With a name like Buddy Slots, you’d like to think this is a casino that has your back. And in many ways, it does. New players will be treated to plenty of bonuses to get going, and the casino holds one of the most compelling licences available with the backing of the UK Gambling Commission. It also has another licence from the Alderney Gambling Control Commission for good measure.
But there are potential potholes here, too. Questionable terms that could affect your chances of cashing out a big jackpot win stick out. Plus, there are a few hidden charges you’ll want to be made aware of before you make a deposit.
Is this 2017 casino destined for great things, or do the issues here threaten your experience as a player? Read on to find out what our experts think.
Spin the Wheel
Things get off to an exciting start at Buddy Slots thanks to the introduction of the ‘Mega Reel’. Instead of playing for a fixed deposit bonus, as is the norm at most online casinos, players here take their chances on the randomised wheel. Prizes differ on the popular gem-based slot Starburst. If you hit big, this is a great way to get introduced to the casino. It also provides a chance for players to pocket some free spins easily.
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It's not just spins you get to enjoy on the Mega Reel. You can also win a number of different prizes that offer a bit more originality, such as a voucher to use at the online shopping site Amazon. It might not represent a major payday, but the option to win something different from the norm makes for a more immersive experience for players. Plus, it’s always nice to receive a gift that can be used away from the casino itself, as this offers genuine value.
- Buddy Slots is therefore far better suited for slots enthusiasts who enjoy to dabble with bingo and the occasional roulette spin. Buddy Slots does not offer a live dealer casino. Jumpman Gaming’s extensive network of casinos has a stellar bingo catalogue, so Buddy Slots players can expect to find a handful of decent bingo variations starting at just £0.01 per ticket.
- Read an overview of game developer BGaming and their top-performing games in a variety of markets.
Wagering requirements are at the higher end of what you’ll find at most online casinos. This can make cashing out your winnings a tricky prospect. Players may do well to treat the bonus more as a chance to explore the site than an opportunity to pocket easy winnings.
As well as having a go on the Mega Reel, you have the potential to earn cashback if there's a secondary offer running at the time you sign up. Buddy Slots often allows players to pick up a quick win on the Mega Reel, and to then receive a cashback boost for their first month on the site. The amount depends on your loyalty level, proving to be a very attractive offer for high rollers and frequent players.
All bonuses and promotions are subject to terms and conditions. Players 18 years old and above only. Play Responsibly.
Kooky Promotions
Once you've had your fun with one or two welcome bonuses on arrival, you'll be pleased to find out there are plenty more just around the corner. Deals at Buddy Slots change frequently, so it makes good sense to check back regularly to ensure you’re always getting maximum value for your money. You’ll find many recognisable offers in the form of special deposit bonuses which reward you with extra chips when you invest your funds. There are also happy hours that give you the opportunity to earn free spins on selected games at selected times.
But there are a few other offers which are more original. Pizza Club is one example which runs frequently at Buddy Slots and a few other casinos. Unlike most offers, the reward here is not in the form of points, spins or cash, but pizza! It's strictly limited to those with VIP status, and it gives the highest-wagering players the chance to win a piping-hot pizza from Pizza Express.
Top Games, Questionable Terms
It’s all well and good to have a loveable pug as your mascot and to call yourself Buddy. But that will count for little if the Buddy Slots casino can’t deliver on one of the most important aspects: its games. Fortunately, it does, with hundreds of terrific slots that will keep that pug’s tail wagging for days.
The two biggest providers in the market – Microgaming and NetEnt – each feature hundreds of thoroughly entertaining slot games, many of which are instantly recognisable. Here you'll also find games from other, less common developers like Jumpman Gaming mingled in, which makes things very interesting for players who want to try something new.
Fan favourites like Rainbow Riches are in abundance here. You can spin the typical slots, which almost seem to enjoy playing with the boundaries of copyright infringement – we’re looking at you, Might Kong. And then there are hundreds more, from Fluffy Favourites and Starburst, to Legends of Cleopatra and Thunder Reels.
The icons at the top of the ‘Games’ section are there to help you filter through the admirably large library. ‘Hot Slots’ lets the superstitious gamblers among you hone in on the slots which seem to be paying out more. ‘My faves’ lets you tag games you enjoy to jump back into them on future visits, while ‘Jackpots’ singles out the slots which can give you a hefty payday.
However, the latter actually presents a problem at Buddy Slots. We took the time to research and trawl through the terms and conditions, and we found that the restrictions on cashing out also apply to jackpot slots. What this means is that even if you win a massive six- or seven-figure prize at Buddy Slots, you may struggle to claim those winnings from the casino. This signals a red flag for us, and one that's important enough to make us think twice about whether or not the casino receives our approval.
Easily Play on Mobile
Buddy Slots is not only neat and easy to use on mobile, but it’s incredibly fast too. Type in the regular URL in your smartphone or tablet, and you’ll quickly land on a mobile-optimised version of the casino. It’s similar in terms of the pug mascot and satisfying leather-effect backdrop, but it also benefits from some resizing and subtle layout changes that make it easier to tap and flick your way around.
As is the case with most casinos introduced in 2017 or later, mobile was clearly a priority when the online casino began designing its site. Because of this, players can enjoy a superior experience on Buddy Slots mobile.
Solid Online Support
Players will be familiar with the kinds of support available at Buddy Slots. There’s no option to phone the company. Instead, you will first be directed to an FAQ section. You can bypass this if you wish, but some players will prefer to scan through for keywords to potentially have their question answered in seconds.
If you need to speak to someone, you can use the live chat feature. This lets you talk to a customer support agent in real time. You’ll need to be a signed-up member to access it, but once you’re in, responses are thick and fast. You also have the option to email the team. You will probably need to do this when you're trying to make a withdrawal for the first time, as the casino will be likely to request several forms of identification from you.
Not-So-Friendly Withdrawal Policies
In terms of deposit and withdrawal methods, everything seems to be okay at first. You can make a deposit in a variety of ways, including making a deposit using PayPal, credit card and other options. Plus, deposits are instant, which will have you playing in no time.
However, issues begin to arise when it’s time to withdraw. Withdrawals which fall below a fairly arbitrary figure will have a fee attached to them. So, if you want to cash out for a relatively small amount, the casino will help itself to a tip. But worse than this, players may run into huge hurdles with a big win. The terms state that jackpot slots are not excluded from maximum withdrawal restrictions. This makes playing jackpot slots here somewhat pointless, and it could cause major issues if you happen to win big on a slot such as Mega Moolah.
Buddy Slots Casino Review
Ready to Buddy Up?
Buddy Slots gets a lot of things right. Its cutesy approach, original promos and wealth of games all hold huge appeal, and they're bound to get a lot of customers involved on the site. However, transparency and respect to customers are key to a casino’s success. Unnecessary fees on smaller withdrawals and questionable terms on withdrawing big wins leave question marks over Buddy Slots.
Buddy Slots Reviews
If they could fix these issues, they may well be on to a winning formula here. In the meantime, we suggest you wager your money at our top recommended casinos instead.