Twenty-Twenty has been – and still is – the year of innovation in the online gaming sector. A plethora of game producers emerged on the market, eager to prove their worth in the massive gambling arena.
However, not all reach the top. Most remain in the dust, unable to come up with a revolutionary concept that would push them into the spotlight.
Those that do, however, have proven that they not only came up with one ground-breaking concept but instead release one each year.
If you were wondering which providers offer the best content year after year, look no further than our list. We compiled a list of the best game providers in 2020 that changed the game.
Yggdrasil
Founded in 2013, this company has been making headlines ever since. Its career is not long, but the company managed to make a name for itself quite fast. Notable achievements in the past few years include a premium YG Masters Program launch and BOOST™ promotional tools.
The unique combination of cutting-edge technology and vision makes Yggdrasil Gaming stand out from the crowd. Those who decide to try out its games sign up for top-notch service, quality content, and diversity. And then there are the innovative mechanics! In 2020, Yggdrasil launched Temple Stacks and Lucky Neko video slots that boast unique, never-before-seen slot mechanics. Splitz and Gigablox changed how we perceive online casino gaming. There is no doubt they will continue to affect the slot market in the future as well.
NetEnt
Our second slot provider on the list is NetEnt. Regardless of your gaming experience, you must have heard about NetEnt. This company, whose full name is Net Entertainment, has been shaking the frame for decades. A testament to its success is the sheer number of casino deals and partnerships with the biggest brands in the industry.
Everyone wants to work with NetEnt because this company understands the players and the gaming community. Somehow, the Swedish provider always manages to give the punters precisely what they want and need. The best thing that we have seen from NetEnt in 2020 is the InfiniReels™ mechanics seen in Gods of Gold slot. As you can imagine, the feature allows you to play with infinite reels, which means thousands and thousands of ways to win. You can check its games in any of the bigger online casinos that offer best payouts.
Ezugi
The other half of the list is reserved for live casino providers because that is also a popular trend nowadays. When it first appeared, the concept of live casino entertainment was strange to many of us. Nevertheless, we embraced it, and it soon turned into a viral form of online gambling.
Today, many companies make live dealer games, but few can ever reach the level of Ezugi and Evolution Gaming. Ezugi is a renowned live dealer connoisseur that specializes in elegant real-time gameplay. Its tables boast incredible design precisely because the company aims for elegance and simplicity. But, beware – the tables might look demure, but they are quite vibrant once you start the rounds. Its top games that you should try out include Andar Bahar, Teen Patti, and 3 Card Poker.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is, hands down, the king of innovation and ground-breaking live casino concepts. Everything that this company does is top-quality, and most games are ahead of their time.
For instance, Evolution Gaming launched Crazy Time in 2020. In case you are not familiar, this is a 5-in-1 live game show with a bonanza of features. Vibrant and energizing hosts entertain players that are eager to take a slice of this crazy pie. The company also announced a dozen of other ground-breaking releases this year, including Live Craps and Instant Roulette. The first live version of craps and the fastest Roulette table in the world – sign us up! If you haven’t already, look for Evolution Gaming titles in any prestigious live dealer casino.
The New Zealand casino stratosphere is blossoming. Hundreds of topnotch casinos are catering to the casino players, and the market is always expanding with new additions.
Gaming sites are always searching for ways to improve the offer, and that frequently includes banking options.
As mobile banking and e-wallets are becoming more and more popular in New Zealand, choosing reliable services has become a priority.
To help you separate the wheat from the chaff, we compiled a list of top e-wallets that you can find in one of the top New Zealand online casino websites.
So, if you were looking for a new payment method, have a look at what we prepared below.
Neteller
Neteller is a popular e-wallet around the world, not just New Zealand. Along with Skrill, it is the preferred banking option for players in the online casino realm. If you choose Neteller – or Skrill because they are similar – you will quickly forget debit cards and long waiting times.
The benefits of using Neteller are aplenty: players have access to instant deposits and near-instant withdrawals. There is no need for complex registration information – just pick Neteller and transfer your money. It’s that simple.
Skrill
The company that owns Skrill and Neteller complies with strict rules and laws in New Zealand. That means that security and protection are guaranteed. You do not have to worry about safety protocols as Skrill connects your casino account with your debit card where you can withdraw the money.
Moreover, Skrill has a row of other functionalities and features that you can use. For instance, Skrill 1-Tap allows you to initiate payments with just one click, instead of going through the hassle of authorization for each transaction.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard is the e-wallet option that PaySafe Group launched before acquiring Neteller and Skrill. The company has been around the block for nearly 25 years, so trust us – they know the business of e-commerce very well. Its biggest benefit is, as you can guess, the safety of the users.
With Paysafecard, you are always 100% protected from scams or frauds. The prepaid system allows you anonymous transactions, so you do not have to submit personal info. Moreover, it utilizes a 16-digit PIN that both protects you and ensures your privacy. The PINs are used for larger amounts, which is excellent if you want to use it in your casino.
PayPal
Just like the rest of the digital wallets on our list, PayPal is famous in New Zealand. Local casino players slowly realize the potential that comes with using PayPal. For instance, secure payments that the casino processes instantly? Sign us up!
Withdrawals are also very fast – with e-wallets in general – so you do not have to worry about waiting. We also like that numerous casinos are offering you a chance to claim Welcome Bonuses if you register with PayPal. Speaking of registration, if you are signing up with PayPal, you do not have to submit any card info. Just make sure your credit card is linked with PayPal, and you are all set.
EcoPayz
With EcoPayz, you automatically get access to a unified EcoAccount which you can use for all your transactions. Send, receive, or spend money with this account – it is all safe! EcoPayz is becoming more and more popular around casinos as casinos start adding it to their banking options.
There are also nice bonuses that you can claim in certain New Zealand casinos. And who would turn down an offer like that? It supports 45 currencies, which means you do not have to pay the costly conversion fees. Instant international money transfer is a great advantage, especially when online casinos are outside New Zealand.
Slots have infinite features and characteristics – as we once said, they indeed come in various shapes and sizes.
Perhaps their beauty lies in the versatility, as game developers can experiment with each creation to no end.
There is one type of slot games whose main benefit includes double paylines. The slots, popularly known as pay both ways slots, are an excellent way to double the existing paylines in the game. However, we noticed that there is a deficit of such games on the market.
Let’s discuss why.
Slots that Pay Both Ways
Wait, let’s back up a little – you are probably wondering what we mean by double paylines. Before we start talking about the lack of these games on the market, let’s first see what constitutes slots with double paylines.
As you know, paylines represent the number of available winning combinations in slots. We already explained that they could be either paylines or winning ways.
The distinction relates to the number of paylines. If they exceed 40, we call them winning ways. Although modern games typically boast hundreds of ways to win (sometimes even thousands), paylines remain a famous mechanic.
One subset of payline slots is the pay-both-ways category. Mainly, this concept refers to games that pay winning combos in both directions – left to right and right to left.
To put it simply, you can hit a combo, and it will pay out regardless of the direction. In most cases, these games pay only one direction, but some slots pay literally both as separate combos.
Most games exclusively pay left to right, but with these games, you can do it any way you want. Other than the paylines, these slots are not different from regular slots. You play them in the same way, and you can choose between hundreds of themes and features.
Top Games with This Feature
If you have never explored this slot category, now is the perfect time to start. We have a couple of games that use the two-way-pay model that you must try.
Good Girl Bad Girl is the first game that took our breath away with its potential. This video slot is not new, but rather one of the legendary slots from Betsoft’s portfolio. It’s abundant in special features like Multipliers, Wilds, and Pick features. Players love the feature bonanza that matches the innovative both-ways payout system that Betsoft updated for the sake of the game.
NetEnt is the author of the Invisible Man, a stellar slot that pays out winnings in both directions. Pick and Click, random modifiers, heaps of Free Spins, and both-ways payouts are just the beginning in Invisible Man. The slot hides a plethora of other surprises that you will undoubtedly love.
Other titles with this add-on that we loved include Pragmatic Play’s the Catfather, Thunderkick’s Turning Totems, and Ice Hockey from Playtech.
The Lack of Two-Way-Win Slots
The market for slot games has a fair share of two-way-win slots. However, the players are wondering why aren’t there more of these titles. After all, they are exceedingly rewarding.
One possible clue to the answer lies precisely in its nature – they are exceedingly rewarding. Don’t get us wrong, all slots are great when it comes to payouts, but these games are different. Most of them do not have sky-high win potential, but they are entertaining, nonetheless.
Another possible explanation is that providers are nowadays leaning towards expanding winning ways. Thousands of winning ways are more popular today, and both-ways slots are tied to paylines only. Thanks to the expansion of innovative mechanics which include thousands of ways to win and expanding reels, this feature feels slightly outdated.
Will pay-both-way slots become a relic of the past; we are yet to see. For now, our only hope is that game developers might take a turn for the old-school features and start increasing their portfolios with these games again.
But only time will tell.
The house always wins.
Every player knows that frequenting casinos bears a certain risk. Although many players cannot really find a name for that risk – they know very well that the risk is there. And that risk is ladies and gentlemen, the house edge. The term describes the notion that all casinos (houses) have an advantage (edge) over players in each round of every game.
It’s not hard to guess why the casinos maintain this advantage. Gambling halls are places where players go to gamble and have fun. Occasionally, they win – and that means that the house lost. Of course, casinos cannot afford to lose always, so they need a guarantee that they will stay in business no matter what. In other words, they need an upper hand over the players.
As we said, each game has a house edge, but they are not all the same. Below you will find out which games have the lowest house edge in the entire casino game offering.
Top Games with the Lowest House Edge
The holy trinity of low house edges in online casinos is Baccarat, Craps, and Blackjack. No other games can compete with these three when it comes to return-to-player rates (Remember RTP? Here’s a refresher.).
Blackjack is notoriously geared towards lower house edges. Of course, different variants have different advantages. For instance, the lowest house edge for Blackjack is gained through playing single-deck Blackjack using the basic strategy. The standard variant boasts a solid 1.5% edge, which is, in comparison with other games, spectacular.
Craps can go even lower than that. The standard house edge for online Craps is 1.4%, which makes this game a popular go-to option for high payouts. Players can further influence the house edge by switching between possible betting options. The only issue with Craps is the table – the design might seem confusing at first, but the rules are simple. Once you master Craps and the ways to lower the edge, you won’t need any other casino game. Trust us.
Finally, with Baccarat, players sign up for exquisite fun with only 1.06% house advantage. That means that Baccarat takes the throne as the casino game with the best odds. Admittedly, experts at Craps have bigger chances to manipulate the edge, but the default Baccarat advantage for the house is excellent for all punters.
Higher Edge Brings More Fun?
We often get questions like, “Why do people play Roulette with high house edges?”. Roulette is just one of the games that have a higher house advantage than, say, Baccarat and Craps. And despite that, Roulette remains one of the most popular casino games in the world. The reason for that is the appeal of the game. Sometimes, players do not care about edges and advantages, but rather focus on entertainment. And no one can deny the fun that you can have when you play Roulette!
Even though its edge clocks in on 5.26% for American Roulette. The American variant has double zeros on the wheel, and more pockets mean that the edge will be higher. The math behind this is slightly complicated, so we won’t bother you. Just remember that, with more zeros on the wheel, the house has a higher edge. For example, a triple-zero table has a 7.89% edge over the participants.
To conclude, the players overlook the tiny edge detail in favor of the entertainment. And we cannot say that we blame them!
How to Bring Down the House Edge
You cannot bring down the house, but you can bring down the edge. For instance, you must have heard of players boasting that they found a way to beat the game. Perhaps they did beat the game literally, i.e. they won, but did they manage to increase their winning chances? Probably yes.
There are several ways to boost your winning odds. The methods vary from game to game. For instance, in Blackjack, the best thing that you can do is follow the basic strategy. This has proved to be one of the best ways to achieve great results repeatedly. Seasoned Blackjack veterans often forego this strategy because they do not like the analysis and calculations behind each move. So, we can say that it’s not that popular. However, crafty players thought of that as well. They came up with easy-to-use charts that you can put to good use and win hefty amounts the next time you visit a Blackjack table.
Moreover, you can lower the edge and improve your odds in Craps too. The secret lies in the bets – avoid complicated bets and use the Free Odds bets! Boost your original Pass Line/Don’t Pass Line bet with free Odds, and you will double the win with double odds.
Finally, the best advice for Roulette players is to choose their variants carefully. You have seen above that American Roulette has a high edge. But there is the European Roulette too – and it has a great 2.70% advantage. There’s only one zero on the wheel, which means you have higher chances of winning something at these tables.
Mobile gaming is a very successful trend, especially in 2020.
The cellphones that we all carry around wherever we go serve multiple purposes, but we’ll admit that gaming is our favourite one. If you like to take your gaming with you, you don’t have to worry anymore – casinos offer mobile games as well.
However, we are aware that learning the ropes of mobile gaming might be a tough task to master. Therefore, we concocted a guide for mobile casino gaming for mobile devices.
We covered everything – from registration to lucrative deals that only top-tier mobile casinos offer. Check out the list of advantages that we placed at the bottom of the page. If nothing convinces you to switch to mobile gaming, that will certainly do!
Mobile Casino Registration
The first thing that you need to do before you start playing mobile casino games is to register. Okay, some online casinos do allow you to try games for free, but it’s best if you sign up and make a new account. Now, mobile casinos function in the same way as regular online or live casinos. Fire up your portable device, visit the site via mobile browsers, and voila – you have arrived. After you complete the registration – it usually requires a name, banking info, and personal details – you are ready to start playing.
Visit the casino lobby and enter any game that you like. In some cases, you may play them for free before you invest cash.
Oh, and a pro tip – check if your chosen casino has a mobile version or app. If it does, you don’t have to open a new account.
How to Choose Top Mobile Casino Games to Play
Today, mobile gaming is an essential part of the casino offer. That is why online casinos aim to keep this section of the offer well-stocked for on-the-go players.
In most cases, you won’t be able to find entire portfolios on your mobile apps/sites. However, we are sure that, as time goes by, casinos will start adding more and more games to their lobbies. Nevertheless, the ones that we have are more than enough right now!
Regardless of what you enjoy the most, your gaming site is sure to provide a little bit of everything. For instance, slot games are the most popular choice, but table games and live dealer tables are not far behind too. Specialty games that we play when we want to take a break from traditional gaming are great options as well.
When you choose the game that you want to play, open it, and hit play. The experience might differ from desktop games, but you will soon get used to playing like this.
Advantages of Playing at Mobile Casinos
If the fact that you can take your games anywhere you go isn’t enough for you, maybe the following perks do the trick for you. Mobile casinos have a diverse collection of benefits on offer to accommodate you. For instance, the gaming is portable, while all other things that you find in desktop mode are here too.
You don’t have to wait for days until your money transactions go through. Mobile banking is a great way to sidestep long waiting times. Furthermore, these banking options are easier to use. You only need to use your phone to activate and authorize a transaction, so it’s hassle-free.
Another great thing about mobile casinos is the dedication to player security. All venues employ various tactics to protect their players. For example, there are numerous verification processes, authentication procedures, SSL encryption, etc. When it comes to your safety, there is nothing these venues won’t do to protect you.
Finally, you can enjoy the free play anytime you want to avoid paying real money in games that you don’t know. We already mentioned this above – demo versions exist just like on your desktop mode.
Mobile Games Go Well with Bonuses
When you start playing at your new casino, stop by the Promotions page as well. You would be surprised how many gaming sites have special deals specifically for their mobile users.
Keep an eye on this section as you might encounter tournaments, special Welcome Bonuses, slot promos, weekly deals, and boosters for table games.
Online casinos are almost synonymous with slots and table games.
Most players that visit gaming sites go there to play titles from the classic categories. However, online casino content has more to offer than just slots and Roulette. If you scratch under the surface, you’ll find an abundance of games that are equally entertaining as your favourite slot games. So, where are they?
They are, ladies and gentlemen, in the specialty games section. Now, the name of the category might be a bit ambiguous. Typically, it serves to encompass a wide range of games that you otherwise cannot actually categorize.
If you have never played such games, now is the chance to start. You can play specialty games for real money in most online casinos, and some even offer free play. Below you will find the most popular types of specialty games on casino gaming sites.
Bingo
Before online casinos, Bingo was usually associated with Bingo halls and pleasant family game nights. The digital gaming expansion brought Bingo to the virtual plane where it found a massive loyal fanbase. The reason why it is so popular is that it kept the classic look and feel from the original version. Plus, the providers added extra features and improved the gameplay.
There are many versions of Bingo that you can try out. For example, you can play both American and European Bingo. Thanks to improved software, providers came up with 3D Bingo and Progressive Bingo as well. Progressive Bingo features a progressive jackpot. If you are new to the game, try out all versions. You will indeed have fun, and you get to explore new games.
Keno
Keno and Bingo share many characteristics. Both games are matching number games, but Keno has a different layout and paytable. In Keno, you select 15 numbers and try to hit as many drawn numbers as possible. In terms of variants, there is Classic Keno and Progressive Keno.
The Classic version is excellent if you like to play with low bets because the best online casino websites do not allow high roller bets in specialty games. Progressive Keno, just like Progressive Bingo, has a progressive jackpot that you can win.
Scratch Cards
Scratch Cards are the easiest and quickest way to find entertainment in the casino. The digital scratch cards that you find in your chosen venue visually resemble the real ones made from paper.
However, they are even more fun. Quick payouts and the thrill of discovering what’s beneath are still here. However, the only difference is that you cannot really scratch the card on the screen. Nevertheless, they are still amusing. And the best part is that they come in various shapes and sizes, i.e. themes that you will certainly enjoy.
Sudoku
During your specialty game search, you will undoubtedly come across Sudoku. Sudoku in online casinos is not exactly like the real game. The case of Sudoku is just like the case of Bingo – a family game that you typically play at home is now in the virtual casino. However, there are some differences in digital Sudoku. For instance, you do not get a table to fill, but instead a completed 9-digit combination.
You need to match the digits to get a prize hopefully. There’s also a jackpot involved if you hit all 9 numbers.
Casual Games
Specialty games are a category of games that do not fit other types. However, it has its own subcategory. Parlor games (or casual games) comprise of random titles that players play in breaks or when they get bored.
We listed above the most popular specialty game types, but you are bound to encounter a name that you do not recognize. When you do, don’t worry – it’s probably a parlor game that’s great if you are looking for pure, effortless entertainment. Low stakes, great fun, and no need for strategy – what more to ask for?
We hope you will enjoy the specialty games that you find in your favourite online casino. We certainly do!
Do you enjoy live Roulette, Blackjack, or Baccarat? Or do you, perhaps, enjoy all three?
Regardless of what you love the most, it is crucial to have a variety when it comes to picking what to play. And that is what we are here for! Our mission here is to present all the best titles that you can try out the next time you visit your live casino.
The topic of live casino is not new for us. We talked already about the benefits of playing traditional casino games in real-time. We also covered the basics of such games that are attracting so many punters across the globe. What we didn’t talk about, though, was the choice of games that you can play there. Regardless of your gaming proficiency, you probably know that there are countless live variants in casinos out there. However, we are here to show you which games are the best tables for live casino entertainment.
You will see below that we included live Roulette, Blackjack, and Baccarat tables. Whatever game is your cup of tea, we got you covered.
Live Roulette
Live Roulette is, hands down, the most popular live game in online casinos. The classic game also offers the biggest collection of exclusive tables that you can imagine. And just like with online Roulette, the live sector is teeming with European and American Roulette variants.
No matter which variant you prefer, you will surely find more than enough tables to satisfy your thirst. When it comes to providers, be sure to check out Evolution Gaming. The developer stands out as the biggest producer of Roulette titles in the live casino sector.
Now, let’s talk about actual recommendations. The best tables that offer world-class Roulette entertainment are Lightning Roulette, HD Live Roulette, Slingshot Roulette, and Quantum Roulette. No matter which one you choose, you cannot make a mistake.
Live Blackjack
Like Roulette, Blackjack is quite famous in the live lobbies around the world. Its almost paradoxical nature is a great attention-grabber when it comes to players. Simple and yet sophisticated, Blackjack is a go-to game for thousands of punters that enjoy authentic casino experiences.
Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, and Playtech are just some of the names that you’ll encounter while searching for live Blackjack titles. The best tables that we can recommend are Quantum Blackjack, Blitz Blackjack, and Macau Blackjack.
These exclusive tables are built to deliver world-class Blackjack playtime in real-time. You get to talk to the dealers, and in some cases, the fellow players.
Live Baccarat
The elusive game of Baccarat is the third pillar of traditional casino entertainment. If we are talking about regions, Baccarat is the king of Asia, without a doubt. However, thanks to advanced technology and innovations, you can get the same experience as a regular player in Macau. How? Well, all it takes is a simple click.
To properly immerse in this game, you’ll need a smashing live dealer table. For that, we recommend Live Baccarat from Evolution Gaming, Speed Baccarat, and Baccarat A.
What we love about these live dealer tables is the fact that next to verified providers, you can get exclusive, VIP tables in casinos. In some cases, venues can collaborate with providers on creating limited edition, proprietary tables. That way, the casino offers titles that you cannot find anywhere else!
Other Games to Try Out
Lately, there has been a surplus of real-time casino games that we cannot categorize. For example, Playtech released its live slot hit Buffalo Blitz which is a mix of slots and live games. On the other hand, bingo and lottery are getting more attention as their popularity grows during the quarantine. If you enjoy playing bingo, you should check out Evolution’s new Mega Ball live game show. It’s a great way to explore new types of games in the live sector! Oh, and we mustn’t forget live shows – these games are brilliant inventions that the players simply adore. The most famous game shows are Deal or no Deal and Dream Catcher.
In Blackjack, simply remembering the rules is not enough.
Don’t get us wrong – the rules are super easy, but it takes more than that to keep winning Blackjack hands. Hence, we decided to help you guys out.
If you are looking for a decent Blackjack strategy that can keep you afloat in any Blackjack round, congrats. We are going to discuss the best Blackjack strategies below and see how to apply them to any round. Moreover, we will see what’s the story of charts, and how you can use them to your advantage.
Brace yourself, because after this article, you’ll become a pro at playing online Blackjack.
Without further ado, have a look at the best Blackjack tactics that players use in online casinos worldwide.
Basic Strategy and the Importance of Charts
You cannot become an expert at Blackjack without mastering the basics. And by basics, we mean the basic strategy that applies everywhere in the world.
A good basic strategy is the foundation of your game proficiency. Ask anyone and they will tell you – you cannot play Blackjack without applying these rules. So, what’s the basic strategy? Well, it is the original strategy based in math. Mathematicians and experts in statistics gathered and created a chart that predicts the best moves in every possible situation in Blackjack.
They used all card combinations to decide on the odds for each upcoming card combination. According to this strategy, you know precisely what to do in every possible in-game situation.
In most cases, you will see this kind of strategy paired with charts. Charts that come with basic strategy are quite useful because you can treat them as maps for playing the game. Our advice is to memorize the charts so that you could apply the rules you read there the next time you sit at a Blackjack table.
Why Strategies Matter
Like in any casino game, strategies exist to help you maximize your winning and outcomes. Each strategy has one single goal – to help you optimize your gameplay so that you win more frequently. Okay, some people claim that certain strategies always yield satisfactory results, but that’s a bit far-fetched right now.
In any case, using strategies can be quite beneficial for you. The only problem is that you must be careful which strategies to use. However, when it comes to Blackjack, our warmest recommendation is to use the basic strategy first, and then add other interesting tactics to your gameplay.
The main benefit of using them is the house edge reduction. Employing strategies can significantly decrease the house edge and help you beat the dealer faster. Additionally, they protect you from losing too much money. We also like the fact that any tactic can be altered to fit the individual needs of any player.
Use what suits you and what works for you – it’s that simple. Although you might think that strategizing within casinos is frowned upon, it’s not. Except if you are counting cards, in which case we advise you not to do that! You can use all these strategies in any casino, including live casinos.
Top Online Blackjack Strategies
After you master the basic strategy, you can turn to these tactics to boost your proficiency even further.
1. Doubling Down with Hard 11
This strategy will bring (and save) more cash than hitting when you get a hard 11. Regardless of the dealer’s up card, you should always double down the hard 11. The only exception is the table with multiple decks and dealer’s obligatory soft 17 stand. In that case, you can choose to hit as well.
2. Splitting Pairs of 8s and Aces
If you get pairs of 8s or Aces, you should always split them. This tactic can bring you more gains in the long run, because you can either cut your losses or win more.
3. Avoid Splitting Pairs of 5s and 10s
Keeping a pair of 10s is a great winning hand because you can stand at 20. On the other hand, with pairs of 5s, you get a hard 10. Splitting the hard 10 means you get two hands starting with 5. You shouldn’t split these two pairs because the odds are better if they remain together.
4. Dealer’s 2 or 3 Mean Hitting a Hard 12
If you get a hard 12 and the dealer’s up card is either 2 or 3, you should hit. Most players think that the logical step is to stand, but that way, you lose more money in the long run. With hitting, you can either go bust or win – but you will save a lot of money this way.
5. Hitting the Soft 18
If the dealer has a strong 9,10, or 11, and you have a soft 18 (Ace + 7), you should hit. Most players go for a stand, but that usually yields bad results. If you hit and get a small card, you will get a pat card. If you get a high card, you still get a high hand. Either way, hitting with soft 18 is a great strategy.
6. Doubling Down with 10s
When you see that the dealer has a 9 (or less) and you have a hard 10, double down.
7. Dealer’s Soft 17
If you’re playing a game where the dealer stands at soft 17, you should keep the following strategies in mind.
Double down if you have:
- A hard 11 and the dealer has an Ace
- A soft 18 and the dealer has 2
- A soft 19 and the dealer has 6
8. Forget Insurance
The final strategy that we have on our list includes the insurance. You should never, under any circumstances, take insurance. This is for amateurs, and you want to level up in your game as quickly as possible. The reason why you should forget insurance is that the payout for insurance is lower than any payout in the game.
We said this before, but we need to repeat it: video slots truly come in various shapes and sizes. In our previous articles, we tackled topics of different reel variations, mechanics, paylines, and similar technical stuff. We also talked about branded slot games.
However, today we will focus on a somewhat lighter topic that undoubtedly interests many of our players. Dear players, let’s discuss the most popular themes in video slots!
Themes are perhaps the most interesting part of the entire slot experience. Most players take a lot of time to choose the theme that they enjoy. And it usually lasts longer than picking a provider, or a casino.
With themes, you see, it’s like shopping. You browse, and you look at all the colorful titles until something catches your eye. You then play it for free to enjoy their perks without commitment. If you like it, then you get it, it’s that simple.
However, most of the new titles that we see on a daily basis are straight-up eye-candy. It’s difficult to choose which theme you like the most because you have so many options. But let us tell you a secret – you don’t have to choose only one! There are so many themes today that choosing only one is a complete waste of so many perfect titles.
Therefore, we compiled a list of six top slot themes that you can enjoy at some of the best online casinos for slot games.
If you are new to the casino scene, this article will help you meet the exuberant slot community. Ladies and gents, here are the most popular slot themes in slots, worshipped by many and chosen by all.
Asian
Asia has a vibrant and very diverse culture. It is an artfully gathered collection of miscellaneous legends and folk stories that embodies the spirit of the nation.
That cultural wealth is precisely what attracts the game developers. The Asian theme is rich and powerful, and yet – very mysterious and complex. Asian slots stand side by side with the Egyptian theme at the top of the slot game industry.
Most popular slots: Sakura Fortune, Koi Princess, Big Win Cat, Cherry Blossoms
Egyptian
The case of the Egyptian theme is similar to Asia. Egypt is one of the oldest and most powerful civilizations in the world. It is also shrouded in mystery, as the pyramids and tombs provide a lot of material for speculation and investigation.
Explorers and archaeologists all over the world are drawn to Egypt even today. Hence, it’s not a surprise that that obsession and enchantment with Egyptian history draws slot players as well.
Egyptian-themed slots dominate the industry with their colorful designs. From ancient Gods to futuristic, dystopian themes mixed with old Gods, you cannot go wrong with Egypt.
Most popular slots: Cleopatra, Ankh of Anubis, Legacy of Dead, Book of Dead
Fantasy
Fantasy covers multiple categories. Therefore, it is easier to say that fantasy is a major genre in slot entertainment. Just like in other branches of art, fantasy in slots is often mixed with different themes. For example, it is not odd to see fantasy in combination with fairy tales. Moreover, some developers fused fantasy slots with classic fruit slots to create intriguing combos.
However, if we are to speak of fantasy-themed slots as examples of legends, myths, and fairytales, we narrow down the category to the industry’s third-biggest collection. Various topics are investigated in these games, including King Arthur, Robin Hood, fairies, witches, magic, and even voodoo.
Most popular slots: Riches of Robin, Robin Hood, Excalibur, Faerie Spells, Enchanted, Immortal Romance, Baron Samedi
Pirate
Another quite compelling slot theme concerns pirates. The sea bandits are a popular phenomenon referenced in movies, shows, and games. Video slots that feature pirates are almost always playful, enchanting, and daring.
These video slots typically involve more risk, as they aim to portray a rather dangerous lifestyle. Therefore, you will hardly ever find a pirate-themed video slot that has mild volatility.
Most Popular slots: Pirates Charm, Captain’s Treasure, Queen of the Seas, Loose Cannon
Interstellar
Aliens are a hot topic for us, that’s a fact. They have been a source of debates for decades. Conspiracy theories and their creators always aim to explain mysterious, inexplicable events by using our extraterrestrial friends.
On the other hand, it is safe to say that we are obsessed with them. Furthermore, we are obsessed with anything out-of-this-world. Stars, far-away galaxies, distant planets, interstellar space – we love that. That is why this theme is so prevalent in slots. Starburst, a game that holds the title of the most successful video slot, has a space theme. This fact alone proves how popular this theme is.
Most Popular Slots: Starburst, Reactoonz, Space Invaders, Space Digger, Cosmic Fortune
Irish
The Irish know how to have fun. Everything they do, they do it better than us! And their culture is also very, very rich. Ireland, as a country of great cultural heritage, boasts some of the most loved and known stories and myths in the world.
Leprechauns, which are part of their lore, are very popular in the slot-o-sphere. The green color, cloves, St Patrick’s Day, pots of gold…. These are all stereotypes, but stereotypes that we love. And that is why we love playing Irish-themed games!
There were instances when providers mixed leprechauns and fairies to create truly fantastical slots. These games are not great in numbers, but the players love them. The fact that some leprechaun slots have some of the biggest jackpots in the industry only strengthens the point that leprechauns bring luck.
Most Popular slots: Lucky Leprechaun, Wild Leprechauns, Finn’s Golden Tavern, Finn and the Swirly Spin, Rainbow Jackpots
Digital casino entertainment is flourishing. It is impossible to count all gaming sites that deliver high-quality entertainment to players worldwide. This exponential growth of online casinos is also the reason why there are so many games in these lobbies.
Although we love that there is so much new content on the market, choosing what to play can get tricky. Players are often confused with the breadth of choice that they get once they enter casino lobbies.
If you ever asked yourself the question “What is the perfect game for me?”, believe us – you are not alone. Every player – regardless of gaming experience – frequently asks this question.
And that is why we are here! With this article, we hope to help you choose a perfect game that will suit you completely. We created a list of steps that you can take if you want to figure out your favourite casino game.
The Guide
Before we start, it is essential to note that this article is suitable both for novices and seasoned veterans. Sometimes, even experienced players run out of ideas about what to play. But no worries, we got you covered. Below you will find a five-step guide to finding a perfect casino game that is just for you.
1. Explore the Games
Exploration is a crucial part of finding the ideal game for you. There are thousands of different titles out there, so finding the right one won’t be easy. Nevertheless, before you settle with your perfect casino game, you will have a chance to explore the vast casino realm. That means you will have the whole scope of popular casino game categories at your disposal. From slots to poker variants, you never know what might bring out the spark!
You can choose your method of exploration as well. You can read game reviews or browse lobbies at some of the biggest online casinos in the world. By the way, the big casinos are an excellent source because they house more titles than small-scale gaming sites.
2. Free Play
Once you find the games that you want to play, you should try them out for free. Free play is an important step as it gives you a chance to test the game without investing real money. You don’t have to risk your money for something that might not be suitable!
This is highly recommended both for newcomers and experienced players. Playing casino games for free has a lot of benefits for potential players. First, it can introduce you to the game so you can check if you like it in the first place. Second, you get to gather general info about the genre, theme, or game type. Third, you can build your skills – especially with table games – by playing for fun. This way, you will become a pro player in no time!
3. The Right Casino
If you have a chosen casino where you like to play, that is great. However, if you are looking for a venue that can provide everything you are looking for, you need to be thorough. As we mentioned above, countless casinos exist around the globe. But not all of them are good. To avoid risks and potential scams, you need to pay attention to many details and components.
That includes looking into the license, provider list, banking options, and Customer Support. Each of these components is an integral element of a reliable casino venue. Your safety always comes first, so you need to protect yourself from scams and hazardous gaming sites. Explore places by reading reviews of casinos online. The reviews include all vital info and details that you need to know before you visit the casino.
4. Register and Play
After you have chosen the right venue, it’s time to have fun. Each casino offers a plethora of benefits for their players, especially newcomers. That includes bonuses, promotions, weekly and monthly deals, and even VIP programs. And you get access to all that once you complete your registration.
The registration is quick and easy. The whole process takes minutes to finish, and then you can head straight to the lobby. There you will find the games that you previously tried out in free play, so you know what kind of fun to expect.
5. Play Outside of the Box
The fifth and final step that you need to take is exploring even further. You now have a game category that interests you, and probably a couple of chosen titles that you enjoy. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The most significant advantage of the surplus of casino games is that you can have multiple favorites. And all you need to do is search for more games.
Explore different themes within your favourite game category. Online developers are very creative, and they are outdoing themselves with each new title. It would be a waste to stick to only one title with so much choice around.
