Exploring Elk Studios Casinos and Their Offerings
Elk Studios is a software provider founded in 2013 in Sweden (fitting name, isn't it?). While most known UK casino providers started with land-based slot machines, Elk Studios began its activity by releasing The Lab online in 2014. These days, they have over 130 slot games and are licensed in most major jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom.
They're some of the most beloved in the Nordic states, such as Denmark and Finland. Punters there show exceptional interest in the Pirots saga, which is sometimes the most popular slot in these countries.
As for recognition, they won the title "Most Innovative Game Developer" at the Kongebonus Awards in 2023.
In 2021, Elk Studios was acquired by Light and Wonder. This acquisition was a big part of how they gained notoriety beyond Europe, in places like North America and more.
But mate, I must tell you, Elk Studios is not my cup of tea, as their average RTP of 94% isn't exactly generous. Sure, they boast a complex mathematical model as the basis for their games, but most punters look for the thrill within the game, and maybe for the occasional pocket money.
Good to know
It’s true their games have below-average RTPs, but other options, such as the well-known Wild Toro, Poltava, and Route 777, meet the expected payout standard.
Elk Studios UK Games
Even though their slots might not be to my liking, I must give credit where it's due. Elk Studios hit the sweet spot with innovations like the X-iter system. This system works for some games, allowing you to trigger different modes, such as sticky wilds or spins with multipliers.
As for the little perks that don't make it into the spotlight, Elk Studios Games are built on HTML5, meaning they need an insignificant amount of device power to run properly. Besides, their graphics are some of the best in the industry, meaning you're unlikely to get bored.
I have ranked the 3 most popular choices below, so you can start with the crème de la crème.
- Wild Toro
Wild Toro is a game about bullfighting. Its constant clamour in the background represents a matador performing against a bull. This slot comes with scatter, wild symbols, and bonus rounds.
The bull symbol is the walking wild, which turns every Matador symbol into a wild card. If you get 3 Matador symbols, the respin feature will be triggered, which can be profitable.
Still, these combinations might be rare. Wild Toro is a high-volatility game, meaning that winning combinations will indeed be big earners (especially with an RTP of 96.4%), but too sparse. If you want to try it out, I recommend first doing so at UK low minimum deposit casinos.
- Nitropolis 5
Nitropolis 5 is the latest release in the Nitropolis saga, and, in my opinion, the best of the bunch. I've got a soft spot for fun games, and this slot leaves no stone unturned regarding its dynamics and animations.
It contains multipliers and scatter symbols, and its bonus game can trigger up to 20 free spins. I recommend trying it out, since hitting these special symbols triggers an outstanding show of detailed graphics.
However, if you prefer a higher payout to the thrill of playing, you should know that many players expressed concern regarding the number of wins they could bag, which was undoubtedly one of my observations.
- Pirots 4
Pirots 4 carries the same perks as Nitropolis 5, being a highly dynamic and visually pleasing slot. Besides, this slot's chickens and silly mechanics make it mildly amusing.
On the mechanical side, it contains the same special symbols as the other presented instalments. Interestingly, it also provides the X-iter mode, which lets you buy bonus rounds.
Unfortunately, some punters confirmed that Pirots 4 won't pay out winnings very often, meaning you'll be left playing with pence if you're not careful. Even so, this game is one of the most popular titles in the Nordic states, and it's one I hold dear as well.
A piece of advice
Gambling responsibly, especially with these low-paying slots, is the best way to ensure your bankroll stays nice and relatively even during playtime.
Final Word About Elk Studios
Although many people hold Elk Studios in high regard due to their award-winning games and dynamic mechanics, I still believe the dishearteningly low RTP and high volatility to be a thorn in the side.
Having played many of their games for a fair amount of time, I can confidently say that they are worth a try, but they don't offer the same long-term appeal as other legendary titles.
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