Guide To The Best Realtime Gaming (RTG) Casinos
Online casinos need software in order to run. The type of software they use heavily influences the experience you have playing their games. That’s the case whether you’re playing slots or a table game like craps or pai gow.
The type of software also influences the money side of the business. It keeps track of every transaction, including every bet, every spin of the slots and every outcome, for each player. For obvious reasons, you want it to be perfectly accurate.
The 3 titans of the online casino industry are:
– Realtime Gaming (RTG)
– Microgaming
– Playtech
Realtime Gaming is the 800 lb. gorilla. It has led the market for years, powering more casino gambling sites than the other two companies combined.
That’s both good and bad. Its prevalence in the casino industry carries a number of advantages for the common gambler. But as you’ll see, it also introduces a few potential downsides.
This page will cover the good and bad aspects of RTG online casinos. I’ll share some of the reasons I love playing at them. You’ll also learn about the main drawbacks pointed out by Realtime Gaming’s critics.
Three of the casino sites I currently recommend are on the RTG platform. Before I highlight them, let’s get acquainted with the software that runs behind the scenes.
Realtime Gaming (RTG) Casinos: An Overview
Realtime Gaming has been around since 1998. Although the guys who launched the company did so in the U.S. – Atlanta, Georgia to be exact – the venture has since moved offshore. It now calls Costa Rica home.
The company was bought out by Hastings International, a huge property management concern, nearly a decade ago. That’s worth mentioning because RTG’s parent has deep pockets, good news for any software development team.
Realtime Gaming runs some of the biggest gambling sites in the world. To do so, it has to be a reliable platform, offering top-notch service in terms of playability and backroom management. As you’ll see, RTG scores high in both areas.
Best 3 Casino Sites Using RealTime Gaming Software
Not all RTG gambling sites offer the same experience. Some, like the three listed below, are completely legitimate and trustworthy. Others are questionable. And a few are downright scams (I’ll explain why in a few moments).
I give the following 3 sites two enthusiastic thumbs up!
– over 150 slots and table games
– $3,000 in welcome bonuses
– flexible payout options
– rotating list of exciting promotions
– VIP loyalty program rewards comp points
– mobile casino works on smartphones and tablets
– up to $5,000 in welcome bonuses (slots only)
– up to $2,000 in casino bonuses
– fun, vintage Las Vegas theme
– MySlots Rewards Program (goes live in August 2015)
– huge selection of slots and table casino games
– VIP Rewards program
– weekly bonuses (examples: TGIF, The Weekly Double Up, etc.)
– uses Gaming Associates-certified pseudorandom number generator (pRNG)
Sloto Cash
– $25 minimum deposit
– up to $7,777 in new player bonuses
– Instant Play casino (no download required)
– comp points rewarded for every $1 wager
– 128-bit encryption protects your account
– mobile casino supports iOS and Android
– 24 hour live chat support
8 Reasons To Love RTG Online Casinos
The casino-playing experience is an individual one. There are a lot of folks who enjoy playing at sites that run Microgaming’s software. Some even prefer the Playtech casinos.
Personally, I love the RTG sites. Following are some of the reasons.
#1 – Variety Of Bonus Features
Casinos like Bovada, Sloto Cash and Slots.lv host games that give you an opportunity to earn bonuses in a variety of ways. If you’re a slots player, you can win free spins. If you prefer video poker, you can earn bonuses there as well. That’s in addition to the new-player bonuses and reload bonuses you’ll find at RTG gambling sites.
#2 – Slots Tournaments
Playing slots is doubly fun in a tournament setting. That’s one of the perks of playing on the RTG platform. It allows online casinos to organize and host slots tournaments for their players.
The more you play, the more tournament points you earn. The more points you earn, the further in the tournament you advance. If you’re the last person standing, you’ll win a huge payout that dwarfs the amount you would have won playing on your own.
#3 – Progressive Jackpots
Realtime Gaming all but owns the progressive jackpot feature in the casino space. That’s not to say you can’t find progressive slots on sites running Microgaming and Playtech software. But RTG is known for them. Here are some of the popular RTG slots that offer progressives:
– Aztec’s Millions
– Cleopatra’s Gold
– Aladdin’s Wishes
If you’re a USA based slots fan, you’ve probably enjoyed playing those games. You may have even come close to winning the progressive jackpots.
They run on Realtime Gaming software.
#4 – Your Money Is Safe
You never want to worry about whether your money is safe at your favorite online casinos. You trust they’ll use enterprise-level security measures to safeguard your cash.
In some cases, that trust is misplaced. A lot of gambling sites are run by fly-by-night companies. They’re here today and gone tomorrow – and with their disappearance, so goes your money.
RTG gambling sites are nearly bulletproof (I say nearly because not even the CIA, DoD or NSA are truly bulletproof when it comes to site security). Casinos like Bovada, Slots.lv and Sloto Cash employ advanced encryption protocols to protect your account.
Bottom line: you never have to worry about your cash.
#5 – US Gamblers Are Welcome
If you live in the U.S., you know it’s tough to find legitimate online casinos. A lot of gambling sites don’t allow USA players to register. Others do, but offer a mediocre playing environment with lackluster bonuses and a limited range of games.
Not so with Realtime Gaming casinos. Sites like Bovada welcome U.S. gamblers.
#6 – Smooth Action With Great Graphics
This is one of the first things you’ll notice when you play at an RTG gambling site. The software includes seamless graphics. That’s important. Clunky graphics can ruin the experience.
Bovada, Sloto Cash and Slots.lv allow players to immerse themselves in the playing environment. Whether you’re going for the progressive jackpot on Cleopatra’s Gold or trying to boost your bankroll on craps, the high-quality images and audio enhance the experience.
#7 – Instant Play Environment
This is one of the key defining traits of online casinos running on the RTG platform. They allow you to choose between two playing environments: online and via downloadable software.
Personally, I love the option of playing craps, blackjack, roulette and slots through my browser. It gives me the flexibility to play on any computer I happen to be near. If I’m at home, I can play on my desktop rig. If I’m at Starbucks, I can play on my laptop. If I’m at the beach, I can whip out my iPad.
To be sure, there are advantages to playing casino games on downloadable software. The graphics tend to be a little better and the playability is smoother. That said, casinos using Realtime Gaming software give you both options.
Speaking of options…
#8 – Platform Independent
The software that powers RTG gambling sites can be run on a variety of platforms.
Are you on a Windows machine? No problem.
Got a Macbook Air or Pro? You’re good to go.
Using an iPhone or Droid device? It doesn’t matter. Both work fine.
Regardless of your preferred operating system, you can log into your casino account and start playing in seconds!
A Few Downsides To Playing At RTG Casinos
Realtime Gaming isn’t perfect. Critics have rightly pointed out a few drawbacks. If you play at an RTG casino that hasn’t been fully vetted by a trusted source like GoodCasinos.org, you’re taking a risk with your cash.
The RTG platform isn’t unique in that way. The same can be said for gambling sites running on Microgaming and Playtech software.
Having said that, here are the main issues…
Downside #1: Casino-Specific Payout Shenanigans On Slots
Ideally, every casino would offer a uniform payout percentage on slots (referred to as return to player, or RTP, in casino parlance). That way, you could enjoy your favorite slot games without worrying about whether it pays out 98% or 92.5% of incoming bets.
Realtime Gaming allows the casino operator to choose the payout percentage. The result is that some gambling sites will have slots that pay out better than others. Unfortunately, casino operators aren’t required to post their percentages.
Downside #2: Lack Of Uniformity In Payout Options
Casino operators are allowed to choose the payout options they offer to their players. That means one RTG casino might offer different options than another RTG casino.
Frankly, this isn’t much of a drawback since most people are fine with receiving payouts in the form of a check or bank wire. Nearly all casinos offer those two options. But it’s worth mentioning in the spirit of providing the full picture.
Downside #3: Many Rogue Casinos Use RTG Software
This is the most troubling aspect to playing at Realtime Gaming online casinos. Although the software is first-rate in quality, offering a great experience along with top-notch security, the company behind it doesn’t police its use.
The result? There are a lot of dubious online casinos that use the RTG platform.
That’s not a reflection on the software itself. Think about it this way: Lexus makes great cars. But there are a lot of bad drivers who own them. Lexus doesn’t review DMV records or police auto sales. That’s not their job.
It’s the same with the RTG platform. It’s great software. But some casino operators are less trustworthy than others.
Which brings us to my final point on Realtime Gaming sites…
Why It Pays To Play At My Recommended Online Casinos
As you may know, I’ve been reviewing gambling sites for more than decade. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ve vetted the top online casinos so you’ll know where to play without having to worry about whether the sites are legitimate.
My list of recommended online casinos is short for good reason. I only recommend the cream of the crop, and do so only after I’ve completely evaluated their software, bonuses, promotions and other offerings.
Here are my favorites to date:
– Bovada Casino
– Slots.lv
– BetOnline
– Sloto Cash
– Miami Club Casino
– Bet365 Casino – Top international choice
I’ve mentioned before that I strongly suggest sticking to those sites. I can’t vouch for any others at this time. If you don’t currently have an account at any of the above online casinos, register today and claim your welcome bonuses!