ROARING START TO 2011 WITH NEW ONLINE GAMES
Posted 3/16/11 : Mobile applications augment a busy industry-wide release schedule.
Perhaps predictably, mobile applications have continued to significantly augment new online gambling games releases during the final months of 2010, and going into the first quarter of 2011.
The latest Juniper Research survey reports the value of the international mobile entertainment market at $33 Billion last year and it is expected to rise to $54 billion in 2015. Mobile gambling is reported to be the fastest growing sector in the mobile entertainment market so the number of new Android and iApps comes as no surprise and is expected to continue to rise.
Mobile applications released during the first quarter included:
32Red released its Real Money Blackjack application, compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.
Full Tilt Poker’s new Rush Poker Mobile application allows players to play Rush Poker on selected mobile devices or via a web browser on a personal computer. Full Tilt launched the Android app in beta phase and have enjoyed good support from players. The app briefly listed in the “android market” was subsequently rejected shortly after launch as it didn’t comply with the markets new ratings system which includes “real gambling not-allowed”. The app is still available for download via other routes, however.
A relative newcomer to the i-gaming business, 4-Score-Pro, has created a new style of card game for the iPhone and iPad, using a proprietary deck. The application gained iTunes Store approval for the first game based on this concept. The objective of Home Card is to defeat the computer player in the app.
Pyramid Solitaire from Indian software developer i-Lifemobitech launched for the iphone/ipad. The game is a challenging solitaire version in which 28 cards are dealt out on the table; face up, in the form of a pyramid.
Racing Post and William Hill released an enhancement to the Racing Post's popular iPhone App. The app allows the bettor to browse Racing Post's news, tips and data, make an informed decision on which horse to back, place a bet by tapping the William Hill odds on the racecard and then use the Live Reporter function to follow the race. An Android version of the app was also launched over the reporting period.
William Hill also launched an Android app for its mobile customers that will allow users access to over 40,000 pre match, in-play and speciality markets from William Hill Online on a daily basis.
The MiniTycoon Casino iPhone app launched by US mobile gaming developer SGN for free saw a good response with the company claiming over 600 000 downloads from Apple's iStore in just over a month. The game lets players build their own virtual casino, choosing from slots, roulette and card tables, and awards chips for the best designed venue.
Newcomer Bam Software Group released BAM Pkr a fully compatible poker client that does not rely on approval from the App marketplace or iTunes. The company claims its application is fully compatible with any browser based format and can be integrated into a site within a week.
Rank Group’s Blue Square launched its own sport betting app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Rank’s online bingo arm, Meccabingo.com also released a real-money iPhone bingo app with an android version scheduled for release later in the year. The app was developed by Playtech’s Virtue Fusion and allows mobile players to compete for the same cash prizes as online punters enjoy on the site
A real-money iPhone poker application from Bwin was launched with free play or real money play options. The application is only available to customers in the UK and Austria at present.
Reel Deel Casino Games debuted its “Quick Seven” application. The new game is currently available as a new casino game app in the Apple App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch with an android version to follow.
Mobile gambling solutions provider Spin3, a Microgaming associate, entered the sports betting sector with a new app branded SpinSport, described as a pure native app specifically designed for leading mobile devices including iPhone, iPod and iPad. The SpinSport app is powered by an advanced sportsbook engine from Sports Betting Tech. The popular Tomb Raider slot joined the list of application releases from Spin3 and is available on the Android platform.
Virtual Media Labs launched ‘Super Slot’, an app compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. ‘Super Slot' is a virtual slot machine that comprises three rows, five columns, eight different symbols and five bet lines. The app is available in the iTunes App Store.
Betfred released its mobile gambling offering, now optimised for Android, featuring betting in-play.
Newcomer, Sandcroft Inc. debuted its application “The WinLoss Slot Player's Diary”. The application can generate a variety of reports to show the results of the player’s slot play activity.
Los Angeles-based Scary Robot Productions announced the release date for their debut iPhone game “Poker with Bob”. The app is an animated, interactive 5-card draw poker game available for download at the iStore.
Independent bookmaker and gaming group Victor Chandler released its proprietary mobile sports betting application for Android and Apple platforms. The application allows users to make withdrawals and deposits; place bets on the full range of events available from Victor Chandler, including multiple betting; and to view statements.
International Game Technology (IGT) partnered with MGM Resorts International to launch its Cleopatra iPhone slot game as part of MGM Resorts' new M life Players Club iPhone application.
Providers pump out a stream of new offerings.
On the more traditional internet gambling front, game developers have had a busy first quarter 2011 with a slew of fresh releases;
The UK based independent online bingo provider Tombola Bingo launched Knock-Out Bingo – a traditional bingo game but in reverse.
Playtech added “Iron Man 2” to its Marvel Series – a 5 reel slot that introduces a new concept of fixed pay lines. Iron Man 2 joins Fantastic 4, The Hulk, Blade, Elektra and the original Iron Man. The slot is linked to the four Marvel mystery progressive jackpots; Power, Super Power, Extra Power and Ultimate Power, with jackpots reaching in excess of $500 000.
The firm unveiled its latest offering, a 5-reel, 20 pay line video slot “Kong: The 8th Wonder of the World”, in the past week. The slot is based on the iconic movie King Kong.
Playtech subsidiary Virtue Fusion Alderney, perhaps better known for its bingo products, launched a 5-reel slot on its network branded “Zodiac Supernova”.
BetonSoft launched “Captain Shockwave”, a video slot with high resolution graphics and excellent animation that offers players the opportunity to win up to 30,000 coins and 20 free spins.
Gaming software developer, Betsoft Gaming released its latest Slots-3 online offering titled “2 Million B.C.” The 30 pay-line, Stone-Age themed slot features special bonus games, free spins and an interactive caveman. Following shortly after, Legends of Avalon, a 30 line progressive slot themed around the legend of King Arthur also debuted.
GTechG2’s subsidiary Boss Media entered the adventurous world of gold mining with a 5 reel, 5-payline slot titled “Miner’s Luck”. GTechG2 also previewed a major online casino software upgrade at ICEi which featured a new slots-based adaptation of PopCap Games' blockbuster game “Plants vs. Zombies”. This is the first new game to result from a recently signed licensing deal for various PopCap games, and includes familiar plant characters like ‘Peashooter’ and ‘Chomper’ symbols on the five-reel three pay line slot.
The first CSI online casino game will become available to GTechG2 licensees in approved jurisdictions by the end of 2011 after the company signed a multi-year licensing agreement with CBS Consumer Products to create online casino games based on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Online gaming provider Bwin introduced Farkle, a social dice game, to its skill game line. The game joins Yatzy, Dice Solitaire and Maxi Yatzy in Bwin’s dice games line-up. The company also released its bwin League Information widget which gives users an overview of twenty-three major national leagues, statistics, rankings and other information on upcoming football matches.
Canadian online gambling software developer Chartwell Technology released a batch of new games at the beginning of this year. “Bars and Bells” a classic slot which showcases an innovative streak breaker feature. When players select the optional Streak Breaker bet they bet and win every time they have five consecutive zero spins – maintaining a positive experience during game play. A medieval dragon features in “Draco’s Fire” – a 5-reel, 50 pay line slot and “Sinful Spins” introduces players to “Lola”, the she-devil gatekeeper of a player-controlled interactive bonus feature. “Angels Touch” pays homage to the classic 40’s pinup girl and offers an interactive pick-a-prize bonus round.
A new proprietary skill-based game, “Christmas Snowball Fight” featured over the festive season at Class 1 Casino. The game is free and allows players to win instant money prizes.
Online gambling software provider CTXM introduced “Farm Slots”. The game features bright and comical graphics that enhance the game’s appeal to social media users.
Francaise des Jeux, the French National lottery operator, launched a new exclusive online scratch card game on fdj.fr. "Créatio" immerses the player in a world of four elements: Water, Earth, Fire and Air.
A new proprietary online scratchcard game branded “Happy Fun Bakery” from the UK online gambling group Gala Coral offers players the opportunity to win up to GBP50 000 in cash. The group’s online operations at Gala Bingo.com launched an entertaining new 5 reel, 20 pay-line slot dubbed “Joker Jester”. The game has a medieval theme with bonus rounds under the titles Juggling Bonus and Barrel Bonus in addition to the usual Wilds, Scatters and Multipliers, which can go as high as 100x.
International Game Technology (IGT) released a surfing-themed game titled “Wipeout”. The game is a five-reel, ten pay line game featuring a new style of Free Spins. The online and land games developer followed up with “Triple Bonus Spin Roulette”, a new offering that features the classic action of the company’s Player’s Suite Roulette, along with a new bonus game and a generous payout multiplier. To round off its first quarter offerings, IGT’s much anticipated release will have Trekkies enjoying a 5-reel 30 pay-line game based on the iconic television show and movie “Star Trek”, featuring free spins rounds, each based on a Star Trek officer, and several bonus rounds.
Releases from IGT’s remote gaming subsidiary Wagerworks included the 5-reel, 30 pay line “Cats” complete with its Split Symbols feature; In conjunction with Columbia TriStar Domestic Television, “100,000 Pyramid” – a 15 pay line slot launched. The slot is based on the long running television game show of the same name.
Intercasino , a veteran internet gambling site powered by Cryptologic, marked its fifteenth birthday with the launch of a special new and exclusive 20 pay-line slot available under the Special Guest Slot link on the site menu. Appropriately enough, the theme was a birthday party on “Sweet 15”, replete with clever animation and recognisable graphics like party presents, cake, balloons, paper hats and celebratory champagne.
The spin-off current advertising campaign from Jackpot Joy’s Queen of Bingo has been launched to push “Jack's Chest”, a new onsite bingo game in which Jack appears in a Bingo room and shares the contents of his chest with everyone who bought tickets to the game.
WMS Gaming’s new Alderney-licensed online casino Jackpotparty.com has debuted a number of games that were primarily land-based but have been adapted for online play. The games include Bruce Lee, Crystal Forest, Egyptian Riches, Emerald Eyes, Enchanted Dragon, Game of Dragons II, Gem Hunter, Griffin's Gate, Hearts of Venice, Invaders from Planet Moolah, King of Africa, Leprechaun's Fortune, Neptune's Fortune, Palace of Riches II, Plataea, Reel Rich Devil, Riches of the Amazon, Samurai Master, Star Trek Explores New Worlds, Star Trek Red Alert, Temptation Queen, The Wizard of Oz, Venetian Romance, Whipping Wild, Zeus.
Once again Microgaming didn’t disappoint on its promise of four new game releases per month. November 2010 saw the release of four bingo side games comprising “Reel Gems”, a five-reel slot, featuring 243 ways to win and Microgaming's new re-spin feature. Staying with the gem-themed side games, “Pharaoh’s Gems” takes the form of a three-in-one instant win card. Magnificent 777's is an AWP style game with three reels, holds and nudges. A highly "infectious" slot style game with a host of colourful germs as symbols is the medical-themed Germinator.
Microgaming’s December 2010 package comprised “Caribbean Draw Poker” – a five-card draw poker variant with one standard 52-card deck in which the player competes against the house dealer. “Premier Roulette” an innovative new European roulette variant where players are presented with a variety of customising options that enable them to create and save personal table layouts. “Santa’s Wild Ride” is a video slot that sees Santa exchanging his traditional sleigh and reindeers for a Harley Davidson motorcycle as he travels around, delivering winning opportunities to fortunate players. A five reel, 15 pay line medieval-themed slot game “Royal Feast” includes Wilds, Free Spins, Scatters, Multipliers and the popular Gamble feature.
January 2011’s package saw three bingo side-games released alongside the traditional four game release from Microgaming. A new Live Dealer game, “Multi-Player Roulette” is the fifth game variant through Microgaming's Live Dealer product joining Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and Multi-Player Baccarat. “Hot Ink”, a tattoo parlour-themed online slot machine with 1,024 different ways to win on a distinctive 4×5 layout. The game includes the new re-spin feature, the chance to win 20 free spins, multipliers and an entertaining Tattoo Bonus game for extra payouts – also released as a Bingo side-game. “Retro Reels – Diamond Glitz”, the second in the new Microgaming Retro Reels series is a 5-reel video slot of 25 pay-lines. An entertaining 5 Reel, 243 way video slot “Private Eye” involves the search for a series of clues to solve mysteries, and has an almost Dick Tracy feel, presented in colourful and sharp graphics. “Monkey King” – a 5-reel Video Slot with 30 pay lines, stacked wilds, scatters, a second screen free spins bonus game and a free spins feature is themed on an Asian fable about a mythical monkey king and his magical journey to the West.
Bingo side-game releases during January 2011 included, along with “Hot Ink”, “Spring Break” –a multi-line video slot, combining excitement with the Australian-style Free Spin feature, housed within an American-style theme. “Avalon” – a mystical 5 reel video slot – can double and even quadruple winnings in the Gamble feature.
Microgaming introduced a unique roulette game in its February 2011 package that allows players to bet on up to eight wheels at once. As part of the Gold Series, “Multi-Wheel Roulette” offers enhanced sound effects, sharp graphics and realistic animation. Other games in the package included “Ruby of the Nile” – a 5 reel, 20 pay-line game that offers two Wilds and 5 Scatters to build winning combinations, all backed by a theme based on ancient Egypt. "Sneak-a-peak – Planet Exotica" – imaginations run wild with the launch of this out-of-this-world online gambling experience on a 5 reel, 15 pay-line video slot that features neon bright graphics portraying a risqué planet. “Queen of Hearts” forms part of Microgaming’s Rhyming Reels series and features free spins, re-triggering spins, multipliers, wilds and a win-doubling multiplier.
March 2011’s package was headed up by the latest in Microgaming's 243 Ways-to-Win series, a 5 reel offering with an oriental theme titled “Asian Beauty”. Next up was “Eagles' Wings”, a 5 reel, 25 pay-line game with a mountainous Nature theme. Microgaming returned to its new Retro Reels series in March with “Retro Reel: Extreme Heat”, a 5 reel, 30 pay-line slot with the emphasis on rewarding features but with a clean and simple presentation. Rounding up the March game releases was a 5 reel, 9 pay-line online slot for party-people. With vivid graphics and strong colours, players on “Party Island” have the opportunity to profit from a range of features that include scatters, wilds, free spins, multipliers and an extra "Gamble" element.
Online gaming platform developer, New Deal Gaming (NDG) introduced its second game launch, “In-Between” and added new features to its debut game “Bluff21 Multiplayer Blackjack”. In-Between is a live, multiplayer, rake based, pot-betting game where players bet in turn on whether or not a card will be between two other cards.
Specialist scratch and instant win games provider, NeoGames launched two slots and a scratch card in its November 2010 package. “Dino“ a 5-line dinosaur-themed slot game, “Auto Show” a 20-line slot game with an added bonus round and “Happy Birthday” a traditional style scratch game.
December 2010 saw the launch of “Hi Lo Fever” from NeoGames. The game follows the same concept as the traditional Hi Lo game but Hi Lo Fever gives the player the opportunity to simultaneously play on three different reels for the jackpot prize. “Neighbours” a scratchcard release, “Sea and Sun” an 8-line slot game and “Christmas” rounded off NeoGames’ end of year releases.
Into 2011, Neogames presented “Ocean Pearl” a triple scratch card game, “The 60’s” an instant bingo scratchcard game and “Legend of Terra” – a 5 reel, 20-payline 3D slot game.
Swedish firm Net Entertainment announced the release of its second platinum slot – “Boom Brothers” following on from its successful Gonzo's Quest; the slot features animated special effects and a second chance feature, backed by a mining-theme. “300 Shields” a 5-reel, 25 pay line slot themed on the epic last stand of the Spartans and “Trolls” – a 5-reel, 20 pay line slot themed on Norse mythology with a comical twist are the latest offerings from Net Entertainment.
NYX Interactive introduced two new casino games into the NYX Empowerment Casino range. “The Great Atlantic Quest” is a 5 reel, 20 pay line video slot and “Cherries Diner” – a fun, 5 reel, 20 pay-line classic American Diner themed video slot.
Parlay Entertainment Inc and Wonder Interactive partnered to launch an integrated social internet bingo application in February this year. Wonder Interactive is the owner, operator and developer of Wonderbingo, the popular Facebook multi-player bingo application. On the back of the success of WonderBingo on Facebook, Wonder Interactive and Parlay have created an Internet bingo offering that combines the community features and assets used within the WonderBingo Facebook application with Parlay's bingo technologies in an online gaming environment.
Mobile gambling technology provider Probability's casino brand LadyLucks has announced the launch of two new mobile games: “Head2Head Poker” – based on the Texas Hold’em poker rules and “DiscoDollars” – a 50 pay-line mobile slot that features a funky boogie theme from the Seventies.
Realtime Gaming (RTG) promised to give players a “spookily good time” in its comical, vampire-themed 5 reel, 25 pay line slot titled “Count Spectacular” followed by “Cream of the Crop” – a gardening-themed, five-reel, 20 pay line slot. Other recent releases include a 25 pay-line slot with a mystery theme appropriately titled “It's a Mystery” and a new 5-reel, 25 variable pay-line slot branded “Basketbull“ – themed on the famous basketball organisation that does so much good work among urban youth in the United States.
Online gaming firm, Rival Gaming launched numerous games over the period which include “Reel Party Platinum” – a 5 reel, 15 pay-line slot; “Japan-O-Rama” – an exclusive 20 pay line, 5-reel i-slot; “Crazy Jewellery” which features an avuncular and eccentric Italian village jeweller comically protecting his store from a Vespa-riding bruiser. “Dr. Magoo’s Adventure” is a 5-Reel adventure centering on Aztec ruins in dense jungle; “Shangri-La” – a 3D slot with a new “Click Me” feature; “The McMurphy’s” 20 pay line slot; “Dog Casher” – a 20 pay line slot; “Opera Night” – a 5 reel, 20 pay-line slot; a twist on Pixar’s animated movie Ratatouille, “French Cuisine” – a five-reel, 20 pay line video slot and “A Day at the Derby” – another 5-reel, 20 pay line slot. “Beretta’s Vendetta” and “Fortune of the Pharaohs” are the latest 5-reel, 20 pay-line 3D slots from Rival.
Rummy software specialist, RM Royal Media Limited, has added the “Canasta” card game to its portfolio of rummy games.
Royal Vegas Online Casino recently launched a new initiative that gives casino members the chance to play what it claims is a unique no download slot titled “Slots Hero" and win three online casino bonuses. This game has four reels and no pay-line – an innovative development.
The Skill On Net gaming software provider has launched the second in its series of 3D online slots – a ‘fang'tastic new game branded “Vampires Feast”. The new game has 20 pay lines and a wide betting range to cater for most bankrolls, yet can still deliver a substantial reward on maximum bet
WinADay.com debuted a variation on the “Jacks or Better” card game. Players can play up to fifty hands at once and can double their winnings in special playoff rounds. “Pyramid Plunder” and “Busted!” are other proprietary releases from the company during the period. The Egyptian-themed “Pyramid Plunder” is a 5-reel, 25 pay line slot and “Busted!” is a classic 17 pay line video slot with a retro comic book-style cops and robbers adventure-theme.
Online games developer, Vegas Technology, released “Arctic Queen” – a 25 pay line, 5-reel online slot backed by an Arctic snowy theme; the amusingly named “Wataa” – a 25 pay line slot with a Martial Arts-theme; and most recent release “Mile High” featuring a comical air travel-theme with jolly pilots, expensive luggage and cocktails.
Wink Bingo announced the opening of a new bingo room – Gimme5! The new room features a 5-line bingo game that resembles an ordinary 75-ball game but is actually a 90 ball game where jackpots can be won on up to five lines. The new format bingo game originated in Sweden and hence is also known as “Swedish Bingo”.
Going into the second quarter of 2011 there appears to be no decrease in the number of new games in the pipeline, with software providers competing fiercely to capture the attention of online gamblers with new offerings.
