International Game Technology is renowned for being one of the online gaming powerhouses out there, introducing new products to its fans regularly. The offering is a go-to gambling experience for many Canadians, as they seek to enhance their spare time and potentially win big as a result of that.
Everything within the diverse portfolio of this gambling giant is accessible by individuals hailing from the Canadian provinces, as they seek a new experience. We at CasinoReports.ca spent quite a while exploring everything worth mentioning about it and today we are going to present you with a comprehensive guide on the subject. Stay locked for more information coming your way right now.
Back in the Days
The world’s leading creator and manufacturer of video slot machines, blackjack, keno, and poker games, along with online gaming products was first established back in 1975. William S. Redd founded it under the name A-1 Supply after he has had quite the experience in Bally Manufacturing prior to that. Across Nevada, he became known as the “Slot Machine King”. Everything created by the budding A-1 Supply was then sold across Nevada and New Jersey.
In 1980, the company was renamed SIRCOMA, only to be renamed once again a year later – to International Game Technology. Going public in 1981 on NASDAQ was a major step for its development, making it clear that it eyes international growth going forward. By 1988, markets to the likes of Australia, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Monte Carlo already boasted IGT’s gambling machines. The 90s were dedicated to European expansion and the establishment of IGT-International to manage sales outside of the US.
In 2015, Gtech completed its $6.4-billion merger with IGT, to create International Game Technology PLC based in the UK. Nowadays, the company works in more than 100 countries worldwide and works on the diversification of both in-person and online gambling on a global scale. Some of the countries boasting IGT offices are the US, China, India, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Austria, England, Italy, Poland, Serbia, and the Caribbean. The company is known for being the largest provider of slot machine games with progressive jackpots.
What’s Up for Grabs?
Pleasing all gaming fans is essential for the longevity of a gaming leader. IGT has succeeded in creating a great portfolio with all kinds of products. There are gaming solutions such as slot machines, electronic table games, along with reliable cabinets. The lottery solutions are some of the most popular gaming products, including the innovative FuturePlay approach, instant games interactive games, as well as draw games.
Platforms such as Aurora, TouchPoints, and and Biz Apps are further enabling smooth operation on a day-to-day basis. For the fans of sports betting, IGT PlaySports and the IGT CrystalBetting Terminal shape the overall sports wagering experience. In-play wagering is quite popular nowadays and IGT is well-aware of that. Ever since the leader purchased WagerWorks in 2005, the delivery platform and gaming portfolio significantly improved.
Moreover, the year 2011 saw the acquisition of Swedish leader Entraction AB, enhancing the sports betting and poker divisions. Now that the US has been working on the sports betting expansion for a couple of years, many states eye the premium provider of sports wagering solutions. Nevada is one of the states, which recently have its regulatory approval for the IGT PlaySports platform to launch.
What Makes it So Special?
The year 2020 resulted in several special awards for the gaming powerhouse. The leader bagged the “Sustainable Business Award” in the 2020 Industry Community Awards, while three IGT products named Casino Journal’s 2020 “Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Product Awards”. IGT’s GameTouch™ 20 Wins Lottery Product of the Year for 2019 was another notable award recently bagged, along with the “Diverse and Inclusive Team of the Year” Award at the 2019 Women in Gaming Diversity Awards.
The gaming giant is also working with some of the most reliable online casinos, making it possible for patrons around the globe to experience its gaming and wagering products. Some of those are Leo Vegas Casino, 888 Casino, PlayFrank Casino, Yako Casino, Dreamz Casino, Gate777 Casino, William Hill Casino, as well as Casino.com. We have already reviewed some of them and everything they have in store for Canadian players.
Online IGT Casinos
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Mobile Gambling
Milion-2-1 Limited was founded back in 2000 by IGT, eyeing the budding mobile field. Back then smartphones were nonexistent, but nevertheless, the company wanted to be well-positioned for the revolution. It unveiled mobile slot games, table games, various SMS games, lottery products targeting mobile phones, and more. Both iOS and Android users were in for a treat.
This mobile product is considered a trailblazing move in the right direction. Nowadays, the mobile gambling offerings have to come with the HTML5 markup language for structuring, as this makes them compatible and nobody is left out. This way, patrons can experience International Game Technology’s premium portfolio on their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
Double Down Casino App
It could be recalled that back in 2012, International Game Technology acquired Double Down Interactive LLC, one of the globally renowned social gaming companies. Its signature Double Down Casino has managed to thrill Facebook users with its riveting offerings. The aforementioned online hotspot first launched its operation in 2010 on the social media platform and quickly gained quite the popularity among users.
With the acquisition, IGT entered the casino-style social gaming sector. Several years later, in 2017, the gaming leader announced the official sale of the Double Down Interactive social casino subsidiary. DoubleU Games. Co. purchased the business for a total of $825 million. International Game Technology used the money in question to reduce the debt generated at that time.
Gaming Palette
Introducing cutting-edge technology on a daily basis is crucial for IGT, which has helped it establish a great relationship with its patrons. The hardware solutions up for grabs come with TRUE 4D technology for an immersive gambling experience. It is further enhanced by the PowerSight technology, allowing them to navigate and control the gaming action with head and eye movement only. As for the video slots, the gaming giant unveils signature themes and mechanics.
Regal Riches Free Games implements the Progressive Free Games Feature enhancing the gaming action. Zodiac Lion is another premium video slot targeting land-based gambling hotspots. It comes with a 4x5x4x5x4 reel interface, 50 paylines, along with a 100-credit cost to cover. The Zodiac Wheel is one of the main selling points, triggered by wagers increase. For the fans of classic in-person gambling, there is also the S300 classic cabinet experience with legacy gaming elements evoking nostalgia.
Speaking of cabinets, we have to take a look at the premium land-based gaming-ready cabinets up for grabs. There is the premium CyrstalCurve one, along with the CrystalCurve TRUE 4D cabinet, the CrystalCurve ULTRA, the CrystalDual, and the CrystalDual+ Stepper. Moreover, there are also CrystalSlant and CrystalSlant 32, CrystalWheel Video and Stepper, and so many more cabinets enhancing in-person gambling.
There are Wide-Area progressive offerings, as well as Multi-Level progressive ones. When it comes to online gaming, there is a wide array of slot titles patrons can explore right at their fingertips. Some of the most popular ones are Cleopatra, Wolf Run, Treasures of Troy, Pixies of the Forest, Noah’s Ark, Siberian Storm, and Diamond Queen. For the fans of franchises, there are also branded slots powered by IGT such as the X Factor, Star Trek, World Cup, Dungeons & Dragons, The 50,000 Pyramid, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Monopoly, Battleship, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune.
The games are played online, as they are all Flash-based games. With the help of upwards of 30 Turnkey Clients, among which Devilfish, Lightbet, and Kojackpoker, the gambling products are available to software providers. Slot titles also come with their specific Return to Player percentage that differs across them but it is always near the 100-percent mark.
Slot machine house edge is another topic of wide discussion we will have to cover. The individuals making their first steps in both in-person and online gaming are often drawn to this type of gambling. They should note that the house advantage associated with them, is not the most favorable one for them. The average house edge ranges between 5 and 10 percent, but high roller offerings out there could introduce 2 to 5-percent house edge. A great approach is single-line gaming, instead of multiple-lines one.
Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Caribbean Poker, Casino Hold’Em, and Baccarat could also spark your interest. Electronic Table Games introduce a wide array of products on every gaming floor. Roulette gaming brings high-quality hardware called Dynasty Auto Roulette. It is simplified for new patrons with a futuristic design that is easy on the eyes. Roulette gaming is available in Single, Double, and Triple Zero Roulette with all the traditional side bets included.
Baccarat Electronic Table Games introduces a premium Random Number Generator that guarantees you a riveting time gambling. It comes in Single Hand Blackjack and Triple Hand Blackjack variations, enhancing the overall experience. There are the Dynasty Peak terminal configurations, as well as the Dynasty Landscape terminal configurations. For the fans of diversity, there are also Multi-game Electronic Table Games, introducing Single and Triple Hand Blackjack, Baccarat, and Single, Double, Triple Roulette.
With the PlayCasino product, patrons around the globe can enjoy premium casino-style gambling products at their fingertips. It is optimized with HMTL5 so that all mobile devices and systems can run it smoothly. Moreover, the content itself is optimized for smaller screens and gambling whenever that is convenient. The table games available are also among the premium ones, implementing high-definition quality of the animation. Various tournaments, bonuses, loyalty programs, and jackpots make it possible for patrons to keep coming back for more and enjoy. Once again, responsible gambling is crucial and various tools for player protection are implemented and readily available.
More Online Gaming
PlayPoker is another original product targeting poker fans online. It introduces every possible poker variant in its online form so that enthusiasts can work on their poker skills in the comfort of their home. They also have the chance to play multiple tables simultaneously both on desktop and mobile for optimized poker action. IGT partners can customize the poker platform to their taste and integrate it seamlessly, to the delight of players. Bingo fans can also rejoice.
IGT offers its signature PlayBingo product offering giving them the chance to participate in this traditional gambling activity evoking nostalgia. The modernized electronic bingo has marked a new era for bingo gaming, attracting a younger audience with its 90, 80, 75, 50, and 30 ball options. With the special features involved, individuals spend more time online, striving to bag additional perks such as guaranteed prizes, community jackpots, and more. Instant games online are a player favorite, as they offer instant gratification.
The leader has an ongoing collaboration with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, offering its electronic bingo products to Canadians. As many as 12 charitbale gaming venues first launched this offering back in 2018. Some of the e-bingo offerings which will aim to attract the attention of as many players as possible are well-known games to the liking of Bengal Eyes, Golden Rooster, as well as Pharaoh’s Legacy among others. The eBingo, TapTix electronic break-open tickets, and Play On Demand (POD) games successfully bring up to date the traditional game.
Western Canada Lottery Corporation is also working closely with the online gaming leader when it comes to the video lottery termainals sprinkled across the province. subsidiary IGT Canada Solutions ULC recently expanded its existing contract with the Crown corporation, improving its video lottery system in the foreseeable future with its premium technology.
Minnesota State Lottery is another partner of International Game Technology that has established a reliable partnership throughout the years. It could be recalled that back in 2019, a contract extension was inked between the lottery and IGT Global Solutions. This contract extension saw continued operation over the following years. As a result of this, the gaming powerhouse is about to provide the local lottery sector with its offerings up until November 2026.
PlayInstants offers small games that come with rapid results. The instant win games up for grabs could provide patrons with a quick gaming session whenever they feel like giving their luck a try. The remote games server PlayRGS makes integration with third-party providers quick and easy. For the fans of lottery gaming online, among which Canadians, PlaySpot Lottery could change the way you perceive the activity.
The mobile application is available on iOS and Android. It unveils instant win games, live keno games, and draw game tickets. Moreover, the player-centric, omni-channel, lottery product also brings second-chance drawings, as well as VIP programs. Tablets and wearables are also among the devices supporting this offering, for maximum continuity and smooth transition.
Sports Betting
Wagering on sports events of all kinds is quite popular among individuals nowadays, as it offers them a convenient and quick gambling option. They can place wagers whenever they feel like it, ahead of a big soccer match, and look forward to it and possibly winning. The gaming giant is among the main providers of sports wagering equipment and software. The IGT PlaySports division is renowned around the globe, in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Upwards of 1.9 billion bets have been placed through the platform so far.
At the moment, sports wagering powered by the gaming leader is live in as many as 16 states in the US, with upwards of 40 locations offering it. All mobile devices, as well as desktop ones, can benefit from premium offerings such as enterprise-class technology and flexible betting solutions. Player protection is also of utmost importance, as the gaming powerhouse implements various tools for responsible wagering down the road.
Canadians are also interested in legalized single-event sports betting, which is currently considered illegal. Even though lawmakers are working on a set of rules regulating the gambling offerings, there is still time until it obtains approval and launches officially. Until then, they are expected to continue wagering illegally via offshore casinos and betting platforms located in New York State and other states.
Matteo Carli, IGT SVP Global PlaySports, ETG, Poker has expressed positive projections for single-event sports wagering legalization in Canada. The gaming leader is well-positioned to enhance the budding field with its premium PlaySport platform down the road.
Lottery Products
Lottery gaming is one of the gambling opportunities that keeps on giving, as it takes place on a regular basis and gives patrons the feeling of eager anticipation. The Lottery Ecosystem associated with this gaming giant is quite impressive and well-rounded, including a reliable core system. It is called Aurora and it offers options for transformation, managing, and growing lottery businesses in an optimized manner. Moreover, with the innovative TouchPoints, patrons are much more engaged.
It involves self-service terminals, along with in-lane solutions for mobile users exploring lottery and betting options. Instant ticket innovation is also a thing, introducing a wide palette of lotto instant offerings with various themes. There are the popular Crossword Corners and Crossword Connect, as well as linked bonus tickets such as Mighty Multiplier, Bejeweled Money Multiplier, and Super Slots.
Players can also enjoy extended bonus play with tickets to the likes of Cash Farmer, Money Master Bonus, Wild Dice, Lucky Lines Bingo, and Bingo Royale. Head2head lottery tickets are available with intriguing titles such as Naval Battle, Race to the Treasure, and Number Jumble. IGT offers Criss Cross and Player’s Key instant tickets too, for a well-rounded experience. The ultimate goal for IGT is to attract a younger audience interested in lottery gaming both in-person and online. This will keep the sector alive and thriving.
Responsible Gaming
Developing a healthy relationship with gambling is quite crucial for patrons willing to gamble in the long run without harming their finances. Keeping it all in check and carefully approaching the subject is important. The global gaming leader recognized this and it has come up with its very own responsible gaming system supporting the players. Leading by example is vital for the staff, customers, as well as the public as a whole.
In order to educate people on the risks of problem gambling, IGT supports the American Gaming Association’s annual Responsible Gaming Education Week. It targets gaming employees, casino patrons, as well as fans of online gambling. Moreover, there is also the Employee Guide to Responsible Gaming offering them important information in a summarized manner. The Employee Assistance Program is also there to help them.
The gaming leader has also teamed up with the National Council on Problem Gambling and the National Center for Responsible Gambling. Promoting awareness and expanding education, along with continuous support of the nationwide problem gambling Helpline part of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
The Legal Side of Things
The year 2006 was an important one for the United States gaming field, as it saw the greenlighting of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. It prohibits gambling businesses from “knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law.”
This caused quite the stir and ultimately IGT ceased their license partners from accepting US customers. The gaming giant did so with other powerhouses such as Microgaming and Playtech. International Game Technology has offices in Denmark, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The online gaming division boasts offices in London, Talinn, the US, as well as Stockholm.
Nowadays, the leader holds upwards of 450 global gaming licenses, but it is required to disclose that it is licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
