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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and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated.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.
Gambling in the USA
GAMING INDUSTRY’S TOP CEOs BILL HORNBUCKLE, PETER JACKSON & JASON ROBINS TO KEYNOTE G2E 2025

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Main Stage Also Features Tribal Innovation Discussion Oct. 6;Â Global Gaming Women to Present Mental Health Dialogue Oct. 8
The Global Gaming Expo, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX, announces its highly anticipated main stage programming for G2E 2025. Over three days, G2E will feature conversations with some of the most influential voices in gaming and offer diverse perspectives on the future of the industry. G2E 2025 takes place Oct. 6-9 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas and marks the event’s 25th year.
“We are honored to welcome a distinguished lineup of key industry leaders to the G2E main stage,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “As we mark 25 years of G2E, we’re proud to continue to be a catalyst for gaming’s growth, and our programming reflects the ideas and leadership shaping the industry’s future.”
Progress or Pressure: How Tribes Can Harness Innovation on Their Terms
Monday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. will open the main stage by underscoring the central contributions of tribal operators to the U.S. gaming landscape and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Bringing together leading tribal voices, the program will explore how tribes embrace innovation on their own terms—balancing growth with sovereignty and long-term success. Panelists will address how emerging technologies, evolving business models, and the rise of illegal, unregulated markets are reshaping the competitive environment. The dialogue will highlight both the opportunities to harness new tools for sustainable growth and the pressures of protecting the industry’s integrity in a rapidly changing landscape.
Moderated by IGA’s Executive Director Jason Giles, the conversation will feature:
- Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
- James Siva, Chairman, California Nations Indian Gaming Association
Additional participants may be announced in the coming days.
Inside the C-Suite: Gaming’s Future in Focus on Stage
Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 8:45 a.m. Doors open at 8:15 a.m.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller will open G2E 2025’s keynote session, welcoming global gaming professionals and underscoring the strength and momentum of legal gaming upon the opening of the industry’s biggest gathering of the year.
Following Miller’s remarks, Hope King, founder of Macro Talk, on-air contributor to Yahoo Finance, and events host and moderator for Axios, will lead an impactful series of one-on-one conversations with top global gaming CEOs. Discussions will address key trends and challenges shaping the industry—including investor expectations, domestic and international expansion, and intensifying competition in regulated and unregulated markets. Featuring:
- Bill Hornbuckle – CEO & President, MGM Resorts International
- Peter Jackson – CEO, Flutter Entertainment
- Jason Robins – CEO, DraftKings
The session will conclude at 10 a.m., immediately followed by the opening of the expo floor.
Breaking the Stigma: An Honest Dialogue on Mental Health
Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. Doors open at 8:45 a.m.
Multi-sport athlete and mental health advocate Kendall Toole will share her personal journey in a conversation moderated by Global Gaming Women (GGW) Sip & Social Chair Meghan Speranzo. Presented by GGW, the session will foster an open dialogue on mental health, designed to reframe how attendees think about wellness and inspire stronger voices across the gaming industry and beyond. This conversation will be open to all badge holders. Ahead of the discussion, GGW will host their Sip & Social event from 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. in the same room. For more information on this separate networking event, visit globalgamingwomen.org/event-6325670.
Presented by the AGA and organized by RX, G2E’s full education lineup features more than 100 sessions. G2E 2025 runs from October 6-9 (Education: October 6-9 | Expo Hall: October 7-9) at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.
Since 2001, G2E has served as the premier global event for the legal, regulated gaming industry, fostering innovation and driving growth across casinos, hospitality, technology, iGaming, sports betting, and more. The event will welcome over 25,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries, regions, and territories, and nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest global gaming technologies.
For more information, visit globalgamingexpo.com.
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The post GAMING INDUSTRY’S TOP CEOs BILL HORNBUCKLE, PETER JACKSON & JASON ROBINS TO KEYNOTE G2E 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
Podium’s Racing Data to Power Dabble’s Social-led Betting Service in the UK

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Podium, a leading global provider of trusted sports content and data solutions, is working with Dabble to help bring its socially driven betting experience to UK audiences.
Dabble combines traditional betting functionality with a social media-style interface to offer the next generation of racing fans a more interactive way to connect and share. The app-based platform is integrated with Betmakers technology, with all UK horse and greyhound racing data delivered by Podium.
Ian Houghton, Commercial Director at Podium says: “At Podium, we are always excited when we see innovation in the industry, so we are delighted to play a part of Dabble’s expansion into the UK market, particularly at a time when the racing industry needs to retain a younger audience. We look forward to exploring how Podium’s services can continue to support Dabble’s global ambitions.”
The collaboration, which has been in place since the summer, marks an evolution in how racing data is used and experienced, with Podium delivering UK racing content via Betmakers technology to help power Dabble’s social platform.
Tom Rundle, CEO of Dabble, says: “Dabble’s move into the UK is a natural fit. We’re a challenger brand with an exciting product that we built ourselves from scratch. We’re already seeing that resonate with the UK audience. Yes, you can get a bet on, but essentially, we are placing ourselves as being community driven. We’re creating a richer experience at every touch point.”
The UK is Dabble’s third international market, following rapid growth after launching in its native Australia.
The post Podium’s Racing Data to Power Dabble’s Social-led Betting Service in the UK appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Campus Gambling
College Partnerships Under Scrutiny: The Future of Campus Gambling Deals – Compliance, Alternatives, PR Risk

The era of splashy sportsbook logos wrapped around student sections is fading fast, and for good reason. What looked like an easy revenue win after the expansion of legal sports betting now sits at the intersection of compliance complexities, reputational hazards, and evolving cultural expectations about how gambling interacts with college life. Universities are recalibrating their risk tolerance, athletic departments are revisiting sponsorship inventories, and operators are rethinking whether campus-facing marketing is worth the blowback. At Gambling Freedom Casino and News Portal, we’ve seen the conversation shift from “How big can this get?” to “How do we do this responsibly,or not at all?” The answer is not a simple yes or no; it’s a recognition that the future of campus gambling deals will be smaller, more carefully segmented, and anchored in integrity and harm minimization. That future rewards institutions and brands that can communicate clearly, document compliance rigorously, and operate with a “help-first, hype-later” mindset.
From a compliance standpoint, the baseline in 2025 is tighter than many casual observers realize. Industry marketing standards increasingly discourage promotions that could be perceived as targeting students, and the phraseology once common in acquisition campaigns is now off-limits or strongly discouraged. In parallel, more state regulators are scrutinizing college markets, especially player-specific proposition bets, on the grounds that they heighten the risk of harassment and integrity issues. The NCAA has spent the last few seasons pushing for stronger athlete protections and a more consistent compliance posture across jurisdictions. Put all of that together and the practical effect is clear: even if a category is technically legal in one state, the patchwork of rules, guidance, and best practices makes campus-facing deals a compliance headache and a reputational gamble. The safest route is to build partnerships that avoid student channels, exclude conversion-driven creative around college events, and lean into education, integrity, and alumni engagement where age gating and segmentation are both meaningful and auditable.
Reputational risk is the other half of the equation and it’s often underestimated until it isn’t. The optics of a sportsbook brand appearing inside a campus venue or in an email blast that lands in student inboxes can overshadow months of careful planning. In the digital age, a single misguided subject line or banner placement can live forever in screenshots, resurfacing whenever a university confronts unrelated controversies. For athletic departments, the blowback doesn’t just come from national media; local stakeholders, faculty governance, and alumni donors have strong opinions about how a school’s brand is used. The narrative can turn quickly: what a marketing team frames as “supporting athletics” can be framed by critics as “monetizing student attention with gambling.” Add the human dimension—students and athletes facing social media pressure tied to bets and the reputational calculus tilts further away from broad-based campus advertising. Once a school becomes the example cited in op-eds and parent forums, every future sponsorship meeting starts on defense, which is a tremendous tax on leadership attention and goodwill.
So where does that leave universities and sportsbooks that still want to collaborate responsibly? The first lane is alumni-only engagement that lives firmly outside student media. Think association newsletters sent to verified recipients, event activations tied to homecoming for over-21 alumni, and gated digital experiences where age verification and alumni status are both required. The operative phrase is segmentation with proof: CRM hygiene that suppresses any .edu domains associated with enrolled students, third-party age checks that withstand audit, and creative that emphasizes responsible play rather than acquisition gimmicks. It is equally important to leave campus-owned assets out of the plan entirely: no student newspaper, no student radio, no in-venue signage within sightlines dominated by under-21 attendees, and no .edu pages. Success here is measured by quiet compliance, not splashy vanity metrics. Campaign briefs should spell out what will not be done (no first-bet language, no odds boosts tied to school IP, no promo codes keyed to team names), and media buys should be geofenced and frequency-capped to avoid spillover impressions.
The second lane is integrity and data cooperation, which is fundamentally different from marketing. Rather than converting users, these partnerships focus on protecting competitions and people. Universities and operators can align around standardized reporting protocols for suspicious activity, training modules for staff and athletes that explain wagering rules and red flags, and secure data exchanges that support real-time anomaly detection. When structured correctly, integrity agreements do not place sportsbook logos on campus; they establish clear lines of responsibility, define escalation paths if something looks off, and include audit rights to ensure both sides are living up to the agreement. Forward-thinking athletic departments are building dashboards that track integrity KRIs (key risk indicators) across seasons, and operators are assigning compliance liaisons who can respond quickly to questions about markets, limits, and emerging risks. A valuable signal of sincerity is a proactive stance on contentious markets: choosing not to market college player props or removing them from any alumni-facing creative, sends a message that athlete wellbeing matters more than marginal handle.
A third lane is responsible-gambling (RG) education and independent research, an area where universities can lead with credibility if the funding and governance are set up correctly. The rule of thumb is “help, not hype.” Programming should elevate helplines and support resources, teach students and staff how to recognize early warning signs, and outline practical steps for friends or teammates who are worried about someone’s gambling. Workshops can be built for specific audiences, athletes, coaches, RAs, student leaders – with content tailored to situations they’ll likely encounter, like managing group chats during big games or dealing with harassment tied to a missed free throw. If an operator helps fund this work, the branding should be deliberately muted and the calls to action should point to counseling resources, not betting apps. On the research side, schools can host longitudinal studies on gambling behaviors and mental health that inform policy decisions across states. The key is independence: academic freedom, publication rights, and data privacy are non-negotiable. When these programs release annual reports with outcomes numbers trained, referrals made, satisfaction and knowledge retention scores, they earn trust with regulators and the public.
Embedding all of the above in real governance requires contracts and processes that are as rigorous as anything in broadcast rights or apparel. Agreements should explicitly exclude student-facing channels and campus IP in promotional contexts, require preclearance of all creative, and mandate third-party age and identity checks for any alumni lists used in marketing. Internal workflows matter just as much: establish a cross-functional signoff path that includes compliance, legal, athletics communications, the alumni office, and student affairs; maintain a living registry of all placements; and document every exception request and rejection. A quarterly audit, conducted by an independent partner, should test suppression lists, confirm geo and age parameters, and sample creatives for prohibited phrasing. Crisis preparedness is part of the job: have templates ready for misdirected emails, rogue social posts, and policy changes that force offer adjustments mid-season. Run tabletop exercises with leaders so everyone knows who approves the statement, who pauses the media, who contacts the vendor, and who answers reporter questions. The smoothest crises are the ones that never become public because the response is instant and well-rehearsed.
Looking ahead, the most realistic forecast is a smaller, safer lane for college–operator collaboration. Expect states and conferences to continue refining rules around bet types and advertising, particularly where athlete wellbeing and harassment are implicated. Expect universities to sunset remaining campus-facing placements in favor of alumni-only channels that leave a clean paper trail, lowering both compliance risk and noise around brand stewardship. Expect the integrity conversation to mature, with more standardized data formats, quicker reciprocity on investigations, and better education for the non-athlete campus community, resident advisors, counseling centers, and compliance staff who are often the first to notice when something is off. And expect that schools which articulate a clear philosophy- “We protect students, we protect athletes, we promote help-seeking, and we partner only where age-gated, auditable outcomes exist”, will spend less time in reactive posture and more time telling a positive story about values.
For operators, the business case is quiet credibility. Instead of chasing a fleeting burst of signups tied to a rivalry game, smart brands will invest in long-term reputation: integrity agreements that make competitions safer, alumni engagements that demonstrate real respect for age limits and context, and RG programs that exist to serve the community rather than acquire customers. That approach doesn’t just avoid headlines, it earns allies. Alumni who see careful, adult-only engagement are less likely to bristle at a brand’s presence. Regulators who see documented controls and public reporting are less likely to question motives. University leaders who see proof of restraint are more open to renewing low-risk collaborations. In other words, the playbook that Gambling Freedom recommends is not “do nothing,” but “do the right things, in the right places, for the right reasons.”
The final takeaway is simple: campus gambling deals are no longer a volume game; they are a values game. If your plan cannot be explained in a sentence that starts with student safety, athlete wellbeing, and competition integrity, it’s probably the wrong plan. If your KPIs are built around alumni engagement quality, RG outcomes, and zero incidents—not just clicks and codes, you’re on the right track. And if your processes assume that everything might one day be scrutinized by parents, faculty, alumni, and policymakers, you will build the sort of resilient partnership that can survive news cycles and leadership changes. Gambling Freedom exists to help universities and sportsbooks navigate precisely this terrain, compliance-conscious, PR-smart, and responsibility-first – so that whoever partners on college sports can do so with confidence, clarity, and respect for the communities they serve.
The post College Partnerships Under Scrutiny: The Future of Campus Gambling Deals – Compliance, Alternatives, PR Risk appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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