Australian Online Casinos News

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.

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.

Microgaming shuts down MPN which is no longer aligned with Growth Strategy

September 25, 2019 by Admin

Online gaming software provider Microgaming has announced the imminent closure of the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN), one of its oldest flagship operations.

Microgaming has not disclosed an exact date but aim to have the network closed down by 2020.

In a statement issued on its official website, the company advised that MPN was deemed unnecessary after an exhaustive internal review of its online poker product portfolio and strategy.

MPN was launched over 16 years ago and has been instrumental in shaping the world of online poker. Its closure is sure to affect poker players everywhere.

The final curtain

While Microgaming has not settled on a specific date, they are aiming to complete the closure process by the second or third quarter of 2020. MPN has outlived its usefulness and no longer has a role to play in future strategies, according to the firm.

Alex Scott, Microgaming’s poker head, stated that the company wants the poker community to “have fond memories of the network.” Business will continue as normal until the network’s shutdown, previously scheduled online tournaments, live events, cash games, and promotions will not be affected.

This at least means that the ongoing Universal Championship of Poker and MPN Poker Tour will still take place.

Are Players’ Funds Safe?

Scott said that players need not worry about any funds that are currently with MPN poker rooms. Operations will continue as usual for the moment and all existing MPN rooms have informed Microgaming that they would find a new poker supplier. Microgaming has, in turn, assured them of a smooth transition.

Players are free to withdraw any funds that they currently have with MPN. Scott explained that as a condition of operating on the poker network, “each of our poker rooms is required to, at minimum, segregate all player funds from its operating expenses.”

Scott assured fans of online poker games that scenarios like these have already been well planned for. Addressing potentially concerned gamblers, he advised that the closure of the network will have “no impact on the safety of your funds.”

Microgaming’s shutdown of MPN is far from a signal that the company wishes to walk away from poker. On the contrary, it forms part of a larger strategy that the company’s CEO, John Coleman, says will actually help them adopt a new strategic direction for the vertical.

NetEnt Opens New UK Office

September 22, 2019 by Admin

Swedish company NetEnt is legendary in the iGaming industry. They are known for delivering some of the best online casino game experiences, characterised by superior quality, stunning visuals, and highly innovative design. Recently the corporation announced the intention of a stronger focus in the United Kingdom market, referring to it as one of the most important in the world. Now, shortly after the announcement, that intention has come to pass. A new NetEnt office has been announced, under the NetEnt UK Ltd banner.

Managing director and chief strategist at NetEnt UK Ltd, Andy Whitworth, and director of products and services Rob Fell, are responsible for the new venue. According to them, the new offices are an important step in a long-term plan, and that more should be expected in the local market in the coming months.

This almost certainly means a new game is incoming, which is great news for different type of pokies enthusiasts.

Recruiting Talent

Reports are that the new venue is already populated by top talent from the online casino industry, as would be expected from a corporation with such an outstanding reputation. Yet according to Whitworth, the initial employee recruitment phase was only the beginning, with a second wave of employment opportunities due in the near future. He made it clear that since further expansion was guaranteed, and as new talent was drawn to the opportunity, further recruitment was also a certainty.

So, it seems that there is now major room for talented artists and game designers to get into the industry.

Closer to Customers

But the new offices aren’t all just about finding the most skilled developers. Whitworth pointed out that the United Kingdom was currently the biggest market for NetEnt. With that being the case, it makes sense that the company wanted to be closer to its core customer base.

Though the move also spells an effort by the corporation to drive growth. CEO Therese Hillman said as much in her own statement. She called the new presence in the United Kingdom one of her key strategies for the year. A strategy which had now clearly been achieved.

What the future holds for this giant of the industry remains to be seen. But expectations are high, and online casino game enthusiasts will be waiting with bated breath for the next outstanding product to be released to the public. Whatever that product is, it will surely be made with the level of quality that has NetEnt is known for.

New CEO for William Hill

September 18, 2019 by Admin

With the stepping down of largely provisional CEO Philip Bowcock, Ulrik Bengtsson has been selected to ascend to the top spot at William Hill. Bowcock will assume an advisory role going forward, supporting Bengtsson with his extensive knowledge and experience in the online gaming industry.

William Hill is currently listed on the London stock exchange and has online casinos, sportsbetting sites and numerous land-based operations in its portfolio. Expanding their online business is a prime directive for the organization and Ulrik Bengtsson is just the man to lead the organisation in this direction, according to a statement made by Bowcock,

Bengtsson’s ascension

Bengtsson joined William Hill in 2018 after being headhunted by Philip Bowcock to run the digital branch of the company. His excellent reputation in the sector is well deserved as he successfully ran a similar division for Betsson AB in Sweden. The move to CEO, within a year of his initial appointment, was a logical one as he and Bowcock have worked closely together over the period, aligning their efforts with the company’s objectives. The new appointee can look forward to a smooth transition, with Bowcock providing support and consultation.

Bowcock has been CEO for the majority of his four-year tenure at William Hill, after a brief stint as Chief Financial Officer. His appointment as provisional CEO was an abrupt transition, following the sudden resignation of James Henderson.

Broader horizons

William Hill has had its eye on further expansion into the realm of online gaming for several years, necessitating Bengtsson’s appointment. Bengtsson unveiled a bold strategy for the company’s future in an official statement. His intention is to position William Hill to be able to take advantage of and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the industry

Bengtsson concluded by saying that his strategy focuses on international as well as domestic growth. His future plans for the company include branching out into the USA online casino and sports betting markets while simultaneously extending their reach across Europe.

Neon Valley Studios Joins Microgaming

September 15, 2019 by Admin

Prominent digital casino gaming monolith Microgaming has made a significant move to further its expansion. The company has, in recent months, taken multiple smaller studios under its umbrella. Their latest acquisition is Neon Valley Studios, who recently announced that they have signed on with Microgaming.

Neon Valley Studios have gained a reputation for unique takes on pokies with story-driven experiences, inspired by Las Vegas Culture. The studio’s focus is generally directed towards players beyond the United States, which is likely why Microgaming brought them on board. The firm has openly stated that diversifying the offering of games for a global audience is one of its main objectives. Neon Valley Studios was clearly a perfect addition to further their plans.

Fresh Pokies

A statement on the official Microgaming site declared that the new addition to its emergent network would add a unique flavour, bringing distinctive game experiences to the online casino market.

Beyond the potential diversity Neon Valley Studios bring to the table, the company boasts a team of seasoned designers and creators. Their creative talent pool is part of a larger development unit that brims with passion and productivity. The team takes pride in their ability to adapt and respond to an ever-changing technological and cultural landscape.

Gameburger sizzles with potential

Gameburger Studios, another recent acquisition by Microgaming, are well known for creating content that celebrates United States culture, popular with players all over the world. Exciting new developments and titles are surely on the horizon for this partnership.

Not wasting any time, Neon Valley Studios have already released their first official online pokies title under their new contract. The new game, titled “Aurora Wilds”, is already receiving rave reviews. The 5-reel, 10-payline game offers a rich visual experience, themed around the Northern Lights or ‘Aurora Borealis’. The new title is an exciting indication of what the future holds for this fresh partnership.

Yggdrasil beefs up their Pokies Portfolio with Yokozuna Clash

September 12, 2019 by Admin

Yggdrasil Gaming Limited has launched an all-out assault on the competition with the release of a new pokie called Yokozuna Clash. This sumo-wrestling themed extravaganza is more than just a five-reel pokie. Players get to experience the thrill of battling it out in a winner-takes-all tournament to snatch the championship title and win excellent rewards while they’re at it.

Yggdrasil, a Malta-based firm, has gained prominence in the online gaming development industry, with a reputation for innovation and exciting releases.

Built-in innovation

Yokozuna Clash combines the classic “243 Ways to Win” game experience with a fighting element that is increasingly popular with today’s gamblers.

The pokie is set against the backdrop of Tokyo and players are assigned a sumo wrestling character at the start of the game. The player enters dohyo, a traditional sumo-wrestling arena, to battle their opponents in an effort to ascend to the championship title. The fighting element of the game elevates it well beyond what the market currently offers. Yggdrasil, named after a mythical tree from Norse mythology, has shown their desire to change the face of gaming while planting the seeds of future successes.

A win-win, win situation

Yokozuna clash features Yggdrasil’s innovative winnings mechanics which allow the player many paths to attaining rewards. There are many hidden and exciting features, which are triggered randomly as the game progresses. A wide range of wilds and multipliers await users daring enough to take up this challenge.

Yggdrasil’s standard Prize Drop makes an appearance in this title, as well as their intriguing Mystery Prize Drop. Players trigger instant cash rewards, as well as other prizes, as they advance. On top of all of this excitement, free spins rounds are also included; these spins are randomly triggered and will give players advantages in each of their fights.

This medium-volatility pokie is available at all Yggdrasil powered desktop and mobile casinos and is sure to thrill anyone with a thirst for battle and winnings.

The growing pains of online gambling in New Zealand

August 29, 2019 by Admin

Online gambling has recently gained increasing popularity in New Zealand and while the industry is enjoying the boom, it has drawn attention from anti-gambling activists and other concerned groups who have proposed that government regulators have adopted an inappropriate approach with regards to dealing with this new trend.

A dicey situation

Despite its availability, online gambling is not fully legal in New Zealand. Players are able to access it via foreign companies, with up to NZ$381 million flowing out of the country over the last 18 months. This detail, in particular, has raised the ire of campaigners, who have in turn placed pressure on New Zealand’s government to take action.

Regulation revamp

Lawmakers have taken the hint and have begun the process of amending the country’s gambling laws. The Gambling Act, which has not been updated since 2003, is dated and inadequate for dealing with this new wave of technology. On July 31^st, the Department of Internal Affairs advised that four major reforms were in the pipeline for the online gambling industry. However, according to activists, these reforms are far too concerned with economic issues, rather than mitigating the potential negative impact on New Zealanders.

Reforms, but at what cost?

Anti-gambling organizations have pointed out that, rather than regulating more strictly, three of the reforms appear to allude to more avenues of gambling being made available to players, with the fourth doing nothing to change the status quo.

The option that seems most likely to succeed would grant the national lottery, currently the only legal online operator, an expanded mandate to introduce its own online gambling platform, including casino games. The issue is still currently pending as no firm decisions have been taken as yet.

The public has been encouraged to provide their input, which will form part of the final resolutions made at the end of September this year.

Tesla Model 3 Giveaway with Big Time Gaming

July 28, 2019 by Admin

Breaking news! Big Time Gaming is offering you the chance to win your own Tesla Model 3.

Casino games developer Big Time Gaming are giving players at online casinos across New Zealand where their game content is featured, the opportunity to win a brand new Tesla car. That’s right! Between now and the end of November you could stand the chance to drive off in model 3 Tesla, which has a range in excess of 300 miles on a fully charged battery and acceleration of 3.2 seconds for 0 – 60mph. This awesome ride is worth just under NZ$72 000.

Between now and November BGT will track, across all their pokies and as well as all their casino partners, the biggest win multiplier every month. If you are one of the lucky players to achieve the biggest win in any of the months leading up November your name will be entered in the final draw.

Five winners (the biggest winners of each month) will vie for the top prize of the Tesla Model 3, while the four runners up will walk away with an 8k TV and 3 lots of cash prizes worth just over NZ$18600. Terms and conditions apply. Be sure to check out the leader competition leader board which will be published on Casino and Affiliate sites between now and the final draw.

Mark the date. The last day of the competition is the 30th of November, while the prize draw is all set to take place in early December.

How to enter

These Competitions may be entered online via the affiliated casino sites.
Availability and pricing of Competitions is at the discretion of the Promoter, entry to the Competitions is available via the Websites and the operator of the Websites shall have absolute discretion on whether an entry is valid and the Websites shall have the discretion as to whether to participate in the Competition.
All real money players of BTG’s slots on Websites who have a big win will be eligible to be entered into the Competition provided that the operator of the Websites provides the relevant information and agrees that they will be participating in the Competition by providing the relevant data to BTG.
In order to enter a Competition, you will need to register an account with a Website or already have one with a participating Website. You will then have to play a BTG slot and if you have the biggest multiplier win with real money play on a BTG slot you will be entered into a leaderboard. The highest placed people on the leaderboard (the players with the biggest win) which will be decided on NOVEMBER 30th 2019 will be entered into a prize draw to win a Tesla Model 3. In addition, there will 4 runner-up prizes of an 8k Samsung TV, 3x £1000 cash which will be drawn from the prize draw.
You will automatically be entered into the Completion if the Operator of the Website provides the information to BTG
The Promoter reserves the right to refuse or disqualify any Entries if it has reasonable grounds for believing that an Entrant has controverted any of these Terms and Conditions.

Good luck!

Evolution Gaming Brings You 2 New First-Person Games

July 24, 2019 by Admin

Two new titles by the top providers of Live Casino solutions, Evolution Gaming, have just been launched. The games, First-Person Lightning Roulette and First-Person Dream Catcher, have been added to the brand’s palette of RNG online slots, which include the inventive and integrated Go Live function.

Both titles are RNG-based versions of the company’s award-winning Evolution Gaming live casino with Evolution’s Lightning Roulette having won three awards in 2018 for Game of the Year for its live dealer version, and Dream Catcher, which features a spinning money wheel and a charismatic presenter, crowned Digital Product of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards at G2E Las Vegas.

Online and mobile operators looking to spice up their current line-up have added the new First-Person versions, as they have just become available.

Specs

An HD hyper-realistic, animated roulette table is the centerpiece of the First-Person Lightning Roulette game. Lightning effects flashing all over the game literally make for an electrifying experience. One to five randomly generated Lucky Numbers are struck by lightning in each round, attaching a random multiplier with it, which can be anything from x50 to x500.

First Person Dream Catcher is easy to play. Its design is based on the huge, multi-segmented spinning wheels of fortune often seen hanging in land-based casinos. All you would need to do is place your bet on the numbered segment where you believe the wheel will stop. The excitement of the game is raised by x2 and x7 multiplier segments on the wheel.

Going Live

A key feature of these two games is the Go Live button and, as with any Evolution Gaming First Person game, it can be found in the User Interface of the games. You will find yourself instantly transported from the First-Person version you are playing through an in-game portal to a live version when you hit this button. The transition is seamless with the First-Person mode offering a user-friendly interface. Also, the same rules as the live version apply.

Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution Gaming, explained how their First-Person Gaming range continues to capitalize on modern technology. The company did this to assist their licensees to build player loyalty, which he believes they are in the process of doing right across their online casino palette. Haushalter added that all their Evolution Gaming First-Person titles are great games in and of themselves in addition to offering gamers excellent animation and gameplay. However, these titles depart from the standard RNG equivalents with the addition of the Go Live button. This button allows you to go further than before into the universe of Live Casino.