Virgin casino is comparitively new to the online casino market and runs on the IGT-owned Wagerworks platform - a no-download Flash casino very similar to Paddy Power Casino, IGT's own Barcrest branded Kerching casino and the fast-paying Blue Square casino. As a consequence of using the Wagerworks software platform, table games choice is a little limited when compared to the likes of 32Red casino or Bet365 casino but Virgin has some unique IGT slots that I like to play regularly and it was one of the first casinos I reviewed for Online Casino UK.

Games

Virgin casino's key games for me are the online versions of Vegas slots like "Cleopatra" and "Wolf Run", although UK players will probably be more familiar with the Monopoly and Cluedo slot themes. Another slot worth checking out is the excellent "50,000 Pyramid" game with up to 40 free spins at 6x available in the bonus round. Of all the casino games at Virgin casino, the IGT slot games, along with some recent additions from Barcrest (ie: Rainbow Riches) are probably the main draw and they have also licenced in a few specialist slots from the games manufacturer behind Intercasino, Cryptologic. These include Bejeweled (similar to Gems) and some of the Marvel slot games like Superman and Thor.

Virgin casino (or indeed, any Wagerworks software driven casino) doesn't have a massive range of video poker games, although they have the unusual "Phantom Belle" and "Lucky Draw" variants alongside a few more familar VP options available in single or multihand formats. You'll find far more video poker options at Microgaming casinos (eg: 32Red casino or Ladbrokes casino) and even at Playtech powered casinos like Bet365 casino. However, it's worth noting that all Virgin casino games have the expected percentage payouts published in the paytable for each game, with most slots being in the 94-95% range and video poker higher still (see the video poker odds table for accurate info by game). It's a shame that more online casinos don't do this to be honest.

One game at Virgin casino that is better than the equivalent games at other online casinos is Keno. It can be set to run fast and furious and has higher rewards for matching 7 - 10 numbers than it's counterparts elsewhere. This makes it higher variance (risk), but potentially more rewarding with a 92% expected payout rate. It's like Bingo on steroids for those who haven't played keno before. Gotta say I prefer it too!

I feel that the range of more traditional casino games like Roulette and Blackjack could be improved, and while I was pleased to see they have more than one version of my favourite game, Three Card Poker, games like Baccarat and Craps are sadly missing, but the games that are there are generally pretty decent and easy to play.

Support & Service

Virgin casino is licenced in Alderney, arguably the strictest gaming jurisdiction in the world, and consequently they have to run a tight ship. This means you get next-day payouts, audited payout reports and very fair games. Aside from debit card and credit card options, Virgin also supports Neteller and cashouts of winnings are done within 24 hours. Bonuses could be more forthcoming, but they are still present and you'll find them crop up from time to time the longer you play.

When it comes to security, Virgin casino has a £3,000 cashout ID policy, meaning UK players don't get bothered to supply ID until they reach this threshold. When it happened to me, I send in my documents (digitally photographed, bluetoothed and emailed) and the process was quick and painless, taking less than 24 hours.

Conclusion

Virgin is a class act and as far as my online casino reviews go is right up there with the best - but then you'd expect that from a Branson brand (trains aside obviously!) and I have been playing there occasionally for some time. I'd play more at Virgin casino if there were a few more slots available, but with "Cleopatra", "Cleopatra II" and "Treasures of Troy" amongst the choices, it's getting there already.

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