Cruise Ships

Our Favorite Slot Machines of 2020

I have been arguing (for a while now) the side of choosing online casinos versus the traditional brick and mortar locations. Well, today I am actually going to argue the side favouring brick and mortar casino locations. I feel that everyone should read and hear both sides of any situation before making up their minds. Keep in mind, most of these choices can be found both online and at the traditional brick and mortar casino.

Millionaire Genie

It has a total of 5 reels and 3 pay lines. The total payout for line value is about 15 (which is fixed). I mention this because (inevitably) someone is going to try to tweak the slot machine to win. You cannot do it online, and you cannot do it in the casino. Stop trying. This slot machine allows you to pick your options (to a point). There are free spins and a jackpot. You can also find many wild symbols and features. The RTP (Return To Player) monetary value is between 92-95%. You can play for free using the demo version. Check with the casino first before playing. There might be a set limit as to how long you can play before they start asking you to use real money. Some traditional casinos will let you do this, and this is one of them.

Rainbow Riches

This is very popular in both New Zealand and the UK. This slot machine stays true to the famous legend. Get to the end of the rainbow and there is a pot of gold waiting for you. It is better to play the demo version of this online before walking into a casino. The reason is the beginners might find some of this a bit weird. They might also have trouble grasping some of the concepts. It is not that this game is particularly complex, but it can be confusing to new people (especially if you have never played a slot game before in your life). They do not call it Rainbow Riches for anything. Players will win a big prize if they play their cards right (so to speak). Yes, there is a jackpot. The jackpot is even larger than the normal amount you can win from the game.

Jack Hammer Two

This is another popular one that players like to try their luck with at the casinos. This is from the company NetEnt. It is a story about crime-fighting in the Grand City. This selection is as original as it gets, except for the free spins (20 in all). There are 15 reels and 3 rows. The pay lines are up to 99, but they are fixed. There is no jackpot. Sorry, guys. I am truly sorry for those hoping for a big jackpot. However, the good news is that the RTP is over 97%. That should at least be some “compensation”. This is another one where beginners (to slot machines) should play the demo version online before going into the casino. It will save you time and money later. Plus, it helps you to understand what to expect.

Gonzo’s Quest

Those who are familiar with the online game should have no trouble with this in a regular casino. It works pretty much the same way. Players can still enjoy their free spins in the casino, but no jackpot. Once again, I am sorry. The RTP payout rate is about 96% (which is still pretty good). Players can expect the main colour to be a combination of both green and gold. Once again, beginners should play this online before venturing into the casino. That way you know what to expect and how to play.

Some Simple Tips For Playing Slot Machines In The Casino

Once you have chosen your game, you should read over some simple tips on how to maximize your winnings. These tips work online and off.

1) One of the first things you want to do is study the paytable. Every table comes with a list of symbols, wilds, and scatters. Your job is to find out what each one is worth. Some are going to be more lucrative than others. I cannot tell you how to go about doing this but think carefully before proceeding. Some of you might be more suitable for low-risk planning. You may or may not want to stick with the higher symbols in the beginning. It all depends on your threshold for loss. Those of you who are more inclined to take risks might want to go all-in with the higher symbols. I guess it all depends on your personality. Those who do not handle risk and loss very well are better off choosing the lower paying symbols in the beginning. That way you can get your feet wet before jumping into something bigger.

2) Please do not drink too much and stick with your budget as much as possible. Here is one of the hidden secrets about casinos (that the staff does not want you to know). The staff wants you to get drunk. They want you to lose face and money. The drunker you are, the more ill-advised choices you are going to make (which plays right into their hands) That is why you should know how much you can drink prior. That way you do not go beyond your limit and start making stupid choices. Something to think about.

3) The smaller jackpots are going to pay more frequently. The larger ones do not. Stick to the smaller jackpots if you want a more lucrative return. A smaller jackpot will also keep your losses under control. The more you keep your losses under control, the less inclined you are to chase the dragon. Chasing the dragon never works. Ultimately, the dragon will end up chasing you. Play safe.

The Best Slot Machine Makers to Look Out For

Gambling in casinos is a popular leisure activity enjoyed across numerous societies worldwide. With the global popularization of gambling, the industry has witnessed exponential growth in the number of slot machines and games available for gambling. Despite different manufacturers introducing their various brands, the ever-rising demand for slot machines is still unmet.

Unfortunately, some unscrupulous businessmen have taken advantage of the soaring demand to manufacture substandard slot machines and sell them to unknowing customers. To prevent innocent consumers from being taken advantage of, we have compiled below a list of the industry’s best slot machine makers.

1. The Novomatic UK

This is a group of companies with unmatched expertise and over 50 years of experience in the gaming sector. Based in Austria, the group is one of the largest manufacturers of quality gambling slot machines.

The Novomatic Uk is reputed to produce new games that combine the latest technology and cutting-edge graphics, thereby creating a thrilling, unforgettable experience for players.

The group comprises different companies like Gamestec and Astra games.

The company has produced a hundred and eighty-eight thousand games in ten years available in pubs, bingo halls, and arcades. The Novomatic UK launched its first game, Robin Hood, in 1963.

Endemol UK licenses the company, which has made it develop the famous brand known as Deal or No Deal.

The company produces games regularly and has included content providers known as Mazooma interactive games. The providers specialize in the development of mobile and internet games. In two years, the two companies have produced games like Sizzling Hot Deluxe, Lady Luck Charm, Deluxe, and Reel King.

2. Micro-gaming

Founded in 1994, Microgaming is known to be one of the most extended-standing software providers. The company has over eight hundred online casino games and has powered hundreds of online casinos and non-download games.

Micro-gaming is continuously pushing boundaries by producing gambling games with the best innovative features, good quality, and big jackpots. Recently the company has released games like Hades and Dragons Myth that are using 3D graphics.

The company has also established licensing agreements to provide games instantly based on recognizable brands. The online slots include Jurassic Park, Playboy, and Battle Star Galactica.

They also have more than 40 progressive jackpots under their belt. An example is the Mega Moolah jackpot slot connected to multiple games related to numerous casinos that offer that game. Microgaming broke the Guinness world record by providing one of the highest payouts.

3. IGT PLC

IGT PLC is the largest slots producer and has offices stretching from Rome to Las Vegas. The company started in 1971 under a distribution brand. IGT made their mark as a slot machine maker by creating Megabucks, the first progressive slot machine.

Megabucks, up to date, is the most popular casino game since it’s known for awarding more progressive jackpot money in slots history.

In 1996, IGT also launched Wheel of Fortune which has paid out millions to gamers over the years.

After acquiring Wager Works in 2005, IGT has produced more games like Family Guy, Cleopatra, Coyote, Ghostbusters, and Slots. IGT continues to excel in brick-and-mortar space and has created games such as Avatar, Breaking Bad, and Bridesmaids, among others.

4. Bally

This slot machine maker is the most innovative slot developer in this industry. The company got involved in gaming in 1980 and produced cutting-edge slot technology.

Bally unveiled the U spin feature in 2010 that allows players to turn wheels during slot bonus rounds using a touch screen. This development won an award as the best slot product in recognition of gaming and technology.

Bally has made other innovations, including REELS, which uses an LCD screen to create an intense 3D effect. It also has IDECK, a feature that allows online players to control bonus round features with their hands.

Bally has produced machines like Cash Spin, Betty Boop, Duck Dynasty, Hot Shower Greece, and Pawn Stars.

5. Aristocrat

Aristocrat is the oldest company among the slot machine makers produced its first slot machine in 1953. Since then, it has been one of the largest manufacturers in the games industry and is licensed in over 200 jurisdictions.

Aristocrat is based in Australia and is known worldwide for producing the best land-based machine slots. It is famous for classics like Queen of the Nile, Big Red, and wicked winnings. The company teamed up with Amaya and started creating online versions of popular games.

Aristocrat is famous for producing major slots for modern games like Dumb and Dumber, Game of Thrones, Sopranos, and Walking Dead.

6. Amaya

Amaya was launched in 2004 and is based in Canada. It produces land-based and online slots. However, recently many of the land-based slots have been converted to online slots. Some of the popular machines that Amaya has made include King Kong, Street FighterII, Captain Nemo, and Battle of Olympus, among others.

This company also owns Poker Stars.

7. Playtech

Playtech provides online casino games and software solutions for iGaming options, such as poker and sports gaming. The software developer offers a download option that instantly plays the game version with a collection of 200 casino games.

Playtech slots have exceptional graphics, high payout rates, and a variety of Age of the Gods slots.

Games provided by Playtech is on different Greek character and a pooled progressive jackpot. The games also have four separate jackpots built at different rates. If the player has reached the bonus round, he is guaranteed to win one of the four jackpot prizes.

8. Ainsworth technology

It is one of the oldest companies that has been in the business for more than twenty years. It is in Australia, and the games here are standard and are known as pokies. The company has made some game additions, which include Big Hit Bonanza and Pac-Man Wild Edition.

9. Konami

Konami is the biggest manufacturer and the most famous because of its success in producing video games and its involvement in the arcade industry. It is in Japan, and it began making a slot machines in 1970.

This company achieved great success by developing games like Super Cobra, Frogger, and Scramble.

In 2005, Konami opened an office in Las Vegas. After noticing interest in gambling in Australia, they also opened a branch.

Konami has produced slot machines like African Treasure, China Shores, Treasure Voyage, and Ancient Dragon. They are both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos.

10. Williams Manufacturing Company (WMS) Gaming

Based in Chicago, the company 1996 introduced a multi-secondary and a multi-line payout using Reel, an innovation that accelerated the slots industry.

The company makes over seventy per cent of its revenue in casino markets in the United States. They also have machines in India, Mexico, Canada, China, the UK, South Africa, Argentina, and Austria. The most common slots include Zeus, king of Africa, Bruce Lee, and Amazon Queen.

Conclusion

The best slot machine stands out among the others regarding its production quality. A good machine is programmed using random numbers (RNG), ensuring that every spin made in that game is fair and random. However, companies are slowly shifting to online slots since they are more advantageous than land-based machines.

How Gambling Varies in Different Maritime Boundaries

One thing that most people are not aware of is that the gambling laws that govern the sea are different from those that apply to dry land. One thing that is renowned when it comes to maritime laws is that whenever a ship is 22.2 kilometres from the coast of a nation, the waters the cruise ship is cruising on are called international waters. When in international waters, cruise ships are bound by the laws of the country where they are registered. Therefore cruise ship gamblers crossing international water more so around South-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand need to be aware of how laws vary in different maritime boundaries. Sailing into the maritime boundary of another country after leaving international waters, will have the cruise ship subjected to the gambling laws that apply in that country. This shows that if a country has outlawed cruise ship gambling in its country, cruise ship casinos entering into the waters of the particular country will have to shut down. The variation comes in on the part that we have countries that have outlawed any form of gambling and others are receptive to gambling and have legislations around them. Let us take a look at how gambling varies in different maritime boundaries.

South-East Asia

This region consists of eleven countries, for purposes of cruise ship gambling we take a look at Thailand which is among the eleven countries. Cruise ship casinos are only allowed from select port cities. This means that those port cities not selected are not allowed to tolerate cruise ship casinos. Tourism is a big part of the economy in Thailand and this move was basically to attract more tourists hence promoting the economy. This means that in Thailand Cruise ship casinos are legal but only from select ports hence docking ships have to adhere to this. In the Philippines which is another South-east Asian country, cruise ship casinos are legal, however, it is a requirement that any transactions that surpass 5 million pesos are reported to the anti-money laundering money agency.

Australia

Australia is a federal state and the federal government has the authority to enact laws that regulate gambling within Australia. States also can make some regulations that can govern the laws within their jurisdiction. Having had a track record as among the regions with the world’s biggest number of gamblers. The federal government requires that people that run casinos procure an operator’s license. On the part of cruise ship casinos, it is only Western Australia that has allowed for a conditional operation of these casinos. The condition that must be adhered to by the cruise ship owners is that the gaming should only take place within 12 nautical miles offshore. This, therefore, means that if the cruise ship goes on to operate the casino in international waters, then the same is illegal. If it operates within the maritime boundary, then that is legal. In short, cruise ships with a Western Australian registration can’t operate a cruise ship casino in international waters. This is basically to protect mainland casinos and control illegal gaming in international waters. Also, cruise ship casinos from other countries would find the interest to come into Australia.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that has outlawed gambling through the Gambling Act of 2003. The Act further outlaws conducting of gambling on any ship that is in the New Zealand waters. The maritime boundary of New Zealand is 12 miles from the mainland coastal boundary. When it comes to the laws of international waters, the cruise ship is bound by the laws of the country where it is registered. This means that a cruise ship leaving New Zealand and is registered under New Zealand Laws cannot still engage in any cruise ship gambling activities unless and otherwise it is registered in a country that allows gambling. What this means is that cruise ships with New Zealand registration can’t partake in any forms of gambling whether within the territory or in the international waters.

Variation

All these three regions have one thing in common. Cruise ship casinos are highly regulated. Both Thailand and the Philippines show that cruise ship casinos are allowed but the conducting of the business has to adhere to laid down laws. When it comes to New Zealand these casinos are completely outlawed within the 12 nautical miles of New Zealand. Being that the mainland laws of the cruise ship country of registration apply at the high seas too, this means that a cruise ship with a New Zealand registration can’t conduct gaming in the high seas either. For Australia, it’s only in the west that cruise ships casinos can operate but only within the maritime boundaries so as not to create an unfair market to the dry land casinos.

4 Reasons for Maritime Boundaries Rivalry and Its Effect on Cruise Ship Casino Gambling

One of the things that you should know before you start playing casino games on cruise ships is about the maritime boundaries and territorial laws.

If you have been playing casino games for quite a long time you would know that there are states and countries that haven’t legalized gambling yet.

The reason why we want to bring up the topic about maritime boundaries is because of the rivalry that has been happening between Australia and Timor.

Just recently, these countries have signed a treaty to formalize their share on the sea of interest. But before that went down a lot of things happened.

Why are these countries fighting over such an area? Here are some of the reasons why.

Marine Resources

What’s being discussed here is the Timor Sea, thus, it is just sensible to think that they are fighting over the marine resources. There are a lot of things that you can get from marine life. It is not just constricted towards fishing, it could also be about tourism especially when there are islands involved.

Hydrocarbon Resources

To be honest, this is the main reason why Australia and East Timor is in a dilemma. Australians have discovered a place called Great Sunrise in the Sea of Timor which was a natural gas field.

For many years now, a lot of big oil companies have partnered with each other in order to extract as much as they can. Before the treaty was signed Australia and East Timor were on a 50-50 agreement. This means that each country would get 50% of the gas revenues.

The Pipeline Issue

The first agreement made between Australia and East Timor was called CMATS. Now, this agreement did not tackle as to how the field shall be developed. On the side of East Timor, they wanted a pipeline which starts from the field and ends in the south coast where they can process the gas.

On the other hand, the commercial venture partners who were with the Australian government did not think of such an option as viable. Such dispute led both countries to an impasse which started the pursuit of East Timor to permanent maritime boundaries. This could potentially lead to advancing their pipeline interest.

Economic Status

The reason why East Timor is very eager to establish its maritime boundary against Australia is that they are afraid that their country would cease to generate revenue. Research shows that the resources they are using will deplete and last until 2020, after that they can only rely on their petroleum fund.

If such maritime boundaries are not properly identified, there is a great chance that gamblers would play in unauthorized territories.

For those who would still push through gambling on some of the world’s greatest cruise ships, make sure that you have already understood the rules of every territory the ship travels through.

4 Reasons Why It Is Important to Establish Timor Maritime Boundaries for Cruise Ship Casino Gambling

The term maritime boundary is the division of waters among different territories. In order to strategically divide Earth’s waters, physiographic and geopolitical criteria are used. As opposed to what you may think, landward waters such as rivers and lakes do not qualify for the term territorial waters.

For those who are looking for the top-rated cruise ship to take for casino gambling, it is important that every territory has already established their maritime boundaries. This is mainly encouraged so that determining whether you are gambling legally or is possible.

The maritime boundaries also have zones and these zones are very important because of certain reasons. Inland waters, territorial sea, contiguous, and exclusive economic zones are the ones that you need to know about.

In order to appreciate more of the importance of maritime boundaries, we take a closer look at the importance of establishing these boundaries.

Economic Aspects

Not a lot of people know this but it is a great issue between countries and territories when they cross borders to gather marine resources. When a territory knows as to what extent your area stretches in terms of the waters, there are a lot of things that you can do to influence your economy.

For instance, the islands and marine resources. With the right cultivation, an island with a rich marine resource could attract tourists to visit, thus, increasing a country’s income drastically. It will create jobs too which is a help that the government can extend towards its people.

Casino Gambling

Most of you might already know that various territories have their own rules when it comes to gambling. Some have already legalized it while others still treat it as an illegal activity.

As someone who goes on casino gambling in the best cruise ships, it is very important to know the maritime borders and the laws of such territories.

When you are within the territorial waters of a country that legalizes gambling, then you have no problem with the government authorities hunting you down.

Once you are in international waters such problem won’t be present anymore as no national government holds any jurisdiction on it.

Discovery Rights

Within a government, some people are tasked to conduct excavations and explorations on uncharted territories. When someone discovers something, there will be disputes as to which government should own it if territorial boundaries are not clear.

With the help of maritime borders, one will be able to claim a discovery regardless of who discovered it. Of course, the discoverer would get some credits. When the discovery is something of importance to a territory, country, or a nation, it is the government’s duty to preserve it.

Jurisdiction

Maritime boundaries determine where a territory’s jurisdiction starts and ends. In order to ensure that a person is rightly judged, one needs to know where the person committed their crime.

Because of these facts, it can’t be denied how important it was for Timor to establish their maritime borders. Gladly, last September 2018, the Timor-Leste treaty was signed drawing a clear line between Australia and East Timor’s territory.

There might be some setbacks when it comes to settling disputes between territories when it comes to maritime boundaries. However, this is a necessary step as cruise ship casino gambling has become so popular.

And if people don’t know which territory they are on, they might be risking their lives for illegal gambling.