Microgaming Software Review

Added On: July 7, 2009 at 7:02AM

Category: Microgaming

Author: Elliot Shmitt

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A pioneer of online gaming software, Microgaming launched its operations on the Isle of Man, a UK tax haven, in 1994, when the Internet was still a novelty, and has expanded worldwide to 120 casinos, catering to all styles of play with over 300 versions of online games available.

Microgaming has also led the way in administration and legal regulation of online gaming. In 1997 the company founded the Interactive Gaming Council, a professional association for industry members to identify and resolve issues related to online casinos and gaming. As the founder of eCOGRA, the online games industry’s self-regulating body, Microgaming has helped set the standards for honesty, game transparency, fairness and verifiable randomness now used by all online gaming firms.  Among these is the playthrough requirement. Players who open an account or receive free bonus money to play must wager certain multiples of that amount before being allowed to cash out their winnings. This mechanism protects the security of the casinos and the players. The playthrough multiples required for slot games are usually about 15, with 100% of each wager going toward the playthrough tally and with poker the playthroughs are a reduced percentage. Usually not more than 50% of each poker wager counts toward meeting the playthrough multiple.

Viper is the backbone of Microgaming’s online software repertoire. At first, Viper functioned as the direct link interface that allowed people to play online, without having to download the full operating software package. However, Viper’s capabilities have been upgraded dramatically over the past 15 years. Players can now play games with up to 10 other competitors at once, improve and leverage their own skills by choosing more challenging game options, and track all their online transactions clearly and accurately.

Thunderstruck is the newest addition to the slots universe at Microgaming. This five reel nine payline game incorporates the Thor multiplier and Rams scatter symbols. When two Rams pop up anywhere on the screen, players’ winnings increase, depending on where they appear. The Thor symbol in a payline doubles the win.

International gamers can find exciting play in the Microgaming online casino of their choice. At the Platinum Play Casino, slots of all kinds from simple 3-reels to the latest in dazzling video enhanced games are ready for players to bet from as little as twenty cents up to hundreds of dollars on each turn. Four popular progressive jackpot slots are Mega Moolah, with a current jackpot of over 1 million euros waiting for a lucky winner; Major Millions, CyberStud Poker and King Cashalot. Video poker tournaments are held regularly with big jackpots. Microgaming’s online software also powers Riverbelle Casino, an online casino that honors the historic Mississippi riverboat casinos. Managed by Bellerock Gaming, part of the Temple Group based in Gibraltar, Riverbelle offers over 200 casino games, from traditional favorites to the latest video designs, along with roulette, craps, blackjack, baccarat and table poker games.

Spin Palace Casino is currently one of the only Microgaming online casinos open to US resident players, due to US federal gaming regulations. All players who wish to be a part of online gaming sites are recommended to check their state and federal regulations to determine if they can legally play online casino games in their area.