Microgaming Press Releases 2006

[Newsflash]

10.10.2006

A MONTH OF MEGA RELEASES FROM MICROGAMING

Classic slot release games rollout continues at a pace

LONDON - Microgaming announces the release of JUNGLE 7s, the latest addition to its market leading Classic Slot portfolio.

This classic 3 reel slot is full of fun and adventure. Gold Coin is Wild, and players may be lucky enough to find one or two of them to complete a winning combination and make wins multiply by 5 times or even 25 times. The game features a high betting limit ranging up from 0.25 all the way to 5.00. With a maximum jackpot of 15 000 coins (before the multipliers), Jungle 7s has a minimalist 3 reel, 1 pay-line formula. It makes for a deceptively simple game that has really big win possibilities for the serious player.

The look and feel of this release is all about exploration, raw action and excitement: ideal for players who are in search of exhilaration and fortune.

A new set of Blackjack Gold games is another major Microgaming release this month. Each game includes great attention to detail and player experience, true to real “Gold Series” style.

Blackjack fans will love GOLD SERIES VOLUME 3, with 4 variations of the popular blackjack gamestyle, all brilliantly crafted with a mix of imagination, cutting edge technology and gambling tradition. Volume 3 takes online gambling table games to a new level, offering a selection of sophisticated table games which use precision animation, digital sound, pinpoint graphics and imaginative player views to provide a realistic player experience.

Gold Series Volume 3 includes the following blackjack choices:


Super Fun 21 Blackjack Gold
Spanish 21 Blackjack Gold
Pontoon Gold
Double Exposure Blackjack Gold

Better player views, an animating chip selector, an enlarged chip tray, rollover rules and ambishitt background music all enhance the casino "feel" of the game. Once play begins, the appearance of articulate icons, card flips and chip movements deliver a unique level of gaming reality and entertainment. All the rules for each game-style are ready to hand on the table, and the player controls are clear and well positioned. With a chip range from 1.00 to 200.00, unlimited and mixed chip stacks can be used, automatically resizing to make up the current bet with the least number of chips.

In other releases, Microgaming’s Classic Slots release LEGACY is a perfect example of classy simplicity, with a minimalist 3 reel, 5 pay-line formula, but there's nothing small about its big bet and big win possibilities for the serious player.

The game features a high betting limit ranging up from 1.00 per pay-line all the way to 25.00: hit the jackpot on the machine's maximum bet and players can win 60 000.00 even before the possible multipliers and Wilds have been brought into the picture. Wilds can double or quadruple a win.

The look and feel of this compelling game is all about sophisticated, elegant Salon Privé style action on a no-nonsense 3 reeler, but beneath lies raw action and big bet thrills, all handled on the Microgaming slots engine famed for its speed and precision.

Finally there’s the 5 reel, 9 pay-line video slot CHOCOLATE FACTORY where the jackpot, on a maximum bet, can deliver a satisfying 40 000.00. That can be boosted with bonuses of up to 2500.00 and 4375.00 for the player who makes the right choices from some truly tempting bonus treats triggered by the Scatter and Wild symbols on the reels.

The eccentric Chief of the Choclatiers is the Wild Symbol, and his cake-icing colleague controls Scatters, all in vibrant , colourful graphics that set the scene for thrilling action, great bonuses and heavyweight wins.

Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, comments, “This is one of our strongest release months of the year and we are confident that with these releases we are giving four more reasons for players to enjoy playing at Microgaming powered casinos.”

[Newsflash]

17.10.2006

SPIN3 TO OFFER MOBILE CASINO GAMES IN SIMPLIFIED CHINESE

Company continues commitment to Asia with ability to localize in Chinese

SINGAPORE - Spin3 (spin3.com), the leading wireless casino system provider powered by Microgaming, the world’s largest online gaming software provider, today announced that it is able to localize its wireless casino solutions in simplified Chinese. The play-for-fun SpinLite casino game, Tomb Raider™ video slot, is the first of Spin3's products to be made available in Chinese, and is already supported on a handful of devices.

Visitors at the 3GSM Asia show (3gsmasia.com) will be able to view a demonstration of the Tomb Raider Video Slot in Chinese at the Spin3 booth #C32.

"The products we offer already support multiple languages and currencies, offering our customers a stable platform to launch wireless casino services on the mobile phone," said Matti Zinder, CEO, Spin3. "The decision to support simplified Chinese with SpinLite, our newest product, is a demonstration of our commitment to the Asian market. The Asian mobile industry is fast-growing, and Spin3 will be at the forefront by providing Asian players with an outstanding play-for-fun casino gaming experience designed to meet their unique needs."

Spin3 launched the standalone SpinLite, its third and newest product line, in July 2006. The popular Tomb Raider video slot is the first game to feature on SpinLite. Mobile service providers and content aggregators in Asia, and around the world, can license SpinLite games on a revenue-share, pay-per-download basis.

[Newsflash]

19.10.2006

BETDIRECT PARTNERS WITH MICROGAMING

LONDON - BetDirect (betdirect.com) has become the latest big name to choose Microgaming software for its poker and casino products, following its acquisition by 32Red. The news means that BetDirect Poker becomes part of the Microgaming Poker Network with immediate effect.

BetDirect brings the total number of new poker and casino operations that have joined the Microgaming portfolio in 2006 alone to nearly twenty. Microgaming will be making further announcements in the final quarter which will confirm its status as the fastest growing poker network on the web.

BetDirect launched in 1998, quickly establishing a first rate reputation for excellent customer service and regular cashback offers and concessions, as well as for innovative marketing and great on-site offers, including some of the best sign up bonuses and regular deposit bonuses in the industry. Through its simple ‘single wallet’ approach, players are easily able to access a full range of betting services, including casino, poker and sports betting, through just one account.

Ed Ware, CEO 32Red, comments, “Microgaming’s consistent track record in providing quality software for both casino and poker enables us to deliver a first class service to our customers, thus it was a natural choice for us.”

Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, adds: “We are delighted to be attracting a front rank operation such as BetDirect and fully believe this is a reflection of the success we have achieved with 32Red to date.”

Notes
Bet Direct Ltd ("BetDirect") (betdirect.com) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 32Red Plc ("32Red"). 32Red is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, and operates the award winning online casino 32Red.com, as well as one of the UK's favourite poker rooms at 32RedPoker.com.

[Newsflash]

01.11.2006

POKER ARENA GOES LIVE ON THE MICROGAMING POKER NETWORK

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming, the world’s largest supplier of poker and casino software, announces it has added Poker Arena, to its Microgaming Poker Network. The card room is the first brand the organization is launching with Microgaming. They are planning to open another card room (PaxPoker) and expand their offerings in the near future.

Poker professional Bjørn-Erik Glenne, who recently won the EPT Tournament in Barcelona has signed a sponsorship deal with the card room. Poker Arena will begin its initial launch in Norway and Sweden before expanding globally.

PokerArena’s choice in the Microgaming Poker Network will allow its players to have access to one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the web – featuring satellites to some of the best land based tournaments in the world, as well as the guaranteed 24hr action offered through access to thousands of players.

“PokerArena is offering the right software, from the right jurisdiction, with the right team supporting the players,” said Einar Bolstad, CEO of Poker Arena. “This will ensure our players have the best possible gaming experience at Bravo/PokerArena.”

Based in, Malta, one of the world’s premier gaming jurisdictions, Poker Arena’s players can be guaranteed that they are playing in a safe, secure and fair playing environment.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming comments, “Poker Arena is a wonderful addition to the Microgaming Poker Network. The management team are all professionals who are just as dedicated as we are to make online gaming as exciting and as safe as it can be.”

About Microgaming (microgaming.com)
Since Microgaming developed the first true online casino software over a decade ago, it has led the industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme, that averages four new releases a month and an unmatched ‘partnership’ approach to working with operators, Microgaming can be found powering many of the world’s most profitable online casino sites. The Microgaming Progressive Jackpot Network is the world’s largest progressive and has paid out over $200m plus in the last three years.

Microgaming software also powers the world’s leading poker network. With over 40 card rooms and one of the most aggressive tournament schedules on the web, the Microgaming Poker Network ensures players will always find an active table, as well as the hottest action.

As a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the forefront of an initiative focused on setting the highest standards in the gaming industry, most notably in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator conduct and player protection.

[Newsflash]

06.11.2006

MICROGAMING STEPS UP ASIAN DRIVE WITH LAUNCH OF LIVE DEALER

ISLE OF MAN - Microgaming, the world’s largest supplier of poker and casino software, announces it has stepped up its drive into Asia with the launch of its Live Dealer software. The software launches on the existing T3 (Flash) and Viper platforms, with an additional standalone application – Zero Footprint.

Currently available for Baccarat, future releases of the software are expected to include Roulette, SicBo, Fan Tan and many more games.

Available 24hrs a day, seven days a week, a video feed of the dealer is displayed on screen, more closely simulating the land-based casino environment. As the dealer deals a card from the shoe, it is identified immediately via a sensor, with the physical card being placed on the dealer’s table and an icon of the card being displayed on the player’s screen.

The dealer deals up to eight decks from a shoe up to a randomly placed cut card. Once the Live Dealer has dealt an entire deck of cards, a new deck is brought to the table and each deck is stored and locked in its’ own case to prevent against tampering of any kind. Deck swapping is done in front of the camera and the shuffle is supervised.

No separate account is needed, since the software uses the players’ casino account. Multi-currency is also supported, so players can play in a currency of their choice. The software is currently available in English, simplified Chinese and Japanese, depending on platform.

Roger Raatgever, CEO Microgaming comments, “The launch of Live Dealer signals a step up in our expansion into the Asian market and further highlights our commitment to providing our operators with an unrivalled software and games development programme. We have enjoyed a year of record sign ups to date, cementing our position in both the Nordic and European markets, so naturally we see Asia as the next focus. Being able to deliver operators a localised offer is the key to success in any market, but particularly in Asia and we see Live Dealer as really just the start.”

[Newsflash]

26.11.2006

MICROGAMING PUTS THE POWER INTO NEW GAME DEVELOPMENT

ISLE OF MAN - With players becoming ever more sophisticated, Microgaming continues to lead the field in new games development. As the year end approaches, All Aces 50 Play Power Poker takes Microgaming’s popular 10 Play Power Poker series to higher levels of excitement and reward this month, offering players a smooth-running game that plays 50 hands at a time with every hand dealt from a separate and independent deck and big jackpots that pay up to 100 000.00. With its sharp graphics and generous pay tables, Microgaming predicts that this new 50 Play game will feature high on the play lists of most video poker fans.

All Aces 50 Play Power Poker offers high value jackpots of 4 000 coins (the secondary pot is worth 2 000 coins) and accepts 1 to 5 coins per hand in denominations ranging from 0.10 to 0.50.

The new Multi-hand Gold Series is designed to appeal to all Blackjack fans. With 5 variations of the popular single hand blackjack gamestyle, all brilliantly crafted with a mix of imagination, cutting edge technology and gambling tradition, the Multi-hand variants will define new quality levels in online gambling table games.

The Multi-hand Gold Series offers sophisticated table games with precision animation, digital sound, pinpoint graphics and imaginative player views to provide a truly realistic player experience. It includes the following blackjack choices:

Multi-hand Atlantic City Blackjack Gold
Multi-hand European Blackjack Gold
Multi-hand Vegas Downtown Blackjack Gold
Multi-hand Vegas Strip Blackjack Gold
Multi-hand Classic Blackjack Gold
Outstanding new additions include better player views, an animating chip selector, an enlarged chip tray, rollover rules and ambishitt background music, all enhancing the casino "feel" of the game. Once play begins, the appearance of articulate icons, card flips and chip movements deliver an unprecedented level of gaming ambishitce and entertainment.

All the rules for each game-style are ready to hand on the table and the interactive controls are clear and well positioned. With a chip range from 1.00 to 200.00, unlimited and mixed chip stacks can be used, automatically resizing to make up the current bet with the least number of chips.

Microgaming’s TWIN SAMURAI is at the cutting edge of gaming technology with some of the sharpest online graphics yet developed. It is a big, 5 reel, 20 pay-line video slot that is rich in the features players demand with a novel expanding Wild, and generous Scatter and Free Spin action that can multiply winnings and summon up the divine winds of real rewards.

The outstanding artwork totally captures the look and feel of the period. Screens showcase delicate cherry blossoms, intricately worked armour and fierce kabuto helmets, mysterious pagoda-roofed castles and beautiful geishas that can offer the player up to 10 free spins where all wins are doubled and spins within spins are available.

The Twin Samurais are the Wild symbol in this game, appearing only on reels 2 and 4 expanding to cover all 3 positions on the reel to give players a win, while the exquisite geishas play the role of Scatters, delivering the generous free spins.

Players can gamble with a range that goes from a cent to the maximum bet of 100.00, and the returns can be extraordinary - up to 50 000.00 if lucky free spin rewards are taken into account.

It is not winter everywhere and those in the sun have a real sizzler of a 5 reel, 9 pay-line video slot called SUMMERTIME.

The Wild, Scatter and double-your-money Gamble features on this enthralling game have been enhanced even further with the addition of a Free Spins reward that gives players 15 free spins in which wins are trebled.

3, 4 or 5 Scatters across the reels trigger the Free Spin feature, whilst the appearance of the Wild icon enables players to complete a winning combination and also the chance to double the value of the win. Doubling is also possible on the Gamble feature where by choosing color or suit correctly the win can be boosted to a maximum of 10 000.00

Players can win up to 50 000.00 the base game jackpot, and three times that with the help and good fortune of those generous Free Spins. With a wide betting range to suit all pockets and appetites, Summertime is set to provide hours of entertaining fun for those in the sun – or those missing it.

The 5 reel 20 pay-line video slot GLORY OF ROME is dedicated to the majestic days of the Roman Empire and its most outstanding general and Emperor Julius Caesar. GLORY OF ROME is redolent with the proud golden eagles and scarlet banners of the great legions, beautiful Vestal Virgins, dangerous gladiators and the power of the Roman Empire.

Caesar himself is the Wild in this enthralling game, which features Wild, Scatter, Free Spins and the riches of Rome in a special bonus feature.

Gladiators across the reels are the ultimate Scatter, and with three or more the special bonus feature is triggered, presenting players with 9 colourful legionary shields from which 4 may be chosen. Each offers the opportunity of either a cash reward or 10 Free Spins, where winnings are doubled to top up a player’s personal treasure chest.

The ultimate payouts in this game are exceptionally high. In the base game players can win up to 25 000.00, and with some help from the goddess of good Bonus fortune and Free Spin luck this can be expanded by 8 000.00 and up to 100 000.00 respectively.