News
What are the Biggest New Slot Games of 2021 So Far?

There are a wide variety of slot games that are released each year. Every single game has been designed to pique the interest of players, keep them glued to the screen. The games also provide the players with the idea that with a little bit of luck, they will be able to win real money that they can take home with them at the end of the day. These games have interesting new features like great graphics, unique and exciting themes, high bonuses and better gameplay. All these features have been added to ensure that you enjoy and make the most out of your casino experience.
Leading casino game developers have strived to release new and interesting games using advanced and improved technology. Whether you are a new casino player or an experienced one who is looking for the biggest new slot games to play this year, then you have come to the right place. If you have experience in playing casino games, then you are aware that there are thousands of casino slot games online. However, these new games will provide an entirely new experience for all online gamblers.
There are several slot titles that are new to the market for 2021 and they are offering players a whole new online gambling experience. Thankfully, you do not have to search far and wide to get the latest and greatest titles. Below, you’ll find a list below of the top new slot games for 2021.
Crown Gems
Crown Gems is very simple to play. It has many different gemstone symbols that have high value such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies. These gemstones are red, green and blue. Other symbols are the crown and playing card symbols. The symbol that generates more money is the crown that has been adorned by these different gemstones. This game has 10 fixed pay lines. However, you can gamble on 50 pay lines. Crown Gems has five reels. Apart from the nice graphics, the game also has subtle music which will help you feel relaxed as you are spinning the reels to get a winning combination. There is a gentle thud that is heard when the reels land. Crown Gems has low volatility. If you land 5 same-symbol combinations, you can get an average of 400× your line bet. The crown is the top symbol. When you get 5 crowns, you will get 5000 coins. It has high pay-outs and you can be able to play Crown Gems for real money online.
Magic of the Nile
There are many Egyptian-themed online slots, but Magic of the Nile takes eastern design influences from the historic river and combines them with juicy game features, such as 30 pay lines and an RTP is 95.01%. The Magic of the Nile online slot has five reels and comes with scarabs, multiplying wilds and normal wilds that will reward you through expanding reels and other features. The highest-paying symbols are the female and male royalty, followed by the cat and dog symbols. This is one of the most popular online slots simply because of the many exciting features it has, such as expanding reels, free spins and multiplying wilds without being overcomplex to new players.
Wild Expedition
In Wild Expedition, you will join Cara and Nick on a journey to find jungle treasure. This online game has a dense canopy of forest trees that form the backdrop. Moreover, you will encounter ruined statues that show there was civilization before the ruin happened. The game also has a haunting soundtrack that adds to the mood of the dark, mysterious background. Wild Expedition has 30 pay lines, 5 reels and 4 rows. You will become a winner by landing 3 to 5 of the same symbols from left to right on the pay line. The game has the Nick, Cara, magnifying glass and playing card suit symbol. The symbol that generates the highest pay is the Nick symbol. The game offers 6 times your total stake when you get 3, 4 or 5 on a pay line. This online slot has an RTP of 95.67%.
Amazing Link Apollo
The Amazing Link Apollo’s theme is based on Greek mythology. It has interesting features, nice pay-outs and a flexible betting limit. When you play Amazing Link Apollo, you will be taken on an adventure with Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, music, medicine and light. Amazing Link Apollo has four fixed jackpots, Mega, Major, Minor and Mini. The RTP is 96.4% and this game has high volatility. It has free spins that you can use when you land three symbols on the reel. This online slot also has an Amazing Link feature that is triggered when six or more Amazing Link features have appeared on the reels simultaneously. This game is visually impressive. It has symbols such as Pegasus, chariot, Apollo and Zeus. It has a sound system and graphics that add to that eccentric feel and makes the game more interesting to play.
News
The Legal Poker Debate: Will Online Poker Finally Be Legalized in California?

While online poker is a billion-dollar global industry, its legality in California remains a bone of contention. However, there has been a wave of change in America’s gaming segment in the past few years, thanks to the recently struck-down PASPA and online accessibility.
Let’s dig deeper into the Golden State’s poker culture from the past to the present.
A History of Poker Laws in California
Californians played poker in the saloons as early as the Gold Rush of the 19th century. Cities like San Francisco were famous for their vibrant gambling scene in the 1800s. Indigenous California tribes have been operating and managing poker games in the state.
Further, the state legalized some forms of poker in the 1930s, such as draw and stud gambling. With this ruling, poker card rooms expanded in the Golden State, which became prime venues for law-abiding poker action.
In the late 1990s, playing online poker in a legal gray area became a reality for Californians. The California Constitution and Penal Code did not clearly authorize or prohibit such operations. Hence, this legal loophole allowed poker enthusiasts to play the card game on licensed offshore casino sites.
In the same year, attempts were also made to officially legalize poker. A landmark court decision allowed all forms of offline poker within the state, removing any confusion surrounding the earlier poker bans.
Hence, land-based poker games are legal in California now, with around 88 licensed card rooms operating legally. What about online poker gaming? Let’s find out!
Current Legal Barriers to Online Poker in California
Strict legal and political opposition to the legalization of online poker gaming is the foremost obstacle in California. Further, mandates on tribal gaming and card rooms sometimes overlap with poker regulations. Section 330 of the California Penal Code currently bans online poker within the state border.
California’s tribes hold exclusive rights to operate casino-style gambling, granted by compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). They argue that online poker infringes on these rights, mainly if non-tribal entities operate these gambling platforms.
Moreover, various consumer protection organizations fuel this resistance as they consider any form of gambling an addictive habit. Such critics argue that regulating online poker could promote overexposure and make gambling too easy for otherwise highly vulnerable people.
Hence, there have been endless legislative stalemates with no agreement on what to do about it.
Stakeholders in the Legalization Debate
Several groups play key roles in shaping California’s poker scene:
Tribal Casinos
California’s Native American tribes generate billions annually through land-based casinos. Many tribes view online poker as a competition that could impact their monopoly on gambling.
Legislators
Californian lawmakers try to balance consumer protection and compliance with federal regulations before lifting the ban on online gambling.
Card Rooms
California’s cardrooms operate under different rules than tribal casinos. The owners of these facilities usually advocate for the legalization of online poker to expand their customer base.
Economic Benefits of Legalizing Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California could yield substantial economic benefits:
- Tax Revenue: Licensed online poker markets would add hundreds of billions in tax revenues to the state annually. This revenue could fund other public services within the state, such as education and infrastructure development.
- Consumer Protection: California can regulate this industry to guarantee safe and fair play for its residents. It’ll also help reduce the problems that offshore unregulated platforms bring.
The Future Outlook for Online Poker in California
While progress has been slow, there are signs of hope for online poker fans in California.
For example, some tribes are willing to support online poker legislation under the exclusivity clauses. This step will ensure native tribes have a significant stake in the market. Public support for online gambling also appears to grow, driven by the success of legalized sports betting in other states.
The signs are promising, but the road ahead remains uncertain. The legal and political complexities mean that online poker California enthusiasts may need to wait longer to play their favorite card game online hassle-free.
Social Advantages of Legalized Online Poker
Legalizing online poker in California isn’t just about revenue and market growth. There are obvious social benefits, too. A regulated environment assures responsible gaming practice via mandatory self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and esports support for players to manage their habits.
Additionally, legalization is likely to fund problems associated with gambling addictions. States with regulated online poker markets generally allocate a certain portion of tax revenue toward mental health services and addiction treatment. These measures ensure that gambling remains a source of entertainment without becoming an issue for society.
FAQs
- Is online poker currently legal in California?
No, online poker is not explicitly legal in California. While residents can play on offshore platforms, these sites operate outside state jurisdiction and lack regulatory supervision.
- Which are the best offshore poker gaming sites?
Californians can play real-money poker games on Bovada, Ignition Casino, and ACR Poker, which are regulated offshore casino sites.
- Are there any pending bills for online poker legalization?
Though past bills were introduced, very few survived the legislative process and were passed into law. Hence, the legalization of online poker is still pending in California.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, history has been kinder to poker gaming culture in California. With relaxed laws on traditional poker rooms, the online poker market also looks forward to positivity. It’s easy to see the benefits of online poker legalization, including more tax revenues and adequate consumer protection.
However, some issues still create roadblocks in the game’s legal battle. Complicated laws, tribal autonomy, and gambling addiction concerns put barriers to the legalization of online poker in California. For now, the state’s cardrooms and offshore casino sites are the only viable options to satisfy their poker gambling desires.
News
ICE Barcelona 2025: Alona Shevtsova on Sends’ Vision for the Future of Gaming

The Sends team attended the biggest and most famous gaming conference, ICE, now held in Barcelona, Spain. From the 20th to the 23rd of January, the leading gaming companies and solution providers gather for business meetings, experience sharing and networking. More than 170 countries visited, achieving the number of 55,000 visitors.
“Our team attends the ICE conference annually. Previously held in London, the financial capital and home to our head office, 2025 is the first time it’s hosted in Barcelona—and it remains as expansive and resourceful as ever. We’re thrilled to participate, connect with our partners, explore innovative solutions, and engage with market leaders. At Sends, we are committed to staying ahead in this dynamic industry, never missing an opportunity to gain fresh insights and experiences,” commented Alona Shevtsova, Director at Sends.
As the organisers of ICE 2025 said, after a rigorous, independent selection process, ICE and iGB Affiliate moved to Fira Barcelona Gran Via because Barcelona presents a compelling list of benefits, including improved logistics and operational efficiency. The location is close to Barcelona airport and is well connected to the public transport network, offering a world-class in-show and around-show experience.
It is worth mentioning that this February, Send will co-host its event in London for fintech companies. This is the third gathering in London to network and connect industry professionals. To get more information about the London Fintech Meetup, follow the link.
To get more details, keep in touch with Sends on social media: LinkedIn and Instagram.
Conferences
Industry leader Parimatch launches The Idol: Black is Back at iGB Affiliate in Barcelona

Are you an idol? Then join us as we take iGB Affiliate Barcelona by storm this January with The Idol: Black is Back, a unique series of events including amazing deals, giveaways, and our stunning Asian Euphoria party where dark luxury fuses with Asian artistry.
A new era is dawning at Parimatch and we want to celebrate it with you in style!
Once again Parimatch’s stand E20 will be the epicenter of iGB Affiliate Barcelona, an annual highlight of the iGaming industry at the iconic city’s famous Fira Gran Via.
We’re confident that Parimatch’s stand will be the talk of the conference. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Fantastic deals: The latest updates and exclusive offers you can’t miss
- Giveaways where you’ll have the chance to win unique prizes
- Our Hall of Fame: Become part of Parimatch’s history
But wait, there’s more. As Parimatch embarks on a new era we are inviting over 500 partners and brand friends to our immersive Asian Euphoria party at a stunning location in the center of Barcelona where you will experience:
- The party headliner – world-famous DJ Steve Aoki
- The very best in performance art that Barcelona has to offer
- The world of Asian luxury merging with American pop culture
Don’t miss out! Be sure to join us to witness Parimatch set new standards at booth E20 at iGB Affiliate, Barcelona, January 20-23. And don’t stop there – join the Asian Euphoria party on January 21 and see us set a new trend for the entire industry!