Barcrest Gaming Review
Barcrest Gaming is a renowned provider of casino slots. They have a history spanning almost six decades, with an impact both in the traditional casino and online gaming environment. Founded in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, Barcrest transformed the slot machine gaming scene in their home country and even abroad.
In the present day, the company focuses on slots for online casinos around the world. Now a member of the Light and Wonder group. Barcrest is known for game titles like Rainbow Riches, Ooh Aah Dracula, Action Bank, and Lady of Avalon. Some of their slots feature branded content.
The company may not be as popular as it once was, but they are still very much around and their games are available in casinos. In this review, we will learn more about Barcrest and their games, as well as their commitment to fair play.
Specifications
| Name | Barcrest Gaming |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Types of game | Slots |
| Number of games | 80+ |
| Popular titles | Ooh Aah Dracula, Beetlejuice Megaways, Thai Flower, King’s Honor, Rainbow Riches (series), and Action Bank |
| License | United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) |
| Parent Company | Light and Wonder |
About Barcrest Gaming
Barcrest Gaming was founded in 1968, and their initial business was manufacturing slot machines for the growing casino environment in the UK. At the start of their operation, the company had just two employees. Their small start was not an indication of how they would expand, however, and by the 80s, they were producing most slot machines in the UK gaming environment.
One of the things that increased their popularity was adopting the 5×3 reel format for their slot games at a time when the 3×3 was almost the standard. By the 90s, they were churning out 40,000 machines per year, and were arguably the biggest name in the casino business then. At that time, they had also started to gain global reputation with the expansion of their machines to other markets. In 1998, they were acquired by International Gaming Technology (IGT) for close to $60 million.
The acquisition only made their name more widespread, so by the start of the 21st century, Barcrest was one of the biggest gaming companies in the world. It was also around this time that they made their entry into the iGaming world with the launch of their first online slot. In 2008, the company launched Rainbow Riches, their most popular series to date, with a lot of sequels.
The years that followed saw the release of even more games for the online audience, while they adapted some of those releases for their physical slot machines. In 2011, Barcrest was acquired by then Scientific Games (today Light and Wonder), under whose umbrella they continue to produce games today.
License and Regulation
Barcrest is licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), which allows them to distribute their games to the United Kingdom and some other European markets. Being under Light and Gaming gives them access to a wider distribution channel, thanks to LnW’s possession of several licenses, including from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Romanian National Gambling Office, Belgian Gaming Commission, and the Danish Gambling Commission.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Longstanding reputation | No tables or live dealer games |
| Innovative features | Outdated graphics on older games |
| Mobile-optimised games | Limited game variety |
Barcrest Gaming Software Features
- Innovative Mechanics: Barcrest Gaming slots feature innovative mechanics for a more exciting gaming experience. One of such is Hi-Roller, which gives you higher chances of winning with fewer number of bets, and Big Bet that allows players to get enhanced spins with bonus opportunities.
- Huge Game Library: Integrating Barcrest requires integrating the entire Light and Wonder library, giving operators access to a wide selection of games, including tables and live dealer games from all brands under the Light and Wonder group.
- Mobile Support: Barcrest develops their games using HTML5 technology, allowing for smooth responsiveness, even on mobile devices. This makes it possible for players to enjoy Barcrest online slot games on PC or mobile, without having to compromise on any aspect of performance.
- Multi-language Support: Barcrest provides support for multiple languages, across different regions, making their games accessible to operators and players all around the world.
Barcrest Gaming Portfolio
Barcrest Gaming’s portfolio comprises of slots. Manufacturing slot machines was what they set out to do and they have translated that properly to the digital world with the development of some very popular slots. Online casino players from the late 2000s would remember the first Rainbow Riches game and how it seemed to change everything that came after it. Other titles like Ooh Aah Dracula and 7s to Burn are still being played to this day.
The company’s fame and position in the industry led to them being licensed to use branded content in some of their games. Such titles include Beetlejuice Megaways and Monopoly: Big Event. Their game library today includes over 80 games with an assortment of themes and styles. If you load up any of Barcrest free online slots today, you would see the Light and Wonder logo on the loading screen, which is typical for all Light and Wonder brands.
Features of Barcrest Gaming Slots
- High RTPs: Most Barcrest slots have a Return-to-Player (RTP) percentage of around 95% or higher. In theory, this means that, over a very large number of spins, the game is designed to pay back that percentage of all money wagered to players as winnings. But the actual results for individual players or sessions can be much higher or lower due to chance.
- Diverse Themes: Barcrest games feature very exciting themes across different genres. From horror to fantasy, and even folk, Barcrest has a bit of everything, with interesting titles to go with them.
- Mechanics: Barcrest makes use of in-house mechanics, such as Big Bet and Hi-Roller, as well as licensed mechanics from other providers like Cascading Reels and MegaWays, to add excitement to their games. This gives players more chances of winning and also makes their games a lot more engaging.
- In-game Bonus Features: Barcrest games are never short of bonus features like free spins and wild symbols. Features like this present players with more winning opportunities and make for a more pleasant gaming experience.
Popular Games from Barcrest
Rainbow Riches
This is arguably Barcrest’s most iconic slot game. The game features a charming Irish theme, complete with classic symbols like pots of gold, leprechauns, and rainbows, creating a cheerful and engaging atmosphere. Its standout feature is the “Road to Riches” bonus, where players spin a wheel to advance along a path for increasing prizes. Over the years, Rainbow Riches has spawned numerous sequels and variations and has made a name in both online and physical casinos.
Action Bank
Action Bank is a classic-style slot that combines traditional fruit machine symbols with modern bonus features. The game’s theme revolves around a bank heist, with symbols like safes, vault doors, and money bags enhancing the storyline. One of its highlights is the Big Bet mode, offering players the chance to access special features and increase their winning potential by wagering high.
Ooh Aah Dracula
A quirky, humorous take on the popular story, this vampire-themed slot that stands out for its exciting bonus features. The game’s cartoonish graphics and playful soundtrack create a lighthearted atmosphere, appealing to players who enjoy fun, character-driven slots. Key features include free spins with multipliers and a “Bloodsuckers” bonus game where players can win extra prizes.
Lady of Avalon
Get transported to a mystical world inspired by Arthurian legends and fantasy themes. The slot features beautifully designed symbols such as dragons, knights, and magical artifacts, creating an immersive experience. Its bonus rounds include free spins and expanding wilds, which can lead to significant wins.
7s to Burn
A fiery take on the classic fruit machine, 7s to Burn is the game for players looking for something with a traditional feel, thanks to its retro theme and symbols. You can activate the Hi-Roller feature for a higher bet, granting five spins where wilds are guaranteed to appear, though payouts are halved during this mode.
Barcrest Bonuses and Promotions
While Barcrest does not directly run promotions or bonuses, apart from their in-game bonus features, casinos may use Barcrest games as part of welcome packages and other offers where they reward players with bonuses. Operators can choose Barcrest games to reward players with free spins or deposit bonuses and more, depending on the kind of promotion they are running.
User Experience
So, what is it like playing Barcrest games? Well, we played some slots and here’s what we observed:
Graphics and Sound
As good as the games we tried looked, you could tell that they were from a different time. The graphics look a bit outdated and most games did not have the usual 3D design we’ve come to expect from slots. We did not find this strange, given how old some of these games are.
For example, we noticed visual improvements in the Rainbow Riches series, with each sequel they made. This was a nice touch as it showed that the company adopts what’s new. While they may not be able to do an overhaul of their old games, they try to make the new ones look modern.
Still, as far as visual design goes, you can tell Barcrest put a lot of effort and time in their works. This is why their old games are still playable to this day. The symbols and motifs present in each game really helped bring the theme to life, providing players with a more rounded experience.
Paired with the visual design is the sound, most of which did not age well. This does not make the games any less enjoyable but we did find the background sound to stand out, and not in a good way. Just like the visual design, the team at Barcrest did a better job with the sound of their newer games.
Performance
All games we tested ran smoothly, whether on PC or mobile. You could say the one advantage of not relying so much on 3D graphics, in some cases, is that it makes games lightweight for a smooth experience. On mobile, some games looked better than others but they were all optimized so that none of them looked out of place.
Game Play
The short of it is we had a nice time playing Barcrest games. The experience was not so much exceptional, but when you’ve played some bad slots, you tend to appreciate the good ones, no matter how many they are. We won some free spins and even used the Hi-Roller feature on 7s To Burn which resulted in some impressive wins.
Without any extra feature or bonus, there were still wins, although nothing huge. Still, the losses did not overshadow the overall experience we had.
Fair Play and Transparency
A company like Barcrest would not have come this far if they were not doing right by players. Some of the ways they make that happen include:
Certified RNGs
Barcrest makes use of Random Number Generator (RNG) software that has been audited and certified by independent labs. Part of the auditing test involves checking how random the results of each games are and whether they can be influenced or predicted by players. Using a certified RNG means the results of their games are fair and players are assured of a good playing environment.
License and Regulation
Barcrest has valid licenses and certifications to carry out business. The licenses they hold guides their operation as it dictates the regions where their games can be made available. Also, to maintain their license, Barcrest has to maintain certain standards, including transparency in their game operations and allowing some level of oversight in order to ensure player safety.
Barcrest Gaming Player Reviews
We gathered reviews from some players who’ve played Bacrest games in the past. Check out what they think
“Action Bank is simple but could be quite addictive, if one’s not careful. I like the Big Bet feature, but sometimes it feels like you need to hit the bonus to get anywhere. The trick is to stay patient and you’d see how well you win” – Jamie R.
“Barcrest slots are everywhere, but I feel like a lot of their games look and play the same. I do appreciate that you can play most of them on mobile now, though. Would love to see more variety in themes.” – Frank C.
“I’ve noticed Barcrest games tend to be a bit volatile. Sometimes you can go ages without a bonus, but when it hits, it’s worth it. Not for the faint-hearted, but I like the thrill” – Tobias M.
“I like that you can find Barcrest slots in so many casinos, both online and in real life. They’re not my first pick, but I’ll always give them a few spins every now and then” – Murray L.
“The Hi-Roller option in Barcrest slots is my favourite, but it can eat your balance fast if you’re not careful.” – Pete M.
Support
Barcrest provides support to casino operators and other third parties who make use of their products directly. If you as a player should notice any issue with a Barcrest game, contact the customer care support of the casino you’re playing from for assistance.
Wrapping Up
Barcrest may be several decades old, but their impact can be felt across several generations. A trendsetter in the traditional gaming world and an innovator in the online gaming industry, Barcrest has been a force that has shown no sign of slowing down.
They may have faced challenges properly updating their games for a modern audience or functioning under a big parent company, this has not affected the quality of their output, as their slots remain a favourite for players from around the world. Their games are exciting, innovative, with opportunities for players looking to win big. If you’re simply looking for a good time or a way to land some free spins, Barcrest is a provider worth checking out.
FAQ
What Type of Games does Barcrest Have?
Barcrest has only slot games in their collection. As at the time of writing, they have no table or live dealer games.
What Unique Features do Barcrest Games Offer?
Barcrest slots have some unique features that make them more fun to play. There’s the Hi-Roller option, which allows you to place larger bets for a set of spins with boosted winning potential, while the Big Bet feature increases the game’s RTP and offers the chance for bigger payouts over a series of spins.
Do Barcrest Slots have High RTPs?
Yes, the RTP of Barcrest slots are quite high, with most games having RTP of 95% or higher.
Can I Play Barcrest Games on a Mobile Device?
Yes, you can play Barcrest games from your smartphone or any other mobile device. This is because the games are developed using HTML5 technology, ensuring that they run smoothly across platforms.
Do Barcrest Have Progressive Jackpot Slots?
No, Barcrest does not currently have progressive jackpot slots.
