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Can any of the upcoming slots dethrone Starburst in 2021

Published

5 years ago

January 20, 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and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated.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.

AGS Interactive

AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments

Published

39 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

ags-interactive-strengthens-global-team-with-key-appointments

Brett Jackson, Vice President of Product Management, Interactive (L) and Angelo Daino, Country Manager for Europe, Interactive (R)

AGS Interactive (AGSi), a leading supplier of high-performing slots, table games, and interactive gaming products, has announced the appointment of two senior executives to bolster its global growth strategy.

Brett Jackson has been named Vice President of Product Management, Interactive, while Angelo Daino joins as Country Manager for Europe, Interactive. These appointments reinforce AGSi’s commitment to expanding its presence in regulated markets and enhancing product innovation worldwide.

Strategic Leadership for Global Expansion

Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Slots at AGS, stated: “Brett and Angelo bring unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of the gaming industry that will support AGS’ global expansion. Brett’s leadership in product development and Angelo’s regional acumen and commercial capabilities position them as integral to AGS’ growth strategy.”

Brett Jackson – Driving Product Innovation

Jackson brings extensive experience in game development and product leadership, having held roles at Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder, Apple, and Atlassian.

In his new role, he will oversee AGSi’s product management initiatives, ensuring the development of innovative, user-focused gaming solutions across online and interactive platforms. Jackson combines customer insight with forward-thinking product vision to enhance AGSi’s portfolio and meet evolving market demands.

Angelo Daino – Leading European Market Growth

Daino brings over a decade of international commercial experience and four years in the iGaming industry. As Country Manager for Europe, he will lead strategic partnerships, market expansion, and operator engagement across regulated European territories.

His role focuses on commercializing AGSi’s online real-money gaming content and forging collaborations to expand the company’s footprint in key global markets.

Engagement Across Global Industry Events

AGSi plans to actively showcase its offerings and engage with partners at major upcoming events, including:

Enada Primavera – Rimini, Italy
IGA – San Diego, California
SBC Summit – Canada and Lisbon
IGB Live – London, UK

These events provide opportunities for AGSi to strengthen industry relationships, demonstrate its latest interactive products, and drive global growth initiatives.

Commitment to Innovation and Growth

The leadership appointments signal AGSi’s dedication to combining innovative gaming solutions with strategic international expansion. By leveraging Jackson’s product expertise and Daino’s regional experience, AGSi aims to solidify its position as a global leader in interactive gaming content.

The company continues to focus on delivering cutting-edge slot games, table games, and interactive platforms designed for regulated markets, ensuring partners and operators worldwide can access premium, scalable gaming solutions.

The post AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Casino Carrasco

WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

wsop-circuit-returns-to-latin-america-with-ggpoker-qualifiers

The prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit) is making a highly anticipated return to Latin America in 2026, with GGPoker offering exclusive online satellite tournaments for players aiming to secure a seat at the upcoming Montevideo stop.

Set to take place from May 18 to 25, 2026, the event will be hosted at the iconic Casino Carrasco in Montevideo, bringing together top poker talent from across the region and beyond.

A Major Poker Event Returns to Latin America

The WSOP Circuit Montevideo stop marks a significant moment for the Latin American poker scene, placing the region back in the global spotlight. The tournament series will feature 12 official gold ring events, alongside a full schedule of side tournaments, VIP experiences, and international media coverage.

With its scenic riverside setting and world-class facilities, Casino Carrasco provides an ideal backdrop for what is expected to be one of the most exciting poker festivals of the year.

According to Juan Carreño, Head of Spanish LatAm at GGPoker, the event represents a unique opportunity for players across Latin America to participate in a world-class poker experience in a premier destination.

GGPoker Launches Online Satellite Tournaments

To make the event accessible to a wider audience, GGPoker has introduced a comprehensive schedule of online satellite tournaments, running from March 30 to May 10, 2026.

These qualifiers allow players to secure entry into the live event at a fraction of the cost, with buy-ins and formats designed to suit players of all levels.

Key Satellite Highlights

$5 Daily Satellites (Mon–Fri): Multiple evening opportunities to qualify affordably
Freeroll Tournaments (Saturday): Chance to win satellite tickets without entry fees
$33 Package Qualifiers (Mon–Sat): Pathway to full event packages
$22 Last Chance Satellites (Sunday): Final opportunities to qualify
$215 Weekly Final (Sunday): High-stakes qualifier for premium entries

This structured approach ensures consistent opportunities for players worldwide to compete for a seat at the Montevideo event.

Day	Time (UTC +0)	Tournament Name
Mon–Fri	7-8-9-10-11 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $5 Daily Satellite
Saturday	8:30 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – Freeroll (5 x $215 satellite tickets)
Mon–Sat	12 AM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $33 Package Qualifier
Sunday	8 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $22 Last Chance Satellite
Sunday	11 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $215 Weekly Final

High Stakes and Exclusive Rewards

Beyond the prestige of competing in a WSOP Circuit event, players will have the chance to win official WSOP gold rings, one of the most coveted prizes in tournament poker.

Additionally, each event winner will receive a $5,000 package to the WSOP Circuit Championship at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, adding further incentive for competitors.

This prize structure not only elevates the stakes but also connects the Montevideo stop to the broader global WSOP ecosystem.

Strengthening Latin America’s Poker Scene

The return of the WSOP Circuit to Latin America reflects the region’s growing importance in the global poker landscape. Countries across the continent have seen increased interest in both online and live poker, driven by expanding platforms and international events.

By hosting the event in Uruguay and offering accessible online qualifiers, GGPoker is helping to bridge the gap between online and live poker, enabling more players to transition from digital tables to major international tournaments.

A Premier Destination for Poker Enthusiasts

Montevideo’s blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty makes it an attractive destination for poker players and fans alike. Combined with the luxurious setting of Casino Carrasco, the event promises not only competitive poker action but also a memorable travel experience.

From professional players chasing titles to recreational participants seeking excitement, WSOP Circuit Montevideo 2026 is set to deliver a complete poker festival experience.

Conclusion

With exclusive qualifiers on GGPoker and a prestigious live event in Montevideo, the WSOP Circuit’s return to Latin America marks a major milestone for the region’s poker community.

The combination of accessible online satellites, high-value rewards, and a world-class venue ensures that this stop will be one of the standout events on the 2026 poker calendar.

Reference Article

A similar article about WSOP events and international poker tournaments can be found on PokerNews:

Related article: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/

This site provides comprehensive coverage of WSOP Circuit events, qualifiers, and global poker tournaments.

The post WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth

Published

3 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

mega-appoints-morgan-tremaine-as-executive-producer-to-drive-esports-growth

Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA), the powerhouse behind the globally recognized Esports Awards, has announced the appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer.

The move signals a new phase of growth for the organization as it looks to elevate its live events, expand its intellectual property portfolio, and strengthen premium partnerships across the esports ecosystem.

Based in London, MEGA continues to position itself at the forefront of esports entertainment, with Tremaine now stepping into a key leadership role to guide its next chapter.

A Strategic Leadership Appointment

Having already served as producer for the Esports Awards since 2023, Morgan Tremaine’s promotion formalizes his role within MEGA’s senior leadership team. In his new position, he will oversee the development and production of MEGA’s full events portfolio, including flagship ceremonies and associated digital content.

His appointment reflects MEGA’s ambition to scale its globally recognized event properties and deliver more immersive, high-quality experiences for esports audiences worldwide.

Extensive Experience in Live Production

Tremaine brings over 13 years of experience in live production, content creation, and large-scale event execution. His career spans major media and esports organizations, including roles at TMZ and Esports Engine.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Cuer, a next-generation platform designed to streamline live broadcasts and event production workflows.

Throughout his career, Tremaine has contributed to some of the most high-profile events in gaming and beyond, including TwitchCon and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games streaming initiatives. His portfolio also includes collaborations on Twitch Rivals and major brand activations such as the Fortnite x Polo Ralph Lauren launch.

Collaborations with Global Brands and Talent

Tremaine’s work extends beyond event production into strategic brand partnerships and talent collaborations. He has worked with globally recognized companies such as Ford, Samsung, and Doritos.

In the gaming and streaming space, he has collaborated with leading creators including Pokimane, Quackity, and Botez Sisters, reinforcing his deep connections within the esports and content creator ecosystems.

Driving MEGA’s Event Evolution

In his new role, Tremaine will work closely with publishers, platforms, and commercial partners to shape both the creative and commercial direction of MEGA’s events. His responsibilities will include:

Leading executive production for flagship ceremonies
Supporting strategic partnership development
Enhancing brand integrations and audience engagement
Driving innovation across live and digital event formats

He will also contribute to MEGA’s agency operations, providing leadership on high-profile client projects and helping scale the company’s production capabilities.

MEGA’s Growing Influence in Esports

Since its inception, MEGA has established itself as a leading force in esports live events. In addition to the Esports Awards, the organization produces major industry ceremonies such as the Decade Awards and the Mobies, setting benchmarks for production quality and audience engagement.

Beyond events, MEGA is committed to supporting the broader gaming ecosystem by nurturing talent, promoting education, and creating opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.

Vision for the Future

Morgan Tremaine expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of esports events.

Similarly, MEGA co-founder Michael Ashford highlighted Tremaine’s pivotal role in the success of the Esports Awards and expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the company’s event portfolio to new heights.

Conclusion

The appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer marks a significant milestone for MEGA as it continues to expand its global footprint in esports entertainment.

With a proven track record in live production, deep industry connections, and a forward-looking vision, Tremaine is well-positioned to lead MEGA into its next phase—delivering world-class events that captivate audiences and redefine standards in esports and gaming entertainment.