Gamesys Casinos
Gamesys is a extremely popular online casino operator with well known brands including Jackpotjoy, Double Bubble Bingo, Bally Casino, and white label brands such as Rainbow Riches Casino and Virgin Games. Gamesys Operations Limited is based in Gibraltar.
Similar to Gamesys Casinos
Top Gamesys Casinos 2024
Monopoly Casino
Monopoly games were popular among players from the moment that iGaming versions of the classic board game began to appear more than a decade ago and have only grown in popularity as the years have gone by. If you want to play at the one and only official Monopoly Casino site, though, you’ll find it among the Gamesys casinos. It’s one of the operator’s top brands, and it contains every big-name official Monopoly casino game you’ll ever have come across at any other casino. That includes the Monopoly Slingo games. More importantly than that, if you’re a fan of Monopoly, Monopoly Casino also contains several officially licensed Monopoly slots and games that are totally exclusive to this site. There’s nowhere better on the internet to play the games if this is your particular niche, and it’s a boon to Gamesys to have the official partnership with Hasbro in place.
Virgin Games
Just from the first two sites we’ve looked at, it’s clear that there are some big-hitters among the Gamesys casinos. Not only is there the official online casino of Monopoly, but there’s also the official online casino of Virgin. The difference is that Virgin Games isn’t the only official Virgin-branded iGaming site – there’s also Virgin Bet, which focuses on sports betting and is operated by an entirely different company. That’s almost beside the point, though – having a brand the size of Virgin on board is another vote of confidence in the capabilities of Gamesys as an operator. The key features of Virgin Games are similar to the key features of a lot of the other casinos on the Gamesys platform, including promotions that don’t impose wagering requirements and winnings that come theoretically uncapped. From bingo to slots, Virgin Games does it all.
Bally Casino
Bally Casino is the new kid on the block among the Gamesys casinos, having made its long-awaited debut in the UK in 2023. When it arrived, it displaced Megaways Casino, forcing the popular Megaways-themed casino into closure. That wasn’t a universally popular move, but it underscored how much faith Gamesys has in the Bally brand. That’s not a surprise when you look at the ownership of Gamesys Operations Limited. While Bally Casino is a Gamesys brand in the UK, the relationship works the other way around on a global scale. Bally’s Corporation is one of the biggest iGaming and gambling companies in the United States of America and owns Gamesys outright. It waited a long time before introducing its signature brand to the UK audience, and will be intent on seeing it succeed. Bally Casino might not be the biggest of the Gamesys casinos right now, but it’s likely to reach that status eventually.
Double Bubble Bingo
Double Bubble Bingo has the largest name of all the Gamesys casinos when it comes to the number of words and letters but the smallest in terms of reputation. Two of the casinos that we’ve looked at so far in this list have connections to enormous household name brands. The third is the official online casino of the global iGaming giant that owns Gamesys Operations Limited. Double Bubble Bingo is just Double Bubble Bingo – a bubblegum-themed casino and bingo site that takes its name from the old Double Bubble casino and video games. That should make Double Bubble Bingo far less popular than the other casinos on the platform, but that isn’t the case. It’s just as big a deal as any of the others – so much so that it was spared when Megaways Casino took the bullet for Bally Casino. We find that its combination of green and pink can be a little garish as a colour scheme, but plenty of people obviously disagree.
JackpotJoy
We would find it very difficult to believe that anyone would find their way to our website without knowing about JackpotJoy. If you’re looking for Gamesys casinos or information about online casinos in general, you must surely be familiar with JackpotJoy. It’s one of the biggest iGaming sites in the UK, and it’s been that way for more than a decade. The brand launched to fame thanks to a series of adverts starring the much-missed former ‘Carry On’ and ‘EastEnders’ star Dame Barbara Windsor, after which the site’s promotional torch was carried by Paddy McGuinness. It speaks volumes about the success of JackpotJoy that it no longer feels like it needs a celebrity ambassador to attract players or attention. There might be some bingo sites in the UK as big as JackpotJoy is, but there are none bigger. It’s not quite as big when it comes to slots and casino games, but it does OK.
Rainbow Riches Casino
Rainbow Riches Casino is more like Double Bubble Bingo than it’s like any of the other Gamesys casinos. Both sites take their names and themes from hugely popular casino games. Barcrest struck gold when it came up with the first-ever Rainbow Riches online slots game more than a decade ago, and it’s set the standard for Irish-themed slots and games ever since. There have been more than a dozen sequels to the original Rainbow Riches, and there will likely be a dozen more in the years to come. You’ll find all of those games at Rainbow Riches Casino, along with the full portfolio of iGaming entertainment that you’ll find at all the other Gamesys casinos. The casino received its first TV commercial campaign in the UK in 2022, and continues to go from strength to strength. It might not be your best option if you’re not a fan of the Irish theme, though.
Gamesys News
: WDW Bingo has recently published a guide to Gamesys, shedding light on the influential role the company plays in the online bingo and gaming industry. WDW Bingo explains that after launching in 2001, Gamesys has developed a fantastic software platform that supports a diverse range of gaming experiences, allowing each site within its network to have a unique appearance and feel. This flexibility has enabled popular sites like Jackpotjoy to thrive, offering distinctive gaming options that stand out in a competitive market. The guide highlights Gamesys’ innovative approach to marketing and engagement, such as their memorable stunts and engaging advertisements featuring well-known personalities. Beyond their flair for capturing the public’s imagination, Gamesys has made contributions to the technology behind online gaming. Their software supports not only bingo but also a variety of other gaming formats including slots and casino games, across multiple sites.
Each of these platforms demonstrates Gamesys’ commitment to attracting and retaining a broad player base through ultra-generous welcome packages and bonuses which existing members can claim. Noteworthy among the operator’s platforms, the Rainbow Riches and Double Bubble Bingo sites provide examples of how Gamesys blends thematic richness with engaging gameplay. These sites offer generous terms to newcomers, such as free spins and bonus bingo plays, which are tied to modest initial deposits and participation on the site. It was also mentioned that the company has also been a pioneer in integrating real money gaming with social media platforms, further expanding their reach and influence in the digital arena.
: For anyone who wants to fill themselves in on everything there is to know about Gamesys, the website Gambling Sites has you covered in a complete 101 guide of the iGaming content provider, which applauds the powerhouse for the way it has made a name for itself in the online gaming world by building an impressive portfolio of over 250 games, including some of the most popular bingo and slot titles. When providing a synopsis of the company’s history, it was mentioned that the brand was born in 2001 and conceived by Noel Hayden. Since then, the company has evolved significantly since its early days, launching iconic platforms like JackpotJoy, which is now one of the leading real money bingo sites globally.
The article continues by narrating how, throughout the years, Gamesys has forged key partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin brand, which helped it enter the US market. Virgin Casino, launched in New Jersey, quickly became one of the first state-regulated gambling platforms, offering both bingo and slot games to American players. Alongside Virgin Games, Gamesys operates several well-known casinos, such as Monopoly Casino and Rainbow Riches Casino. While Gamesys may not compete with industry giants like Microgaming and Playtech in terms of sheer slot numbers, its unique community-focused approach, including features like social gaming and community jackpots, sets it apart. In a typical community jackpot, for example, a portion of the prize is shared among all players active in the last 24 hours, creating a more inclusive experience.
: On the 14th of August, a guest author at Breaking the Lines pitted Gamesys against one of its biggest rivals, Amatic, to determine which company reigns supreme in the online gaming sphere. The comparative analysis looked into various facets of game quality, innovation, and popularity, particularly focusing on their presence in the U.S. market and their top gaming titles. Gamesys was noted for its innovative approach to online casino games as the company evidently excels in creating immersive experiences with high-quality graphics, user-friendly interfaces, and unique sound effects. Particularly popular in the United States, Gamesys has developed a diverse portfolio that includes online slots, bingo, and various casino games. Notable titles from Gamesys include ‘Secrets of the Phoenix’, known for its cascading reels and free spins, and ‘Double Bubble’, which features vibrant graphics and engaging bonus rounds.
On the other hand, Amatic, which has been around since 1993, began in land-based casinos before transitioning to the online space. The company maintains a nostalgic feel in its games, with a focus on simplicity and reliability that appeals to traditional game fans. Despite a more classic approach, Amatic has adapted to modern demands, allowing its games to be played across various devices. Some of their celebrated games include ‘Book of Aztec’, which offers a historical theme and free spins, and ‘Wild Shark’, famous for its underwater setting and bonus features. The analysis highlighted that while Amatic offers consistency and a nod to classic gaming, Gamesys pushes the boundaries with innovative game mechanics and visually stunning designs.
: All eyes in the iGaming industry are on Bally’s as they prepare to report their second-quarter results. The company is becoming increasingly revered as a major player in the casino and entertainment sector and has confirmed that its financial outcomes for the period ending June 2024 will be publicly released after the market closes on July 31, 2024. Following the release, Bally’s management is scheduled to host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT to analyse the details of the quarterly performance. Interested parties can join the call by dialling in or accessing a live webcast via the company’s investor relations webpage, with a 120-day archive available online for those who miss the live event.
For those not in the know, Bally’s Corporation is not only a heavyweight in traditional casino operations but also boasts a significant online presence. The entity manages 15 casinos across 10 states in the USA, including diverse assets like a golf course in New York and a horse racetrack in Colorado. Notably, Bally’s owns Bally’s Interactive International, previously known as Gamesys Group, which marks a significant stride in the online gaming domain. Additionally, it operates Bally Bet, an emerging sports betting platform, and Bally Casino, an expanding iCasino platform. The company’s portfolio includes approximately 15,300 slot machines, 580 table games, and 3,800 hotel rooms. Looking ahead, Bally’s has ambitious expansion plans, including the construction of a permanent casino facility in Chicago and a new land-based casino near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, which will increase their total to 16 casinos across 11 states.
: InkedIn recently named Double Bubble Bingo as one of the best PayPal bingo sites, to put another feather in the cap of one of Gamesys’ top online gambling platforms. PayPal bingo sites have gained immense popularity due to the ease and security they offer. PayPal is a well-trusted electronic wallet, known for its hassle-free transactions, making it a preferred choice among bingo players who value both convenience and safety. Double Bubble Bingo, a standout on the list, impresses with its vibrant theme and generous welcome offer of £50 in free bingo or 50 free spins for a minimum deposit of £10. This recognition by InkedIn underscores Double Bubble Bingo’s reputation for providing a top-notch gaming experience. Another notable mention is Ladbrokes Bingo, which offers a £30 bingo bonus and 50 free spins without any wagering requirements upon a £5 deposit. Ladbrokes is renowned for its robust platform and seamless integration with PayPal, ensuring players can deposit and withdraw funds effortlessly.
Gala Bingo also features prominently, offering a £50 bingo bonus and 40 free spins with a £10 deposit, further cementing its place as a leading choice for bingo enthusiasts. After the recommendations were made, the article explains that the appeal of PayPal bingo sites lies in the security and simplicity they bring to online transactions. Players appreciate that their card details remain protected, reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, the quick registration process enabled by PayPal’s integration makes joining new sites swift and straightforward, requiring only PayPal login credentials. This efficiency extends to deposits and withdrawals, providing a seamless financial management experience that keeps gaming fun and stress-free.
: The company Allwyn has just appointed Ifor Evans as its new Chief Technology Officer, a move expected to bolster its technological capabilities. Evans, who previously served as the CTO at Bally’s Corporation, brings a wealth of experience from his time at Gamesys, which Bally’s acquired in October 2021. His career also includes key roles at Alibaba/Lazada Group, PropertyGuru Singapore, and as head of development for the platform at Betfair. Evans is set to replace Tony Khatskevich, who will transition to an advisory role with Allwyn’s board and CEO Robert Chvátal. Allwyn is a prominent player in the lottery and gaming sector, recently becoming a UK National Lottery licensee. The company is known for its commitment to social impact and innovation within the gaming industry. With Evans at the helm of its technology operations, Allwyn aims to innovate its lottery offerings and develop new game formats leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Evans’ appointment comes at a significant time for Allwyn, as the company anticipates posting first-quarter revenues exceeding £2.00bn for 2024. This impressive forecast follows a remarkable year in 2023, where Allwyn achieved a 97.5% increase in revenue, reaching £7.87bn, largely driven by its acquisition of UK National Lottery operator Camelot. The company’s gross gaming revenue for the period up to 31 March 2024 is expected to hit £2.05bn, underscoring its robust growth trajectory. CEO Robert Chvátal praised Evans for his exceptional operational expertise, highlighting his strong track record in delivering technology solutions across the gaming and IT sectors. Chvátal also expressed gratitude to Khatskevich for his pivotal role in establishing a strong technological foundation at Allwyn and for driving innovation across the group.
: On April 26th, the Telegraph, in collaboration with bettingexpert, released their eagerly anticipated roundup of the top slots sites for April 2024, offering a fresh perspective on the best places to play online. Interestingly, while no Gamesys casinos were highlighted in the list of top sites, the review make the odd move of recommending some of Gamesys’ top slot games. Among these, Double Bubble and Monopoly Paradise Mansion were featured prominently, showcasing the developer’s continued influence in the gaming world. Authored by David Fraser, the article delves into the evolving landscape of UK slot sites, highlighting the advantages of newer platforms which often include modern designs, better customer support, and improved payment processing. These sites appeal particularly to mobile users, reflecting a shift towards a mobile-first approach in the online gambling sector. The report also touches on the competitive welcome bonuses and promotions that new sites offer to attract players, contrasting them with the more established but perhaps less innovative older sites.
Fraser points out that while the allure of fresh interfaces and user-friendly features is strong, potential users should also consider the credibility and track record of new gambling sites – having a look at what members are saying on sites such as Trustpilot is always highly recommended. The piece ends by encouraging readers to explore these new avenues, while also reminding them of the importance of responsible gambling. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable guide for both seasoned and new players looking to navigate the vibrant and ever-changing slots site scene.
Gamesys Operations Profile
The Early Days of Gamesys
In the beginning, Gamesys was a British iGaming brand. It was founded in London by a trio of software developers – Noel Hayden, Andrew Dixon and Robin Tombs. That much is clear. From there, the story quickly becomes unclear as the brand goes through a series of name changes, buys iGaming properties, is bought by other iGaming properties and then rebrands again. We know we have all the pieces of the Gamesys jigsaw puzzle, but putting them together is quite the challenge. The company’s official website isn’t much help in that regard – all it does is provide facts and figures that might be of interest to investors. People who are interested in the history of the company and the Gamesys casinos don’t get much of a look-in.
Buying and Selling
From what we understand, the first few years of Gamesys Operations Limited went as normal for an iGaming company. It came up with casino brands, launched online casinos, attracted customers, and grew slowly and organically. That began to change when Gamesys made its first big move in the iGaming market in 2013, buying Virgin Games from the brand’s original operator. This was the first time that Gamesys had bought a casino brand in from elsewhere rather than developing an original idea in-house. However, for one brand to come in, a brand had to go out. To balance the books after the deal that landed Virgin Games, Gamesys sold JackpotJoy to the Intertain Group for £425m in February 2015.
Looking at the ins and outs of that deal here in the 2020s, it seems like madness. JackpotJoy is a far bigger brand than Virgin Games and brings in far more money. However, that wasn’t the case at the time. JackpotJoy was in its first flush of fame after the first of its TV commercials aired, and Virgin Games was a well-established brand. An offer in excess of £400m was too tempting to turn down, and so JackpotJoy was allowed to leave. As you already know, though, JackpotJoy is back under the Gamesys casinos umbrella today. You might be wondering how that happened. It’s a good question and one that comes with a surprising answer.
Gamesys Chews its Own Tail
After buying JackpotJoy from Gamesys, the Intertain Group renamed itself “JPJ Group,” naming the business after its prize asset. The popularity of JackpotJoy continued to sour, and four years later, the JPJ Group came back to Gamesys to buy the rest of the pie. The company took control of Gamesys in a reverse takeover, and renamed itself again. The original incarnation of Gamesys effectively ceased to exist, and the JPJ Group became the Gamesys Group in September 2019. By this point, all of the Gamesys sites we’ve looked at above already existed. The only one missing was Bally Casino, but Bally was about to come into the picture.
Enter the Americans
Clearly, by 2021, the Gamesys Group was enormously successful. It was one of the most successful casino network companies in Europe, with JackpotJoy, Virgin Games and Monopoly Casino, in particular, proving to be huge hits with players. Successful iGaming companies are always going to attract the attention of larger, even more successful iGaming companies, and so that proved to be the case in March that year.
Bally’s Corporation, one of the biggest casino operators in the United States of America, had reached its limit in its home country. The company already operated as many land-based casinos as it could operate and wasn’t able to open online casinos in the USA because they remained illegal. Instead, it sought a route into Europe – and what better route than through an already successful casino giant? Bally’s Corporation offered to buy the Gamesys Group for just over £2bn. The offer was accepted, but getting the deal done wasn’t a quick or easy process.
By the time the Bally’s Corporation takeover of the Gamesys Group was completed, it was October 2021. After years of being UK-based and controlling its own destiny, the Gamesys Group was now an American property. To its credit, though, Bally’s hasn’t made any drastic changes to the way that Gamesys Operations Limited goes about its business. The one and only noticeable change from a player’s point of view has been the introduction of Bally Casino – and who’s likely to complain about having another high-quality online casino to play at? The future of this group appears to be rosy, with reported revenue of over £720m per year. The takeover by Bally’s Corporation means that the Gamesys Group is no longer listed on the London Stock Exchange, but it’s clearly still a huge deal.
All Gamesys Casinos
Here’s a full list of all the Gamesys Operations Limited casinos currently covered by a UK Gambling Commission licence, along with their status.
Active Casinos
- Bally Casino – ballycasino.co.uk
- Double Bubble Bingo – doublebubblebingo.com
- Jackpotjoy – jackpotjoy.com
Inactive Casinos
- Heart Bingo – heartbingo.co.uk
- Smooth Bingo – smoothbingo.co.uk
White Label Casinos
- Monopoly Casino – monopolycasino.com
- Rainbow Riches Casino – rainbowrichescasino.com
- Virgin Games – virgingames.com