Monthly Archives: May 2016

Are there real differences between the top software providers?

Ever wondered what the actual difference between one online casinos software provider and another really is? In years gone by there were considerable differences between the various competitors and these usually came down to whether they offered both a flash and download version of their casinos, and how big the download packages were.

These days, thanks to technological advancements and increasing internet connectivity none of these issues are a concern. So what is? And is there any difference where you play? In this article we’ll examine the answers to this interesting question.

However, it is important to note that when it comes to online and mobile casinos there are software providers and then there are software providers. The top providers include names like Microgaming, Playtech and Net Entertainment (NetEnt) and for the purpose of this article, they will be the only properties we discuss as they are widely accepted as the only reputable providers within the industry at present.

For the most part, there is very little difference between these software giants, and the only ones you’ll find are in the following areas:

Game Selection & Features

One of the main differences you’ll find between software providers is the selection of casino games that they offer. While all of the above offer the traditional slots and tables games you’d expect they have very different titles. Some groups have licenses from various Entertainment franchises to use their titles in their slots, for example Microgaming has licenses for Batman: The Dark Knight, Jurassic Park & World, Terminator, and Bridesmaids, NetEnt holds licenses from Guns N’ Roses, Hendrix Entertainment (for their Jimi Hendrix) slot and also other major titles like Monopoly. Playtech was always home to Marvel slots, although after Disney acquired this brand, no online gaming licenses were renewed, still the software giant has a variety of titles like Ace Ventura and Top Gun to name a few.

The game appearances and features also differ according to the software provider and you’ll often find certain features are trademarked to ensure that they cannot be copied by the competition. For example, Microgaming has Cinematic Spins in games like Batman: The Dark Knight which features clips from the movie as you play, while NetEnt has “Falling Reels” which can be seen in their Gonzo’s Quest Slot.

The Auto Play functions in games also differ between the providers in terms of how much you can control in the game and how these functions then play the game on your behalf.

When it comes to slots, NetEnt has broken out with the best offerings of late, and is followed by Microgaming and Playtech respectively. In terms of table games there is not that much difference between the three.

Variance & Payout Rates

Variance and payout rates also differ between the providers, for example, the same game variant of say Classic Blackjack can have very different returns at the different providers. At Microgaming the theoretical RTP is 99.89% on their Gold version, Net Ent’s Classic Touch Blackjack has a 99.55% return and Playtech’s Standard Blackjack game has a 99.51% payout.

When it comes to slots variances depend on the machine you choose to play and using the overall payout percentage is not really a true reflection of what the individual player can expect when playing here.

Jackpot Payouts

When it comes to progressive jackpots, both Microgaming and NetEnt pay their winners in a single lump sum. Playtech on the other hand pays their jackpots in instalments over a number of months or years (depending on the size of the payout), although there are a few exceptions, like if the Playtech casino is also a UK facing sportsbook they will pay a lump sum. Still it’s something to bear in mind.

Other than these few subtle differences, there is not much difference between the safety, security and quality of the top provider’s offerings. All offer online and mobile versions of their casinos and a high quality game play experience.

Win Football Tickets to the Semi-Finals in France

Mr Green Semi-finals promotion

There is nothing quite like experiencing a football game in person – the atmosphere is electric, and when the team you’re supporting scores the winning goal the roar of the crowd is exhilarating.

If you’re a football fan you’re probably already gearing up for the European Football Championship which will be held in Paris France this year. But imagine being able to attend the semi-final!

Playing at Mr Green Online Casino may help you to turn that dream into a reality! As part of their stellar promotional line-up the online casinos is giving away two tickets to the semi-finals in France. The Euro Draw Golden Ball Tournament prize package also includes return flights to Paris for two, 2 night’s accommodation during your stay and €500 in spending money to enjoy while you’re there.

To participate all you have to do is follow these few steps:

  1. Play Extreme Live Roulette between now and the 31st of May 2016.
  2. Ensure that you play 20 rounds in this game to reach the “Golden Ball” bonus round.
  3. The player with the highest stake over the preceding 19 rounds will win the “Golden Ball” and receive a single entry into the “Euro Live Draw”.
  4. The draw date is 1 June 2016 at 9pm CET and the lucky winner will be awarded the trip of a lifetime!

There is no limit to the number of tickets you can earn and the more you do, the greater your chance of winning.

As with all casino promotions terms and conditions apply so please read these before taking part in this promotion. It is also important to note that account closure and self-exclusion at the casino mean that you will be ineligible for the prize.

Will Casino Gambling give way to eSports?

millennials

A recent article by Adam Sellke would have readers believe that online and mobile casino gambling will give way to the eSports vertical in the hearts and minds of the Millennial generation. He argues that eSports are better positioned to appeal to this target group than any other form of gambling.

While eSports has its merits and entertainment value, we beg to differ that online and certainly mobile gambling will not have their place in people’s entertainment line-up in future.

Read the full article on the fascinating debate of whether Millenials mean the end of gambling as we know it here

Games to Play in May

It’s another new month and we all know what that means…more new games to look forward to!

Here’s what you can expect to play in May 2016 at the various online casinos:

NETENT

On the 23rd of May, NetEnt powered casinos will be cashing in on the “Football Fever” that will be taking the world by storm in June and July with the launch of their Euro 2016 inspired game, the Football Champions Cup slot.

To date, NetEnt hasn’t released many sporting themed slots, but it looks like that’s about to change! The 5 reel, 20 payline Football Champions Cup slot, in true NetEnt style, will be packed with features including overlay wilds, a pick me feature as well as a free spins feature .

The game will also feature a two stage bonus features set in a penalty shootout game format. In the first feature you assume the role of the penalty taker and position your shot in one of four positions within the goal posts over 5 penalty shots. Whenever you score a cash prize is added to your balance.

Football Champions Cup Slot Penalty shootout
Football Champions Cup Slot Penalty shootout

In the second part of the bonus game you will assume the role of the goalie and for every penalty you save you’ll be awarded a multiplier to the cash you won in the first part of the bonus game.

The size of the multiplier will be determined by the number of bonus symbols that triggered the feature, awarding you with anything from 3x to 14x your money on four bonuses and 5x to 15x your wins if you are lucky enough to trigger the 5th bonus shootout.

The Free Spins feature is designed in a knock-out football tournament format where you need to progress from the top 16 all the way through to the final round in order to claim the ultimate prize of a 500x multiplier.

This slot is set to offer loads of action and if you play it at Mr Green casino, is bound to have some kind of fabulous promotion and casino deals to celebrate its launch. So look out for it on the 23rd of May.

MICROGAMING

Microgaming’s May offering comes in the form of the 5×3 reel, 9 payline Win Sum Dim Sum video slot.

It’s yet another of Microgaming’s “foodie” slots joining the ranks of Wasabi San, Harvey’s and Buffet Bonanza to bring you another tasty treat.

Set against the backdrop of a Chinese restaurant decorated with teapots and bamboo steamers and of course dishes of dim sum dishes like Ha Gow and Shu Mai.

The game is packed with action offering up to 15 re-triggering free spins within the free spins feature as well as expanding wilds which add even more winning potential and of course a variety of in-game achievements to keep you entertained. Not to mention the opportunity to win up to 75,000 credits as the main jackpot prize.

While the theme may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is a fun and potentially rewarding game.