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After teasing the players with the release of a demo about two weeks ago one of the leading and best-known online casino games developers, Realtime Gaming or RTG launch their new progressive slot Megaquarium today. The game is already available for free play and real money and it can be accessed from any device.

The new 5 reel progressive slot by RTG explores the depths of the ocean and meets the inhabitants of the underwater world. It sports a sharp high-definition, colourful and dynamic theme that gives the players a feeling of diving in an actual ocean passing schooling fish and sea grass in rainbow colors.

Still, what is best about RTG’s latest title is not the theme or the graphics but the possibility of winning a progressive jackpot at any time in the game. Megaquarium is a typical 5 reel 3 row setting with 50 fixed paylines available for real-money play from $0.50 and with a betting limit of $500. As in any progressive slot, higher bets mean higher chances of winning the major jackpot.

Apart from the progressive jackpot the game comes packed with features that are lucrative enough to keep any player in the game. First of all the mascot of the game, the Clown Fish is a Wild Symbol that helps form a winning combination by replacing any symbol in the game and also doubles the win.

The highlight is the Free Spins round which is easier to activate than ever. All it takes is two Free Games neon signs on the first and the last reels. Initially the players get 7 Free Spins only but on the last spin there is a chance to win 3 additional free spins in the Bonus Game by landing three Free Games symbols on the first three reels.

During the Bonus Game the players are treated with the fifth reel fully stacked with Wilds and a random cash prize worth up to 100 times their stake. On top of that the last spin again holds a chance to trigger another three spins called Super Game. Super Game comes with a 5x multiplier and a random cash prize of up to 200 times the stake. Should three Free Games signs appear on reels 1, 2 and 3 on the last spin, Mega Game will be triggered.

Now this is some feature to hope for as it comes with two reels fully stacked with Wilds, adds a new Extra Games symbol on the reels and each of these grants you another spin. Finally the random cash prize can go up to 500 times the stake.

Realtime Gaming is one of the most reliable online software developers with extensive experience dating back from 1998. RTG is very popular among USA online casino operators mostly due to their flexibility as they do not impose strict rules or regulations to their licensees. Instead they let them customize most of their operation including the compliance with regulations. Many USA online casinos offer RTG’s content, some of which can be found right here in our casino reviews section.

The number of US states trying to introduce online gambling into their legislation is growing as next to New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts that have been actively working on this issue in recent months another US state joins their battle and that is Hawaii. Couple of days ago Senator Will Espero proposed a bill SB677 which aims to legalize online poker, online casino games and lottery in the state. The main aim of the bill is to tackle the issue of illegal online gambling in the state and to use the potential of online gambling to boost the economy.

Hawaii is one of the few states in the US that has no land-based gambling facilities on its territory. Perhaps this is why many of its residents engage in illegal online gambling activities via offshore channels. This means that Hawaiian bettors enter into shady operations and they are not protected in any way. According to Senator Will Espero this problem can be solved by allowing online gambling within the state and introducing a law that would regulate the internet gambling activity. With this in mind SB677 implies the foundation of a regulatory body, Hawaii Internet Lottery and Gaming Corporation that would monitor and regulate US online poker, US online casinos and lottery. According to the draft bill online sports betting would not be allowed while the law would also set age limit for players, so as to prevent those under 19 from taking part in gambling activities.

On the other hand, there is the financial aspect of this matter. Legalizing online gambling would mean that tens of thousands of dollars that are currently spent illegally through online gambling channels would be directed into the state budget and invested into the improvement of education system. Similarly to other states proposing iGaming laws, Senator Espero’s proposal also includes paying a licensing fee and imposing a tax rate on generated revenue from gambling. The new regulations would allow for the state to enter into agreements with other states, as well as organize land-based gambling events as a part of tourist offer.

Last year, there have been several attempts to introduce regulated gambling in the state of Hawaii. More than 10 draft bills were introduced regarding lottery, daily fantasy sports, installing slot machines on airports and many other bills. Whether any of them will pass the Senate and come into effect in 2017 remains to be seen, but it seems that it will be a long haul.

With all the efforts Hawaii and other states, especially Pennsylvania are making, there is a positive cloud over the prospects of legalized online gambling. Namely, this cloud is reflected in the face of Senator Jeff Sessions, new US Attorney General who is known to be a strong opponent of online gambling. He announced the revisiting of America’s Federal Wire Act, since he claims that he does not agree with its current interpretation, which allows the regulation of online gambling on a state level.

As we wait for these states and online gambling as a whole to be legalized on a federal level, you can still play at the best US friendly online casinos available on the Internet. Our top rated US online casino is Lucky Red which offers a great selection of games and slots. Check out our Lucky Red Casino review for more details and to sign up. Another popular area of online gaming is live dealer games. Play against a real live person for popular games like blackjack, baccarat, roulette and casino holdem. See the best USA live dealer casinos and play at a brick and mortar casino right from home.