Barcrest is a UK-based developer of multi-channel game content. It supplies games to operators of online gaming, mobile gaming, and interactive digital television services. Along with Bally and WMS, it is a gaming brand that belongs to Scientific Games Corporation.
Barcrest, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in June 2018, has an interesting and event-filled history. The company was established in 1968 as a developer of bingo games and fruit machines. Over the next three decades, it became a prominent force in UK’s leisure gaming industry. It expanded not only in the UK, but throughout Europe.
International Game Technology (IGT) acquired Barcrest in 1998 because the latter had developed an excellent reputation for designing and developing slot machines that required not only luck, but also skill to win. Armed with IGT’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, Barcrest created machines that became popular in several parts of the world, including Japan and South Africa.
After its acquisition by IGT, Barcrest expanded its portfolio of products and began developing digital gaming content. The company also intensified its focus on online slots. Its in-house game design and development department released the popular slot Rainbow Riches in 2006. Also, it released slots such as Monty’s Millions, Money Mad Martians, Rob da Bank, and Captain Jackpot’s Cash Ahoy, and others.
Scientific Games Corporation acquired Barcrest in 2011. As a subsidiary of Scientific Games Corporation, Barcrest continues to develop innovative online and mobile slots such as Ooh Aah Dracula, Snow Leopard, and Cashino.
Top 5 Games from Barcrest
Although it has not created any branded games or progressive games, Barcrest has something for everybody. Players can choose from contemporary video slots, classic slots, and fruit slots.
Here are brief reviews of five slots that have made Barcrest famous.
Rainbow Riches – Rainbow Riches has 20 paylines, an Irish theme, and symbols such as a wishing well, a rainbow near a pot of gold, and a leprechaun. The slot, which incorporates fruit machine elements, has bonus features such as multipliers, wheels of fortune, and pick-the-symbol bonus games. The slot has a brilliant color scheme, a captivating sound track, and bonus features that get triggered easily.
Ooh Aah Dracula – Ooh Aah Dracula blends the genres of comedy and horror and features cartoonish symbols. It has five reels, ten paylines, and Dracula-related symbols. The most innovative feature of this slot is its High Roller Bet, which allows players to unlock extra lucrative features by placing larger bets. In addition, there are free spins with extra wild symbols.
Snow Leopard – Developed in honor of the snow leopard, this slot comes with six reels, 40 paylines, multipliers, and free spins. If players use the big bet feature, they can win up to 100 free spins with extra multipliers.
Cashino – If you want a taste of Vegas and wealth, you must spin the reels of this Barcrest slot. The bonus features include free spins, a roulette wheel bonus, and a casino card bonus. The game’s intent is to give players the Las Vegas gambling experience.
Monty’s Millions – Monty’s Millions shows players what it feels like to be a multi-millionaire. The slot has 40 paylines and symbols of gold bars, large mansions, and luxury cars. Players can trigger up to 255 free spins loaded with features such as extra wilds and super wilds.
Features of Barcrest
Barcrest is known for its individuality and innovativeness. Its games deliver an experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Here are some of the features that set Barcrest apart from the other game providers in the industry:
100% Safe – Barcrest slots are 100% safe as they had to undergo multiple tests to ensure that they are fair, secure, and comply with all the required regulations. The fact that Barcrest is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and certified by eCOGRA further proves that each Barcrest slot is fair and gives players equal and unbiased opportunities to win.
Feature Rich – Barcrest slots have loads of bonus features, including free spins, multipliers, and opportunities for players to choose their own bonuses. Since Barcrest hadn’t focused much on quality of graphics and animations before its acquisition by Scientific Games Corporation, some of its older slots may not be good-looking, but they come packed with lucrative features. As far as graphics and animations are concerned, Barcrest games are expected to get better in the near future.
Barcrest Innovations – Barcrest has always been known for its innovations. The credit of introducing board game style bonus rounds and break out bonuses and replacing 3-reel machines with 5-reel ones goes to Barcrest.
Another of Barcrest’s innovative features is the high-roller playing option, which enables players to place higher bets to unlock larger prizes or grab extra bonus features. For example Ooh Aah Dracula features the Try Again Free Spins, which give players another opportunity to win bigger free spins prizes.