Rushmore Casino Review
RushmoreCasino.com

If you already read my review on Golden Casino, you would have caught wind of my intent to review Rushmore Casino. You can't say I don't follow through 'cause here it is! The youngest casino to get reviewed here at Casino Scrutiny (it's still under one year old), Rushmore Casino has hit the gaming industry by storm. Apparently, they are processing U.S. players. And apparently, they are doing a good job at it. Being Technical System Testing certified for gaming fairness, I can see why they are a draw. After hearing all this talk about Rushmore, I decided a review was warranted.

The Website

Okay, the website deserves mentioning because it bespeaks so much about Rushmore. This is one of the best designed casino websites I have seen - bar none. I hardly ever come out and say the word "best", especially when describing a casino. That word is so overused, even I'm weary of using it. However, and this is a big however, just take a look at Rushmore's website and you will see what I'm talking about. It's like virtual reality meets Bonds' The Casino. After the homepage demo finishes fly-by, so to speak, check out the Blackjack and Slots demos (links near the bottom of the page). I guarantee you will be impressed.

The Software

Here's the kicker: Too bad the actual software, which is powered by Real Time Gaming by the way, does not look like this. I do believe, however, that it won't be long before software developers release virtualy realistic software platforms. In the meantime, they are coming out with some pretty cool stuff. I personally find Real Time Gaming's graphics and playing features to be some of the most innovative on the Web. I wouldn't necessarily say they are more innovative than Microgaming, but I do believe Real Time Gaming has an edge on Vegas Technology.

Instant play flash games boasting the same features as the downloadable software are available at RushmoreCasino.com. What's great about these is that they never take you off-site, nor require you to provide registration details. They are truly test/practice games - slightly smaller than the regular sized games in the software platform. I personally tested out Cleopatra's Gold five-reel, twenty payline video slot (which is evidently the most popular type of video slot coming out these days), as well as Deuces Wild Video Poker and regular Craps. Although the entire software platform isn't available in this Flash mode, it's a sound way to become familiarized with particular games and the software platform in general.

After getting in a little practice, I was ready to do the full download and installation. It only took seconds (so it seemed), which ended up being a partial download just to get me started in the game lobby, while all the other games slowly downloaded in the background. Right away, I decided to try out the three reel classic slot, Diamond Mine, which Rushmore features in their games lobby. It took just a few moments to fully download, and as soon as it did I put $25 into the machine and spent it all in about fifteen minutes at $.25 a coin, three coins per bet. At one point I was down half my money, went up $5 in profit and then eventually lost it all. I should have known when to quit!

One gripe I do have with the software is that information about each game is unavailable in the games lobby. Other software developers, like Vegas Technology, will show miniature pop-up screens with betting limits, the number of paylines if its a video slot and other useful information. If you don't know what it is, you have to just download it and check it out.

Real Series Slots

My next task was to hit up the Real Series slots. These make up one of Real Time Gaming's most popular and largest selection of video slots, all of which have five reels, twenty paylines, and range in credit size from $.01 to $5 per coin size. Wagers for bets on all twenty paylines range from $.20 to $100. I had heard about these slots by word of mouth and in other online casino reviews, and had great expectations for them. Too bad, 'cause I wasn't that impressed. The game themes were somewhat stereotypical, and many of them just blurred into one another. Nonetheless, there was a wide variety of random jackpots, gamble features and bonus rounds. The playing interface and payout tables are very helpful, and the graphics are impressive also. I especially liked how the reels would come to a stop - they bounce just a little, giving the impression they have weight like a real slot machine. The game sounds are very realistic and tolerable as well, unlike some other software platforms. I blew about $50 playing "Prince of Sherwood", hoping I would hit the bonus round, but only making chump change less than or little over my $1 bets. Overall, I think the Real Series slots are overrated, but I have to agree that they offer a wide selection of winning opportunities and solid entertainment.

Bonuses

Rushmore Casino's flagship welcome bonus is a two-deposit, game restricted bonus up to $888 Free. The bonuses must be claimed after making the first and second deposits respectively, but before any wagers have been made - so don't go jumping the gun thinking you can claim your bonus at any time. The first bonus is for 100% up to $400 Free, requires a minimum deposit of $30 and comes with a 15x play-through essentially just on slots. The second bonus is the same, except it dishes out up to $488 free. Game exclusions are all Blackjacks, Perfect Pairs, Baccarat, Craps, All Video Pokers, TriCard Poker, War, Paigow, Red Dog, Caribbean Stud and Roulette. Real Time Gaming is not that strict about playing non-qualifying games before the play-through is met, but is strict about voiding bonuses if preemptive withdrawals are requested. In other words, finish your play-through or blow the bonus before you try to cash out.

Rushmore was also offering what they fittingly call a "DoubleDown" bonus for 200% up to $1,000 free on the first deposit. To be used on blackjack and any other games except, Baccarat, Craps, Roulette and Pai Gow, this is a rare bonus folks. Although the play-through is higher (45x), it's the least you'd expect from a blackjack bonus. Rushmore requires a minimum deposit of $20 to get this bonus, and is only for new players. You can't combine it with the other bonus, and it must be redeemed prior to making your first deposit AND first wager.

Conclusion

I can honestly say this is one of my favorite online casinos. Although they do not offer live chat support, and things were a little rocky when they were first launched, Rushmore is a great place to bet. Their game specific bonuses and dedicated customer services set them apart from most other casinos. And if your like me, you'll definitely appreciate their top-notch graphics. The slots are are fine, but I would personally stick to the table games.

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