The series of slots based on the TV game show Deal Or No Deal has been an absolute franchise player for Atronic, and this latest game is one of the strongest in the series.

The game is available in four initial base-game titles. All are available in either a nine-line or 20-line configuration.

At the core of this game, like all in the “Deal” series, is the familiar “Briefcase Bonus,” which mimics the gambler-friendly game show. Ten briefcases or 20 briefcases (depending on the base game) appear on the main video screen, and the player is shown all the bonus amounts that are hidden within the cases. He selects one briefcase.

The player then selects briefcases to reveal their amounts, and based on the likely amounts behind the remaining briefcases, the computer makes the player a “Bank Offer.” The player selects “Deal” to accept it or “No Deal” to reject it and open more briefcases. This repeats until only two hidden credit values remain, and the bank makes a final offer. If the offer is rejected, the player’s case is open and the player is awarded the hidden bonus.

This version of the game, though, also includes three other bonus events. A side bet, as clearly communicated to the player, quadruples the frequency of entering a bonus. Each of the three bonuses is a “pick-a-tile” style of event, involving a choice between icons hiding credit awards.

The progressive bonus is enacted through a “mystery” trigger, and it presents the player another risk-or-reward choice: The player can choose the Briefcase Bonus, or can choose to play “The Experience,” with a guarantee of one of the two progressives. The player is offered an amount that is midway between the two progressive jackpot amounts. If he picks “No Deal,” he gets either the higher or the lower amount. It’s a 50/50 shot, and a great gambling proposition.

Manufacturer: Atronic Americas

Platform: e-motion

Format: Five-reel, nine-line or 20-line video slot

Denomination: .01, .02, .05

Max Bet: 150, 200

Top Award: 30,000, 50,000, 100,000

Hit Frequency: 35.7%, 45.2%

Theoretical Hold: 8%—12%

By Frank Legato

Frank Legato is editor of Casino Connection and also editor of Global Gaming Business magazine. He has been writing on gaming topics since 1984, when he launched and served as editor of Casino Gaming magazine. Legato, a nationally recognized expert on slot machines, has served as editor and reporter for a variety of gaming publications, including Public Gaming, IGWB, Casino Journal, Casino Player, Strictly Slots and Atlantic City Insider. He has an B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in communications from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. He is the author of the recently published book on gaming, How To Win Millions Playing Slot Machines... Or Lose Trying.