GALA Casino
Summary
Name:GALA CasinoRating:-3.3/10★★★★★★★★★★ Bonus:100% Welcome bonus up to £400Live Blackjack(YES/NO):YES
Review by playblackjackonline.co.uk
Gala Casino Review
Making the tricky transition from bricks to clicks, Gala Casino has used its massive high-street presence to create a household brand that can skip over the uncertainties and risks of the online world. Marrying a clean and intuitive site layout to a fantastic selection of games - having recently recruited Playtech to its cause - the company might just be the perfect combination of safety and pure adrenaline-driven online gaming.
First and foremost is always going to be that Playtech suite, though. A number of the games can be played in Flash versions, and you don't even need to have an account to try them out in fun mode. Playtech's Flash libary contains some of the best renditions on the market. But even so, all but the most casual players will want to download the full software suite for crispest and most vivid gaming Playtech can deliver (
Playtech casino software review available here).
Playtech's Rich Pageant
The line-up does perhaps turn more to traditional blackjack, rather than offering the varied novelty features of, for instance, BGO Casino's hotchpotch of games. Many of Playtech's versions are merely slight twists on the standard rules of blackjack. There are exceptions to these. Double Attack Blackjack, for instance, is a cunning little variation that add some extra strategy by allowing the player to make an additional bet once they've seen the Dealer's up card. Playtech's suite also offers you the building tension of its Progressive Blackjack game, where sidebets can be placed each game, contributing to an ever-increasing jackpot that carries on until somebody takes the lot by laying down four suited aces - there are various smaller amounts handed out for different combinations of aces, so the excitement of potential bumper prizes infects everybody.
Live Dealer blackjack (along with roulette, hold'em poker, and baccarat) is offered, and Playtech's smooth HD video, wonderful range of tables, and extensive chatting, create a great experience. Gala's mobile suite is also ahead of much of the competition. There is only one blackjack title, but it's a very slick rendition that's specially optimised for the small screen. .
Bumper Bonuses
Extensive bonuses are dished out from the off, with a 100% bonus offered on deposits of up to £400. The modest wagering requirements for this are just 20 times the deposit and bonus. Standard blackjack can contribute 20% towards the wagering requirements, although some of the variations offer less. An additional 50% reload bonus is also available for deposits of up to £100. Comp points can be gained every time you play, earning you the right to exchange those points for pounds - regular promotions give you the chance to score double the comp points at a time. Other competitions let you win substantial prizes, and you can even join the VIP scheme, allowing you to access better bonuses and treats as you progress through the levels.
High Street, Higher Security
Gala's auditing procedures aren't perhaps as extensive as those of some of its rivals, but the company has a strong reputation for trustworthiness, bolstered no end by its considerable high street presence. The customer approval is very high, and speed and service levels are impressive. Deposit and session time limits help keep addictions under control, and the numerous contact options include phone, email, and internal e-messaging. There's even a chat option, although this, bizarrely, isn't placed with the rest of the options on the contacts page. Payment options are comprehensive, spanning almost the whole range, from credit and debit cards, to Neteller and Skrill, Ukash and PaySafe, and Click2Pay and Clickandbuy. You can even use PayPal.
Gala uses its high street presence to drive up trust levels, but the strong range of games, excellent payment options, and strong service also help to make this a suitably appetising option.