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{{short description|Online casino company}}
⚫
'''Realtime Gaming (RTG)''' is an online [[casino]] company developing download-based casino software, licensed by various operators running their own branded RTG-powered casino sites. The company was established in [[Atlanta]], Georgia in 1998, but moved all development to [[Heredia, Costa Rica]] in 2007-2008.<ref>http://www.realtimegaming.com/newsletter/36thissue.html</ref>
{{Infobox company
| name = Realtime Gaming
| logo =
| logo_caption =
| logo_alt =
| type =
| industry = Gaming industry<br/>Gambling industry
| predecessor = <!-- or: predecessors = -->
| founded = {{start date|1998}} in [[Atlanta, Georgia]]
| founder = <!-- or: founders = -->
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| fate =
| successor = <!-- or: successors = -->
| hq_location = [[Heredia, Costa Rica]]
| area_served = International (online)
| key_people =
| products =
| owner = <!-- or: owners = -->
| num_employees =
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| parent = Hastings International
| website = {{Official website|http://www.realtimegaming.com/}}
}}
⚫
'''Real Time Gaming (RTG)''' is an online [[casino]] company developing download-based casino software, licensed by various operators running their own branded RTG-powered casino sites. The company was established in [[Atlanta]], Georgia in 1998, but moved all development to [[Heredia, Costa Rica]] in 2007-2008.{{citation needed|date=April 2017}}


The company was acquired in January 2007 by Hastings International, [[Curaçao]], [[Netherlands Antilles]], a company managed by a corporate services provider called HBM Group. HBM Group describes itself as "the premier provider of international financial services for establishing trusts and foundations; establishing and managing legal entities; and tax and estate planning".<ref>http://www.hbmgroup.com/aboutus-international-business-solutions.html</ref>
The company was acquired in January 2007 by Hastings International, [[Curaçao]], [[Netherlands Antilles]], a company managed by a corporate services provider called HBM Group.


==Caribbean 21 controversy==
==Caribbean 21 controversy==
In 2004 the company UTC started a gaming community in gmod hit the news when a player won $1.3 million from a $1,000 deposit, playing Caribbean 21 for high stakes at Hampton Casino. The same player also won $96,000 at Delano casino, another RTG-powered site.
In 2004 the company hit the news when a player won $1.3 million from a $1,000 deposit, playing Caribbean 21 for high stakes at Hampton Casino. The same player also won $96,000 at Delano casino, another RTG-powered site.


The player was accused of cheating by the casino, who said he used a robot (automated playing program), and that he would not be paid.<ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4449401 Bettor wins $1.3 million; Net casino won't pay]</ref> Since the game has a casino advantage (albeit a low advantage, somewhere over 0.1% <ref>http://wizardofodds.com/caribbean21</ref>), the casino should still have held the edge, though good luck can overcome an edge in the short and medium-term. The details of the player's final settlement with the casino were never published.
The player was accused of cheating by the casino, who said he used a robot (automated playing program), and that he would not be paid.<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4449401 Bettor wins $1.3 million; Net casino won't pay]. NBC News.</ref> Since the game has a casino advantage (albeit a low advantage, somewhere over 0.1%<ref>{{cite web |title=Caribbean 21 - Wizard of Odds |url=http://wizardofodds.com/caribbean21 |website=wizardofodds.com |access-date=3 January 2021 |language=en-us}}</ref>), the casino should still have held the edge, though good luck can overcome an edge in the short and medium-term. The details of the player's final settlement with the casino were never published. RTG subsequently limited the maximum bet size of the game to $5, before removing it entirely.{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}

RTG subsequently limited the maximum bet size of the game to $5, before removing it entirely.{{cn|date=April 2013}}


==Operators==
==Operators==
One of the largest RTG casino operators was the Crystal Palace group, mooted for a £140m flotation on London's AIM market in 2005.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/article573602.ece | location=London | work=The Times | first=Anushka | last=Asthana}}</ref> The group, owned by South African Warren Cloud, made a pre-tax profit that year of £20.4m. Cloud's casinos were the subject of numerous complaints particularly over payment of players who accepted bonuses from the casino. Cloud died suddenly on his yacht off [[Ibiza]] in July 2008, aged 34.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20080803073309/http://www.fmtech.co.za/?p=10205</ref>
One of the largest RTG casino operators was the Crystal Palace group, mooted for a £140m flotation on London's AIM market in 2005.<ref>{{cite news| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611165855/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/article573602.ece |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/article573602.ece |archivedate=11 June 2011|title=Crystal chips in with £140m float|work=The Times|first=Anushka|last=Asthana}}</ref> The group, owned by South African Warren Cloud, made a pre-tax profit that year of £20.4m. Cloud's casinos were the subject of numerous complaints particularly over payment of players who accepted bonuses from the casino. Cloud died suddenly on his yacht off [[Ibiza]] in July 2008, aged 34.<ref>{{cite web|title=SA Internet gambling pioneer dies, age 34|url=http://www.fmtech.co.za/?p=10205|publisher=FMTech|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803073309/http://www.fmtech.co.za/?p=10205|archivedate=3 August 2008}}</ref>


Aside from the Crystal Palace group, other RTG casinos have been the subject of criticism. The Casinomeister website maintains a list of RTG casinos, which lists several sites as 'rogue'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.casinomeister.com/rogue-casinos/|title = Rogue Casinos}}</ref> Ozwin Casino, an Australian RTG casino, isn't on the Casinomeister list, but it is one of four Australian gambling sites that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) asked to be blocked earlier this year for violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/11686/australian-authorities-to-block-four-more-gambling-sites|title=Australian authorities to block four more gambling sites}}</ref> Despite attempts to block it, the Australian gambling media reported a significant win paid out by Ozwin Casino in September to an Australian player who won a jackpot of 65,500 UAD on the RTG game Diamond Fiesta.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.truebluecasinos.org/blog/ozwin-casino-player-lands-mega-65k-payout|title=Ozwin Casino Player Lands Mega $65k Online Pokies Payout}}</ref>
Aside from the Crystal Palace group, other RTG casinos have been the subject of criticism. The Casinomeister website maintains a list of RTG casinos, which lists several sites as 'rogue'.<ref>http://www.casinomeister.com/realtimegaming.php</ref>


==Software features==
==Software features==
The company indicates that operators are able to choose between payout settings for their slots <ref>http://www.realtimegaming.com/GameMarketing/TheThreeStooges/ThreeStooges.htm</ref> and video poker games.<ref>http://www.realtimegaming.com/GameMarketing/FlashLooseDeuces/LooseDeuces.htm</ref> In contrast to other huge corporations like 888 or [[CryptoLogic]], Realtime Gaming can be characterized as giving their operators a lot more freedom with their software. They do not give strict instructions against their licensees and leave the important part of this practice – the observance of gambling legislation – to an online casino licensee. Unfortunately this is likely to lead to neglecting the '''Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act''' by accepting US-based players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Realtime Gaming Software Review|url=http://casinosoftwarelist.com/realtime-gaming.htm|accessdate=2011-05-25}}</ref>
The company indicates that operators are not able to choose between payout settings for their slots<ref>{{cite web|title=Three Stooges Marketing Information|publisher=RTG|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126005138/http://www.realtimegaming.com/GameMarketing/TheThreeStooges/ThreeStooges.htm|archivedate=26 November 2009|url=http://www.realtimegaming.com/GameMarketing/TheThreeStooges/ThreeStooges.htm}}</ref> and video poker games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Loose Deuces Marketing Information|publisher=RTG|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817204533/http://www.realtimegaming.com/GameMarketing/FlashLooseDeuces/LooseDeuces.htm|archivedate=17 August 2009|url=http://www.realtimegaming.com/GameMarketing/FlashLooseDeuces/LooseDeuces.htm}}</ref> They have expressed intentions to limit operator liability for a single game to $50,000 by default, by reducing maximum bet sizes.<ref>{{cite web|title=RTG Newsletter - Issue #37|publisher=RTG|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127065425/http://www.realtimegaming.com/newsletter/37thissue.html|archivedate=27 January 2010|url=http://www.realtimegaming.com/newsletter/37thissue.html}}</ref>

Some RTG casinos offer progressive jackpot games with jackpots that are pooled between all the different casinos that offer these games. The largest of these jackpots are usually Jackpot Piñatas and Aztec's Millions. Compared to similarly-sized multi-million dollar jackpots offered by competing game developers such as [[Microgaming]] or [[Playtech]], these jackpots are rarely won and their slow rate of increase suggests that they are not particularly popular. In addition the non-progressive RTG "Real Series" slot machines may be configured with tiered random progressive jackpots that are local to a specific casino, or a group of casinos that are run by the same operator. These local jackpots can be won randomly and independently of the alignment of symbols on the game reels on any spin. Operators are able to configure the jackpots on a per-game basis or group several games together in order to contribute to a shared local jackpot.{{cn|date=August 2024}}


Slots manufacturers such as RTG began to produce cabinet-based video slots games with increasing numbers of special features like Feature Guarantee, Jackpot Pyramid, Boiling Point Jackpot, Suit ’em Up, Vegas Three Card Rummy. Additionally, the most popular games were migrated to Mobile versions, and such features like Instant Play and Download are also available for RTG-powered casinos. Perhaps the single biggest breakthrough of the latter half of the 20th century in slots came in the form of multiple payline slots.{{cn|date=August 2024}}
They have expressed intentions to limit operator liability for a single game to $50,000 by default, by reducing maximum bet sizes.<ref>http://www.realtimegaming.com/newsletter/37thissue.html</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|35em}}
{{reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.realtimegaming.com/ Official site]
*{{Official website|http://www.realtimegaming.com/}}
*[http://casinosusa.net/online-casino-games/ List of RTG casino games]


[[Category:Gambling companies of Costa Rica]]
[[Category:Online gambling companies of Costa Rica]]
[[Category:Gambling websites]]

Latest revision as of 03:48, 25 August 2024

Realtime Gaming
IndustryGaming industry
Gambling industry
Founded1998 (1998) in Atlanta, Georgia
HeadquartersHeredia, Costa Rica
Area served
International (online)
ParentHastings International
WebsiteOfficial website

Real Time Gaming (RTG) is an online casino company developing download-based casino software, licensed by various operators running their own branded RTG-powered casino sites. The company was established in Atlanta, Georgia in 1998, but moved all development to Heredia, Costa Rica in 2007-2008.[citation needed]

The company was acquired in January 2007 by Hastings International, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, a company managed by a corporate services provider called HBM Group.

Caribbean 21 controversy

[edit]

In 2004 the company hit the news when a player won $1.3 million from a $1,000 deposit, playing Caribbean 21 for high stakes at Hampton Casino. The same player also won $96,000 at Delano casino, another RTG-powered site.

The player was accused of cheating by the casino, who said he used a robot (automated playing program), and that he would not be paid.[1] Since the game has a casino advantage (albeit a low advantage, somewhere over 0.1%[2]), the casino should still have held the edge, though good luck can overcome an edge in the short and medium-term. The details of the player's final settlement with the casino were never published. RTG subsequently limited the maximum bet size of the game to $5, before removing it entirely.[citation needed]

Operators

[edit]

One of the largest RTG casino operators was the Crystal Palace group, mooted for a £140m flotation on London's AIM market in 2005.[3] The group, owned by South African Warren Cloud, made a pre-tax profit that year of £20.4m. Cloud's casinos were the subject of numerous complaints particularly over payment of players who accepted bonuses from the casino. Cloud died suddenly on his yacht off Ibiza in July 2008, aged 34.[4]

Aside from the Crystal Palace group, other RTG casinos have been the subject of criticism. The Casinomeister website maintains a list of RTG casinos, which lists several sites as 'rogue'.[5] Ozwin Casino, an Australian RTG casino, isn't on the Casinomeister list, but it is one of four Australian gambling sites that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) asked to be blocked earlier this year for violating the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.[6] Despite attempts to block it, the Australian gambling media reported a significant win paid out by Ozwin Casino in September to an Australian player who won a jackpot of 65,500 UAD on the RTG game Diamond Fiesta.[7]

Software features

[edit]

The company indicates that operators are not able to choose between payout settings for their slots[8] and video poker games.[9] They have expressed intentions to limit operator liability for a single game to $50,000 by default, by reducing maximum bet sizes.[10]

Some RTG casinos offer progressive jackpot games with jackpots that are pooled between all the different casinos that offer these games. The largest of these jackpots are usually Jackpot Piñatas and Aztec's Millions. Compared to similarly-sized multi-million dollar jackpots offered by competing game developers such as Microgaming or Playtech, these jackpots are rarely won and their slow rate of increase suggests that they are not particularly popular. In addition the non-progressive RTG "Real Series" slot machines may be configured with tiered random progressive jackpots that are local to a specific casino, or a group of casinos that are run by the same operator. These local jackpots can be won randomly and independently of the alignment of symbols on the game reels on any spin. Operators are able to configure the jackpots on a per-game basis or group several games together in order to contribute to a shared local jackpot.[citation needed]

Slots manufacturers such as RTG began to produce cabinet-based video slots games with increasing numbers of special features like Feature Guarantee, Jackpot Pyramid, Boiling Point Jackpot, Suit ’em Up, Vegas Three Card Rummy. Additionally, the most popular games were migrated to Mobile versions, and such features like Instant Play and Download are also available for RTG-powered casinos. Perhaps the single biggest breakthrough of the latter half of the 20th century in slots came in the form of multiple payline slots.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Bettor wins $1.3 million; Net casino won't pay. NBC News.
  2. ^ "Caribbean 21 - Wizard of Odds". wizardofodds.com. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  3. ^ Asthana, Anushka. "Crystal chips in with £140m float". The Times. Archived from the original on 11 June 2011.
  4. ^ "SA Internet gambling pioneer dies, age 34". FMTech. Archived from the original on 3 August 2008.
  5. ^ "Rogue Casinos".
  6. ^ "Australian authorities to block four more gambling sites".
  7. ^ "Ozwin Casino Player Lands Mega $65k Online Pokies Payout".
  8. ^ "Three Stooges Marketing Information". RTG. Archived from the original on 26 November 2009.
  9. ^ "Loose Deuces Marketing Information". RTG. Archived from the original on 17 August 2009.
  10. ^ "RTG Newsletter - Issue #37". RTG. Archived from the original on 27 January 2010.
[edit]
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