Category Archives: Games Sector

Appointments, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment, Marketing, PR and SEO, News

Vega expands iGaming team with two senior hires

Just three months after launching its operations in Gibraltar, marketing agency Vega is growing it’s iGaming team with the addition of two new senior hires.

Vega Gibraltar was set up in May this year as a service hub for Vega’s iGaming and finance client base. Following several new business wins since its inception, Vega is now growing their team with Steve Smith (previously of DAZN Bet, BetVictor), joining the Gibraltar senior team as Director and Tom Burley, joining from Dentsu as Head of iGaming PR based out of Vega head office in Manchester.

To accommodate its growing team, Vega Gibraltar has also moved to a new, larger office located in The World Trade Center in the heart of Gibraltar’s business district.

Quote from Steve Smith, Director of Vega Gibraltar:

“I am delighted to be joining the Vega Gibraltar team. This opportunity allows me to use my client-side iGaming experience to innovate at an accelerated pace whilst working with some of the brightest marketing minds within the industry. Together we will drive Vega Gibraltar forward and help our ever-expanding client base navigate the increasingly complex challenges to unlock true business growth.”

Quote from Tom Burley, Head of iGaming PR at Vega:

“Joining the Vega team is a really exciting opportunity. The business has made huge strides over the last three years and it’s motivating to be part of a team with such a high growth mindset. I’ve been involved in the iGaming industry for over eight years and I’m looking forward to elevating Vega’s Digital PR product and delivering more great results for our clients.”

Quote from Carl Hallam, Co-Founder of Vega Gibraltar:

“Bringing Steve and Tom on board is a pivotal moment for Vega Gibraltar and our iGaming team. Their deep industry knowledge, experience and passion for driving results make them a perfect fit for our team. We are proud of our early achievements, working with major operators, and our new office space reflects our commitment to continued growth and success. The future looks exciting, and we’re eager to see the impact Steve and Tom will have on our journey.”

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About Vega

Vega is an independent, full-service agency with a global footprint from offices in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and Gibraltar. Named after the original North Star, Vega combines experience, data and insight to understand clients’ challenges and produce focused media solutions to deliver growth.

 

Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment, News, Tech, Technology, Tyneside

Business gaming Hackathon to unlock Port of Tyne’s 2050 Vision – 9 October 2023

Hackathon at Maritime Innovation Week 2023 will gamify strategic goals and award cash prizes to developers

Gamers and software developers across the UK are invited to apply their skills to some of the ambitious strategic goals set by the Port of Tyne at a unique business gaming hackathon (also known as Game Jam), taking place at Maritime Innovation Week 2023 on 9th November.

As a forward-looking, port of the future, Port of Tyne has published a very ambitious Tyne 2050 strategy focused on themes including innovation, sustainability, green energy, and safety. An industry first for the ports and maritime sector, the one day game hackathon will allow teams of creative and forward-thinking developers to transform complex business strategy ideas and themes into an engaging game concept.

Teams of up to 4 people are invited to select a theme of their choice from the strategic development projects listed under the Tyne 2050 strategy and devise a game concept using a no-code game development platform. 

Game concepts will be presented to a judging panel of gaming experts including event partners Ubisoft, who will nominate the ultimate winners of a £500 cash prize. 

“Business gamification is already widely adopted in many sectors, but this is the first time we’ve been part of a Game Jam supporting the future of maritime innovation,” says Damien Glorieux, General Manager for Ubisoft’s Consumer Relationship Centre (CRC) based in Newcastle.. “Through their 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub, the Port of Tyne has a future-focused culture that embraces new ways of working, this event is another example of their vision in action and we’re delighted to be involved.”

We’re using the Game Jam format to bring our Tyne 2050 strategic objectives to life for port colleagues. Our vision is ambitious and we want game developers to inspire us, using novel concepts to drive home both the potential for change and its commercial relevance,” says Ian Blake, Head of Technology at the Port of Tyne.

Sign up for the Maritime Innovation Week Game Jam

When: 9th November 2023

Where: 2050 Innovation Hub, Port of Tyne

How: Game development must not involve use of coding languages and should be developed with an approved no code / low code gaming engines, e.g. GameMaker, GDevelop.

Challenge: Gamify the Tyne 2050 Strategy

The challenge for game developers is to explore a Tyne 2050 theme of their choice and build a fun and creative 2D game in a single day, that can be played by the 350 colleagues across the Port of Tyne, enabling them to appreciate the wider impacts of the strategy.

Any Tyne 2050 theme and game setting can be selected. The following example ideas have been developed to help kick start brainstorm sessions. 

  • Zero Harm: The Port has a Zero Harm safety objective. Consider a warehouse setting with different hazards/trips/spills scattered across the warehouse map. The purpose of the game could be to locate and select the correct hazard classification within a given time, competing for safety points on a leaderboard. The person with the most points wins.
  • Green Energy: The port has a goal to achieve net zero by 2030. The purpose of the game will be to reach net zero using the least amount of time and money. There will be a sum of money that can be allocated between different green energy sources such as solar, wind, tidal, etc. with different costs and carbon reduction impacts. A timer will run on top counting down towards 2030. Whoever reaches net zero with the least amount of time and money spent tops the leaderboard.
  • Operational Efficiency: The port has an objective to deliver efficiencies and drive down the time and cost of operations. The game setting could be a container terminal holding 20 containers, 20 containers on the ship, and several free spaces where containers could be placed. The goal would be to move the 20 containers from terminal to ship and vice versa in the least number of moves. The player with the least moves tops the leaderboard.

To find out more about the Hackathon and sign up, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/maritime-innovation-week-hackathon-2023-tickets-730304730107?aff=oddtdtcreator

Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

Top-ranking casino bonuses in 2023

Bonuses have become a valuable tool for maximising winning opportunities for gaming enthusiasts. In 2023, we have witnessed the emergence of various casino bonuses, as they grant access to a wide range of benefits that make them truly enticing and go beyond the simple concept of increasing your initial balance. These benefits can distinguish between an enjoyable gaming experience and the potential for significant winnings.

In this opportunity, we will learn about the bonuses that stand out in the casino industry for 2023 until the end of the year and the benefits you can gain by using them wisely.

We will begin with the classic Welcome Bonuses, a bonus that represents the Gateway to the Casino World. These types of bonuses are aimed at new players, providing an initial boost to their gaming experience. Generally, these bonuses come in the form of additional funds that can be used for playing or obtaining free spins. In some cases, welcome bonuses are offered in a tiered format, meaning they apply to the first deposits. The more money you initially deposit, the greater the rewards. However, the format of welcome bonuses may vary depending on your gaming platform.

No Deposit Bonuses are another popular alternative in 2023, designed to offer a risk-free playing option. These bonuses could be considered the best for players since they allow testing casino games without risking your own money. These bonuses allow players to play and win real money without making an initial deposit, so all you need to do is register at the casino to claim the bonus.

Free Spins are a gem in the world of online casinos and are highly valued by players who love slot machines. These bonuses allow you to spin the reels without investing money, making it an ideal option to browse new games or increase your chances of winning on your favourite slot machines. These types of bonuses tend to be recurring and can appear in various forms, either as part of an attractive welcome package for new members or as regular rewards for loyal players who have decided to stay and enjoy the gaming experience at a particular casino. The number of free spins you can receive may vary depending on the casino and the current promotion, which means there are always opportunities to take advantage of this type of bonus.

Reload Bonuses are a reward frequent players can obtain, designed to keep existing customers happy. They function as a bonus on deposits made after the initial deposit and are often used as part of a loyalty program or special promotions. Reload bonuses are an excellent way to boost your balance and extend your gaming experience. Some casinos also offer periodic reload bonuses, allowing you to use them regularly.

Loyalty Programs are a way for casinos to reward the loyalty of frequent players. These programs typically offer special bonuses, promotions and points that can be redeemed for cash or additional bonuses. The more you play at a particular casino, the greater the rewards you can obtain through their loyalty program.

Although bonuses are a straightforward and convenient tool, it is crucial to understand how casino bonuses work and their specific characteristics before accepting any offer, as each bonus comes with conditions that can vary from one casino to another.

However, some websites, such as casinobonusca, specialised in bonuses, where they carefully analyse some of the most demanded casinos on the web and the bonuses they offer. These still benefit players as they can double their winnings if they play for real money. In addition, they also look at the various alternatives to bonuses, such as free spins.

One of the characteristics that can regularly vary among different types of bonuses is the wagering requirements. These requirements determine how much you must bet before being able to withdraw your winnings, which games are eligible, as some bonuses may be limited to certain games, and even the duration of the bonus, as some have expiration dates.

This will help you make well-informed choices regarding the offers that best suit your gaming style and personal goals, allowing you to make the most of the bonuses.

The year 2023 has shown us that competition among online casinos is fierce, which means that players can take advantage of an interesting variety of bonuses and promotions that make online casinos an even more exciting alternative.

Cloud Platforms, Digital Transformation, Games Sector, News

First Asian Games Core Systems to be Hosted on Alibaba Cloud

Global cloud leader plays a critical role to support digital transformation of the Hangzhou Asian Games 

In a mission to accelerate the digitalisation of the Asian Games, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC) has launched its core systems on Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. Alibaba Cloud’s robust, reliable and secure technologies will support the first “Asian Games on the Cloud”, to facilitate more intelligent, sustainable, sophisticated and efficient Asian Games – to be held in Hangzhou, the company’s headquarters, from September 23 to October 8.

The core systems, comprising Games Management Systems (GMS), Results Distribution Systems (RDS) and Games Support Systems (GSS), will support around-the-clock operations of 56 competition venues and other critical facilities such as the information technology management centre, main media centre and the Hangzhou Asian Games Villages, serving more than 100,000 registered users, including the athletes, broadcasters, journalists, staff and volunteers from 45 countries and regions across the globe.

As the Games’ official information technology integrator and cloud service provider, Alibaba Cloud is responsible for running an all-on-cloud Asian Games, leveraging its proven track record in supporting large-scale worldwide sports events.

Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, said: “We have extensive experience supporting large-scale global sports events building upon our proven cloud technologies and trusted services. We are proud and excited to return to our headquarters this year to help deliver an innovative, efficient, sustainable and inclusive Asian Games in Hangzhou. With the even more advanced core systems support, we are committed to an effective collaboration with the Games’ stakeholders, and with further improved cloud broadcast technologies, we will bring more engaging viewing experiences to the global audience and sports fans.”

“The Hangzhou Asian Games will be another milestone for Alibaba Cloud to show how robust, scalable and secure cloud computing technologies can help drive digital transformation of large-scale sports events to bring sports and entertainment to every corner of the world,” Yuan added.

State-of-the art architecture seamlessly integrates with cloud-native core systems

Alibaba Cloud provides the fundamental architecture that supports the seamless integration of the core systems as well as intelligent applications such as cloud broadcasting and event organisation and communications.

For example, at the end of each competition the Results Distribution System will receive data from the timing and scoring system at the venue, which will be further integrated into the central system for distribution in different formats through different application programming interfaces (APIs), such as the results display and news feeds. All of these are built on the Alibaba Cloud to ensure efficient, accurate and stable results distribution.

Using cloud-native technology and running it on Alibaba Cloud’s container services, the company enables more agile, scalable and efficient operations of the event. In addition, there is no longer a need for physical data centres that require large dedicated space and maintenance facilities to run. Cloud resources will be released once the event is concluded, making the games more environmentally friendly.

More than 5,000 hours of excitement transmitted through live cloud broadcasting

The Hangzhou Asian Games will also be the first in the games’ history during which Rights-Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) will receive live footage through public cloud infrastructure. Alibaba Cloud expects to transmit more than 5,000 hours of live footage through as many as 68 high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) feeds during the event. In addition to live broadcast, the cloud-based content platform delivers footage in HD or UHD, highlights of the Games and news flashes for RHBs to present to the audience’s mobile or other devices.

During the Games, the cloud broadcasting will transcend physical boundaries and bring the excitement to audiences across Asia and the rest of the world, through Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure and services in Hangzhou to ApsaraVideo Live Centers in Shanghai and Beijing as well as regional cloud resources in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Singapore.

Prior to cloud broadcasting, broadcasters had to rely on dedicated and more costly international telecommunication optical circuits and spend a considerable amount of time to set up the equipment, in order to send live footage halfway across the globe back to their home countries. Now leveraging the highly scalable, resilient and secure global infrastructure of Alibaba Cloud and its network acceleration service – Global Accelerator – live multilateral content in high quality over the public cloud with a fraction of the cost and minimum time for set-up can be delivered.

Cloud technology helps bring smart Asian Games Villages

The Hangzhou Asian Games has launched an Intelligent Operation Platform to manage the operation of the three Asian Games Villages, which is expected to host over 20,000 athletes, reporters and officials. The platform leverages Alibaba Cloud’s advanced visualisation tool to analyse real-time intelligence to further streamline the management system, while providing a more seamless user experience for those who live in the Villages.

For example, Alibaba Cloud’s solution utilises real-time information to analyse traffic and crowd management. A warning will be provided on a dashboard if a public area gets too crowded for public safety. Extreme weather, power failure and fire warnings are also available for the organiser’s intelligence-driven decisions.

With Alibaba Cloud’s natural language processing (NLP) technology, an intelligent service robot will also provide all-day online consulting services in both English and Chinese for people living in the Asian Games Villages through a web application service. The chatbot can provide real-time responses related to the services available in the Villages.

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About Alibaba Cloud

Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud (www.alibabacloud.com) is the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. It offers a complete suite of cloud services to customers worldwide, including elastic computing, database, storage, network virtualization services, large-scale computing, security, management and application services, big data analytics, a machine learning platform and IoT services. Alibaba maintained its position as the third leading public cloud IaaS service provider globally since 2018, according to IDC. Alibaba is the world’s third leading and Asia Pacific’s leading IaaS provider by revenue in U.S. dollars since 2018, according

Entertainment, Gambling, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

The Factors Behind the Surge in the Global Bingo Market: A $145 Billion Market by 2030?

With bingo now part of popular culture for close to a century, it may seem surprising to find that the global market for gambling on this game has grown at a rapid pace in recent times. What are some of the key factors behind this growth and what does the future hold according to the latest reports?

The Growth Factors Examined

Going online has clearly opened up the bingo market to a huge new audience. This has allowed newcomers to try the game for the first time, while those who already played it in the past can now explore a convenient way of trying to get a full house at any time of day. Online bingo has also expanded the global appeal of the game by taking it to new places that aren’t part of traditional bingo-playing communities.

A growing range of games has helped to fuel this process. As well as different versions of the game, players can also find themed bingo and crossovers like Slingo at Paddy Power. This is a mixture of slots and bingo that includes many different themed versions like Cosmic Clusters and Money Train. The aim of Slingo is still to mark off all the numbers, but the mechanism for receiving new numbers makes it feel more like a slot.

A high degree of accessibility with simple gameplay on uncluttered screens is another of the main reasons why bingo has proved to be such a hit online. Individual games are generally grouped into themed rooms, so players know exactly what to expect before they get started. The presence of welcome offers and rooms with free or low-cost games has also helped to get new players started without any fuss.

Image Source: Pixabay

What Happens Next?

A recent report by Zion Market Research looked at the size of the global bingo market and how it might change in the next decade or so. They calculated a current size of just over $60 billion, which they believe will now grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7% to make the industry worth more than $145 billion by the time we reach 2030.

The report points out the highly competitive and diversified nature of the online gambling market and how this could act as a factor that restricts the growth of online bingo. However, it’s worth noting that many of the alternative gambling games such as slots and live table games are often available in different sections of bingo sites, meaning that the big bingo brands can still benefit when their players look for alternative games from time to time.

We can expect to see bingo continue to diversify from the roots explained here by ThoughtCo, with new versions that provide a twist on the classic game, from the introduction to new themes to the creation of completely new games like Slingo that appeal to different types of players. Emerging technology such as the metaverse and artificial intelligence may play a part in this, but it seems likely that simple gameplay and accessibility will remain crucial as the market continues to develop

Entertainment, Gambling, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

US Gambling Giant BetMGM Now Live in the UK

BetMGM, a subsidiary of the MGM Resorts International, is now live in the iGaming space in the UK. Last year, it acquired Swedish online gambling company LeoVegas for a massive $604 million! LeoVegas is already licensed to operate in the UK, paving BetMGM’s way into the already saturated market.

MGM Resorts is a US-based gambling giant with 31 resorts around the world. The resort franchise also operates as Beau Rivage, Borgata, Gold Strike, Bellagio, Circus Circus, etc. destinations across the country. 

The partnership with LeoVegas is BetMGM’s first international venture into the world of online gambling. 

Bill Hornbuckle, the CEO and President of MGM Resorts, said, “BetMGM is a proven brand in the sports betting and iGaming space, and we look forward to welcoming international players into our platforms designed specifically for them. 

Today’s announcement represents a key step forward in our international growth strategy, which has been advancing rapidly since our acquisition of LeoVegas.”

BetMGM will offer all major components of online casino UK gambling, including jackpots, sports promotions, online slots, loyalty programs, etc. During the early days of the launch, players can access these components via desktop and mobile websites.

MGM also has plans for mobile apps, destined to flood the market in mid-September of this year.

BetMGM’s British partner, LeoVegas, is a fast-growing brand with over 1,000 employees across Europe. It’s licensed to accept players from 9 jurisdictions. The acquisition has the potential to put BetMGM on Europe’s gambling radar in the coming years. 

Along with the existing products, BetMGM also promises an “MGM Resorts Las Vegas Category” on the gambling site, allowing British gamblers to explore the ways of America. 

The authorities at MGM are also in the talks of acquiring Entain if Q2 earnings meet expectations. 

The interest of large-scale businesses to explore the UK market does not come as a surprise as the gambling market was valued at $7.8 billion in 2022. Experts project that the industry will reach the $11 billion mark by 2028.

The UK is undoubtedly a faster-growing market compared to the US and Canada, intriguing big names like MGM to explore the opportunities. The president of MGM Resort International Interactive, Gary Fritz, said, “The UK is a mature online gaming market, and we believe the BetMGM brand will provide distinct relevance to both sports bettors and iGaming consumers”.

We can expect an influx of international operators thanks to the favourable legislation by the government and flexible tax laws in the near future.

Entertainment, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

How Popular Slots Online Have Changed in the UK

Since the first mechanical slot machine was created in the early 1890s, slots have advanced significantly. What was once a straightforward in-person physical reel-spinning experience has transformed into a vibrant and all-encompassing online universe powered by the click of a button from anywhere in the world.

The evolution of slots is a fascinating journey of innovation, alluring ideas and cutting-edge technology. This is what awaits you beyond the reels in modern online slots. So, how did we get here? Keep reading for a brief look into the history of slots since they joined the online UK market.

Online Slots in the UK – The Beginning

Mechanical slots grew in popularity until 1994 when Microgaming pioneered the online casino world and created the first online casino software at a time when many people didn’t even have access to the internet.

Later in 1998, Microgaming released the first-ever online slot, Cash Splash. The game had basic mechanics, minimal fixed reels, and simple yet colourful 2D images. Since then, there seems to be no limit to what today’s popular slots offer players. So what can you expect from modern online slots today?

Modern Slots

The remarkable developments in visuals and animation have been one of the most striking features of the growth of online slots. The era of plain, pixelated designs has passed. Today’s online slots have aesthetically stunning visuals, sophisticated animations and eye-catching visual effects.

Online slots today provide a wide variety of themes to fit the interests of every player, from traditional fruit machines to highly developed video slots. As slots have developed, inventiveness has exploded, with themes drawn from mythical creatures, adventures, fantasy, films, television programs and more.

Branded slots are significantly well-liked. They let players immerse in their favourite franchises. The sound effects are thoughtfully designed to fit the subject of the game. These include everything from the tinkling of coins to ethereal music for an adventure with a fantasy theme.

Additionally, background music creates mood and depth. Another turning point in developing online slots was introducing random number generators (RNGs). They guarantee the fairness and unpredictability of each spin, enhancing player confidence in online slots. 

Another significant development in online slots was the addition of interactive bonus features. These elements, such as Wheel of Fortune, pick-and-win games and free spins, gave gaming a new level of excitement. 

Mobile Gaming on the Rise

Apart from the fantastic features, graphics, themes and mechanics that modern online slots provide players, the invention of HTML5 technology and mobile casinos takes things to a new level. 

Mobile slots keep growing in popularity. They are a testament to how far innovation and technology have come since the late 1800s and how far gaming can go in this industry.

Entertainment, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

Revealed: Today’s Best TV Game Show-Themed Live Dealer Games

Many of today’s most popular online casino games are live dealer games from multi-award-winning online casino software providers, such as Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play.

These two companies have produced some of the best live dealer games on the market today, and some of their most popular games are TV Game Show-themed live dealer games. Let’s dive straight in and check out some of their most famous titles.

What are TV game show-themed live dealer games?

TV game show-themed live dealer games are like mini-game shows on which you can bet real money throughout the day at many top online casinos.

The games are streamed directly to your preferred smartphone, tablet or desktop device from one of several licensed studios, and the action is presented to you in real time by a real-life person known as the live dealer.

You can find numerous traditional table & card live dealer games, a handful of live dealer slots, and a broad range of TV game show-themed live games, many of which come with immersive second-screen bonus rounds that take place away from the main screen.

Live dealer games like these are generally only ever available to play in the real money mode, and you can often play from as little as C$0.10 to C$0.50 per hand/round/spin.

A look at some of today’s most popular TV game show-themed live games

If you head to the official Unibet Canada website today, you can now find more than 30 TV game show live dealer games from Pragmatic Play and Evolution. Some of the most popular titles to check out before trying any others are the following famous games:

  • Live Unibet Lightning Roulette by Evolution Gaming (exclusive)
  • Live Unibet Lightning Blackjack by Evolution Gaming (exclusive)
  • Live Crazy Time by Evolution Gaming
  • Live Sweet Bonanza Candyland by Pragmatic Play
  • Live Mega Wheel by Pragmatic Play
  • MONOPOLY Big Baller Live by Evolution Gaming
  • MONOPOLY Live by Evolution Gaming
  • Live Funky Time by Evolution Gaming
  • Snakes & Ladders Live by Pragmatic Play
  • Live Mega Ball by Evolution Gaming

Others include Live Dream Catcher by Evolution Gaming, Live Extra Chilli Epic Spins by Evolution Gaming, Live Boom City by Pragmatic Play, and Live Football Studio by Evolution Gaming.

Honourable mentions

If that’s not enough to keep you going, and you want more TV game show live dealer games, there’s also Live Deal or No Deal by Evolution Gaming, Live Crazy Coin Flip by Evolution Gaming, Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt Live by Evolution Gaming, and Live Dead or Alive: Saloon, which is also by Evolution Gaming.

Are there any other live dealer games worth checking out?

Yes. After playing some of these games, you may want to try something more traditional. In that case, remember to check out several other hit titles, such as Live Craps, Live Casino Hold ’em, Live Teen Patti, Live Texas Hold ’em Bonus Poker, Live Side Bet City, and Live Three Card Poker, all of which are brought to you by Evolution.

You may also like to try Live Caribbean Stud Poker, Live 2 Hand Casino Hold ’em, Live XXXtreme Lightning Roulette, Live Power Up Roulette, French Roulette Gold Live, Live One Blackjack, and Live Infinite Free Bet Blackjack.

Can I practice playing any of these games in the free-play mode?

Unfortunately, no. Live dealer games from almost every company in the world that specializes in making these games never have them available to play in the free-play mode, simply because it’s too expensive to run them in this mode.

However, all of the live dealer games mentioned above by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play cater to everyone from low rollers on a budget to high rollers with plenty of cash to spare.

Don’t forget that you can play from as little as C$0.10 to C$0.50 up to, in some cases, as much as C$2,000.00 to C$10,000.00 per round, depending on the game.

 

Gambling, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

How to Choose a Safe Real Money Slot Operator

There are hundreds of video slot operators that could be a great choice for your new online casino. Sadly, there are also plenty of sub-par developers who have bad reputations, shady practices, or slot games that aren’t up to scratch.

In this article, we’ll look at how to sift out the good from the bad. How can you choose a safe real money slot operator that provides fair games with excellent security and transparency? To do this, there is a range of important factors to consider, including licensing, RTP, payment options, transparency, and security architecture, which I will discuss below.

 

Licensing

Perhaps the first factor to consider is a gambling licence. As you are aware, online casinos should have a gambling licence and this is also true for real money slot operators. Licences are issued by an official regulatory body or licensing body that covers a specific region, such as the UK Gambling Commission.

These organisations are responsible for giving licences and also for auditing the slot operators to make sure they comply with gambling laws and regulations for the country/region the business resides in. We categorically advise against ever using a slot operator that doesn’t have a license.

If they do not have a gambling license from an official body, then they do not have to comply with gambling laws and could potentially be scamming customers or using biased RNG systems to rig their games. Legitimate slot operators should always have their licensing info visible and available to check.

Slot RTP

If you read this review of real money slots, you will see plenty of mentions of RTP. RTP stands for the return to player percentage. This denotes how much a player can expect to win back when playing over time. For example, a well-known slot from NetEnt is Bloodsuckers, which has an RTP of 97.00%.

This means that if you spent $100 playing the game, over time, you would expect to get back $97.00 or make a loss of $3.00. The industry average for video slots if 96.00%, therefore, you should ideally be looking for an operator that has plenty of slot games with an RTP that is equal or above this.

If the slots have an RTP below 96.00%, the games are less attractive and fewer people will play them as customers often look at RTP in relation to their chances of winning.

Payment Options

It’s also a great idea to consider payment options for slot games. It’s important that people can easily make deposits and play the games. Which currencies do the video slots support? What denominations are there in terms of spin value? What is the maximum payout the slot can provide, and does it have a progressive jackpot feature?

These are all important factors to consider, and they help determine the accessibility of the slots and how people can actually play them depending on their budget.

 

Transparency for RNG systems

Online slots use RNG (random number generator) systems to determine the outcome of each reel spin. This is a complex algorithm that uses computer science to randomly spit out a number sequence that relates to each reel being in a different position.

This is how video slots are randomised; you only want to use software developers that have their RNG systems verified. There are third-party testing labs and auditing companies, like eCOGRA, that test RNG systems for randomness and make sure nothing underhand is being done behind the scenes by the slot provider.

Proper RNG systems make sure that the slots are fair and that everyone has a proper chance to win real money.

 

Security Architecture

Lastly, consider the security and the platform the video slots are made from. Securing your business is incredibly important and individuals must also be secure when doing anything online. For slot games, this mainly comes down to the host, i.e. the online casino, and they must have SSL encryption and use HTTPS for web data transferals.

The slot operator should ideally utilise modern methods for their games, such as HTML5 for coding as opposed to the older flash games that are no longer supported by Adobe.

 

Make Sure You Choose the Right Slot Operator to Benefit from Their Games

The primary factors to look for are licensing and RNG systems as these virtually guarantee that the slot operator is legitimate and that their games are not biased and will not scam customers. Other factors, like RTP, payment options, and security features, are also vital in determining which slot operators to use.

Gambling, Games Sector, Gaming & Entertainment

The Best Practices for Responsible Gambling in Online Casinos

The advent of online casinos has transformed the gambling landscape, offering unprecedented convenience and excitement. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential dangers that accompany it. Gambling, if approached carelessly, can exact a toll beyond monetary losses, impacting your health, relationships, and overall happiness. This is precisely why responsible gambling is of utmost importance. In this article, you’ll learn the best practices for responsible gambling in online casinos. You’ll discover how to set a budget, limit your time, and seek help if you need it.

Online Gambling: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Online gambling is a form of entertainment that allows you to play various games of chance, such as slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, bingo, sports betting, and lotteries, using the internet. But it’s also risky. To safeguard against financial losses and maintain a balanced life, it is imperative to adopt the following measures:

  1. Prioritise responsible gambling practices like deposit and time limits etc.
  2. Choose reliable sites that have a license, a good reputation, a secure payment system, and a customer support service.

When searching for reputable online casino sites, a valuable approach is to explore dedicated and reliable online casino review platforms. One notable example is bestonlinecasinocyprus.com, which caters to individuals seeking the best online casino experience. This review platform provides honest and unbiased assessments of the top online casinos available in Cyprus. By evaluating your options on such platforms, you can make well-informed decisions to ensure your engagement with trustworthy and reputable online casinos that prioritize player safety and satisfaction.

Best Practices for Responsible Gambling in Online Casinos

To ensure a safe and responsible gambling experience in online casinos, here are three best practices that can help you maintain control and prevent issues:

1. Setting Personal Limits

Decide on how much money and time you can afford to spend on online gambling and sticking to these limits. Setting personal limits can help you avoid losing more than you can afford, chasing losses, or neglecting other aspects of your life. To set a realistic and reasonable personal limit, you need to:

  • Consider your income, expenses, savings, and debts
  • Allocate a portion of your disposable income for gambling
  • Decide how often and how long you want to gamble
  • Divide your budget accordingly

Moreover, you can use apps or spreadsheets to record your gambling transactions and monitor your spending.

2. Use Responsible Gambling Tools and Features

There is a variety of features that are offered by many online casinos to help you control your gambling behavior and prevent problems. Some of the common responsible gambling tools and features are:

Self-exclusion and cooling-off periods

These are options that allow you to block your access to the online casino for a certain period of time, ranging from a few hours to several months or years. They are useful if you feel that you need a break from gambling or if you have a gambling problem.

Reality checks and session reminders

These are notifications that pop up on your screen at regular intervals to remind you of how long you have been playing, how much you have won or lost, and how close you are to your limits. They are useful to help you keep track of your gambling and to make informed decisions.

Account history and financial transaction monitoring

These are features that allow you to view your past gambling activities and transactions, such as your bets, wins, losses, deposits, withdrawals, and bonuses. They are useful to help you monitor your spending and to identify any patterns or problems.

3. Recognizing Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is a condition where gambling interferes with your normal functioning and causes harm to yourself or others. This condition can have serious consequences for your health, finances, and relationships. Some of the signs of problem gambling are:

  • Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford.
  • Chasing losses or trying to win back money that you have lost.
  • Lying or hiding your gambling behavior from others.
  • Feeling guilty, depressed, or anxious because of your gambling.
  • Neglecting other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or hobbies.
  • Having trouble controlling or stopping your gambling.

Conclusion

Gambling can be a thrilling and rewarding activity, but only if you play smart and safe. This article has given you some practical tips on how to gamble responsibly online, such as choosing reliable sites, setting limits, and using tools. But remember, if gambling becomes a problem for you or someone you know, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources and people who can support you and help you overcome it.