Challenge Casino

Over its life Challenge Casino has had a few owners, but now this Microgaming-powered online casino is part of the sizeable Casino Action group.
Challenge Casino offers you the choice between downloading software (6.03 mb file) or loading up the no-install Flash version. Whilst the download casino offers a full bells-and-whistles gaming experience, the Flash version is great for those looking for a quick gamble. Of course, the no-download version will also appeal to those on slow connections, but thankfully the download file is small enough so as to not cause any major problems. Once you have accessed the lobby, you have to sign up and choose a currency (£, $, €). As a new player, you could claim a new player sign-up bonus, but remember that the wagering requirements will prevent you from taking that money out immediately. Those interested in casino bonuses though will be pleased to hear that up to 1000 free credits are available to new players! These casino bonuses are available on a new player's first, second and third deposits where the casino matches 25%, 50% and 100% of deposits respectively. However, it did appear that apart from an on-going loyalty bonus Challenge's bonuses are very much targeted at new players only.

The Microgaming Viper-software that Challenge uses has over 116 casino games which are all accessible via the lobby area. There are a great number of table games and these range from casino mainstays such as blackjack to more specialist favourites such as Three-Card Poker or Bonus Pai Gow Poker. There are a great variety of blackjack games - from Vegas City to Downtown to European, a blackjack game to suit pretty much every player can be found at Challenge Casino. Here is the overview: Atlantic City Blackjack (8 decks), Bonus Blackjack (two versions; bonus payout for bonus bets on the side), Double Exposure Blackjack (dealer cards are revealed to the player at start of the hand, but dealer wins on all ties), European Blackjack (single hand), Multihand Blackjack (up to 5 hands), Spanish Blackjack (two versions; 8 decks of 48 cards used; single hand), Super Fun 21 Blackjack (surrender/ late surrender allowed), Vegas Downtown Blackjack (2 decks) and Vegas Strip Blackjack (multihand; 4 decks).

We were also impressed with the betting ranges at the table games. A very impressive minimum of $0.50 is used on the table games and the maximum single-spot bet allowed is a nice $500. With multi-table Blackjack allowing up to 5 spots to be used at once it means a high roller can place $2500 on the table in any one round!

The graphics used are of a very high quality, and coupled with the sound effects employed in each game they make a player's gambling experience very enjoyable. Extra touches such as a perfect play 'expert function' simply enhance further the visitor's gaming experience. Another plus is the fact that Challenge Casino offers instant NeTeller withdrawals. Also customer support is decent, with e-mail and live chat being very responsive and reliable – although telephone support is not available unfortunately.

Overall, Challenge is a very solid online casino. The casino offers a good number of games and each one is presented in a very high quality manner. Banking works efficiently and support does what it needs to.