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.

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.

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.

In the business since 1997, Random Logic is one of the oldest online casino software providers on the scene.  While the gaming platform has been refined and improved over the years, this vendor’s approach to gaming has remained the same – simple and straightforward.  Random Logic does not have the largest selection of casino games, but offers more than enough to satisfy the needs of most players.

Blackjack

Random Logic’s blackjack tables gives off a similar look and feel of what you would find in Las Vegas’ more upscale casino establishments.  The table highlights your bets and neatly stacks all of your chips to the side.  The overall presentation and mechanics of gameplay are pleasant but there are also some other features that deserve mentioning.  For instance, if you want to make an overly risky move such as hitting on 19, the system will step in and recommend that you rethink your options.  Of course you are free to play as you wish, but it is nice to see that the gaming platform has your best interests at heart.  In addition to this, Random Logic offers a comprehensive tutorial available that provides basic rules and how to play the game as well a few blackjack strategies that might come in handy.

Slots

Random Logic slots are quite basic and conservative from a presentation aspect when compared to other offerings in the market.  Its classic slots will remind you of the machines found in a downtown casino, featuring sevens, bars and other common symbols.  There is also a nice selection of progressive slots, including the Millionaire Genie game that paid out more than $1.3 million to a single winner in April 2006.  Other fun progressive slots include Mega Gold, Treasure Twirl and Super Thundering 888.  Whether it is of the classic, progressive or video variety, Random Logic has more than enough slots to keep you busy for a long time.

Video Poker

You will find a nice selection of video poker games at Random Logic casinos.  Its software offers single hand, multi-hand and progressive games in variants such as Aces and Faces, Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better.  If you prefer multi-hand games, you can try your luck with the aforementioned games in 5, 10, 25 or 50 hand varieties.  The pay tables and game themselves are laid out well and comprehensive enough for the novice player to understand.  While Random Logic video poker will notify you of winning hands, they do not offer any strategy so you need to be on your Ps and Qs.

Random Logic casino games are not flashy, but offer sophistication and a quality presentation that mimics the luxurious rooms in Monte Carlo and Atlantic City.  Customers all over the world appreciate the gaming platform’s elegance and most importantly, the enjoyable gameplay.  If you love to play casino favorites like blackjack, craps, video poker and others, a Random Logic casino could be in the cards for you.

An online subsidiary of IGT (International Game Technology), WagerWorks is one of the premiere providers of online casino software.  In fact, the firm currently provides gaming solutions for most of the online casino operators in Britain.  Originally a subsidiary of acclaimed slot machine producer Silicon Gaming, WagerWorks was purchased by International Game Technology in 2005.  Since the acquisition, it has helped to revive the ITG brand and now has its games in some of the industry’s biggest and best online casinos.

Layout and Presentation

There are some casinos who attempt to portray realism with vividly custom designs and others that put an emphasis on their brand.  The approach WagerWorks takes is one that resonates with the player, helping to distinguish its casinos from all others.  Among its most popular casinos is 888.com, which instead of a menu bar, offers a circle of gaming icons flanked by a Flash movie in the center.  When selecting an icon, players are taken to the lobby area where all the available games are located.  From there, players can rotate their mouse over the icons to view a special preview and details of the game.   The comprehensive layout and presentation of the gaming interface are attributing factors to WagerWork’s success as an online casino software vendor.

In-Game Graphics and Sound

For those looking to indulge in video poker, WagerWorks casinos can assure you a truly unforgettable experience.  Its virtual video poker machines are a feast for the eyes, particularly the Power Poker game that allows you to try your luck with a full 50 hands at one time.  The vendor also offers an array of exciting slots options such as Spider Man and Knights and Maidens, all of which are complimented by brilliant animation and realistic sounds.  WagerWorks table games such as blackjack and roulette are pretty stellar in the graphics and sound department as well.  Though not quite as stunning as the slots options, they are rather impressive nevertheless.

Gaming Variety

WagerWorks casinos offer players a broad range of gaming options to choose from.  Slots is one of its specialities and aside from the aforementioned titles, other popular games include Gold Medal Mania, Fantastic Four and Treasure Twirl.  Its Video Poker option cover beloved favorites such as Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better as well as variants like Aces and Faces.  WagerWorks also has something for those who prefer table games with options ranging from craps and baccarat to Pai Gow Poker and virtually everything in between.  With exclusive gaming rights to world famous brands such as Baywatch, Monopoly and Wheel of Fortune, WagerWorks has the technology to ensure a smooth and unrivaled online gaming experience.

Conclusion

WagerWorks is currently one of the fastest growing online casino software providers in the industry.  The company is always developing and launching new games to keep the gaming experience fresh and entertaining.  With IGT being the largest slot machine maker in the world, WagerWorks has benefitted tremendously from the relationship and developed some of the best online casino games available.

Based on the island of Cyprus, Rival Gaming is a company established by Black Chip Ltd.  Though just launched in 2006, it has already made a name for itself as one of the top software providers in the online gambling industry.  In fact, its software solutions power some of the most popular internet casinos in the world, many of which accept players from the U.S.  Aside from the superior graphics of its extensive catalog of games, Rival Gaming offers online casino management through a comprehensive back-end interface, which addresses issues such as reporting, affiliate management and security.  Well know for its series of interactive slots, Rival Gaming has an excellent reputation in the industry with quality games that outperform many of the other online casino software developers on the market.

Gaming Options

One of the best things about Rival is the nice selection of casino games it gives the player to choose from.  It offers blackjack in single and multi-hand varieties as well both American and European roulette.  Its portfolio also includes a number of online casino poker and video poker variations.  Some of its other games are craps, keno and baccarat along with less known games like Red Dog, Let it Ride and Casino War.  Rival receives high scores over the competition with the quality production of its slots games, which are rich in audiovisuals and deliver a thrilling gaming experience to the player.  These games are categorized in to various types that include three-reel slots, five-reel slots, progressive slots and iSlots.  Its most popular variant, the iSlots (interactive slots), are exclusive and only available at online casinos powered by Rival Gaming.  Each I-slot tells a different story, taking you through a unique adventure with video clips and skill-based bonus rounds.  Your performance in the bonus rounds ultimately determines the course of the overall game.

Online Gambling Features

Another rival advantage is that its downloadable software is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.  This is a big plus when considering that most software providers only cater to Windows users.  In addition, the company implements a great variety of features into its software to produce some of the most user-friendly online gaming applications around.  These features consist of tools like real-time player history, easy to use promotions, cash interfaces and a unique VIP system.  Unlike much of the competition, Rival Gaming platforms allow players to bet with real money, or play just for fun.

What’s to Like About Rival Gaming

There are many benefits to playing at Rival Gaming casinos.  The most notable are its feature-rich, audiovisual slots and exclusive iSlots.  Next comes the fact that many casinos running the platform accept U.S. players.  Last but not least, it is one of few companies that develops its software to support both Windows and Mac computers.

What’s Not to Like About Rival Gaming

There are also a few drawbacks to Rival gaming.  First, it is lacking in variety when it comes to blackjack and video poker.  And while it does have a nice selection of games, the number is far less in comparison to competitors such as Microgaming and RTG.

You have probably noticed that most online casino games are specifically designed for Windows PCs.  This is great news for the majority as most users have Windows installed on their computer.  What does it mean for users of Macintosh systems?  Are they allowed to join in on the online gaming experience.  Well, a large number of online casinos make the claim that the instant versions of their gaming applications are compatible with both Windows and Mac platforms.  These claims are supported by the fact that the games are in the form of Java or Flash applets and can be played from a web browser and do not need to be downloaded to your hard drive.  Unfortunately for Mac users, this is not always the case.

Good News

You may wonder; what is the Mac user to do in this Windows-based computing world?  Is there any way for them to find an online casino gaming platform that actually works on their computer?  Thanks to recent innovations in technology, the number of online casinos that support Apple’s Macintosh computer is growing considerably.  There are a few software developers that have created platforms guaranteed to support Mac computer users.  In addition to this, more online casinos are working to improve their browser-based games to support Macintosh systems as well.  Not too a long, it was virtually impossible for Mac users to get in on a piece of the online gambling action.  And even though Windows remains dominant, the growing number of online casinos that support Macs gives users of the Apple system plenty to be excited about.

If you were to perform a Google search on Mac-based online casino sites or software, you might be surprised at the number of relevant results you get back.  In fact, there are a number of online poker sites that are specifically designed for this platform; no Windows users allowed.  There are also quite a few sites that offer casino software compatible with all three major operating systems: Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.  You heard it right.  Those who prefer the open-source Linux platform can now join in on the excitement of online gambling.  These users can take their shot at popular games that range from poker and bingo to slots and roulette.

A Word of Advice to Mac Users

When shopping for online casino sites, it is recommended that you take the time to read a few reviews to see what other users have to say about them.  If Mac is the system running on your computer, you definitely need to find out if the site supports it.  Once you have this out of the way, it is important to go over all the basics such as making sure the casino site is secure and the gaming platform stable.  The online gaming community is rapidly opening up its arms to Mac users so get out there and take your shot at the jackpot.  Most importantly, be safe and have fun with the game of your choosing.

There are many online casino sites that require you to download casino software to your local hard drive in order to start playing games.  Although some are intimidated by the process, downloading casino software is a very simple task.  In most cases, all you have to do is simply click on a button and choose the destination of where you want the downloaded program to be saved.  Let’s go over the process to help you determine what you need to do to get the online casino software up and running on your computer.

Installation and Setup

As is the case with all online casino software, there is a license agreement that you must accept before the application be can installed and work properly on your system.  Once the download is complete, generally, all you need to do is double-click on the file you downloaded from the web, which should fire up the installation wizard.  From there, simply follow the prompts and step by step instructions that appear on your screen.  The next step typically calls for you to create a player account with the online casino site.  Just like the download and setup, creating an account is a simple process that can be done in a matter of minutes.  Simply provide the required information, click the submit button and you are done.  For the most part, all you need to do is have your personal and financial information handy and the account can be created with ease.

Finding the Right Software

Now that you know the basics of downloading and installing online casino software on your computer, it is time to do yourself a favor before taking that critical step to click the download button.  What we recommend is that you visit casino review websites to find out a little more about the online casino you intend to do business with.  Gather as much information as you can about their site, putting an emphasis on the company’s reliability, the type of money transfer systems they use, the stability of the gaming software and its developer, how long its takes to get your funds after a withdrawal and anything else you can find out.  A good portion of this information can be obtained by taking the time out to read reviews offering feedback from those who have actually played at a particular casino.  Many new players have found that online casino reviews make one of the best sources for first-hand information.

When shopping for online casinos, it is essential to realize that not all gambling software is made equal.  Some are of great quality, while others are downright terrible.  What we mean by this is that some of these software platforms are designed in a manner that no matter how many times you play, the deck is stacked against you and winning is next to impossible.  You also need to be aware of the casino software that isn’t what it seems, and is actually intent on harming your computer.  While downloading and installing the games onto your computer is a breeze, finding a platform you can rely on tends to be the most difficult part of the equation.