INETBET JUDGED TOPS IN OGGS AWARDS

11 January 2008

Review site judges assess variety of online casino awards


The judging panel at online casino review site Oggs.com has released its 2007 awards list, covering casinos, operators and games from all the major regions in the categories 'Best Casino', 'Best New Casino', 'Best Group' and 'Best New Slot Game'.

In a difficult post-UIGEA environment, the judging panel chose RTG-powered iNetBet.com as an online operation that has "...clearly demonstrated that a reputable casino operator, with best of class customer service will distinguish itself from the rest and come out on top."

Runner-up in the category is Nostalgia Casino, using Microgaming gaming software, with honorary mentions for the Club USA and Intertops casinos who have worked hard at providing the US market with good service and acceptable banking alternatives.

The 'Best UK Casino' award was based on customer service and games, and goes to Virgin Casino. The judge's citation reads: "Relatively young in online gaming terms, Virgin Casino keeps things simple, providing fast cash outs, an expanding choice of games and a brand that is a high street name, at its backend is the Wagerworks software."

Praise was also given to the runner-up, Ladbrokes, which uses Microgaming software with Slot Tournaments and Live Dealer plug-ins.

Turning to Europe, the judging panel noted that while most casinos offer multi-language options and currencies, two casinos in particular are popular choices with few complaints levelled against them. Bet365 Casino, using Playtech gaming software, just bested Intercasino, using Cryptologic software, to win the 'Best EU Casino' award. Customer service and its ability to provide fast and efficient support in a large number of European languages gave Bet365 the edge.

In the Japanese market sector, this year's award for 'Best Japanese Casino' goes to Microgaming-powered Gaming Club, with iBig a close second. Tipping the balance in its favour, Gaming Club, has been established longer, and over time has earned a reputation as a highly trusted site, an important consideration in the Asian gaming market.

The Casino Action Group of online casinos won caught the judges' eye for "Best Online Casino Group 2007," with comment that the group-wide loyalty and rewards program was an excellent extension to the playing experience and delivered improved levels of customer service: players can earn and redeem loyalty awards in any of the six casinos in the group irrespective of where they were earned.

"The whole Casino Action concept works well and is professionally handled, with a login for each player to manage their account, points, awards and promotions. In the judges' opinion, Casino Action set the benchmark for grouped operations in 2007. The other major reason for the accolade was the instant cash outs to Neteller they offer at all their casinos, which is a highly sought after option for players," the judges comment.

Runner up was The Club World Casinos Group comprising Club USA, Club Asia and Club UK casinos. The panel singled out Club World for its customer service, volume of bonus promotions and 12-24hour cash out turnaround.

"Best New Casino 2007" went to Globet Casino, recently launched on the Microgaming platform. Already an established brand, Globet is primarily known for its sportsbook operation. Using its own banking system means casino players enjoy quick cash outs and the flexibility to switch funds quickly between accounts, bypassing the Microgaming 'reverse pending' delay. Globet offers over 300 games, and in spite of a relatively low key launch, is gaining popularity quickly.

Runner up in this category goes to a recently relaunched Playboy Casino.com. Playboy was previously operated by Ladbrokes on the Microgaming platform. Now associated with Partnerlogic and using Cryptologic gaming software, Playboy offers players an increased choice of games running on a reliable infrastructure, good customer support, regular exclusive promotions and quick cash outs using the Ecash system.

Microgaming trumped the opposition in the "Best New Slot Game 2007" with the judges commenting that choosing a winner in this highly contested category was a difficult decision. In the end, "Hitman" won over the panel to scoop the award for 'Best New Slot Game'.

"Hitman has everything a player wants in a slot game: great graphics and sound, good game play, plus three different bonus games each including free spin options. It is a 'high variance' slot game, with longer mean streaks and occasional monster payouts. An altogether different play compared to many in the market, but for sheer 'wow factor', this slot broke the mould in 2007", said one of the judges.

Hitman is based on the popular PC/Xbox/Sony PS FPS game from Eidos. It carries the game's licensed branding and is available at all Microgaming-based casinos. In December 2007 a 'Flash' version of the game was released.

Other new slot games that received honourable mentions include: "Green Light" from RTG, "Dragon's Loot" from Microgaming and a new version of the "The Hulk" from Cryptologic.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa