Australian Casino News Archives

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.

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.”

Digital Key To Aristocrat’s Performance

November 14, 2019 by Admin

It’s been a bumper 2019 for international land-based and online global gaming powerhouse Aristocrat. They have shown that the company is able to evolve with the times and continue to build a strong relationship with its players in various casino markets. The company has praised, in particular, their efforts in the digital sphere as their main reason for doing so well this year.

Aristocrat has worked hard throughout the year to grow their business interests in a range of different markets, especially in the Americas. They have increased their product offering, specifically in the online gambling sphere, and ensured that they offer players high-quality products in terms of the design of their casino games. They have also focused heavily on player acquisition by offering high-end real money gambling entertainment.

Company’s First Role Player Game

One of the biggest developments for Aristocrat was the release of their very first computer role player game. This genre is highly popular, and the release of this game proved the current trend. After launching, the game helped them to boost their operating revenue by 22.7 percent almost immediately. The company’s full-year profit has come in at 752.8 million Australian Dollars, after tax.

This is a big deal considering it was only the first title of many that the company is planning to launch. Aristocrat stated that they very carefully planned and monitored the launch of this first game. They will now take their findings to improve the launch plans of future releases, which are very much on the cards. They also took note of how much the game impacted the particular genre it went into in order to inform their strategies for entering new genres in the future.

Push To Meet Evolving Player Needs

The online gaming industry is getting more and more sophisticated and operators have to ensure that they stay relevant to players and provide engaging experiences. This is why Aristocrat has taken the time to invest in new games for their portfolio and evolve to ensure they meet the needs of their players. In addition, the company has been working hard to attract new segments of the real money gambling market.

The chief executive officer and managing director of Aristocrat, Trevor Croker, commented on the success his company has seen in 2019. He spoke about the way the brand has grown, bringing in new digital acquisitions and new talent to promote this growth, and how they are looking forward to enjoying similar growth in the 2020 fiscal year.

Jungle Jim returns in Microgaming’s latest online slot sequel developed by Stormcraft Studios

November 9, 2019 by Admin

Fans of online casino software developer extraordinaire, Microgaming, will be pleased to hear about its latest release that brings back one of its most popular characters.

Developed exclusively by Stormcraft Studios, Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx is the charismatic leader’s second epic quest for lost treasure, this time taking players to the mysterious sands of Egypt.

“We are so excited for the return of this iconic character in Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx.”

Much anticipated sequel:

Originally announced back in July, Microgaming showcased the then-upcoming video slot on a specially designed stand at iGB Live!, which took place at RAI Amsterdam.

The next chapter in the fan-favorite series takes players to Egypt, where they search for the Lost Sphinx in the 5×4 reel, 35 payline online slot that grows to 5×5 reels and 50 paylines at key junctures of the game. Matching the excitement of El Dorado, this surefire hit is packed with features including the Isle of Man-based developer‘s popular Win Booster mechanics and Rolling Reels with 10x multiplier trail.

Big-win potential:

Against a star-filled desert sky, the action opens in the base game to a 5×4 reel grid and a multiplier trail that gets a boost during free spins up to 10x displayed above the reels. Winning symbols are blasted away by Rolling Reels on each successive win, as fresh symbols drop down, which creates the opportunity for additional wins with increasing multipliers.

Once a player has achieved three back-to-back wins in the base game, the grid will expand to a 5×5 configuration that unlocks 15 extra paylines and awards a 4x multiplier. A bonus respin is additionally awarded to players on a non-winning reveal.

Bonus spins:

The action heats up when three scatter symbols appear on the reels. When that happens, players follow Jim, grappling hook in tow, as he ascends into the 5×5 reel, 50 payline chamber of the Lost Sphinx to be rewarded with the treasure of a dozen bonus spins and a multiplier trail worth up to 20x.

During the feature, players will be aided when golden Sphinx symbols appear on the center reel, helping them in their effort to reach the elusive 20x multiplier as each symbol collected awards another spin and advances the multiplier trail to the next higher level.

The frequency of bonus spins that are triggered can be significantly improved by players with activation of the Win Booster, during which it only takes two scatter symbols to gain access to the highly sought after feature.

“The team at Stormcraft are very excited to launch this long-anticipated sequel, Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx.”

Jim’s back!:

Commenting on the return of one of our favorite characters, Director of Global Operations for Microgaming, James Buchanan, said in an official press release…

“We are so excited for the return of this iconic character in Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx. Jungle Jim is ready to dig up incredible rewards with a win potential of up to 6,250x. The combination of innovative game mechanics and a graphically rich visual experience makes this latest installment of Jungle Jim a game not to miss!”

Intriguing storyline:

Terrence Igesund, Executive Producer for the South African game studio, added…

“Jungle Jim is back and ready for his next big adventure!

“The team at Stormcraft is very excited to launch this long-anticipated sequel, Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx. With decades of industry experience behind us, we set out to create a beautifully crafted and highly engaging gaming experience, loaded with innovative features and great win potential. The intriguing storyline supported by Jim’s entertaining antics should ensure that this game becomes a fan favourite!”

There’s a lot going on in Jungle Jim and the Lost Sphinx, which is now available exclusively to Microgaming casinos.

Stormcraft Studios:

Introduced by Microgaming in June 2018, the independent game studio, Stormcraft Studios, that supplies exclusive content to the online gaming giant is responsible for successful titles such as Dragon Shard, Agent Jane Blonde Returns, and the steampunked-themed, Fortunium, which was the innovative developer’s first official game release and was unveiled on day two of ICE Totally Gaming 2018.

SkyCity Casino emerges from ashes

November 5, 2019 by Admin

The New Zealand International Convention Centre construction site in Auckland was devastated by a fire on Tuesday 22 October. The blaze was severe enough to impact the entire central business district around the new convention centre, resulting in an evacuation. The entire SkyCity enterprise in the area, including head offices, restaurants, casino and hotels were affected.

The convention centre is SkyCity’s exclusive project and the fire is a potentially a huge setback for the company. The cause of the fire has not been revealed to the public, fortunately, the actual flames and fire damage were confined to the construction site, with the casino and surrounding buildings remaining unscathed.

Image: Skycity convention centre on fire.

Safety concerns push union to strike

The SkyCity casino was reopened a mere 2 days after the fire. The Sky Tower opened the following day and the group head offices are expected to reopen this week.

The local union, Unite Union, perturbed by this sequence of events, has instructed their members working in the casino to down tools. The union has expressed that the return to work is dangerously premature. Some casino workers have reported having breathing issues and other respiratory complaints during their shifts on Thursday and Friday. The union wants their 1000 members to stay away from work until the air quality has been formally declared safe, in writing.

SkyCity representatives have stated that emergency officials gave them the all-clear regarding the safety of the air quality, with assurances that it would not harm those in the area.

Setbacks for SkyCity

CEO of SkyCity, Graeme Stephens, announced that he is impressed at the company’s handling of the crisis, with no reported injuries as a result of the fire. A total of 1250 staff members were evacuated without incident and structural damage was limited to the construction site.

The biggest blow to SkyCity has been the damage to the under-construction convention centre. The previously set completion target of the centre to be open and operational by 2021 now seems highly unlikely. The company has yet to complete a full assessment before advising on a new timeline.

NZ Called On To Update Online Gambling Policy

October 25, 2019 by Admin

The International Betting Integrity Association has strongly encouraged the government of New Zealand to adopt a new regulatory system. The recommendation aims to make it easier for both local and international operators able to get permits and to obtain access to an array of services and products.

International markets including, but not limited to Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have adopted similar licensing models with great success. In addition, the alliance suggested that administration steer clear of arduous tax frameworks that would likely discourage potential entrants into the market.

Fairness of fees in question

The IBIA also insisted on the importance of permit fees being proportionate and entirely rooted in the administrative expenditure of properly regulating the market. Countries utilizing systems similar to those recommended have done away with viewing these payments as a way to raise profit since this approach will simply deter operators from applying for licenses.

Gross Gambling Revenue Tax recommended

The IBIA indicated that taxation systems based on gross gaming revenue have displayed more efficacy than those based on turnover. They additionally recommend that a taxation rate of between 15% and 20% of the gross gambling revenue being imposed.

Diversity is key

The Alliance’s expectations include a menagerie of lawful online sports betting products and services for wagers and the events on which these could be placed. The Alliance’s integrity reports show that 90% of alerts arise from stakes placed on mainstream markets like final results rather than negative ones such as yellow cards.

Beyond satisfactory fiscal and regulatory structures being implemented for sports betting, market viability also depends on licensed operators’ ability to provide a wide range of wagering products, according to the IBIA. They explained that restrictions would drive consumers to seek out the services they are interested in from potentially illegal and unregulated channels.

The UK Gambling Commission is the ideal model as it covers a vast number of burgeoning betting markets. The Commission controls and permits all kinds of wagering various sports without any restrictions. It manages this while retaining close market oversight and working hand-in-hand with the operators it has licensed, supporting an evidence-based policy approach.