Playtech, a significant name in the online gambling industry, has existed since 1999. With offices in 19 countries and 180 licenses, it operates globally.
What sets Playtech apart is how it goes beyond just offering standard casino games. You’ll find gamification tools like leaderboards, golden chips, and gaming missions.
Playtech casinos are licensed by the Gambling Commission in Great Britain and the Malta Gaming Authority, so you know you’re playing on a secure platform.
Plus, you can access a complete gaming portfolio – pokies, progressive jackpots, live games – you name it. If you’re into sports betting, Playtech’s got that covered, too, all in one place.
Playtech stands out because they’ve acquired major companies like Quickspin and Ash Gaming, bringing even more variety to their games.
So, whether chasing a jackpot or having fun, Playtech casinos have something for everyone.
In this guide
Playtech’s History
Playtech, founded in 1999 by Teddy Sagi in Tartu, Estonia, has become a major player in the online gaming world.
Here’s a quick look at some of its most important milestones and moments:
- 2001: Launched its first casino product, paving the way for its growth in digital gaming.
- 2006: Went public with a valuation of $950 million but faced a major setback with a 40% stock drop after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
- 2008: Acquired private assets from its founder for $250 million, fueling further growth.
- 2013: Bought PokerStrategy.com, a huge poker community with nearly 7 million members, for $49.2 million.
- 2014-2016: Expanded by acquiring Aristocrat Lotteries and game developer Quickspin, adding more games to its portfolio.
- 2016: Acquired Best Gaming Technology (BGT) for €138 million, further cementing its place in the industry.
- 2017: Partnered with Warner Bros to create pokies based on DC Comics films like Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad.
- 2020: Faced a major responsibility issue, paying £3.5 million to charities after a tragic incident involving a gambling customer.
- 2020: Entered the US market by offering online casino games in New Jersey through Bet365.
Playtech has made some big moves in the industry but hasn’t been without challenges, especially around responsible gambling.
These moments define both its success and the complexities of operating in the gaming world.
Leading Playtech sites available in New Zealand
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Most popular Playtech pokies
Here’s a list of Playtech Pokies available at online casinos in New Zealand.
Age of the Gods
- Created by – Playtech
- RTP – 95.02%
- Volatility – Medium Volatility
- Reels and Paylines – 5 & 20
- Betting Range – $0.20 to $40
- Theme – Mythology
The Age of the Gods pokie series from Playtech is based on Greek mythology.
Each variation of the game focuses on different gods or themes related to ancient myths, but all share common features like linked progressive jackpots, offering the chance for large winnings.
Regarding the game, Age of the Gods includes free spins, wild symbols, and bonus rounds that allow interaction with the gods and trigger features.
Casumo Casino has different versions, such as Age of the Gods: King of Olympus and Age of the Gods: Goddess of Wisdom.
Each version has its own characters and bonus mechanics, while all are part of the same Age of the Gods progressive jackpot network, where multiple jackpots can be won.
Pyramid Linx
- Created by – Playtech
- RTP – 94.91%
- Volatility – High
- Reels and Paylines – 5 & 20
- Betting Range – $0.10 to $450
- Theme – Egypt
Pyramid Linx is a pokie by Playtech with an unusual reel structure and 20 paylines. It combines Egyptian-themed symbols like ankhs, scarabs, and snakes with special features such as X Wilds and Gold X Wilds to help form winning combinations. The highest-paying regular symbol is the snake, offering a payout of 7.5x your bet for five on a payline.
The game includes two Free Spins options:
- Book Free Games: Offers 10 free spins with expanding Wilds and the chance for additional free spins.
- X Free Games: Gives 5 free spins with a higher chance to trigger the Wild Linx feature.
The Wild Linx feature can also activate a minigame where players can win one of four jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand, with the largest offering a 2,000x payout.
Walking Dead
- Created by – Playtech
- RTP – 95.73%
- Volatility – Medium
- Reels and Paylines – 5 & 50
- Betting Range – $0.10 to $500
- Theme – Post-apocalyptic theme
The Walking Dead online pokie, inspired by AMC’s TV show, features 5 reels, 3 rows, and 50 paylines with a 95.73% RTP and medium volatility.
Players can enjoy wilds, scatters, free games, respins, and 4 fixed jackpots. The maximum payout is 2,198x your bet.
The Wild Walkers Free Games feature activates when a stack of wilds lands, replacing reel symbols with wilds.
Respins follow, shifting stacked wilds leftward until all fall. Landing 6 or more coins in a spin activates this feature.
Buffalo Blitz
- Created by – Playtech
- RTP – 95.96%
- Volatility – High
- Reels and Paylines – 6 & 4096
- Betting Range – $0.40 to $200
- Theme – Animals and Nature
Buffalo Blitz from Playtech is a six-reel, four-row pokie with 4,096 paylines, offering an RTP of 95.96% and a maximum payout of 10,000x your stake.
Set against a backdrop of grasslands and mountains, players encounter symbols like buffalo, wildcats, bears, raccoons, and background music.
The game features Wild symbols that can turn into multipliers (2x, 3x, or 5x) and a Free Spins feature triggered by landing three or more Scatters, awarding up to 100 Free Spins with unlimited retriggers.
While the high volatility and below-average RTP are worth noting.
Queen of the Pyramids
- Created by – Playtech
- RTP – 95.42%
- Volatility – Medium
- Reels and Paylines – 30 paylines
- Betting Range – $0.10 to $30
- Theme – Ancient Civilization
In the game, Cash Collect symbols appear only on reels 1 and 5 during the base game.
When these symbols land with any bonus symbol, they collect the prize shown on the bonus symbol.
There are different types of bonus symbols:
- Cash Prize: Offers a multiplier from 0.5x to 15x your stake.
- Diamond: Rewards a jackpot prize of 20x, 50x, 200x, or 500x your bet.
- Free Games: Adds 2 to 10 free spins.
If multiple Cash Collect symbols land, they collect prizes separately.
If a Cash Collect symbol appears with a Free Games symbol, players enter the bonus round with spins equal to the number shown.
The feature takes players to an expanded grid with locked rows. Cash Collect symbols that land will stick to the reels for the next three spins, while those on the fourth-row stick for five spins, and those on the fifth row remain for the entire bonus round.
| Game Title | Breaking Bad | Wolves Cash Collect & Link | Azteca Cash Collect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Created by | Playtech | Playtech | Playtech |
| RTP | 95.60% | 93.49% | 95.43% |
| Volatility | Medium | High | High |
| Reels and Paylines | 5 & 30 | 5 & 50 | 5 & 30 |
| Betting Range | $0.10 to $500 | $0.10 to $500 | $0.10 to $500 |
| Theme | Vikings | Animals | Aztec |
Live Games by Playtech
Playtech is a leader in Live Casino entertainment, providing a range of live gaming experiences.
The company operates studios in Europe, the USA, and LatAm, focusing on delivering live products and services.
Playtech’s portfolio includes traditional casino games, variations like Quantum Roulette, and game shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Jumanji™: The Bonus Level Live.
Their offerings include Live Slots and hosted casino slots that allow community play.
Other games include Adventures Beyond Wonderland, a hosted augmented reality game, and the Mega Fire Blaze™ Live Suite, which features game shows based on Fire Blaze™ RNG pokies.
Playtech’s Trivia Show Live is a customizable quiz tool designed to create engagement around events.
Playtech operates in regulated markets and expands its offerings and partnerships to support growth in the industry.
Editor’s Verdict
Playtech is a prominent player in the online casino industry, yet potential players should critically evaluate its offerings before diving in.
As a global leader in Live Casino entertainment, Playtech claims a diverse portfolio that includes branded content and traditional games.
However, the focus on well-known titles like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Jumanji™ may raise concerns about originality and the breadth of their gaming experience.
In 2023, Playtech added over 65 new Live Casino brands internationally, demonstrating an aggressive expansion strategy.
While this approach may suggest growth, it also highlights a potential dilution of brand identity, with numerous platforms offering similar experiences.
Players may find that the experience lacks differentiation, as many casinos utilize the same core games.
Playtech reports a 95.60% RTP for its titles, but this figure can vary significantly across different games, making it essential for players to research individual offerings.
The volatility of games, which ranges from medium to high, can further impact player satisfaction and winning potential.
For instance, while games like Buffalo Blitz promise payouts of up to 10,000x, this comes with a risk that may not appeal to all users.
FAQs
Does Playtech have its own casino?
No, Playtech does not operate its own casino but provides software solutions and games to various online casinos. It partners with numerous operators globally.
Can I try Playtech games for free?
Many online casinos featuring Playtech games offer demo versions of their pokies. This allows players to try the games for free before committing real money.
What are the highest RTP games from Playtech?
Playtech’s highest RTP (Return to Player) pokies can vary, but many of their popular titles, like the Age of the Gods series, have RTPs around 95% to 97%. It’s advisable to check the specific game details for the exact RTP.
Does Playtech host card and table games?
Yes, Playtech hosts card and table games, including various versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. They also offer live dealer options for a more immersive experience.