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Can any of the upcoming slots dethrone Starburst in 2021
Starburst is the video slot created by NetEnt back in 2012. Despite its age, it is still one of the most popular slots currently, and probably the most played video slot game of all time! What makes this classic 5×3 slot so special that is still played by millions today, and can anyone find the secret behind its success, and create the slot which can dethrone Starburst in 2021? We will analyze the facts of what makes Starburst that popular, and take a look at some of the upcoming slot releases from the first quarter of 2021 and try to give an answer to that question. Also, if some of you, by any chance, still haven’t tried this amazing slot, Starburst free play is available. Try it now and see why it is so popular.
The Building Blocks behind Starburst Popularity
At first glance, we can see that Starburst’s graphics and design are impeccable. It is still modern, although it is more than eight years old! Although this is just makeup, it is very important for slot longevity.
With the fast evolution of technology and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated. After that, their player counts go to the abyss. With Starburst this didn’t happen, and we even believe that it won’t, because graphics are that sophisticated, and yet so simple, that we won’t see a huge dip in their popularity anytime soon.
The second reason behind Starburst slot popularity is its simplicity. Some of the slot game providers experiment with a huge number of reels and rows, many different features, and various cosmetic additions to keep the players entertained and happy. Starburst makes all the things simple, with its classic 5×3 design. Some players argue that Starburst is boring, but it is not a coincidence that the 5×3 design is the most popular slot design ever. It is not too plain and boring, and not too complicated as well, because slot game players want to win some cash, and not feel overwhelmed by design and gameplay.
Starburst has a huge betting range, from €0.01 to €100. That allows both casual players and high-rollers to play this slot. Although high-rollers don’t like this slot very much, because it is not volatile, casuals adore it. There are many more casual players than high-rollers, so they again targeted a broad audience.
We mentioned that Starburst has low volatility and therefore is not that popular with the players who want to win big. However, casuals love to see many small wins, because they have a feeling that they are generally winning, although they actually don’t – the wins you will get will often be smaller than the bet you made, but some of the players somehow don’t notice it. The sessions are usually long if you play for the smallest amounts, so you can have fun, even if you lose money.
For all these reasons, Starburst retained its popularity over the last eight years. Although it is not the best slot in terms of the chances of winning big, all the reasons we mentioned make it appealing for most players, which happen to be casuals.
We will now take a look at some of the upcoming slot releases and try to guess whether or not they have a chance for dethroning Starburst.
The Most Anticipated Slot Releases 2021
January is not over yet, and we already got some exciting slots this year. For example, we got an exciting video slot from Gamomat, an independent slot game provider, called Crystal Strike. It is a highly volatile slot, beautifully designed, with classic features such as respins and wilds.
Nolimit City released San Quentin xWays. This slot is based on the infamous US jail, which is a theme that wasn’t widely used, so it can be hit or miss, but we expect to be popular, especially among the younger audience.
iSoftBet, another award-winning games supplier, released Mighty Stallion Hold & Win, the Wild West theme-based video slot. It is another slot that uses their Hold & Win mechanic, but the theme is not inventive, nor the slot itself is offering something new – it is basically the type of slot we get from them all the time, only with a slightly altered theme.
Play’n GO released Miner Donkey Trouble, while Pragmatic released Mysterious Egypt. These slots feel like they were already seen before, and there is no chance that slots that use the same, boring theme, such as the Ancient Egypt flourish and dethrone Starburst.
Pragmatic Gaming has a more interesting release scheduled for February – Dragon Kingdom: Eyes of Fire. This slot should be way better and way more popular than Mysterious Egypt because it has a flawless design and many features attached. Dragons are still a popular topic, and they aren’t overused in video slots such as Ancient Egypt, so we can see this release gaining popularity right off the bat.
Another highly anticipated release should be the Playtech Age of the Gods series’s next release – Book of Oracle. This slot should be the first to come from Playtech in 2021, and they decided to go big right away. Age of the Gods series gained a significant amount of players which is getting bigger with every new slot release. We expect that this slot will be masterfully done in terms of the graphics and interface (since we still didn’t have an opportunity to see it), and the features should be similar to the ones from the previous slots. This is a volatile, progressive jackpot slot, so it will draw attention from the high-rollers.
What Features Should a Slot Have to Beat Starburst
Since we know what is behind Starburst’s popularity, and we saw what the first slot releases are in January 2021, the question arises – does any slot from this list have the features and traits required to dethrone Starburst? We can never know for sure, but the answer is probably – no.
To be as popular as Starburst, the audience must be predominantly casual players. There are some amazing, volatile slots you can make a fortune on, but there are not enough people who would risk big money to try it out. Long, interesting sessions, with lots of small wins, which give you the false impression that you are an overall winner, are the key to the slot popularity.
After that, the slot must have an impeccable design that will age well, so it can stay relevant with time, and must have simple, but yet unique and interesting features. You should overcomplicate, but the slot can’t have a dull theme or average graphics.
Summary
We eagerly expect more great slot releases in 2021. In January and February, we should get several amazing slots from the biggest slot games providers, but in terms of popularity, we don’t think that any slot will be able to dethrone Starburst anytime soon.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try out new slot additions, especially if you are a high-roller. There is a trend of more progressive jackpots, mega ways, and other great features incorporated in new slot releases, and in general, it seems that the average volatility is getting higher, which is excellent news for the ones chasing big wins.
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Rapidly-expanding software provider enters its 13th regulated market following Italian regulator’s approval of Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt titles
Having previously outlined its intentions to enter more regulated markets throughout 2025, sought-after software provider Swintt has announced that it has now officially been greenlit by Italy’s Agencia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) to offer its slots in the country.
The new certification has initially been granted for Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt titles, and though further approval is planned for both SwinttPremium and SwinttSelect releases in the not-too-distant future, the provider has already put pen to paper with two of Italy’s leading operators.
Launched in 2024 following Swintt’s acquisition of Elysium Studios, Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt is a cutting-edge collection of releases that incorporates elements of social, mobile and casino gaming to deliver a more engaging experience that’s custom-made for the modern player.
Featuring inventive themes, innovative features and intuitive, mobile-first game mechanics, some of the biggest hits to come from the collaboration to date include the quirky, folk lore-inspired I Hate Fairytales and the swashbuckling skull and bones epic, Pirate Pledge Hold & Win.
Given both titles boast a cast of characters that includes everything from punk rock princesses to salty sea dogs and a huge selection of rewarding bonus rounds, the two games and many more from the Elysium Studios line-up are certain to prove a popular addition among Italian audiences.
With Swintt’s successful acquisition of ADM certification now paving the way for the provider to enter its 13th regulated market, the decision will significantly expand the company’s European footprint and enable it to form further partnerships with Italian operators in the months to come.
David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “At Swintt, our focus has always been on ensuring that our content gets put in front of players in as many regulated markets as possible – and acquiring ADM approval to offer our games in Italy is another significant step on this journey.
“As an established iGaming market with a huge emerging player base, we feel our Elysium Studios – Driven by Swintt line-up can make a big impact in the region and we look forward to being able to roll out our other core line-ups very soon.”
The post Swintt games go live in Italy after receiving ADM certification appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Relax Gaming is diving to the ocean floor for Treasure Tumble Dream Drop, an 8×8 cluster-pays adventure in the hit Tumble series starring fearless explorer Scarlett Spinz. Momentum is everything as position multipliers build, cluster wins cascade and a suite of blocker-busting power-ups keeps the action flowing, with a maximum win potential of 10,000x.
Get ready for a fresh, fruity adventure with Amusnet’s newest slot – 20 Bulky Fruits Buy Bonus! This colourful game brings classic fruit symbols to life across 20 paylines, offering plenty of ways to hit winning combinations and enjoy nonstop excitement. The Buy Bonus feature lets you jump straight into the action, unlocking bonus rounds whenever you want for instant thrills.
TaDa Gaming, has added to its renowned TriLuck series with a classic Chinese themed slot game, 3 Lucky Baozhu. Offering multiple ways to win, 1000x max and 97% RTP, this gorgeously colourful game sparkles and crackles with fortune and good luck. The five reels, three rows, 50 fixed paylines grid holds traditional symbols including Caishen god of wealth, lucky red envelopes, lanterns and musical instruments.
Spinomenal has released Demi Gods VII Ultra Mode as part of its hugely successful Demi Gods Series. This is a 5×4 reel 50 lines video slot that takes players on an epic journey through the realm of the immortals, where financial fate rests with the gods. A powerful, surging soundtrack amplifies the gameplay and makes for a thunderous reels experience.
Endorphina has released its newest Halloween title, 3 Witch Pots. The slot features 5 reels, 4 rows, and 40 fixed paylines. This Halloween addition to the Endorphina slots portfolio takes players on a mystical journey to help a skillful witch’s lair.
Witness the downfall of John, a man of order, a devoted father, a loyal husband and a pillar of routine. Nolimit City’s latest release, Disorder, unearths the twisted origin story of Mental and Mental II. This highly anticipated slot falls under the extreme themed category of Nolimit City slots such as Serial and Disturbed.
BGaming invites players to saddle up and head to the Wild West in the brand-new Wild Wick online slot. The game is the latest to be developed in collaboration with Strmlytics, a leader in live-streaming data analytics. Wild Wick introduces players to a charismatic bounty hunter inspired by classic Western Heroes from Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name and Terence Hill’s Lucky Luke to the animated cowboys of the Soviet cartoon Treasure Island.
Stakelogic is closing out spooky season in style with Soul Slayer, a gripping slot experience where every spin becomes a battle for survival. Set in a world consumed by demonic forces, Soul Slayer challenges players to embrace their inner warrior and strike back with precision, fury, and Wild-filled rewards.
Red Rake Gaming presents Get the Coins!, a slot that combines gold coins with Major, Minor, and Grand prizes in a dynamic, fast-paced experience. This release offers rapid gameplay and an exclusive Mini-Game that delivers unique reward opportunities in every session. With its 3×3 reel format, each spin can generate coins and trigger the “Get the Coins!” Mini-Game with collectible coins whenever at least one coin appears on each reel.
Spinmatic announced the launch of Elemental Fusion, a revolutionary title that fuses the mechanics of Video Slots with the engaging features of Plinko games. This innovative product release highlights Spinmatic’s commitment to developing unique and compelling gaming experiences for the igaming market.
Amusnet has released 20 Golden Coins: Reel Fishing, a next-generation video slot that combines the charm of the game classics with the thrill of modernity. This 5-reel, 20-payline release brings the joy of fishing to life with vibrant visuals, engaging features and a soundtrack that fully immerses players in a sunny day by the water.
Evoplay has launched Sky Sentinels, a new slot that lets players decide their fate under the Egyptian sky. Every spin offers a choice between the Sun and the Moon. The radiant Sun guides wins from right to left, while the mysterious Moon moves them from left to right, each creating a unique way to play and win.
Million Games has announced the launch of Gatsby Gold, a 5×3, 243-ways video slot that combines the elegance of 1920s art deco with dynamic modern gameplay. The game offers 243 ways to win, a 96.3% RTP, and a maximum payout of 8,100x the bet, making it as rewarding as it is stylish.
Evoplay has launched Young Deer Song, a festive high-volatility slot that takes players deep into a mystical forest where nature’s creatures lead the way to great rewards. As the moon rises over the treetops, the reels come alive in this Christmas themed title with the fox, owl, raccoon, and wolf, each carrying their own charm and fortune.
Take to the skies and soar like an eagle, then swoop in and grab big wins by spinning the reels of Thunder Eagle Hold and Win Extreme from Booming Games. This action-packed, feature-filled slot is a wild adventure with a chance to win up to 10,000x. Thunder Eagle Hold and Win Extreme is a 5×3, 25-fixed payline slot.
Squid Gold X2 by 18Peaches invites players to dive deep into a world of mystery, magic and forgotten riches. Set within a sacred castle filled with ancient relics and hidden chambers, every spin feels like a step deeper into the unknown. The legendary golden squid is said to guard untold fortunes, and only the bravest adventurers will uncover its secrets.
With Swintt having already opened the way to a world of wonder in the original Lucky Fortune Door, this month the award-winning software provider is back in action again with Lucky Fortune Door Wild – an exciting reboot that gives players even more ways to win! Like its SwinttPremium predecessor, Lucky Fortune Door Wild is a five-reel slot that can be played with either five or ten paylines.
The post Week 45/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Best Sportsbook Provider 2025
BETBY WRAPS UP EXPO YEAR WITH BEST SPORTSBOOK PROVIDER WIN AT SiGMA CENTRAL EUROPE B2B AWARDS
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BETBY has been named Best Sportsbook Provider 2025 at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards, held during the prestigious SiGMA Central Europe event that took place from November 3-6 at Fiera Roma in Rome, Italy.
This accolade recognises BETBY’s continued commitment to excellence and innovation in sportsbook technology, reflecting the company’s efforts to deliver flexible, user-centric solutions that empower operators.
Over the past year, BETBY has continued to enhance its product portfolio with new sportsbook management tools, AI-powered features, and expanded coverage across major and niche sports. This latest recognition highlights the company’s dedication to setting new benchmarks in performance, scalability, and user experience.
Coinciding with the event, BETBY has also launched the second phase of its global campaign featuring world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, titled “Leaders Choose Leaders.” The campaign reinforces the shared values of insight, precision, and excellence, highlighting that in both chess and business, true leaders recognise and choose other leaders.
“We’re honoured to receive this recognition from SiGMA Central Europe. It’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and innovation of our entire team. Our goal has always been to build the best sportsbook infrastructure in the industry, and this award reinforces that we’re on the right path,” said Leonid Pertsovskiy, CEO at BETBY: “It also comes at a perfect moment, as we launch the second phase of our global campaign with Magnus Carlsen — ‘Leaders Choose Leaders’ — a message that perfectly reflects this achievement and our vision of leadership through excellence.”
Following previous wins across global industry events, including recent honours at SiGMA Euro-Med and SBC Summit Lisbon, this new distinction further cements BETBY’s position as a Tier-1 partner and technology provider in the iGaming sector.
To find out more about BETBY, visit: https://betby.com/
The post BETBY WRAPS UP EXPO YEAR WITH BEST SPORTSBOOK PROVIDER WIN AT SiGMA CENTRAL EUROPE B2B AWARDS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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