Aztec’s Millions Slot Review

Aztec’s Millions is a slot that many will be familiar with and is one of RTG’s classic and iconic games that is available to all USA-based players. Although it’s been around a long time, it remains technologically advanced, with very solid graphics and sound complementing the retro gameplay that, whilst relatively simple, is incredibly fun and keeps you coming back for more.

Themed on the Aztecs, unsurprisingly, the game features five reels and 25 paylines. It is quite a fast-paced slot so it is ideal for those who don’t like long delays, especially after wins. The game recreates ancient Aztec times and offers wilds, scatters and a brilliant bonus round where 25 free spins can be played.

In order to access the bonus free spins round you need to get three, four or five scattered Idol symbols, earning the maximum 25 free spins for getting five. Three Idols gets you five free spins, with four serving up 15 and, best of all, there is a 3x multiplier attached to virtually all wins (the bonus and progressive are excluded), allowing you to quickly rack up some huge wins.

Of course, whilst the great theme and adventures of your Aztec King in the bonus round are all well and good, the main reason that many players head for Aztec’s Millions is the big money – the clue perhaps being in the name of the slot.

This game is one of RTG’s progressive jackpot slots, meaning it is a linked slot that pools jackpots across a number of online casinos to create a huge progressive jackpot that will be won by one lucky player. At the time of writing the jackpot stands at a very impressive $1.6m and the last huge win on the game was more than $1.2m. To land the big one and change your life for ever you’ll need to get five Aztec’s Millions symbols in a row and if you do… just imagine the excitement!

Of course, there are plenty of other big wins available too, through the bonus round, by using the Aztec King wilds or by landing one of the top wins, with the biggest offering up 5000 times your stake!

If you haven’t played Aztec’s Millions yet where have you been for the last 10 years?!

Playing Slots Online vs Visiting a Casino

Gambling in general is becoming ever more popular and with several states legalizing gambling in some form or other more and more people are visiting casinos and playing slots. Traditionally the only real option for US citizens was a trip to Vegas or one of the other few legal casinos dotted around the country. However, with the advent of online gambling there is now a good range of online casinos and dedicated slots sites at which to play and here we take a look at the main differences between playing slots online and playing in a casino.

The Games

The games and the gameplay itself will largely be the same, with almost all slots in bricks and mortar casinos being of the video variety. That means the actual activity is more or less identical, with the same high quality graphics and sound found whether you play online or in a casino.

The Experience

This is the one area where online slots and casino games can’t really seek to compete with big casinos of the real world. Visiting a Vegas mega resort offers so much more than just playing slots and other casino classics and there is also undoubtedly a bigger buzz to be gained from winning real cash you can see, touch and smell, as opposed to simply withdrawing winnings into your bank or credit card account. Whilst live dealer casinos go some way to adding atmosphere they still fall well short of the old-fashioned method of playing slots.

Convenience

Of course, convenience is an area where playing online is unbeatable. You don’t need to leave the house and can play whenever you like. You can also play at your own leisure, rather than feel you have to be at the tables/slots all the time because you only have a limited period at the casino. Moreover, thanks to the advent of mobile slots you can now play more or less whenever you want and wherever you want.

Value for Money

The clincher that gives playing online overall victory is value for money. Online casinos and slots sites offer huge bonuses to new customers, as well as great loyalty schemes. In contrast, visiting a real casino costs a lot of money, unless you happen to live nearby, and there will be no generous bonuses to help you on your way.

A Total Beginner’s Guide To Online Slots

Playing online and mobile slots can be lots of fun and is actually very simple. However, like with most new things, many people are put off because they feel they don’t know what to do. Our guide to slots is aimed at total beginners and so if you’ve always wanted to play online slots but didn’t know where or how to start, we’ll help you on your way.

Choosing a Slots Site

The first thing you’ll need to do is pick a site and the key things to note are that you need one that accepts US players, can be trusted, offers great games and has a generous bonus with fair wagering requirements.

Having done that, just take the plunge and join up. It’s really easy – just like buying something from any regular online store. You’ll need to add personal and payment details to the site but the best online casinos use high quality encryption methods so this is as safe and secure as undertaking online banking transactions, if not safer!

Choosing a Game

Most sites have tens, if not hundreds of slots to choose from, as well as an array of other great casino games. Many online slots sites allow you to play the game in demo (also called free play) mode and this is a great way to explore the slot without risking money. Have a look around and see if any take your fancy and have a go, either in demo mode or for small stakes.

Playing an Online Slot

Playing the slots is actually really easy and most slots require no skill or prior knowledge. One thing to note is that you can often change the amount you bet on each spin, usually in two, or even three ways. Slots usually have between three and 25 win lines, although some have many more and you can sometimes choose how many lines you want to bet on, how many coins you want to stake on each line and what each coin is worth.

Collecting Winnings From Online Slots

Generally all you have to do is press spin (or you can use auto spin too) and the slot does the rest. The reels will spin and any winnings will be automatically calculated and added to your account. To withdraw funds just go to “My Account”, “Bank” or “Cashier” and withdraw your winnings – they should be back with you in a couple of days.

Are Slots Random?

When looking to try to “beat the casino” through playing slots, one of the most obvious places to start is by asking if the spins are random or if any pattern can be discerned. Many people, especially those accustomed to playing slots in the real world (that is to say in a bricks and mortar casino) will have watched someone pour a small fortune into a slot whilst waiting to get on the machine themselves.

The theory is that because so much money has gone in, some will soon be due out and the machine is “ready to pay out”. It is this theory that keeps many players playing the same slot even when enduring a long losing run. Whilst there is, in one sense, some truth in this theory, in reality slots payout at random. Clearly no slot will go on without paying out forever and so if you stay playing the same slot you will, eventually at least, get some form of win.

However, with many online slots featuring huge jackpots and lots of other very significant wins and high-paying bonus rounds, in reality a long winless run – or one with only very minor wins – is highly likely at some stage as the slot seeks to recoup previous winnings. These long runs without a large payout are likely to be far larger and far longer than almost all players can (or will) endure, so never get sucked into the trap of believing that a slot – either online or offline – is “due”.

Slots have a set payout percentage, sometimes almost as high as 99% and sometimes as low as just 75% (that latter figure is the minimum legally allowed in Nevada). In as much as they work to those parameters there is some predictability but because those payout percentages are ongoing and measured over an infinite period of time, in practice slots are totally random and therefore cannot be observed in order to increase your chances of winning.

If you do want to win playing online slots then clearly picking games with high payout percentages is a good idea, whilst taking advantage of the many available casino and slots bonuses is also advised – all of the best casinos will offer bonuses, promotions and perhaps loyalty schemes. And then, in reality, you are simply reliant on good old fashioned luck.

What Are Progressive Slots?

Progressive slots, which are also sometimes called jackpot slots, are one of the many reasons that people love playing slots so much. Progressive slots can be played both online or at bricks and mortar casinos in Vegas or wherever else, but the beauty of playing progressive slots online is that you can access a much greater number and variety and do so without even leaving the house, let alone the state!

A progressive slot is a slot that is linked to other slots with a small portion of the money from every spin being allocated to a special jackpot prize. So, whilst many slots may have a top prize of tens, hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the biggest and best progressive slots have life-changing jackpot prizes in the hundreds of thousands, millions and even TENS of millions of dollars!

These games are almost like lotteries in the sense that they really can change your life forever, with just one spin making all your dreams become possible. That excitement is what makes progressive slots so popular and whilst your odds of winning are low, progressive jackpots are hit every single day somewhere in the USA so who knows, it could be you?

For US players, progressive jackpots on RTG’s casino software generally offer the biggest prizes, with five at the time of writing worth $1m or more, although the highest currently available globally stands at an amazing $4.4m! The biggest win ever on an online progressive slot came in 2013 when a Finnish player won an amazing €18m (that’s around $23m!) playing a slot called Mega Fortune. What’s even more amazing is that the bet that won him the cash was just €0.25 – about 30c!

When you play a progressive slot you should be aware of a few things and the first, which may be obvious to many but is worth pointing out, is that the progressive slot jackpots are being played for simultaneously over hundreds or even thousands of slots across a linked network. Secondly, and related to our lucky Finnish winner mentioned above, is that you should always check what coin/stake qualifies for the progressive jackpot. Whilst he got lucky for little more than a quarter a spin, some progressives require maximum stakes for the full jackpot.

Ultimately though progressive slots are THE most exciting games you can play at an online casino. Why not give them a try – you’ve got to spin it to win it!

Playing Mobile Slots

Slots have been around much longer than many people think, with the first primitive machines – which paid free drinks or cigarettes manually – having been invented here in the USA, in Brooklyn, in 1891. They have evolved and, over time, become more and more complex with the very latest online slots now resembling video games in the complexity of their graphics and storytelling. 3D and even 4D slots exist, both in real casinos and online, but perhaps the most recent advancement for those interested in playing slots is the rapid growth of mobile slots.

Whilst the online casinos that started in the 1990s allowed players to enjoy the thrill of the tumbling reels from their own homes, mobile slots mean that you can now play virtually anywhere, at any time and all from a pocket-sized device.

Playing slots on your cell is a great way to pass a spare moment when you are waiting for a buddy, collecting the kids from school or on your commute to work. Thanks to the amazing processing power of modern cell phones, the graphics, sound, gameplay and reliability of mobile slots are all first rate, and means that the online casino experience can be replicated on your phone, wherever you are.

Whilst access to a decent Wi-Fi connection may provide for a more stable gaming experience, playing on a good 3G or 4G connection is also generally very reliable. So, if you have a cell and you have access to the internet, all you need next is a good mobile slots site or casino at which to play.

There are more and more online casinos to choose from and increasingly most of the best sites will have a mobile version of their main site or a dedicated app, the latter usually only available for Android and IOS users. Accessing these is as simple as going to the URL on your mobile device or downloading the relevant application, and the gameplay is just like playing a regular online slot.

As phones get even more advanced, more and more people will be playing mobile slots so why not join the mobile gambling revolution and see why so many people are already enjoying playing their favorite slots on the move?

Top 3 Online Slots Tips

Online slots come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic three-reel slots with very little peripheral entertainment in the form of features, flashy graphics or soundtracks, to the latest video and 3D slots that pull out all the stops to bring you an all-encompassing gaming experience, complete with accompanying narrative, enthralling gameplay and a fair smattering of cool or cute characters to help you on your journey towards – hopefully – a big pile of cash.

Here we outline our top tips for those who want to play online slots to make money (as opposed to just gaining enjoyment from playing the games themselves). So read on, follow our advice and give yourself the best possible chance of making a fistful of dollars playing online slots.

Tip 1: Always know the payout percentage

While many casino games such as roulette, blackjack or baccarat have odds that are more or less set (subject to rule variations and bonuses), slots are far less formulaic in terms of the “house edge”. The profit margin built into a particular online slot depends solely on how it has been programmed, and while some online casinos will openly published the payout percentage of their games, you sometimes have to delve a little deeper to find out the information.

But dig away because the difference in the payout percentage from one slot to another could be as much as 10 or 15 percentage points. If you don’t know what the payout percentage is of the game you are playing you might well be wasting a LOT of money. So check with the customer support staff and if possible get a list of the payout ratios for all the slots they offer, picking the best one(s) to play on.

Tip 2: Make the most of welcome bonuses

There are so many online casinos out there vying for your business that it is no surprise they go to great lengths to attract you to their site. Almost all will offer some kind of welcome bonus which will invariably come as a 100% or 200% matched bonus based on the value of your first deposit. There are lots of variations with some casinos offering unlimited bonuses, some others thousands of dollars in free cash and other smaller amounts but with less stringent wagering requirements.

You should always check the terms and conditions because while almost all bonuses will require you to wager your bonus through a number of times, that number can differ vastly from a handful to 80 or more. If you pick the right welcome bonuses you will find you have a whole lot more cash to play with and hence a much-improved chance of winning.

Tip 3: Know what you’re spending

Finally, and this might seem like common sense, NEVER bet more than you can afford to lose and never chase losses in the hope of hitting a winning run. Decide how much you want to wager and stick to it, whether you win or lose.

How to Pick a Slots Bonus

Almost every single online casino and slots site offers some form of welcome bonus as an enticement to attract new customers and this is effectively one of the main marketing tactics of online casinos. Deciding which casino is the best one to pick isn’t always easy but here we take a look at the basic information you need to consider.

Is it a Reputable Casino?

The most important factor by far: is this a casino you can trust? Do they accept US players, can you make deposits easily and, most importantly of all, are the games fair and will your withdrawal request be processed? Don’t jump into a great bonus without remembering the old adage that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Are the Games Any Good?

Assuming you have decided this is a casino you can trust, the next major question is, will you enjoy playing there? A bonus is great but if the choice of slots and other games is poor, or the slots available have poor graphics, gameplay or sound, would you really want to play there? Casinos that use top software companies such as RTG can be trusted but with others it might be worth checking their demo mode – if available – to see what you think of the games before you decide to deposit.

Bonus to Total Wagering Ratio

An unlimited bonus might sound like a good deal, as might a 500% deposit bonus but the important thing to check when comparing the slots welcome bonus of one site with that from another is the bonus to total wagering requirement ratio, as this is the most accurate way to decide if a bonus may prove profitable. The key here is to assess the TOTAL wagering required, not the number of times you have to rollover any given amount.

If one casino offers a 100% up to $1,000 and has a wagering requirement of 30 times the bonus only, that means you have to wager $30,000. Another casino may have a similar bonus but only wagering of only 20 times, however, if that is 20 times the bonus AND deposit, the wagering required is actually much higher, at $40,000.

Other factors to consider are what games are eligible and how they contribute towards the wagering and how long you have to complete the rollover. In summary, take your time, read the terms of the offer and decide which casino and slots site will work best for you.

History of Slot Machines

Slots are great fun and can offer some huge prizes but the amazingly rich, developed slots and progressive games you now find in Vegas and at top online casinos have come a long way since the early days of the first slot machines. Here we take a look at the history of slots and how they have developed over time.

Slots, slot machines, fruit machines (UK), pokies (Australia) – call them what you will, these games are loved the world over. The very first slot was created in good old Brooklyn though, way back in 1891. Whilst today players can win millions of dollars (the biggest ever win was almost $40m!), back then the poker-based slot devised by Sittman and Pitt would dish up a free beer, or perhaps a cigar, claimed at the bar!

Shortly after a simpler game called Liberty Bell, after one of the five symbols used, was created by a San Francisco man called Charles Fey and because it had fewer winning combinations automated payment was possible, with a top prize of 50c for three bells! That very first machine is now housed in the Nevada State Museum and for a long time the machines changed little, using a mechanical lever to spin three reels.

The early machines remained quite basic and were massively popular but in 1963 Bally created the first fully electromechanical slot, Money Honey, removing the need for the traditional side lever (the lever gives slots one of their other names, the “one-armed bandit”).

The next major breakthrough came in 1976, with the first ever video slot, using a modified 19 inch Sony TV! In the 1990s video slots moved forward even more with the addition of bonus rounds on a totally different screen and these were, in essence, the forerunners of modern slots that feature at online casinos and slots sites.

As computer technology and the internet have advanced games have become more and more detailed, with sensational graphics, brilliant sound, advanced features and bonuses and big movie tie-ins with blockbuster hits and cartoons. In bricks and mortar casinos and online, slots can now be linked to create huge progressive jackpots, firms offer 3D slots and evermore advanced, complex and enjoyable games.

Where slots will head next is anyone’s guess, perhaps 4D and virtual reality will feature, whilst jackpots are almost certain to continue to explode. Whatever happens, slots are here to stay and will be a lot more exciting than waiting for three bells, bar symbols or cherries!

Europa Casino Review

Europa Casino brings a touch of European class and sophistication to the world of online casinos and is a great choice for those who want brilliant games and even better bonuses. Here we take a look at everything Europa Casino offers and give you our verdict.

Introduction to Europa Casino

This online casino operates under a license from the Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission and is owned by Fastengine Processing Limited. They have been around for almost 10 years and offer loads of great slots in instant play, download and mobile versions, as well as all the casino classics you would expect. The games are powered by Playtech, arguably the finest software company in the world for online casinos, and deposits and withdrawals are handled very smoothly.

Games and Progressives at Europa Casino

As said, Europa is powered by Playtech and this means games with outstanding graphics, slots packed full of enchanting features, marvelous sound quality and 100% reliability. Moreover, as part of the Playtech network there is access to huge progressive jackpot slots with jackpots on games, such as Spamalot and Funky Fruits, reaching into the millions of dollars!

Europa Casino Bonuses and Promotions

There are loads of different bonuses and promotions available at Europa Casino to help welcome new customers to the table. The bonus changes from time to time but is always generous, with 100% the standard and fair wagering requirements. The current bonus, as of August 2014, offers a 100% bonus up to $100 on your first deposit EVERY month for a year whilst a weekly loyalty bonus of a further $25 gives you bonuses worth $2,400 in your first year. With a high roller bonus too, changing “Limited-Time Promotions” and “Classic promotions” that include a loyalty bonuses, comp points and more, the bonuses on offer at Europa are hard to beat.

Europa Casino Conclusion

Europa Casino is an excellent choice for fans of slots and other casino games who want to play the best games around using the finest software. Throw in generous bonuses for new and existing customers and an exemplary customer service provision, available 24/7 by live chat, as well as a brilliant mobile site so you can play on the move, and we have to give Europa Casino an almost-perfect 9/10.