Admin, Author at BestCasinos.co.nz

SkillOnNet unleash Casino Online Responsible Gaming Tool

March 17, 2020 by Admin

Some Players who can’t consistently adhere to their gambling-moderation resolutions have had to self-enforce either (or both) their deposit or betting limits, self-exclude, or join a support group. Neccton is at the forefront of instituting measures to provide players on the SkillOnNet network with ground-breaking, tools that could help modify problem behaviour.

Data science specialists and Mentor, the tool provider, have established mechanisms to detect risky player behaviour and are attempting to turn this situation around by guiding problem players towards constructive behaviour changes. This process is initiated by a curated counselling approach. SkillOnNet ‘s platform sites will adopt this measure, with brands such as AHTI Games, Lucky Vegas, PlayOJO, Royal Bet, and Slots Magic all to be affected.

Deep Dive

Dr Michael Auer, Neccton’s director offered his perspective on the initiative, expressing his excitement at the development of a machine-learning responsible gaming tool, developed for online casinos. His company’s primary objective, according to him, is exclusively focused on academic research, aimed at reinforcing Mentor’s development.

Dr Auer further revealed that his company is the leader in published responsible gambling studies and plans to engage in the tracking of players as Neccton has been doing for the past decade. Those studies added a direct benefit to the company, including the psychologists and behavioural scientists within its employ. This is aimed at determining the efficacy of various approaches. Andy Andrew, the compliance head revealed that the pursuit of responsible gambling was integral to any casino online operation and further stated that this is just a single reason why the provider was proud to offer Mentor, in conjunction with their other tools on offer.

Andrew advised that the machine-determined at-risk players would receive nudges with practical advice that could sway players towards the more reasonable side of the decision-making spectrum.

Inspiring behaviour change

The machine learning responsible gambling tool functions by tracking player data, enabling it to pick up a player’s behaviour changes. Additionally, the tool can identify at-risk patterns. The Mentor assessment will assist in determining whether a player is in trouble and identifying symptoms of problem gambling on online casinos. The tool will deliver appropriate messages to the player in an attempt to influence their behaviour.

Mentor‘s communications employ a counselling approach named ‘motivational interviewing’, partly created by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick. The prime focus of the approach attempts to assist individuals in overcoming ambivalent attitudes towards gaining the motivation required for enduring positive changes

Red Tiger reveals Rainbow Jackpots Power Lines pokie

March 13, 2020 by Admin

Renowned iGaming developer, Red Tiger Gaming, has unveiled their latest pokie. The fresh title is called Rainbow Jackpots Power Lines and is a mold-breaking production, boasting a truly unique design.

The slot machine adopts a leprechaun theme and the central character, with his buckled green top hat, bouncy red curls and a pipe clutched between his teeth fits the bill perfectly. The visuals are impressive but are only a precursor to some attention-grabbing special features.

Expanding Rows

The game’s grid is set at a permanent 6 reels, however, as you spin, this will change with the reel count being able to drop to as low as 2 or increase to as high as 7. This is a randomly triggered feature and you will be hoping for more reels as the more there are, the bigger your winning chances.

The expanding rows form a great foundation for a host of additional features, including, but not limited to the Beer Bonus, Symbol Swap and Free Spins. If luck is with you, you could walk away with 1000x your bet as a maximum prize.

Grab the Pot ‘o Gold

Free Spins symbols open a gateway to grandeur. If 3 of them appear, a free spins sequence is triggered and the probability of special symbols landing on the reels is greatly increased. If the Leprechaun blows his special symbol onto the reels you will receive super free spins

that turn double up you symbol swaps to create 2×2 symbol stacks.

It wouldn’t be a leprechaun tale without a tankard of ale. If 3 special beer symbols land, you will be up for the Beer Bonus where you test your fate and make your choice from 3 options and stand a chance to win either up to 100x your bet or 1000x your bet if you activate the Triple Bonus.

Rainbow Jackpots Power Lines is live and ready to play at Red Tiger powered casinos, find the gold at the end of the rainbow on desktop or mobile.

Microgaming teases March games launch

March 10, 2020 by Admin

Microgaming has five premium slot titles ready to launch this March. The new set of slots was created by its far-reaching network of independent game studios. There are also ten new games developed by their content partners for their online casinos. There is something for everyone in the new line-up. Get ready to encounter a wide range of characters and themes.

Presentation and gameplay

The five new slot games set for launch in March have been developed exclusively for Microgaming-powered online casinos. Triple Edge Studios are responsible for the vivid retro-futuristic slot, Attack on Retro. This title takes you on a wild, cyberpunk adventure ride with a juxtaposed throwback / futuristic theme. This 5×5 reel, ten payline creation introduces chic cyberpunk heroes, Billy and Jesse, their city’s last line of defense against robot attacks. 80’s references and aesthetics abound as you spin for the maximum win of 5,000x your bet. Your winning chances are enhanced by stacked and random wilds as well as the thrilling Hyperspins feature.

Gameburger Studios have the next release in hand. This developer has an illustrious portfolio, including 9 Masks of Fire and Break da Bank Again Respin. They have returned with 9 Pots of Gold, a 5 reel, 20 payline slot that takes its theme from the lucky leprechauns of Irish folklore. The slot’s release date has been announced as March 10, well-timed as this is a week before St. Patrick’s Day. The luck of the Irish is with you as you spin for Pot Pays and your chance at an emerald-hued Free Spins Wheel to win your pot ‘o gold.

Just For The Win is also on the roster with its title, Treasure Skyland which is ready for launch on 24 March. This slot takes you soaring through the clouds with a motley crew of treasure-hunting pirate monkeys. Play for golden bananas as Win Multipliers, Symbol Upgrades and Pick Bonuses raise you to new winning heights.

Rabcat has been busy as they have two new slot escapades being released in March. Treasure Heroes will debut on 5 March with Mining Fever landing on the last day of the month. Treasure heroes has a 5×5 layout and is a treasure-themed title featuring Cluster-Win mechanics. Features also include the Moving Wall and Treasure Chamber free spins. Mining Fever is a Dwarven adventure where you dig for spectacular treasure in the slot’s 5×3 reel grid. The game has 243 ways to win and you will be armed with Driler’s Dwarven Drill, Thundar’s Dwarven Hammer, Bombur’s Dwarven Bomb, and Dwarven Gold Tran to help you unearth bigger prizes.

Classic Blackjack and a slew of new slots on the horizon

Exclusive content aside, Microgaming has ten slots created by its content partners for their online casinos. These include:

Alchemy Blast (Skillzzgaming, 9 March)
Irish Love (1X2gaming, 11 March)
Amazon Gold (Ainsworth, 12 March)
Kanga Cash Extra (Ainsworth, 12 March)
Gladiator Arena (Booming Games, 12 March)
Wild Krakatoa (2By2 Gaming, 16 March)
Twice the Diamonds (Ainsworth, 19 March)
White Rabbit (Big Time Gaming, 23 March)
Hot Cross Bunnies Pull Tab (Realistic Games, 26 March)
Jessica Weaver Queen of the Seas (MGA, 26 March)

Over and above their compelling slots on offer, Microgaming has launched a new Blackjack title. Switch Studios were contracted to develop this game which is their seventh Blackjack variant. Classic Blackjack: Six Deck went live on 5 March. The classic, fluid gameplay is thanks to the combination of standard side bets including double down, insurance, and split hands with delightful graphics and sounds completing the experience.

Visit any of your favourite real money casinos and give these new games a try!

New Skrill Casino Payment Method Feature

March 6, 2020 by Admin

Until recently, players who use Skrill to make casino payments were limited to a single currency, but that has changed. The web wallet service announced that it has launched a multiple currency feature.

The news means that using the service has become much simpler for those who want to play pokies or make online payments in more than one currency. The new feature is available only in Skrill web wallets, and not those of its sister company, Neteller. Both brands are owned by the Paysafe Group.

Only One Account Needed

Before the launch of the new feature, the only Skrill users who were able to use multiple currencies were those who had achieved the service’s Silver VIP level. The feature has now been extended to all standard accounts.

Previously, if casino players wanted the option of multiple currencies, they would have needed to create several different web wallets with the service. A different currency would be linked to each of those accounts. Now, however, the new feature means that only one account is needed.

How It Works

When creating a Skrill web wallet, players can select a main or default currency, and they can store additional currencies as alternatives. If players want to add even more new currencies at a later date, they can do so when making a deposit with a credit card.

One of the benefits of setting up a new currency account is that conversion fees will not be applied to funds such as online casino withdrawals received in the web wallet. If players continue using their old accounts, funds received will be converted into the primary currency, and a conversion fee will be applied.

Closer Look At Conversion Fees

According to reports, standard Skrill users will be subject to a 3.99% conversion fee. Bronze VIPs will be subject to a 3.79% conversion fee, while those at Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels will be subject to 2.89%, 2.59%, and 1.99% conversion fees respectively.

Conversion fees will be applied to Skrill MasterCard and to cryptocurrency conversions irrespective of whether players have new or old accounts. Those conversions are connected to the core account and the primary currency.

Another Innovation For Skrill

The multiple currency feature is the most recent innovation of which casino players can take advantage. In 2018, Skrill made it easier for players to purchase various cryptocurrencies using Bitcoin.

The service allows cryptocurrency purchases to be made without the need to convert Bitcoin into regular currency first.

NetEnt unleashes Ocean’s Treasure Pokie

February 21, 2020 by Admin

iGaming development studio NetEnt is globally renowned as the creators of some of the most enjoyable online pokies in the industry. When their latest title, Ocean’s Treasure made its debut, it made a significant splash in the iGaming world and garnering lots of attention. True to the studio’s form, the pokie is an absolute triumph. The game features a dynamic gameplay grid that transforms as you spin and a menacing Kraken that lurks above the reels. This pokie is definitely a must-play for fans of all types.

True to its name, Ocean’s Treasure plunges you into the depths of the lost city of Atlantis. The pokie sports 5 reels and 3 rows which are surrounded by stone sculptures and other remnants of the fabled civilization. The visuals shift and morph as you play, telling the story of descent, deeper into the mythical core of the lost citadel. The engrossing imagery is a fitting accompaniment to the rich offering of features, which include Stacked Wilds, Free Spins, and Level Multipliers.

Deeper descent

The most prominent feature of Ocean’s Treasure is undoubtedly the Level Multipliers. Other than a guaranteed way to line your pockets with treasure, it is a visual delight. A combination of 3 or more Scatter Symbols activates this feature, hurling you into Atlantis. Keep your wits about you, a beast lurks in the watery shadows.

If a Wild makes an appearance during a free spin, the game’s appearance changes as you transition to a new level. The multiplier is also enhanced, increasing with each successive level ascension. This progression has a limit of 5 levels, where the multiplier increases to a mammoth x12. Arriving at the 5^th level awakens the Kraken who looms over the reels until your free spins are depleted.

NetEnt’s feverous dedication to art direction is apparent in the visual execution of this pokie.

Ocean’s Treasure demo play

A rising tide

Bryan Upton, director of games at NetEnt explained that the gameplay experience was constructed to ignite anticipation. Upton further stated that Ocean’s Treasure was an in-house experiment, framed by the intent to seize the player’s attention.

Upton wrapped up by calling the experiment a success and citing the pokie’s status as one of the studio’s biggest achievements to date.

Ocean’s Treasure is available now on desktop and mobile. Put your bravery to the test and descend to the darkest depths and face The Kraken of legend.

NZ casino study panned as unsound & unbalanced

February 14, 2020 by Admin

Juxtaposing the potential downfalls associated with low-risk gambling like occasionally playing the Lottery or casino games from time to time against severe physical disorders such as cancer and physical bodily harm is purely salacious, according to leading New Zealand economic advisor, TBD Advisory.

TBD recently distributed a video commentary, addressing a report on the effects of low-risk gambling, commissioned by the national Ministry of Health. The report, “Measuring the Burden of Gambling Harm in New Zealand” has been characterized by TBD as essentially flawed and possibly even purposefully misleading and biased.

A waste of time and resources

The report reportedly cost the health department NZ$319,000, but this may have been an ill-advised splurge as the research value is highly questionable. According to TBD Advisory, the analysis of low-risk gambling detailed in the report contains no fewer than 10 glaring research flaws.

The research in the report suggests that low-risk gambling is comparable to various diseases and complete physical incapacity due to mutilation. A severe addiction to casino games, sports betting or any other type of gambling is placed alongside suffering from terminal cancer or even the long-lasting effects of a major stroke.

Another identified error purported by the hypothetical “research” is the supposition that gambling is a unique addiction unto itself and is, therefore, damaging and even capable of robbing the addict of up to 20% of their quality of life. This position, unfortunately, disregards the fact that any addiction is rooted in deep, fundamental causes and cannot be seen as stand-alone harm all unto itself.

Questionable survey techniques

The findings of the report are also suspicious because the survey respondents may have been biased towards particular leanings regarding gambling-related harm. The participants were also allegedly not selected completely at random.

The Gaming Machine Association of New Zealand has demanded either the complete withdrawal of the report or that it should be re-published, accompanied by a warning, detailing the potential flaws and biases contained therein. The organisation’s position is that the research report does not paint an accurate picture of the casino industry and is, therefore, of little to no value.

Evolution Gaming to debut Live Casino Games

February 9, 2020 by Admin

Evolution Gaming is a household name when it comes to live casino games. So, their announcement of the upcoming release of 12 new games has been met with no small measure of enthusiasm from the industry and players alike. The developer is set to unveil their new releases at the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) London event, as part of the company’s 2020 official corporate strategy.

Out of all the new titles, Evolution seems most excited about Crazy Time. A company rep described the upcoming release as the “craziest, most entertaining live casino game ever developed.”

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect from Crazy Time

Evolution Gaming is adding to an already impressive catalogue of titles with this new influx and they expect a positive response from the market.

Brand new horizons

Many fans are likely anticipating new Game Show tie-ins, which are Evolution’s most popular titles; however, the company rep remained tight-lipped regarding specifics. The studio did reveal that they are aiming for significant growth in 2020 and will maintain their classic casino game focus while also making use of the latest technology to boost the appeal and functionality of their offerings.

A taste of things to come

Evolution broke their veil of secrecy to reveal a few choice titbits. The names and details of a few of their new batch of game creations were unveiled. Mega Ball is a lottery-Bingo mashup, with the chance for players to walk away with an earth-shaking 1,000,000 times their original bet jackpot.

The first-ever Live Casino Craps is also set to emerge from the new releases. No further details regarding how exactly the dice game will play out online were made available.

Instant Roulette is another exciting title waiting in the wings and has been touted as the fastest live casino game version of this classic gambling pastime in creation.

Power Blackjack and Speed Blackjack will also feature in the mix, with the first allowing players to multiply bets on their initial two cards, and the second being a ‘speed’ version with traditional rules.

The last on the list of current disclosures is Lightning Baccarat. Everyone will have to remain in suspense for details about the as-yet unrevealed titles until their official debuts.

NZ Casinos take on facial recognition tech

February 4, 2020 by Admin

Facial recognition technology is becoming a regular feature at land-based casinos across New Zealand. The tech’s intended use centers around the prevention of problem gamblers from entering a casino’s premises. A problem gambler who tries to enter the premises is quickly identified through fast-acting biometric detection systems and authorities can be notified and dispatched, long before the individual can lay their hands on a single gambling machine.

SkyCity Entertainment Group, one of New Zealand’s largest gambling operations, is the latest adopter of facial recognition systems. Their sites in Queenstown, Hamilton and Auckland are all now similarly equipped, with full system integration at each entryway.

The technology, while increasing in popularity, has been criticised for having variable accuracy levels, which has caused no small measure of controversy.

Biometric security in a nutshell

Biometric technology utilises unique genetic traits to single out individuals. Where facial recognition is concerned, a human face is mapped, and recorded for future comparison, without any human intervention. As an add-on to current security systems, this has enhanced the capabilities of security professionals exponentially and heralds an end to physical screening methods, such as fingerprint scanning.

The widespread popularity and adoption of this technology have not dampened the resolve of its critics. The accuracy of the results such systems can produce has continually been called into question. Some have gone as far as characterizing facial recognition as so flawed as to be unworkable, with experts claiming that fooling the algorithms is as easy as donning a simple disguise.

In contrast, SkyCity Entertainment Group has been talking-up the technology, making note of the advances made with such systems and insisting on its suitability for screening at casino entrances.

Below image shows how facial recognition works

Always Improving

New Zealand’s overall faith in biometrics seems to be on the rise, with the police force is reportedly considering its own biometric system. The US-based company, DataWorks, is allegedly in discussions with the local police force to formulate a crime-prevention version of the same equipment featured in casinos. This idea is still in the pipeline stage and it remains o be seen when and if it will become a reality.

Macau was an early adopter of facial recognition security for gambling venues and outstanding results have emerged from its use. It seems that facial recognition will soon be a standard part of gambling venues across the globe, with the spread of the technology showing no signs of stopping.

Relax Gaming cement online pokies deal with SkillOnNet

January 31, 2020 by Admin

SkillOnNet is gaining traction towards being one of the most renowned platform providers in the online casino industry. They have seen significant, recent growth in their range of online pokies, thanks to an alliance formed with reputable development studio, Relax Gaming.

The deal gives Relax Gaming exclusive mandate to provide a full range of desktop and mobile optimised content to the platform, as well as its partnered operators. Further to this, Relax gaming will provide all titles created by their collaboration initiative, Silver Bullet. The Silver Bullet program gives independent developers access to the studio’s resources, in order to create inventive, appealing casino games outside the organisation’s primary operations.

Any operators engaging with SkillOnNet will have immediate access to the studio’s content. This encompasses all existing casino games, as well as any upcoming releases.

Fast growth

SkillOnNet has shown no signs of slowing its rapid expansion. Relax Gaming is a new entry on an extensive list of recently acquired partnerships.

The combined efforts of these developers have provided a total of 3,000 titles in total. This includes a huge catalogue of top premium online pokies, advanced live dealer games, online Blackjack, online Roulette and so much more. The list of titles includes popular classics and plenty of fan favourites. Some of the more popular online pokies include Tumble Tumble, Money Train, and Let’s Get Ready To Rumble.

The SkillOnNet platform is on the fast track to reaching the pinnacle of the online casino world. Maintaining their growth rate is a challenge they will have to meet if they hope to achieve their goals.

Favourable forecast for partnered operators

New operators are joining the platform at breakneck speed. Prominent names such as Max Win, Dice Labs, Electric Elephant, Northern Lights Games, and Kalamba Games have all joined the rush.

SkillOnNet’s ambitions are bright, bold and happening in front of us. With their dedication to growth and innovation, they’re sure to keep making the news for all the right reasons.

Aristocrat set to unveil next Gen Concepts at ICE – ICE 2020 Core Games Product Preview

January 14, 2020 by Admin

Aristocrat Technologies is hoping to draw all the right attention at London’s ICE Show on 4th – 6th February, with one of its broadest and most comprehensive ranges of core casino concepts to date. Their offering will comprise of a selection of proven, improved and never-before-seen game mechanics across an expanded range of hardware platforms. The 2020 collection will be on full display at stand S5-150 in ExCeL’s South Hall and shines a light on the future for EMEA casino floors over the next 12 months.

Ian Adams, who is the Product & Marketing Director for EMEA, was on hand to elaborate.

“The diversity of markets across Europe, the Middle East and Africa present a tremendous challenge in that the range of content and delivery platforms can often be highly heterogeneous. Aristocrat’s global design & development allocation remains amongst the highest in the industry and we are fortunate to be in a position of selecting the very best games from the global portfolio and tailoring offerings to individual market needs.

“Our D&D teams have built on previous successes with a balance of proven and brand-new maths models and, taking advantage of new hardware technologies, delivering more advanced audio-visual packages to satiate players’ evolving demands for engaging gaming entertainment.”

The new MarsX™ upright cabinet which has already been introduced to a selection of pilot site gaming floors across Europe, makes its debut at ICE, showcasing inventive design and new Gen9 technology, opening the door for a new wave of dual screen casino games.

Accompanying the launch of online slot titles of Buffalo Gold Revolution™ and the Fu Dai Lian Lian™ and Mighty Cash Ultra™ game families, there will be a further selection of MarsX-dedicated game families.

Ka-Ching Ca$h™, with an added twist of the widely popular hold & spin mechanic, where jackpots are allocated to individual reels.
5 Coin Frenzy Jackpots™, sporting a novel ‘Frenzy’ persistence meter, expanding reels, pick bonus and jackpots.
Wonder 4™ Boost Gold, an offshoot of the high octane, multi-reel set game Wonder 4 Boost, including another four popular games; Buffalo™ Gold, Pompeii™ Gold, 5 Dragons™ Gold, and TimberWolf™ Gold – featuring free games, boost feature, and super free games.

Support for portrait form factors remains consistent, including the Helix XT™ and Arc™ Single cabinets. The new game families heading EMEA’s way include:

Cashman Bingo™, a game family incorporating a unique bingo board matrix that transfers cash values and jackpots from base game reels, creating intense anticipation.
Grand Fu Wheel™, Asian-themed fun focusing on a giant, transforming wheel that hands out credit prizes, boost multipliers, free games, and jackpots;
Rising Jackpots™, a trio of Aristocrat Classics, 5 Dragons™, Pompeii™ and Whales of Cash™, enhanced with changing triggers, player-dependant reel heights and wild multipliers, upgraded symbols at higher wager levels and a pick ‘em jackpot feature.
Reel Climb™, another novel idea, adding growing reels up to seven rows high, free games and expanding wilds;
Firecano™ Glory™, bringing a fresh experience of ‘Eruption’ free games with changing wilds and reels.
Fa FaFa™ Fortune Cash™, new hold & spin with reel growth (up to 3 reel sets) with cash-on-symbols, stacked reels that spread across reel sets and free spins.

Existing Helix(+)™ cabinets also get the windfall of several new game titles, some of which are enjoying multiple form and screen factor releases, with a spread of Aristocrat classic titles being added to the portfolio – Brazil™, TimberWolf™, Wild Panda™ and Golden Pyramids™ being amongst them, including the long-awaited multigame, Player’s Choice™ Opal Edition, with a collection of 10 titles combining a mixture of classics including Queen of the Nile™, 5 Dragons™, Big Red™ with more recent player-favourites, Buffalo™ Gold Collection, Wild Fiesta’Coins™, Cash Bull™, Fortune’s Way™, Miss Kitty™ Gold, Big Red™ Gold, and 5 Dragons™ Gold.

Erik-Jan van den Berg, Vice-President of Sales & Business Development – EMEA, closed off the announcement, stating “No matter which cabinet, Aristocrat has a wealth of exciting new content to help invigorate EMEA gaming floors and we look forward to welcoming visitors at ICE to share our next generation vision for the new decade.”