In the online gambling space, it has been said, and we know this to be true, that innovation is king. The internet by its very nature is a highly innovative space that moves along related industries at a far faster pace than most other channels of manufacturing, sales and development. During 2012 – as has been the case throughout most of the short history of Internet gambling – a many and varied number of innovations have taken place. Some of the most state-of-the-art advancements have been made in 3D and animated online slots games offerings, as well as RTP (Return to Player) systems.

Online gamblers are more savvy than ever before, they have become a sophisticated lot of connoisseurs who know what they want from an online casino as a product overall. Bearing this in mind these businesses can no longer rest on their laurels, they have to come to the party in a big way and make the grade. Software developments and technological progress is therefore made at such a fast pace, that it often seems impossible for us writers to keep up with everything; but, keep up we must.

The year 2012 has seen any software developer who is any-one entering the business of providing 3D and Animated casino slots games. While some developers are definitely more advanced and particular about design than others, there seems to be a place for most of the big names to find a good fit with their fans. Not all gamers want the frills and thrills that say for example Net Entertainment provides. But if you are seeking an excellent 3D and animated slots experience, then Net Entertainment are the games to play. They are followed in our opinion by Microgaming, Wagerworks, Playtech, and Betsoft, with various others trailing behind.

Complex animated online slots are the name of the game, and these most often feature numerous interactive bonus rounds, which play more like skill games. New releases from Net Entertainment include; Jack and the Beanstalk, which is nothing short of excellence personified, and do check out the brand new “Evolution”; from Microgaming this would be the Batman-themed Dark Knight, and Playtech’s new release Viking Mania.

Return to player features have made many advances too with every online casino worth its salt offering VIP programmes that come together with bonus and winnings tracker systems. These help the player see what time they have left to spend bonus funds, how they are progressing with wagering requirements, what true winnings are based on the amount of funds wagered, and various other financial factors.

Bonus, winning and wagering factors have become enormously critical, especially to regular players, who are in the first instance often gambling online because it is a good value for money type of entertainment. Because it is good value for money, regular players are well aware of all the benefits involved, so, keeping track of these benefits also becomes vitally important to them.