With spring in a full swing as we welcome May, it is time to recall what happened in the iGaming world the last month. What new slots were launched in April 2022, which regulations were altered or added, what streamers were up to?
Let’s jump into the imaginary time machine and take a look back on a previous month.
New Slots That Have Marked The Month
With the first shines of the timid spring sun, the online gambling industry has seen a bunch of new, exciting slots. As always, Pragmatic Play didn’t disappoint its players as several new games were launched in April, each different in its own way.
Offering a unique experience, Drill That Gold slot is a mining expedition, taking place on a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines. With a winning potential of up to 5,000x the stake and high volatility, the gameplay spiced up with numerous special rounds is thrilling.
Thanks to the Drill feature, whenever a full stack of the highest paying symbols appears it is turned into Wilds with a possible cash prize of up to 100x the bet. Equally exciting is a random spin modifier able to activate at the end of any non-winning spin, while Gold Spins Feature comes with 6 free spins, nudging Wilds and potentially instant cash prizes of up to 1,000x the bet.
Just a few weeks after releasing Barn Festival, the provider revisited the countryside once again in its Chicken Chase slot. Played on a 5×3 grid with 10 paylines, this low volatility game offers a max winning potential of up to 2,100x the stake. The gameplay is enriched with the Spin and Hold feature, while free spins are replaced with a simple Pick and Click cash prize mini-game triggered by the 3 or more bonus symbols.
Pragmatic’s release that has marked April is a Viking-inspired slot named North Guardians. This one also comes with high volatility and a maximum win of up to 5,000x the bet, but it is played on a larger grid, composed of 5 reels, 5 rows and 50 paylines.
Regarding special features, the Wild Patterns Wheel is in the spotlight as it provides the chance for hitting some major wins. When triggered, it awards a random pattern of Wilds or a Level Up, which brings even more Wilds on reels. Wild Patterns Wheel is active during all 5 free spins as well, with more extra spins added as the player levels up.
Play’n GO has certainly made a mark with its new Lordi Reel Monsters slot. Providing the chance to win up to 4,000x the bet on a 7×7 grid with cluster pays mechanics, this highly volatile game represent a true homage to the Finnish heavy metal band Lordi.
Every formed cluster emits a certain amount of power then collected in the Monster Charger. Via this feature, players get to activate different features by summoning one of the band members to the grid which can lead to symbol transformations, extra Wilds, and much more exciting modifiers.
Casino Streamers’ Big Wins in April
April was a good month for the top online casino streamer Roshtein. Not good as the March that ended with an incredible record-breaking win of over $17 million, but he good some nice winnings in the Big Bamboo slot.
In yet another exciting bonus opening, Rosh bought the game’s third bonus buy option with 8 to 10 free spins with 4 converted symbols. The round has a bumpy start, with never-ending coper symbols landing on reels spin after spin.
Until the last two free spins turn it around with the appearance of the elusive collector. At the end of the purchased bonus round, Rosh ended up with a total win amounting to $1,254,000. Not even close to the streamer’s biggest hits, but a great accomplishment as this game wasn’t quite generous in his previous streams and has finally shown its potential.
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Still, the highlight of the month was the Roshtein’s Special Easter Stream which was one of the most exciting events in the online gambling streaming history. When the streamer appeared, he was dressed in the bunny suit, blowing up the chat.
While highly entertaining, the star of the show was the unique treat that Rosh has prepared for his follower – Egg or Beg mini-game. For every win of 300x the bet, the community voted for either the Egg option with a guaranteed 200 points and 1 egg or Beg with up to 600 points and 3 eggs, but the trick is that the second option came with a risk of losing the prize altogether.
The main goal was to collect a total of 9 eggs and reveal the mystery prize. It turn out to be 5,000 points for everyone, plus a $5,000 awarded to the randomly drawn community member. If you’ve missed it, this is a stream you must watch as Roshtein has once again proved why he is the true king of online streaming.
Changes in Online Gambling Legislation
The gambling industry is so complex and widespread that changes in regulations are happening in many markets almost constantly. This month was no different and see a few amendments and additions to the gambling legislation of many countries.
In Northern Ireland, a gambling reform bill was officially turned into law after receiving royal assent. Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Bill modifies several aspects of the existing gambling law from 1985, with future plans to formulate legislation to address online gaming in Northern Ireland.
Switzerland is set to offer two new casino licenses, after the country’s Federal Council approved the creation of two more licensing regions – Lausanne and Winterthur, raising the number of gambling licenses and thus regions to 23. Both new casinos will be granted Class A licenses with no limitation on stakes.
A new executive decree was published in Paraguay that would ban slot machines from a number of public places, including outside casinos. According to the provision, it is made with the goal to protect children and adolescents against the influence and risks derived from slots operated outside casinos or authorized gaming venues.
It seems like Kenya is getting ready to increase the controversial tax on betting stakes from 7.5% to 20%, according to the published 2022 Finance Bill by the country’s Treasury. In addition, the bill submitted to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning also aims to impose a 15% excise on gambling advertisements.
The Massachusetts Senate has passed a bill allowing legal sports betting but with a promo ban. Added clause to the Senate Bill 2844 clarifies that both online and land-based sports betting is allowed and also prohibits advertising tends to increase the likelihood of problem gambling including giveaways, coupons or promotional gaming credits.
The passing of the sports betting bill in Georgia has failed as the legislative session expired. Georgia’s State Constitution needed to be amended to allow for sports betting but re-introduced bill failed as the legislative session ended before it could be passed by the Senate.
