Vegas Palms Casino Review

Hits

• Australian players are welcome!
• Operating since 2000
• Uses state-of-the-art Microgaming software
• Also playable in flash version and on mobile devices
• eCogra certified
• Over 400 high payout games, including more than 200 pokies
• Part of the Microgaming progressive jackpot network
• Live dealer games, including multi-tabling and “bet behind” features
• Secure banking with many accepted payment methods
• Play for free option on most games
• Welcome Bonus with very fair terms (for pokies)
• Excellent loyalty rewards program and special promotions for everyone
• Member of Fortune Lounge casino group with transferrable benefits
• 24/7 Customer Support

Misses

• Mobile platform limited to iOS and Android devices
• Welcome Bonus could be larger
• Short descriptions of the games would be helpful
• Promotional information needs updating in places

Software and Range of Games

7.1 / 10

Software for Today’s Players

Since its inception in 2000, Vegas Palms has relied on one company, Microgaming, to meet all of its software needs. Microgaming has maintained its position at the forefront of online and mobile gaming technology by keeping up with the latest advances in the industry and always staying ahead of the competition to offer the best playing experience possible. Much like the casinos in Vegas itself have undergone a lot of changes in the last decade and a half to better meet the needs of today’s players, the same is true of Vegas Palms Online Casino. In the case of Vegas Palms, the difference is in its continually updated software. Microgaming’s expertise and experience is evident in smooth gameplay, both online and on mobile devices and in the consistently superior graphics, sounds, and animations and advanced customisable features now being offered.

Players can choose from three convenient ways of accessing the games:

• Downloading the software onto your computer: This method only takes a few minutes and give you complete access to all 400+ games. The only disadvantage is that you need to be at your own computer to play.
• Instant Play Flash version: The instant play option gives you the added flexibility of being able to play with no waiting on any browser without downloading. You won’t be able to play every game, but you will still have access to a large number of games. All of the games are listed alphabetically by category in the lobby, so you will be able to see at a glance which ones are not only available in the downloaded version, but in the instant play Flash version also.

• Mobile play: This option offers the ultimate convenience of being able to play anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device. The Vegas Palms apps have been optimised for both Apple iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices, though apparently not for other types of devices. No downloading is necessary. Simply visit www.vegaspalmscasino.com from your mobile phone or tablet and you will be able to access some of your favourite games.

  The website does not say exactly how many games are currently available for mobile play. Although it is a much smaller number than what you can access on your computer, you will find many of your favourite pokies like Thunderstruck, Tomb Raider, Avalon, and Mermaid Millions, along with the progressive jackpot game Mega Moolah. Or, if you prefer, Deuces Wild video poker and table games such as European Blackjack are also available.

  Players who already have a computer account can use the same account to access the games on their mobile device. Or you can use your mobile device to set up your account and receive the same generous Welcome Bonus that computer players get. All mobile players are entitled to bonuses and promotions and can play jackpot games and tournaments. They also receive all the special benefits of Fortune Lounge membership. Most importantly, the Vegas Palms mobile casino uses 100% secure Microgaming software, so deposits and withdrawals can be made easily and safely. All personal information and financial transactions are fully protected, just as they are on the computer.

Games

One of the reasons why Vegas Palms Australia reminds you so much of Vegas is that this online casino, in typical Microgaming fashion, is loaded with games. With more than 400 exciting games to choose from already, and new ones being added to the mix every month, Vegas Palms is a casino you can visit over and over again and never be bored. Choosing what to play first each time won’t be easy, but to help you find what you are looking for, the lobby groups the games into categories and within each category lists all the applicable games in alphabetical order There is also an indication of which games are available in both the downloaded version and instant play (most of the games) and which are offered in the downloaded version only. The various categories are: Pokies (Slots), Table Games, Video Poker, Keno, Other Games, Progressive Games, and Live Dealer Games.

The only important information missing, which would make these lists even more helpful, is a brief description of each game. However, with the exception of the progressive and live dealer games, you do have the option to try the game out first with play money if you are not sure if you want to play it for real money.

Pokies

More than half of the games at Vegas Palms are pokies. This means, regardless of your personal gaming preferences, there is more than enough variety to suit anyone’s tastes. If you feel most comfortable playing simple straightforward games like the 3-reel pokies and fruit machines, Vegas Palms has a large selection of these of these old standbys.

But if you are like most players, your favourite games by far are the video pokies. Accordingly, Vegas Palms has more of these types of games than any other. Animated characters and extra features like free spins, wild and scatter symbols, and bonus rounds make these games both super exciting and highly entertaining. The decision how much to bet on each spin is entirely up to you. You can keep your bets small and simple or go for the max and bet on 50 or more coins per round on games with up to 100 paylines, or even play Mega Spin games (multiple machines simultaneously).

A third category of pokies at Vegas Palms, and these games are also extremely popular, consists of the progressive jackpot games. Because these games are part of Microgaming’s multi-casino shared jackpot network, some of the top jackpots reach mega-sized figures. For example, at the time of preparing this review the Mega Moolah top jackpot was well over 3 million dollars and climbing! Alternatively, you have numerous opportunities to try your luck competing against other players in daily and weekly tournaments.

Blackjack

Whenever you want to take a break from the pokies to try a different type of casino game, again you are being offered an enormous variety, and nowhere is this diversity of games more apparent than with blackjack. If you are familiar with the game from having played it at any of the land-based casinos in Australia, you probably only know a couple of versions at most. Even in the casinos in Vegas you are only offered a few options. But not at Vegas Palms! Incredibly, this casino offers 35 different ways to play blackjack. For example, Classic Blackjack, Atlantic City, European, Vegas Strip, and Vegas Downtown Blackjack are all available. You can also choose a multi-handed game. Many of the games are offered in a “Gold Series” version with enhanced features to make the experience more like playing blackjack in a regular casino. Competing in the frequently scheduled blackjack tournaments are yet another option.

Since blackjack is a game where rules matter a lot, keep in mind that even what may appear to be a small difference in the rules can have a big impact on the favourability of the game to the player. We suggest, before you start playing a version of the game you are not already familiar with, to read up on the rules and basic strategy. Practising with play money first is an excellent idea, too.

Roulette

Roulette players also have lots of options at Vegas Palms. While American roulette, with both a single and double zero, is available, we suggest you leave this high house edge game alone and play European or French roulette instead. These games have a single zero on the wheel only, which makes them more favourable to the player. Both are also offered in an enhanced Gold Series version. Roulette Royale, a variation of French roulette with a progressive jackpot, is also offered. While French Roulette Gold is the only roulette game offered in instant play, all of the roulette games can be played in the downloaded casino.

Live Dealer Games

As you can see, visiting Vegas Palms online or on your mobile device and not only playing your favourite games, but being adventurous and trying new games, can be just as exciting as playing in Vegas itself. But if you really want to capture the atmosphere of a Vegas casino without the trip, the best way of all is with the live dealer games. At Vegas Palms, you can take your online table game play to the next level by playing blackjack, roulette, or baccarat not only with other players like yourself but with a real dealer!

Choose either a traditional dealer or a Playboy bunny. Either way, the incredible experience of watching the wheel or cards in motion close up and talking back and forth with the dealer and other players will make you feel like you really are in a casino in Las Vegas. However, the Vegas Palms live dealer games also include two special features you are unlikely to find in any real casino: multi-tabling and “Bet Behind.” No way could you play two entirely different games like blackjack and roulette in a large brick and mortar casino as the two games are usually situated in completely different areas. As for placing your blackjack bet behind another player’s bet instead of in your own spot when that player is running hot and you are running cold, few land-based casinos would allow it. But at Vegas Palms, you are welcome to exercise the “Bet Behind” option as often as you wish if you think it might change your luck. As long as the other player’s hot streak continues, you win, too!

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Security and Fair Play

Australians are lucky in a sense that all the online casinos you can possibly want to choose from and more are readily available to you. But the massive choice also means that if you want a decent shot at winning you need to select very carefully. It would be a mistake to assume that every online casino out there is trustworthy, and with some new sites, especially, you could be taking your chances. Nothing is more important in selecting an online casino than being reasonably certain of the security and fairness of the site.

At Vegas Palms the already highly entertaining games become even more so because you can relax and enjoy them without worry. For starters, this casino has been operating online since 2000 so obviously, this is a place that takes its responsibility to provide fair games in a safe playing environment very seriously. Vegas Palms is also licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority and a member of the highly regarded Fortune Lounge Group of casinos. Both of these organisations have very strict standards as to what constitutes proper casino conduct.

Approved by eCogra

Yet another reliable indication that Vegas Palms is an excellent choice is its independent certification by eCogra. The eCogra seal of approval is only granted to those online casinos which meet this organisation’s very exacting standards for security, responsible conduct, and fair treatment of players. Reasonable rules, transparency, and fast payouts are all a must. The random generators (RNGs) used by Vegas Palms have been recently reported as being fair and random and, in addition, every month, eCogra conducts a new assessment of the average game payouts. These results are posted on the website so you can check them yourself. The most recently reported average payout for this casino for all games combined is a very impressive 96.66%.

A Casino that Looks Out for its Players

Regardless of whether you play online or on your mobile device, every account at Vegas Palms is fully protected by the casino’s use of advanced encryption technology. In addition, unlike some online casinos which use every trick in the book to get players to keep making deposit after deposit, Vegas Palms puts you in control by giving you the option to set your own daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Anytime you wish, a CashCheck option is available to review your transaction history, and a PlayCheck option is also available to review your playing history.

Promotions and Customer Support

The overwhelming majority of online casinos, including Vegas Palms, offer a Welcome Bonus as a special incentive to new players signing up and making their first deposit. However, that is where the similarity ends. Each individual casino decides not only the maximum amount of the bonus but what percentage of the deposit it will be, how it will be distributed, and what the associated wagering requirements are. Bigger does not always mean better, though. A potentially huge bonus may look great on paper, but all too often, the wagering requirements are so enormous that very few players will be able to meet them.

Welcome Bonus 200% match of first deposit up to AU$100

Plus 10% extra bonus up to $100 on a deposit of $1,000 or more using any of the preferred ewallet banking methods: NETELLER, Skrill, ECO, EntroPay, or ClickandBuy. (See website for details.)

We won’t mislead you and describe the Vegas Palms bonus as a big bonus. In fact, if you are a high roller, willing to make an initial deposit of $1,000 or more, you are probably thinking that the $100 cap makes the Vegas Palms bonus not even worth your time. At Vegas Palms, you are certainly free to make a large initial deposit, but the bonus you get for doing so won’t be any larger than what the casino hands out to someone with an opening deposit of $50. You could choose another online casino with a bigger opening deposit offer. But assuming you are looking for a place that will reward you generously over the long haul, if you are patient, you will find that Vegas Palms really rolls out the red carpet for its VIPs. Or, if you like what this casino has to offer otherwise, but want a big Welcome Bonus, too, consider joining the separately reviewed Royal Vegas Casino. Royal Vegas is also a member of the Fortune Lounge group but offers up to $1,200 as its sign up bonus.

On the other hand, if you are a small player, you will certainly appreciate the fact that just a minimal deposit at Vegas Palms goes a long way. There are not many online casinos that offer a player depositing just $50 a 200% bonus of $100 along with very reasonable playthrough requirements. This is how the Vegas Palms “better than it looks” Welcome Bonus works:

First deposit: 200% deposit match up to AU$100 on a deposit of AU$50 or more

• Playthrough requirement for withdrawal: 40x bonus
• Only pokies and parlour games (keno and scratch cards) count 100%. All other games count only minimally (20% or less) or not at all.

We therefore recommend that you treat this bonus as one for pokies only. Assuming that pokies are one of your favourite games anyway, given the tremendous variety of these games you can choose from at Vegas Palms, this minor restriction should not deter you. Since play on progressive jackpot games also counts 100%, you might even be super lucky and win one of the jackpots with the casino’s money. Double check with the casino if there is a time limit for meeting the wagering requirements. As soon as all of the necessary wagering has been completed, the bonus, your deposit, and any associated winnings are all yours to keep. You are also free to start playing any casino game you like.

If you compare the Vegas Palms Welcome Bonus to others online, you will readily see that what this bonus lacks in terms of size it more than makes up for in the superiority of its terms. The combination of a 200% return on your initial deposit plus a very reasonable 40x bonus playthrough requirement is hard to match, especially if your wagers are small. Actually, this bonus is also a very good one for high stakes table players. For example, if your primary game is high stakes blackjack, and pokies are a second choice, meeting the minimal playthrough requirements of $2,000 on the pokies should be quick and easy, leaving you free after very little time to focus on the games you prefer.

Loyalty Rewards Program

The more you play at Vegas Palms Australia, the more you will be rewarded. All of your play counts, but pokies and “unique games” are the games where you earn points the fastest, one reward point for every dollar wagered. With table games, on the other hand, it takes a $5 or higher wager to earn one reward point. Every 5,000 points earned is redeemable for $5 in cash credits to your account, which can be cashed out immediately with no further wagering required. Earning the first 5,000 points should not take long because on day 1, just for signing up and making a first deposit, every player receives 2,500 free points. Players have 60 days from the time the points are earned to redeem them; otherwise they expire.

In addition, all real money players automatically become members of the casino’s 4-tiered loyalty program. The four levels are Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

Everyone starts out at the Silver level, but with the opportunity to move to a higher level based on play. The total number of points earned each month is the sole determining factor. Each successively high level has a specific minimum number of points that must be earned each month both to qualify for that level initially and to maintain it: 10,000 for Gold, 25,000 for Platinum, and 75,000 for Diamond.

All players can redeem reward points for cash, play in tournaments, and take part in the casino’s weekly and seasonal promotions. However, starting at the Gold level, players become eligible for additional rewards, including faster earning of loyalty points, a monthly loyalty bonus, and a special extra bonus on their birthday. All of these rewards increase substantially with each successive level. Diamond level players earn loyalty points 15% faster than Silver level players, receive a monthly loyalty bonus of an extra 50,000 loyalty points, and a birthday bonus of 100,000 loyalty points (worth $100). They also receive exclusive promotions and invitations.

Fortune Lounge Membership

One of the major benefits of joining Vegas Palms as opposed to any random online casino is that Vegas Palms is a member of the prestigious Fortune Lounge group of casinos. All participating casinos are required to adhere to a very high standard of conduct. In addition, your Fortune Lounge membership entitles you to participate in frequently held exclusive tournaments, including those of the International Slots and Blackjack Leagues, that are reserved for members only. There are special big ticket drawings, too, and even an opportunity each year for some lucky pokies players to win a 5 star cruise.

Another great feature of Fortune Lounge membership is that if you choose to play in any of the other participating casinos besides Vegas Palms, the rewards at each member casino can be used at any other.

Other Promotions

At Vegas Palms, all levels of play are appreciated, so high roller or not, there are many special promotions you can take advantage of throughout the year. The casino is somewhat lax in removing expired promotions, so you need to keep checking frequently so you don’t miss out on new ones popping up. All sorts of exciting prizes are up for grabs, so you never know when it might be your turn to win extra cash credits or even a car or a luxury vacation.

Customer Support

Customer support is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that might arise. The casino gives you numerous options, so feel free to request assistance in any of the following ways you find most convenient: live chat, phone, email, Skype, I Message, or WhatsApp.