Betstone / Microgaming

[Simmo!]

http://www.betstone.com/thunderstruck.html

Thought you might find this link interesting.

I met Betstone last year and this and they have developed stand-alone machines featuring MG games. Check out the menu on the left on the page above for a list.

When I spoke to them earlier this year, they had yet to roll them out, and interestingly when I called them to follow up, the phone was answered by someone at Microgaming

Also interesting is that the paytable on the Thunderstruck page above is identical to the online version. Does that mean 95% in the land casinos when it gets there, or does it mean the game can be "switched" ?

Anyway, one to watch...

[lojo]

Cool. Wonder if they'll be coming to vegas or Reno?

,is networked into a server-based system or is retrofitted into your present stand alone machine base

hmm

[vinylweatherman]

I note they say the payout percentages are verified by independent audit, but since they have yet to release this particular product, they are unduly shy of quoting figures so that businesses that might be interested can see them at a glance. It;s not as if they cannot calculate a theoretical return is it.
Are they afraid that PLAYERS might have more than a passing interest in these numbers, and are reluctant to reveal something that MIGHT sour the regard they think players hold them in.

A business user may be very interested in whether they are 95%, 94% or 96%, as this would influence which games they would promote the heaviest (no prizes for guessing it would be the 94% ones)

[kimss]

Also interesting is that the paytable on the Thunderstruck page above is identical to the online version. Does that mean 95% in the land casinos when it gets there, or does it mean the game can be "switched" ?

That _is_ interesting! I would think, since the system is supposed to be 100% random, and if the reels are identical (change theese and you change it all) the landbased version must have 95% payout aswell. It makes sense.

[Simmo!]

That _is_ interesting! I would think, since the system is supposed to be 100% random, and if the reels are identical (change theese and you change it all) the landbased version must have 95% payout aswell. It makes sense.

And my guess is the higher variance of these games will work better in land based casinos where a punter comes and goes quicker too.

[vinylweatherman]

We might even see a "Fruit Machine" version of this once the S16 rules have been clarified. Not sure how the £500 limit will be handled though, as "proper" Thunderstruck can pay more than this on occasion for a £2 bet (£2.25 to be exact).
I notice it can be switched between " Australian paylines" and "American paylines", so maybe the number of paylines can be changed too. For UK S16, 20 would be the best to keep with the £2 stake limit with 10p per line. A £1 stake at 5p per line could also be offered. If the variance on free spins is capped, along with the jackpot, to keep within the £500 limit, the payout will be less than 95%, probably close to the 92% to 94% range currently offered with £1 and £2 stakes.
The idea of many games on one console will certainly suit operators, and save them from having to physically haul in a new machine each time a new game is wanted.
I have seen Blackjack and Jacks or Better on offer at the services, however these are the rigged versions operating under current £25/£35 jackpot Frutie rules, and set presumably to 80% or so. (Blackjack with a 20% HE is most certainly rigged!)