Progressive Blackjack is currently available at the following online gaming sites:

• Omni Casino
• Casino Tropez
• Casino Del Rio

Although each of these online progressive blackjack games has the exact same name, they are different in their own regard. If you have to select one of the three, try the Vegas Technology version since it has a much higher payout than the other two and is hit once per month. This is the ideal balance between a large sum of winnings and the frequency of winning. This appears to the best time to place a wager and potentially win as all versions are at the cusp of hitting the jackpot.

As with most themed slot games, Microgaming leads the pack with regards to Valentine’s Day games. Each year the software development company releases a new Valentine’s Day variant. Like most of their games, the Valentine’s Day versions exude delicateness and elegance. Some of the most popular past titles include, “Burning Desire” and “Love Potions.” This year the company has created “Queen of Hearts” which is scheduled to be available starting February 7^th.

Another Valentine’s Day themed slot game Microgaming will soon be releasing is “Secret Admirer.” The clip at the beginning of the game shows Cupid shooting his arrow through a heart breaking it into a shower of rose petals. The actual game consists of the following recognizable symbols:

• Mask hiding the secret admirer – wild symbol
• Diamond ring – Scatter symbol
• “Secret Admirer” heart-shaped logo
• Heart-shaped wreath
• Perfume dispenser
• Rose
• Brooch

The game features are fairly standard with a free spins bonus game and the Microgaming gamble game. This game is available at all Microgaming-powered casinos like Royal Vegas, the Gaming Club and the Blackjack Ballroom.

Another major Valentine’s Day release is by Vegas Technology with their slot game “Cupid’s Arrow.” The game is of excellent quality and features the following Valentine’s Day symbols:

• Cupid – wild symbol
• Heart – bonus payouts
• Kiss
• Chocolates
• Roses
• Valentine’s Day card
• Ring
• Teddy bear
• Lovers
• Balloon

A nice feature of “Cupids Arrow” is that all symbols are animated when winning combinations are triggered. This makes the screen extremely active after the reels stop spinning. “Cupid’s Arrow” is available Slot Galore, VIP Slots and Grand Vegas casino.

The final Valentine’s Day-themed release is “Love Bugs” from Cryptologic. This version adds the twist of a comic angle. The main plot of the game revolves around Love Bug and Lady Bug’s love as they display antics on the reels. The symbols on the reels include:

• Perfume
• Ring
• Violin
• Chocolates
• Necklace
• Champagne
• Love letter
• Flowers

There are many online gaming software providers that have created romance-based games but none that are specifically geared toward Valentine’s Day. If you are in the mood for love, romance and slots, any one of these games will fulfill your needs.