How the Online Live Casino Trend is Shaping the Industry

The advent of online live casino games represents a big milestone for online casino operators. Live dealer games provide you with a way to enjoy all the thrills of a land-based casino right from your favourite armchair. It’s already been two decades since the very first live dealer baccarat, blackjack and roulette casinos were introduced, and today, the genre is just as popular.

Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now enjoy more authentic live dealer experiences, and strong competition in the industry provides operators with a huge incentive to expand their portfolio of games and make use of the latest technology. Today, operators have the means to offer live dealer table games that will have you feeling like you’ve just stepped into a dazzling brick and mortar casino.

Online Live Casino Games Are Rocking the Industry

If you enjoy online casino games, you expect the best. There are lots of choices out there, so you can afford to be picky. That’s why online casinos operators dare not compromise on quality offerings. Random number generators are audited for fairness, but it seems as though baccarat, roulette and blackjack fans would rather stick to games of skill where real dealers cannot be substituted against algorithms.

Best of all, there are loads of choices when it comes to online casinos offering live dealer games. Popular table games in dual formats are on offer, so you can pick between the live dealer games or the RNG variants. The benefits of playing a number of games simultaneously is also appealing to many players, so you can play both RNG games and those manned by real croupiers in real time.

Hybrid Games Gaining Traction

Leading online casinos continue to innovate the industry. The result is a melee of games that allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Those operators that run live dealer games strive to provide you with exciting incentives to ensure you have an awesome experience.

Slots Still Rule

While live dealer casinos continue to soar in popularity, online slots are by no means losing traction with players. On the contrary, these games complement one another and encourage you to try different things for your gaming pleasure. Slots remain the number one choice at online casinos and there are certainly more games in this genre than any other type of game.

One of the key reasons for why slots still dominate the online casino market is that they are quick and easy to get the hang of, and the provide hours of entertainment.

Any online casino players with no previous experience can start playing online slots, and you don’t need a big bankroll, either. Betting limits are usually relatively low, and you can even play in free mode while you get the hang of the game.

We’d say one of the best incentives to spin the reels is the fact that they often produce big wins. Progressive jackpots can make instant millionaires with minimal investment.

But, live dealer games continue to grow as a popular online casino contender.

Online Casino Gaming Easier Than Ever Thanks to Smartphones

The same way the invention of portable gaming consoles resulted in the decline in the amount of feet entering arcades, so the advent of online casinos has concerned land-based casinos about losing players to trying their luck from home rather than in from of a real table or the slot machine. Land-based casinos still rule a good chunk of the market, but online casino gaming is poised to continue challenging it for supremacy.

Online Casino Gaming is Accessible

While online casinos certainly appeal to players who don’t want to, and indeed can’t afford to book a trip to Las Vegas or some other gambling mecca, the ability to access the online casinos via a smartphone or tablet has opened the doors for an entirely new audience that just don’t have any inclination to visit a brick and mortar establishment whatsoever.

The numbers show us that just two years ago, nearly 50% of all online players who enjoyed wagering or betting were youngsters between the ages of 21 and 34 years old. Today, a little over 90% of adults own a smartphone. If we look at the history of adoption, it’s a sure thing that there is a massive market open and available for the online casino market to shift towards the mobile user.

Growing on a Mobile Scale

Today, online casinos have the unique opportunity to significantly grow their products on a mobile scale. Thanks to enhanced and improved processing capabilities along with growth in internet connection speeds, games are now faster than ever, and connections are more reliable.

What’s more, software developers can focus on the actual games rather than being shackled to the confines of technological capabilities. Take Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality as examples. They’ve opened up all sorts of doors for innovation, giving online casino gaming developers the opportunity to bring the casino floor right to your fingertips. Now, you can enjoy an array of slots, table games and progressive jackpots without even leaving home.

Improved Safety and Security

Security and privacy hardware have also improved greatly, with greater adoption of two-factor authentication which provides even better peace of mind as you look for personal and financial security as you play. Patches continue to work to get steps ahead of potential data breaches and today you can use your smartphones to download casino apps or play directly from your device’s browser with very little effort at all.

Accessibility Coming Up Trumps

Finally, online casinos are providing more games with smaller denominations, making casino gaming more accessible to casual players. Some sites offer you the chance to play for as little as 0.10 euros or GBP. Overall, smaller denominations are mobile friendly if you just want to play for a little while on your mobile device.

The new generation of smartphones are simply exceptional, making them the perfect vehicle for online casinos to access even wider markets. Thanks to strong marketing, smart development and, of course, highly immersive gameplay, online casinos can give current players a whole new medium while also attracting new players.

A New Microgaming Slot Is Out and We’re Sure You’ll Love It

There’s a new Microgaming slot on the block and it’s brewing up a storm. Rainbrew has finally gone live across the Microgaming platform and the feedback is great. Just for the Win has created the latest 5-reel and 243 ways to win video slot for the gaming developer, and it’s anything but normal!

Players can look forward to a host of features, from the unique Sidewinder mechanic that can boost your various ways to win up to 1,125 complete with plenty of wilds and free spins.

Everything You Need to Know About the Microgaming Slot

Developed by Just for the Win, players can enjoy vibrant features and magical reels. Rainbrew went live mid-August, so you can try it out now at your favourite online casinos, both on desktop and mobile platforms.

So much detail has gone into this new release when it comes to not just theme, but bonus features, too. There is a total of three different wilds with two acting wilds, regular wilds and a Sidewinder feature. Each of these wilds activates against your horizontal reels on either the top or bottom and then triggers even more wilds to increase your different ways to win.

The innovative Sidewinder feature is always active during your main game as well as when you have free spins. When you land a Rainbrew symbol across reels two and four, you trigger the free spins round. During your free spins, the Rainbrew symbols fly through the mystical pipelines, creating tons of gameplay anticipation for even more thrilling rewards. The wild symbols can also connect to create expanding wilds, adding even more thrills to your gaming pleasure and even more ways to win in this vibrant new slot.

The Theme

Just for the Win have brought players an extra-exciting look into the realm of a leprechaun’s mystical brewery, where the pipelines transport the wild symbols, the Rainbrew free spins and the bubble Rainbrew to your free spins games. The eclectic addition gives a whole new twist on a classic theme to bring you unique gameplay full of enchanting rewards.

This is the fourth release by Just for the Win this year, and Microgaming is reportedly excited to unveil even more titles to its diverse portfolio of online slots in the months to come.

Overall, Rainbrew’s highly unique Sidewinder feature brings you brand-new ways to win big. The base game unlocks more ways to win with the wild symbols and your expanding wilds within the free spins rounds takes the game to an entirely immersive and exciting level.

If you’re a lover of online slots, you can try the game out in free mode first and once you’ve worked up a good thirst, make a deposit and start playing Rainbrew for real money and real chances to win some serious cash.

All that’s left to do is cross you fingers, hold your thumbs, and hope for the luck of the Irish!

The Best Online Casino Games

There are a few things more fun than spending a couple hours on your favourite online casino platform. Gaming has taken this world by storm. What was once a humble game of Pong that just took a few kilobytes to play, has rapidly turned into a multi-billion-dollar industry that is cranking out some of the most immersive and imaginative games we’ve ever come across.
There’s no denying that playing online casino games has kind of become a sub-culture. So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best games online for you to try, if you haven’t already.

Our List of Online Casino Games

Whether you’re a loyal PC player or prefer mobile casino apps, the good new is that you are spoilt for gaming choices.

Online Slots

Online slots are certainly the most popular to play, providing you with hours of fun and excitement, as well as the chance to win life-changing sums of money, be it from regular titles or progressive jackpots.

Online Roulette

Spin that wheel to see if your lucky number comes up. French, European and American roulette are all available online, including thrilling live dealer versions.

Online Keno

Keno is super-easy to learn and play. The lottery-style is a firm favourite with players around the globe.

Online Craps

Roll those bones and see if Lady Luck is standing beside you, in the riveting game of craps. This is an exciting game available in an online version that casino fans adore.

Sic Bo

Sic Bo adds some sensational Asian flavour to your gaming pleasure. The dice game allows players to enjoy the excitement of betting on the outcome of rolling the three dice.

Online Blackjack

Blackjack is an immensely popular game that is now available at online casinos in a range of variants, sure to keep you busy for a long time.

Online Baccarat

Baccarat is a sophisticated game that is surprisingly easy to learn and can be played online at a range of limits.

Caribbean Stud

This is a variation of the popular 5 card stud poker that has grown in popularity and is immensely fun to play.

Pai Gow

This two-handed poker game is played against a dealer and is a variation of Chinese dominoes. It’s so much fun!

Poker

You didn’t think we’d leave poker off the list, did you? From live dealer games to video slots and everything in between, poker continues to be a favoured game of skill and strategy with players the world over.
This is just our list. We truly think that the best online casino games are the ones you have the most fun playing. For many gamers, that’s online slots, and for others its table games, card games or even scratch cards and bingo. Whichever you love the most, we’re sure your favourite online casino has it ready and waiting for you.

A New Online Gaming Trend: Sweepstakes Casinos

While traditional online casino games such as slots, roulette, and blackjack continue to dominate the gaming landscape, there is a new trend that is catching the attention of players all over the world: sweepstakes casinos. These platforms distinguish themselves from the standard online casino model by providing a unique blend of gaming and prize-winning opportunities. If you’re intrigued by this new trend and want to learn more about some of the best platforms, check out our list of all sweepstakes casinos.

The Best Reasons You Should Be Playing Online Slots

It used to be that you had to spend massive amounts of money on tickets to get to Vegas, or at the very least drive some distance to get to the nearest casino to enjoy playing slots. But, in the era of awesome technology, everyone carries a casino in their pockets, available at a second’s notice. And, why not? Online slots are convenient, fun, and have the potential to change your life. Here’s why you should be playing them.

1. The Convenience of Online Slots

Depending on where you live, getting to a brick-and-mortar casino can be a trek. You may need to plan leave, book a plane ticket – the logistics are immense.
Fortunately, online slot games provide a far more convenient option. Just power up the PC or grab your mobile device and you’re instantly transported to the razzle and dazzle of gaming excitement – without even getting out of your PJs.

2. Sheer Online Entertainment

It’s simple; online slots are fun. In the past decade or so, the online casino industry has soared. And, why not? It’s an incredibly successful format. Today’s video slots are fun to play and easy to access. Whether you’re on the bus to work or waiting for your doctor’s appointment, they fill the time. What’s more, new titles are added monthly, making sure the fun never stops.

3. Great for New Players

If you’ve never been to a casino but always been curious, stepping into the world of gaming can be both exciting and daunting. Hitting up land-based slots means waiting in queues, getting frazzled, and having other player’s eyes on you. It’s pretty scary for new players.
With online video slots, you can do things at your pace.

4. Life-Changing Jackpots

Just like physical machines, online slots have serious potential to turn even the smallest wager into a bucket load of money. Most online casinos offer real money slots, and that comes with stakes in the decisions you make. But, that’s what makes this type of gaming so much more exciting.
What’s more, since money isn’t physically handled, casinos can match your bet. And, winning big becomes a whole lot less stressful. Offline, everyone sees you win, from other players to underhanded pickpockets. Win the big time online? All you have to do is withdraw your winnings – and in most countries those winnings aren’t even taxed.

5. So Many Extras

While slots are essential virtual copies of their original physical counterparts, they do come with so many extras thanks to technology.
Online casinos frequently offer bonuses, which are great for first-time players and veterans alike. Free spins are always on offer, too, not to mention all the exciting sub-games within the online slot’s base games and so many ways to win.
There are reports of online slot players who have made in excess of $1,500 using just the casino’s bonus of free spin offers – so they didn’t even have to spend a thing. Bonuses reduce the risk the usual risk-to-reward ratio, so you can play your favorite slots without having to take it too seriously.
With so many benefits, we should all be spinning the reels!

Do Review Sites Impact Your Online Casino Choices?

Ever noticed how many travel agent’s shops have closed down in recent times? Of course, the reason is sites like Trivago and Booking.com replacing brick-and-mortar agents. And, sites like TripAdvisor help us gain insight from travellers when we want to explore somewhere new. The point we’re trying to make is that despite the decline in the use of old-fashioned travel agents, we still go on holiday, and we still do our homework beforehand. It’s a similar sort of concept for choosing an online casino, too.

Choosing an Online Casino from a Casino Review Site

Most people don’t see online casinos as something you would research and compare before signing up. Most of us sign up after spotting an exciting Welcome Bonus promo on a TV ad or see something about the latest progressive slot jackpot climbing.
But, there’s something to be said for checking out casino review sites before joining a platform, and in fact, there are a number of benefits to be gained by doing even a little research.

First Things First

The first step is to make sure that the review site itself is legit. Fortunately, there are plenty of trusted and recognised brands in the industry. Those are the best sites to start at as they bring impartial reviews of an array of casinos and point out where to grab the best bonuses like no deposit offers and free spins.

Why Read Reviews?

Well, reviews offer insight into what an online casino offers, which could be somewhat more diverse than you think. While you may think that most online casinos are the same, they’ve all signed different licensing agreements with different software developers and that can be like choosing between, say a Nintendo Wii and a PlayStation 4.
For instance, many casinos offer thousands of thrilling NetEnt titles like Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst, and others that are powered by Playtech have the DC Superheroes Jackpot range.

Questions About Customer Service

When it comes to picking an online casino, you should be thinking about more than just bonuses and games. A good, full review will provide details on the casino’s level of customer service and how player disputes are handled.
There are other elements that are important, too, like the range of banking methods, speed of withdrawals and the software used on the site, not to mention the safety and security measures in place to ensure your details and money don’t fall into the wrong hands.
All these factors are the equivalent of using a travel review site to find out whether or not the hotel you want to stay at has your desired amenities or if there’s a king size bed in the main room.
Just like travel review sites, online casino review sites are free to browse, so it really doesn’t cost a thing to have a quick look around before parting with your cash.
After all, you probably read reviews before making big purchases. It just makes sense to do the same for your preferred online casino operator.

Playing Free Internet Casino Games

The new era of internet casino games has provided players with more products and the chance to enjoy some of their favourite games for free, such as online slots or baccarat. It is monetisation that has become an integral part of a design and the core of today’s models.

What Is Monetisation and How Does It Affect Internet Casino Games

Monetisation is a relatively new term and it’s easier to understand when we compare it to the traditional way of wagering to play online games. Not so long ago, players had to invest to activate certain features and bonus rounds.
Now, with the arrival of the monetisation system, the entire philosophy of revenue has been altered. To put things simply, players can now enjoy free versions of their favourite games in demo mode or for trial periods.

Do You Still Have to Pay for Something If It’s Free?

The simple answer is no. The monetisation of free to play games brings a degree of risk, however, in that it is on players to decide whether or not to invest some money to continue enjoying the game or slot.
What companies do is provide appealing content and features that will make you want to keep on playing. Here’s how they do that:

• Through the actual game by offering extra features and special tools. For example, you may be able to try out a basic slot game for free with a couple of free spins, so you can see what to expect. But, by wagering your own money, you can activate exciting bonus rounds, and with that, the chance to win some seriously enticing jackpots. What’s more, many casinos offer deposit bonuses, which means you’ll get more credits or spins once you make for first deposit.
• Through the player. Online casinos use player intelligence to get to know a player’s characteristics and therefore offer more customised gaming options to entice you to wager. To figure out what you like, the casinos look at things like which themes or characters in games you tend to gravitate towards and whether you prefer games of skill or games of chance.

The Social Factor

In the world of online casino gaming, there is a degree of social ambition. Players can rank and compete against one another, and thus monetisation of video and other casino games may be used as a form of enticement to win you over.
For instance, playing in tournaments can help you climb up that VIP ladder faster, or get a better conversion rate, while playing live dealer games really helps you stand out from the crowd.
What we must ask is this: how often should monetisation be used in the form of banners and adds with free casino offerings? The key, we would say, is moderation.
There are a number of parameters on which proper monetisation depends. Time limit offers, for example, can make it rather weak, while something as simple as extra free spins can make players want to invest and play for real money.

Have You Heard About No Account Casinos?

When we think about innovations in the online casino arena, we’re quick to think about slots with movie-like cut scenes, VR games, and progressive jackpots with life-changing payouts. Yet, one of the most significant innovations in the industry has nothing to do with the games, but rather simplifying player’s experience and making it safer and easier than ever to make a deposit, play games, and withdraw winnings. Introducing no account casinos.
By getting rid of the process of registering and verifying accounts, player experience is significantly improved with more effortless withdrawal and deposit options.
Thanks to this innovation, no account online casinos have grown exponentially and are set to become some of the most popular platforms around.

Changing the Paradigm with No Account Casinos

In an age where we are more guarded about the information we share over the internet; the Account Verification model has become a thorn in many player’s sides. Besides the inconvenience factor of having to scan and send paperwork, the thought of what could be done with the information if it were to reach the wrong hands is terrifying.
The popularity of no account casinos is an indication of how much players dislike having to share personal information. They show us that players are looking “plug and play” solutions.
The biggest selling point, though, is that players can deposit funds in just a few clicks, for free, straight from their bank. So, there’s no more need for third parties like Skrill or PayPal. And, players can withdraw the same way.
While skipping the registration process speeds things up, not being able to deposit in minutes has never really been a concern. On the other hand, withdrawals have historically been a slow process. You need to send in documentation, and once verified, it can still take up to 72 hours to receive your funds.
With no account casinos, you don’t have to verify identity and your cash outs can usually be processed directly to your bank account in a couple of hours.

How Does It All Work?

Well, everything is simpler thanks to technology that uses your BankID as an identifier. This adds another layer of security to the process, as all you do is log into your own bank account to play. It also does away with the need to provide any personal information to the casino.
To play your favourite online casino games, just log into your bank account and transfer your desired funds from the bank directly. It will only take a few minutes. Once complete, you can start playing games.
You also don’t have to withdraw winnings after ever gaming session or spend your balance all at once. You can pause your sessions and have the balance saved until your next gaming session. Just verify your identity again by logging into the bank and your funds will be there.
No account casinos aim to be as simple and enjoyable as possible. With no personal data to share and no username or password to remember, it’s no wonder they are the next big thing.

Online Casino Jackpots and the Biggest Wins

With so many different online slots and the enticing online casino jackpots that come with them, it can be a pretty tough decision knowing what to play. But, nothing quite beats the thrill of playing those progressive jackpots. Read on to learn more about these life-changing jackpots and how they work.

Online Casino Jackpots: Just How Do the Progressives Work?

Most progressive jackpots work the same way – a small amount of the cost of each spin goes straight into the prize pool. The figure continues to rise until some lucky player strikes it lucky. Also, the figure isn’t capped, which means it can soar to a sensational amount. Standard online slot jackpots, however, are capped at a set amount.

Different Types of Progressive Jackpots

There are two popular types of progressive slots: network and linked. The linked progressive slot machines refer to a jackpot that can only be won on one machine. So, that machine eventually pays out the jackpot when a player hits it.

On the other hand, a network progressive slot machine is one that’s linked to several other slots, sometimes just at one online casino, and at other times on slots across several different operators, for example, the well-known Mega Moolah from Microgaming.

With a network progressive slot, whenever a player places a wager on the game, it is automatically added to the pot for each machine within the network. Progressive network slots may have smaller odds, but the come with seriously high jackpot amounts.

Popular Progressive Slot Games

Progressive slots are popular amongst players. Some of the largest and most loved progressive slots include:

• Mega Moolah
• Mega Fortune
• Flying High
• Jolly Reels
• Cash Caboose

The Biggest Online Jackpot Winner

The Guinness Book of Records reports that the largest jackpot payout for an online progressive slot machine was a staggering 17.89 million Euros. The lucky player, John Heywood, hailed from the United Kingdom. He scored the life-changing win on Microgaming’s Mega Moolah slot back in 2015. Another very lucky Mega Moolah player landed 5 million Euros playing the slot on his mobile device.

The well-liked Mega Fortune slot has also paid out some amazing jackpots, including 17.61 million Euros to just one player, and four other wins of more than 5 million Euros each.

Be the Next Progressive Jackpot Winner

One of the best tips we can give you is to always play the maximum bet allowed. It’s not recommended for all kinds of slots, but for progressives, it’s the way to go. You cannot win that big jackpot unless you place a max bet.

With that in mind, you don’t have to bet a complete fortune to strike it lucky. One French player won a massive 7.6 million Euros when he or she placed a bet of just 1.25 Euros, while a soldier in the UK one GBP13.2 million from a 25p bet.

So, you could be the next progressive online casino jackpot winner – all you have to do is start spinning those reels!

How Mobile Casino Apps Are Revolutionising Online Gaming

Our tablets and smartphones have revolutionised the way we seek entertainment, both at home and on the move. From manually having to drag and drop MP3s and videos to instant streaming, the portable and online nature of our smart devices has made way for an entirely new online casino experience. The shift hasn’t only come from smartphone developers, but from software developers, too, who are leveraging the mobile casino apps marketplace to push the envelope of the way we play games and what our devices can do.

Mobile Casino Apps Make Gaming Portable and Accessible

The gross gaming yield from online casinos worldwide stands in excess of 450 billion dollars per year, with an increasing portion of that coming from mobile apps.

Let’s take a look at how apps have revolutionised are casino gameplay.

It’s Easier to Interact

Online casino gaming has enjoyed massive success since it first hit the internet, but there was always something lacking. While games like slots and video poker were certainly replicated well online, the method of interaction was far from perfect.

Spinning slots with fussy motions and clicking and dragging cards didn’t quite simulate the casino environment. This meant that playing online games just wasn’t the same as the real casino experience. With the introduction of mobile apps, this has all changed. Thanks to touchscreen support, casino operators can now mimic the experience of playing these games in person.

Portability

Today, we’re all about portability. Our mobile devices ensure that we never have to be offline when we’re on the move. Whether it’s online shopping, banking, media or just about anything, the always-on connections on our devices have changed the way we operate in our daily lives.

Their very nature means that wherever we may be, we can play at online casinos. Whether it’s progressive jackpot slots, blackjack or roulette, you can play anywhere, from your bath to your local bus.

Speedy Evolution

Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos – and especially apps – aren’t tied to any location. In fact, they’re pretty much just code. This means that the can be altered, changed and consistently improved to move with the times and bring brand-new features to avid online casino players.

Just think about the latest wave of innovation which is being presented to us in the form of virtual reality. By making use of lightweight, relatively affordable headsets such as Google Cardboard, and the fact that the hardware is already built into mobile devices, virtual reality experiences are becoming a massive possibility for just about anyone and everyone.

Imaging feeling as though you have stepped onto the floor of a real-life, buzzing casino, playing alongside other Virtual Reality gamers, complete with live dealers, the sound of shuffling cards and the cling-cling of spinning slot reels. It’s all become completely possible thanks to Virtual Reality.

While it is still early days, these kinds of innovations are only possible within mobile casino apps, highlighting just another way apps are revolutionising our gaming experiences.