Shuffle Master
Shuffle Master has been a leading player in land-based gambling for decades, and in recent years has produced table games and video slots for the online casino market. Compare the best Shuffle Master casinos and play its games with a bonus.
Casinos with Shuffle Master
- Shuffle Master
Shuffle Master initially focused on nailing the technical details of great card software, which led them to develop Deck Mate, one of the most popular card shuffling devices used by casinos today. Since the 2000s, the company has been producing software for online casinos, bringing its technical knowledge of traditional casino table games to a slightly different market.
Following a merger with Scientific Games in 2014, you might find Shuffle Master titles listed at online casinos under the names Scientific Games, SG Gaming or Bally games.
Why play at a Shuffle Master casino?
Shuffle Master’s history lies in traditional land-based casinos and deck shuffling, and this legacy has carried on into their online output. The company is still best known for its work in online table games, producing technically solid and interesting titles for online casinos.
Although Shuffle Master’s online games are decent, it has never really made a splash in the iGaming market. The company is still a hugely important name in the history of casino game development, and investigating its modest library of titles will give you an idea of why it was once such a big name.
The company only really has a few slots titles, but trying out some of its proprietary card games such as Let it Ride and Three Card Poker is an experience no serious card player should miss out on.
Game Types
Shuffle Master’s games are relatively simple productions that focus on clear graphics and enjoyable gameplay. As you might expect from a company that made its name creating a deck shuffler, mechanics are Shuffle Master’s strong suit, and this technical mindset has been applied to its online games.
The company’s slot games have fairly average Return to Player (RTP) stats of around 96%, making them a solid but unremarkable option for serious gamblers. However, Shuffle Master’s table games are often known for offering a huge range of side bets and progressive side bets that can make winning a little more interesting, particularly for strategic players.
Slots
Despite spending many years producing slot machines for land-based casinos and then experimenting with online slots, Shuffle Master never really grew much of a portfolio. But there is still a handful of enjoyable titles available such as King of Babylon, Dancing Drums and Very Fruity.
Old-school slots fans might be interested to try Cats, Hats, & Bats. This is a Halloween-themed online version of what was originally a physical slot machine. Players can match owls, pumpkins and cats to try and win combos on up to 50 paylines. It’s a bright and attractive game which doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking, but does have good chances to win with some decent multipliers.
Another notable title is 88 Fortunes, an Asian-themed slots game first released in 2016. Featuring a red and gold colour scheme and evoking traditional Chinese design, this five-reel slot game uses the 243 Ways system, which means you can win on any left-right symbol combo without worrying about paylines. 88 Fortunes packs in a lot of the usual features, including a gong symbol which denotes big money and triggers free spins, and the Fu Bat symbol which serves as a wild.
Table Games
Tables games are what Shuffle Master is really about, so it’s no surprise that this is the company’s strongest selling point. Unlike the swathes of developers who excel at producing new versions of old classics, Shuffle Master has made a name for itself creating original titles with entirely new rule sets, including Casino War.
Let it Ride, which is perhaps the company’s most famous title, is a blackjack-style game where players make three bets. As cards are revealed slowly, players can choose whether or not to remove one of their bets or ‘let it ride’ and continue. Winnings are then paid out on standing bets, depending on your final hand of five. Winning hands include a pair of 10s or higher, a three- or four-card royal flush, a three- or four-card straight flush, or four high cards.
The company has also developed variants of poker that are now staples in most online casinos. This includes Three Card Poker, which differs from most versions of poker in that players are betting against the dealer rather than other players. This ‘beat the dealer’ style of poker has also been used in Shuffle Master’s other poker variants, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em and Caribbean Stud Poker.
Shuffle Master table games are also known for the wide array of side bets that players can often make on the fall of the cards. This can liven up an otherwise run-of-the-mill table game, raises the stakes, and also offers more chance for cunning players to land a win.
Company Details
Shuffle Master was first formed in 1983, initially gaining fame for inventing a mechanical deck shuffler for use in casinos around the globe. After this device garnered major success, it began manufacturing shuffle machines, table game machines and slot machines for land-based casinos. In 2012, Shuffle Master changed its name to SHFL Entertainment to reflect the range of online casinos products it offered, before being bought by Bally Technologies in 2013 and finally merging with SG Gaming in 2014.
Shuffle Master’s vibrant history in the casino industry demonstrates the wealth of experience and respect this company bring to the field. Forbes magazine even listed it as one of the 200 Best Small Companies in America for at least five years in a row. Although overshadowed as an online developer by the likes of software giants like NetEnt, it clearly still holds a valued place in casino software history.
FAQ
How to win at Shuffle Master games?
All online casino games are essentially games of chance, so it is not possible to ever guarantee a win. Shuffle Master’s table games are all about making smart bets and playing strategically. Look for games with low house advantages and play with statistics in mind. Take advantage of smart side bets where possible, and research optimal strategies for your chosen game.
Is it safe to play Shuffle Master games online?
Shuffle Master is a reputable brand now owned by the billion-dollar company Scientific Games, so is highly trusted within the industry. However, when you play any game at any online casino, it’s important to check where the casino is licensed. If your casino holds licences from reputable commissions such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority, then your money is safe with these sites.
What is the best Shuffle Master casino?
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