Slots by Jackpotjoy - Gamesys

This review of Slots by Jackpotjoy was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 2 April 2014.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of Slots by Jackpotjoy contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

Levels 1-15

App description

There are over ten different slot games, and a new free slot is released every two weeks. The game offers daily bonuses and extra spins to ensure that players always have coins to use and are able to continue their gameplay. It is possible to play independently or to connect with friends via Facebook and share coins, etc. 

This is a Casino-style slot machine game where users can spin five different reels and make multiple bets. The game has a wide variety of machines to play through, providing bonuses in the form of coins, badges and other achievements to entice players to continue. The objective of the game is to earn more money and a greater number of the aforementioned rewards. There are limited skills needed, as it is quite a simple button-push game. 

Reviewers comments

The game provides the option to play as a guest or via a Facebook account. The loading screen of the game is the turning reel of a slot machine, while the main menu is called the ‘lobby’, thus enhancing the Casino-vibe of the game. The first screen that appears is an in-app coin purchase screen suggesting that players buy coins for real money. After this, players can select one of a multitude of slot machines (some are locked based on level achieved) and place bets of varying amounts – the minimum wager is 2.5 coins, while the max increases with each play of a machine. The slot results are random and uncontrollable, as with real slots. And once a player runs out of money, they may either wait four hours for a bonus of coins, or are offered the option to purchase in-app coins. Players also level up, gain XP and are given different titles: from Level 1 (A Beginner Spinner), to Level 3 (Arcade Apprentice), to Level 6 (Rising Star), etc. The more players bet, the faster they level. Additionally, betting a higher max amount increases your levelling metre at a faster pace. There are 109 trophies players can get, as well as 244 badges that are unlockable. Bonus coins are added to your account each day also as incentive to continue playing.

There is very limited learning potential in a game like this, where the focus is on simplistic gambling, spending and earning coins, and unlocking more machines (as well as other achievements). It is quite realistic in its presentation of simulated gambling, thus posing an even greater risk to children who may be encouraged to participate in real-life gambling as a result of finding enjoyment with this game. The in-app purchasing also poses a problem of encouraging real-life spending of substantial amounts of money. 

In App purchasing

It is possible (and encouraged) to purchase in-app coins within this game. A lump sum of 500 coins can be bought for $4.38, and purchases go up to 400,000 coins for $65.89. A screen also lets players know that they can ‘Get great deals on your first coin purchase’ (with between 19%-34% off the price players will pay). 

Online information

Players can elect to play via their Facebook account. There is also an option in the game to ‘Ask for Coins’, where you can request coins from other friends associated with your Facebook.  

Gambling

This is a simulated casino game, focusing entirely on slot machines. See Reviewer’s ?comments for more?detail. 

Advertising and product placement

There is advertising for other slot machine games, but no ads for other products within the game. 

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

N/A.

Coarse language

N/A.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

The game encourages realistic simulated gambling behaviours. For young players, this may incite a desire to gamble outside of the game (or even merely to spend significant amounts of money purchasing in-app coins). 

Other

N/A.

Got a suggestion?

You can contact us if you have suggestions of other children's apps to review.