Latest News
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and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated.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 âŹ0.01 to âŹ100. 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.
Latest News
Podium signs multi-year data deal with Lottoland to power global racing content

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Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, has announced a new multi-year agreement with Lottoland, bringing its flagship PULSE data service to the operatorâs expanding sports and racing verticals. The partnership enables Lottoland to offer a premium racing experience across global horse and greyhound content, backed by Podiumâs trusted technology and content network.
The integration delivers seamless access to an unrivalled aggregation of rights owner content, enabling Lottoland to offer racing from over 300 tracks worldwide via a single integration â across thoroughbred, greyhound and trotting codes.
Josh Sparke, Managing Director at Podium says: âWith their extensive reach and unique product mix, Lottoland is an exciting partner for us. Theyâre not just adding racing â theyâre building it into an entertainment ecosystem, and PULSE is the perfect fit for that. With one integration, they get full global coverage, consistently reliable delivery, and a platform thatâs built to scale.âÂ
Lottoland highlighted Podiumâs onboarding process and integration support as a key factor in the decision.
Nigel Birrell Group CEO at Lottoland said: âFrom the outset, Podium were easy to work with â collaborative, responsive and genuinely focused on our needs. Their onboarding team and documentation made integration straightforward, and we were impressed by their understanding of our operational priorities. They made sure the solution fit us, not the other way around.âÂ
PULSE is Podiumâs ultra-resilient, low-latency racing data service, used by more than 300 platforms globally. Its strong track record on uptime and data integrity has made it the partner of choice for top-tier operators seeking to add or scale racing content with confidence.
The post Podium signs multi-year data deal with Lottoland to power global racing content appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gambling in the USA
Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup â July 14-20

Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Caesars Entertainment announced a major upgrade to its mobile sports betting platform with the launch of a universal digital wallet on the Caesars Sportsbook app in Nevada. This enhancement streamlines the wagering experience for sports bettors who visit Nevada, enabling them to manage funds and Caesars Rewards credits in one place, with seamless access across 19 jurisdictions where Caesars Sportsbook offers mobile sports wagering. With this update, users in Nevada can experience added convenience, with all funds and rewards immediately visible and available after logging in. Caesars plans to add universal wallet functionality to more North American jurisdictions where it offers mobile sports wagering in the future.
Comanche Nation Entertainment is set to expand both Comanche Red River Hotel Casino and Comanche Nation Casino, setting the stage for a multi-phase expansion that will strengthen its entertainment offerings, boost economic opportunity and extend its reach across Southwest Oklahoma. The new expansion will allow for long-term growth of both properties. Construction will begin first at Comanche Red River with a new event centre that expands the gaming floor, adds non-gaming amenities and creates new space to host concerts, conferences and community events.
Partnerships
Quick Custom Intelligence and Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos announced their strategic partnership that is set to transform the gaming and hospitality landscape in the Minnesota market. This dynamic collaboration represents an exciting fusion of advanced technology and exceptional guest experiences, with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos leading the charge. By leveraging QCIâs cutting-edge data analytics platform, the partnership aims to redefine how casinos operate, providing unparalleled insights into player behaviour, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering personalised guest experiences like never before. This move positions Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard in how technology can drive the future of gaming and hospitality.
BetMGM announced a multiyear partnership with baseball legend Derek Jeter. As BetMGMâs brand ambassador, Jeter will appear in national marketing campaigns. BetMGM Casino also plans to launch an exclusive Jeter-themed slot game. Currently, there are no other online casino games featuring a current or former professional baseball player. The Hall of Fame shortstop joins BetMGMâs prestigious roster of sports legends, which includes Barry Sanders, Tim Howard and Wayne Gretzky, among others. Jeter will be featured prominently across advertising campaigns and digital platforms, make appearances at exclusive VIP events and play a key role in promoting BetMGMâs responsible gambling initiatives in both the US and Canada.
Red Earth Casino has chosen QCIâs Chatalytics platform to revolutionise its casino operations and elevate guest engagement. This AI-powered suiteâwhich includes Slot Copilot, Player Copilot, the Dashboard and the Robot Buttonâleverages OpenAI technology to deliver real-time intelligence and streamline decision-making across the gaming floor. Built to enhance both slot performance and player service, QCI Chatalytics offers a powerful blend of automation and data analytics. Slot Copilot enables real-time slot machine monitoring, predictive performance analytics and intelligent task assignment. Player Copilot uses behavioural insights to support personalised guest engagement strategies and optimise rewards.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup â July 14-20 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Central Europe
Pro Selection â next generation casino multigame from Promatic Group

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Promatic Group, a Polish manufacturer of slot machines and system solutions for the gaming industry, is launching a new collection of slots dedicated to casino customers â the Pro Selection multigame. The first devices have already been certified in Poland and stood in casinos in Warsaw and Krakow.Â
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One platform, up to 55 games
Pro Selection is software with a collection of as many as 55 different titles, covering the full functional and stylistic range of games from the Polish companyâs portfolio. Players will find both classic âfruitsâ games â traditional and simple in form â and modern adventure games, based on an elaborate narrative and unique logics. Branded productions that stand out for their original creations and high graphic quality are also worthy of special attention.
âIn Pro Selection, we wanted to include our best titles and those that have proven themselves in both the land-based and online slot segments. Thatâs why players will find classics such as Miss Joker, one of the most popular games at Polandâs only legal online casino, or 81 Show, a popular hat game. There are also online hits of recent months such as Pixel Fruits and Ale Cool Bober. On top of that, we have added titles that have so far only been available in land-based slot machines and have been great in them, namely Golden Train, Aladdin or Magic Ladybird Mega,â says Piotr Fedak, CEO of Promatic. â âAs for branded productions, games with Mariusz Pudzianowski remain a hit, and not only in Polandâ, he adds.
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Variability and mathematics for every player
One of the important features of Multigame Pro Selection is the mathematical diversity of the games available in it. The collection offers games with varying levels of volatility â from low to very high (on a scale of 1 to 5 stars). As a result, the package meets the needs of both enthusiasts of long session play with frequent, smaller wins, and players looking for higher risk and high wins.
Also new to Pro Selection is a revamped user interface. An intuitive lobby, it provides quick access to all titles, convenient filtering and easy navigation â both from the touch screen and traditional buttons. This is part of software that meets the highest industry technical standards and has been certified by a Polish testing laboratory accredited by the Minister of Finance as authorized to test gaming machines.
âAs a product dedicated to casinos, i.e. the most demanding B2B customers, Pro Selection is designed to be fully integrated with the SAS protocol, which is standard in this market, giving compatibility with various casino management systems and providing full operational and billing transparency. Itâs a product that is ready for deployment in casino environments where reliability and control are key,â explains Piotr Fedak. â We strive to ensure that Pro Selectionâs multigame always goes hand in hand with our proprietary Royal Sevens Jackpot progressive jackpot system, which in itself is a huge asset and player magnet, Fedak adds.
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Ease of maintenance and energy efficiency
Pro Selection software is available exclusively on the latest casino-class slot machines from Promatic Group â that is, the Casino 27 and PRO VIP 27 and 32 cabinets These are top-quality terminals equipped with HD monitors, state-of-the-art sound systems and RGB lighting to enhance the gaming atmosphere.
âThanks to their modular design and intuitive service menus, our multigames are virtually maintenance-free â that is, technical service friendly. Interestingly also, our energy efficiency studies have shown that compared to the competition, Promatic machines consume significantly less energy,â says Piotr Fedak. â At the moment Pro Selection is fully certified for the Polish market, and work is already underway to obtain licenses for the Czech Republic, Slovakia where our goal is to implement this 100% Polish product in those very markets, says Piotr Fedak.
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About Promatic Group
Promatic Group is a Polish company with more than 28 years of experience in the gambling industry, specializing in the production of gaming machines and providing dedicated software for gaming rooms and casinos, both land-based and online. The companyâs headquarters and factory are located in Warsaw and Jelenia Gora.
In Poland, Promaticâs devices can be found in Totalizator Sportowyâs legal gaming salons, casinos of the WinCasino chain and selected Casinos Poland locations. The company also operates in Latin American and African markets.
Promatic Group is certified to ISO 27001 for information security and ISO 9001 for slot machine manufacturing quality.
Since 2021, the company has also been developing its online gaming segment under the Promatic Games brand, offering online slots in regulated markets in Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It also holds B2B licenses issued by regulators in Romania (ONJN) and Malta (MGA) and plans to enter more than a dozen new markets in the next few months.
The post Pro Selection â next generation casino multigame from Promatic Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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