Realtime Gaming Review

Marching into the market in 1999 with a plan to be an industry leader, Realtime Gaming (RTG) realized competitors lacked clear vision of which direction to take. Software developers were creating closed, proprietary systems locking partners into the company’s platform, but down in Atlanta, Georgia they had other ideas.

An open source strategy allowed RTG licensees to buy its products and mold them into any system desired (similar to the VHS vs. Beta war in the 1980s). Payout percentages could be adjusted on individual games and changed day-to-day or hour-to-hour as operators saw fit, unfortunately turning into a “license to steal” for some rogue casinos, piling up stacks of player complaints.

Meanwhile, the United States Congress was trying to shut down online gambling as they were receiving massive amounts of financial incentives from Las Vegas lobbyists to accomplish the task. In 2006,  the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed, sending the lion’s share of software developers fleeing from the American market, demanding that clients purged all United States accounts from their systems. However, Realtime Gaming had been previously dealing with similar crises and were well-positioned to transition.

Industry Standing

Rather than issue self-protection dictates to licensees, RTG saw a huge potential for increased revenues and not only continued to service the USA, but actually encouraged new clients to come on board. Of course, necessary changes were made and operations were dispatched to Costa Rica to become part of Hastings International, based in Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles.

Customer problems were also turned over to mediators at Central Disputes System Corporation (CDS). Ultimately, they’re still offering technology on an open source platform and more RTG-powered casinos are open to American players than the next two competitors combined. A decisive victory was complete.

Game Design

Clients may be able to tinker with game mathematics and rules, however, product appearance is never compromised. Video slots achieve a level above “cartoony” and tables aim for deeper colors and sharper graphics (see the woodgrain, feel the cushions). Everything looks crystal clear and unfolds fluidly from any corner of the country.

Game Selection

In business for over twenty years, RTG has built a huge catalog of over 250 titles, a heavy emphasis put on slots and video poker. A smattering of classic creations mix with at least one variant of most products, SicBo, Keno, Craps, War, and virtual scratch tickets leading the way.

Since partners can alter settings for both bonuses and payout percentages, experiences are somewhat unpredictable, obviously resulting in either fun excitement or devastating nightmares, therefore, it’s wise to stick to reputable and trusted destinations. Another claim to fame is they were one of the first to institute multi-player poker and linked progressive jackpots across its platform.

Realtime Gaming Blackjack

As assumed, RTG permits licensees to configure numerous blackjack elements. Firstly, number of decks can be edited, most places choosing six. An option to “surrender” and forfeit half of original ante is also possible, although this is presently hard to find.

• Blackjack: Standard rules include dealers hitting on Soft 17s (Ace and six), those seated able to double on any two cards, double after a split, and split twice except on Aces.
• European Blackjack: Dealers don’t take hole cards so all stakes may be lost to subsequent surprise blackjacks. The dealer disadvantage comes from standing on Soft 17s, doubling strictly allowed on hard 9s, 10s, and 11s.
• Blackjack with Perfect Pairs: Standard 21 with a side bet on the first two player cards matching. House Edge for side antes using a six-deck shoe is 6.11%.
• Pontoon: This is British 21 with “pontoon” replacing blackjack. The other top result is 5 card hand, automatically awarding 2:1 regardless of what dealers hold.
• Match Play 21: RTG alters Spanish 21 (a 48-card deck stripped of 10s) into a version paying a bonus of 40:1 if participants receive three suited 7s without doubling or splitting while dealers display a 7 as well. Combined, it equates to a nice Return to Player of 99.19%.
• Face Up 21: Most refer to this variant as “Double Exposure Blackjack“, dealers revealing both their cards and hitting Soft 17s. This is to compensate for the House rewarding blackjacks at even money. Operator edge is 0.85%.
• Super 21: This holds the smallest odds for an RTG blackjack product yet House edge is still less than 1.50%, depending on number of decks utilized. It instantly pays for multi-card 21s and a bonus for all diamond blackjacks, in exchange for only winning even money on naturals.

Live Dealer Blackjack

Sadly, RTG Live Dealer Blackjack isn’t currently offered, but it’s assumed this will change in the very near future due to high demand.

Practice Blackjack at Realtime Gaming Casinos

As final details of RTG creations are never firmly decided until after licensees massage it into a final form, testing cannot be done except at each individual website using their software. Usually entering personal information is necessary before access is granted, so ensure to provide a valid email address when registering.