ELK Studios is a Swedish software developer that has been bringing games online since 2013, when it launched its first slot game: The Lab. Their games are stylish and smartly made, coming with interesting and innovative features to engage players in best ways that other software developers do not. Discover more here.
Ever since its founding in 2013, ELK Studios' casino game portfolio has been on the increase, both in terms of games produced and interesting art styles and game mechanics. The developer has won awards for its excellence, and is now a regular attendee at ICE London. Specializing in slots games, the Swedish firm makes mathematics integral to its offering, making use of statistical modelling to scientifically create the best-rated gameplay. Today it's going from strength to strength at the top reviewed no deposit online casino sites.
Games Overview
Go back to where it all began with ELK Studios' first slot to come online, The Lab. If fortune smiles on you there's a chance to enter the multiplying free spins mode and achieve big wins up to $276,000. Although a 5 reel slot, 2 more can appear when the Lab symbol shows up and all wins with free spins are automatically doubled. Another of the developer's high-rated games is Bloopers, which puts the focus on Hollywood's crew, rather than cast, and takes a light-hearted look at the entertainment business as the player seeks to encounter the likes of Soundtech and Stuntman to receive bonus game wilds. It comes with 243 ways to win, meaning there's plenty of opportunity to finish ahead. Named Game of the Year 2017 at the EGR Operator Awards, Wild Toro is a 4 row, 5 reel slot with 178 paylines and a smorgasbord of wilds, respins, and free spins. Players encounter the heroic bull El Toro and his rival, the devious matador Diaz Jr in a charming Spanish town (NB because ELK studios prefers the bull, El Toro is constantly defeating Diaz Jr). The last of our quartet of ELK Studios' top no deposit online casino games is Sam on the Beach. This sees Sam return from earlier slot game Electric Sam, bringing his family to visit his uncle in the Caribbean. Sticky wilds and free spins await online players, and this neon slot comes with 243 ways to win.
Game Quality
ELK Studios takes a three pronged approach to online game-making, focusing on statistical data to mathematically model games to make them as engaging as possible, best artwork that works well on mobiles, and a brewing cauldron of concepts ready to make the transition to functioning best-rated online games. Although a smaller software developer with a more limited range than some other best-rated casino rivals, ELK Studios does have some of the highest rated slots that are immersive and entertaining, and the fact they're designed first and foremost for the mobile market (whilst still working on desktops) means that mobile gamers might find they're at the cutting edge.
How We Scored ELK Studios Software
Choosing a software provider often comes down to the selection of games that are available. We have done a review of all supported casino titles from ELK Studios. When making a selection on where to play, you need to be aware of the types of games offered as well as the game variations. It is best to make sure the provider offers frequent game updates and has progressive jackpot titles that can be played. Here is how we scored ELK Studios casino sites.
Top 10's Best Pros and Cons
Every software developer has its particular strengths and weaknesses, and here are some of the bonuses and downsides of an ELK Studios casino.
Pros
Mobile First Studio - The firm describes itself as mobile first, meaning that all its online games are developed for the mobile market first and foremost. Features such as swiping to spin and touch capabilities come naturally because the mobile platform is at the heart of game development. Gamblers who like to play on the go will find the ELK Studios casinos offer a product suite compatible with tablets and smartphones for maximum convenience.
Big Jackpots - The games you can find at an ELK Studios casino offer top prizes of six figures, with many slots offering jackpots of between $250,000 and $500,000. For those drawn to big money jackpots, these high end figures coupled with good RTPs (often around 96.3%) are a lucrative combination as players who don't grab the big prize can nevertheless enjoy a reasonably good chance of finishing ahead.
Mathematical Modelling - Ok, this sounds a bit dry and school homework-ish, but bear with us. Numbers are the beating heart of every slot game you can think of. The odds on not just jackpots but smaller wins, special features and so on determine player engagement with a game, not just in a winning way, but when you get near misses. The approach of statistical modelling that ELK Studios opts for helps to get this balance right scientifically, making the game more enjoyable for players.
Betting Strategies - The mathematical approach doesn't apply just to the design stage of the game, but the playing part as well. Autoplay comes with a number of betting strategy options that allows players to kick back and relax whilst the machine does the work for them. These include the Optimizer, Leveller, Booster, and Jumper strategies. Optimizer bets a percentage of the player's balance from 1-10%, Leveller raises after 5 losses in a row, Booster increases the bet after a loss, and Jumper increases the stake upon a win.
Game On - Game On is a feature designed to encourage players to keep going with a game. After placing 25 bets the Game On mode is activated and players enjoy a greater chance of winning free spins, improving the odds on finishing ahead.
Cons
Small Slots Selection - Whilst the games are engaging there's no denying that ELK Studios comes with a significantly smaller selection than some rivals. Compared to the biggest top 10 best-rated ones, which have hundreds, the few dozen that ELK Studios casinos offer is rather on the thin side.
No Table Games or Live Dealer Options - Table games are a staple of casinos and a classic favourite of many players. Poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps have been long-established as mainstays of the gambling world. However, ELK Studios is dedicated to slots, and slots alone, so card sharks and wheel jockeys will have to rely upon other developers to find what they're looking for. Similarly, there are no live dealer options.
No Progressive Jackpots - Progressive jackpots function differently to the stereotypical fixed jackpots. Every time a progressive jackpot slot is spun without a jackpot being claimed the top prize increases. This means that the more popular a game is the more enormous the ultimate reward becomes. Six figures are common, and seven or even eight have been won at various times in recent history. Although the developer's jackpots are nothing to be sniffed at, they don't quite reach the heady heights of the top progressive games from other developers.
The Company History Up To 2024
The story of ELK Studios and its casino games goes back to 2013 when the firm opened its office in Engelbrektsgatan and launched its first slot: The Lab. Since then, the developer has changed office, increased its staff numbers, and released new games on a regular basis. In 2017 the firm's El Toro slot was named the 2017 Game of the Year at the EGR Operators Awards. The following year the developer exhibited at ICE London for the first time, returning in subsequent years.
ELK Studios online casinos have some idiosyncratic and interesting features that make them unlike other online developers. One of the most obvious is that the firm operates on a mobile first basis, designing every online game with the mobile market in mind rather than creating games for desktops and then modifying them. Because of this, mobile gamers can get a great experience with portrait mode for easy one-handed gameplay, and swiping/touch interaction utilized throughout. Mobile gamers hunting for some of the top online casinos can get a head start here. The mathematical approach adopted at ELK Studios casinos also means online no deposit players will get and stay engaged, and that they can take advantage of betting strategies. These smart autoplay options enable players to adopt more conservative or volatile approaches to online betting whilst putting their feet up and letting their computer do the hard work. As an online bonus, ELK studios casinos tend to combine good RTP (return to player) with high fixed jackpots, so there's no compromise necessary between going for big wins or seeking a good RTP.
What to Expect When You Sign Up
When players register at the best top 10 ELK Studios casinos they can expect to find a selection of mathematically modelled slots designed specifically for the mobile market. The engaging range of slots come with good RTP rates and high jackpots, coupled with intriguing and innovative features such as the advanced autoplay options in the Betting Strategies feature. This quartet of different strategies enables players to customize the autoplay option to take account of their balance or recent win/loss record, and echoes the mathematically modelled approach taken when the best games are designed. In addition, players can enjoy best mechanics such as high payline numbers with some slots, and stylistic innovations such as the vertical layout of the Chi slot. Mobile gamers will find the best online games intuitive to play, many designed for single hand use and with swiping employed as a natural mechanic. And there are best-rated bonuses to enjoy.
How Does ELK Studios Software Compare with Other Big Providers
Each software provider that is used at an online casino will have something different to offer. We have compared ELK Studios casinos to other best-rated providers and have looked at various aspects. With our comparison below, you can see how many games are offered, what types of games are available, supported banking options, and more. It is also best to look at how long the company has been developing games and whether the software is fully compatible with all top 10 best rated operating systems. Below, you can see how ELK Studios compares to other top 10 best-rated providers.
Software ComparisonEstablished / LocationIndependently Tested byRegistered on Stock ExchangeMulti-Language?Multi-Currency?Available on Mobile?Number of GamesSlotsBlackjackRouleteVideo PokerProgressive JackpotsLive Dealer Games3D Slots
Another advantage of ELK Studios casinos is that the online betting sites are often keen to encourage players through the use of no deposit bonuses and other promotions. Benefiting from these bonuses is perfectly simple. A player can either find top 10 best no deposit bonuses through online betting sites directly (on a promotions/bonuses page) or use a review website to quickly find a larger number of the special offers. Always remember to check the particulars of a deal to ensure it's what you're after. Luckily, online betting sites do not try to hide offers, though if you are stuck finding no deposit bonuses then you can find some of the highest-rated offers right here on our site.
ELK Studio casinos are accessible in Sweden, which might well be expected to see as the software developer is based there. Major European regulatory territories Malta, Gibraltar, and the United Kingdom are all fine for accessing the firm's product suite. In addition, other major Anglophone nations such as Australia and Canada can also enjoy the slots on offer. The major exception appears to be the United States, although it is best to note that there is something of a drive to liberalize American gambling laws so watch this space for developments.
Which ELK Studios casino slots offer the best RTP?Some of the best top 10 RTP games include Wild Toro, Poltava, and Ho Ho Tower. All of these have RTPs of 96.4%, with many having an RTP of 96.3% (including The Lab and Sam on the Beach).
Which slots offer lots of paylines?The slots with lots of paylines are Taco Brothers, Sam on the Beach, and Electric Sam. They have 243 paylines each, as does Bloopers. Wild Toro and Wild Seas have 178 paylines each.
How do I claim the top 10 best no deposit bonuses?You claim the top 10 best no deposit bonuses by signing up to the casino website. Top 10 best rated online betting sites often offer no deposit bonuses to encourage players to play its best games. Finding the best no deposit bonuses is no problem as the top 10 best online sites clearly list bonuses, including no deposit bonuses, in the promotions or bonuses page. If you're interested in taking advantage of a no deposit bonus it's strongly advisable to read the terms and conditions to ensure all's well. A better way to make use of no deposit bonuses is to find a list of them compiled by a review site, which puts together offers of no deposit bonuses for easy comparison.
Should I use the betting strategies?Yes, and no, using betting strategies depends on whether you prefer a hands on or hands off approach. It also depends on whether you're the sort of player who goes with their gut instinct. If you're a hands on player or an intuitive one you may be better handling things yourself, but if you're happy to let the machine do the work then the betting strategies can be a way of playing without doing everything yourself.
Do they make any table games?No, unfortunately, the developer is focused on best slots and doesn't make any table games.
What about live dealer games?No, again, the company doesn't make live dealer games.
Are Elk Studios casinos safe?Yes, Elk Studios casinos are very safe. The developer enjoys a good reputation, and its software is certified by independent, best-rated third party auditors such as eCOGRA.
Are the ELK Studos online casino games mobile compatible?Yes, all ELK Studios casino games are compatible with mobile devices including smartphones and tablets in mind from the very start.
How many games are there?There are about three dozen at the time of writing.
The developer's a mobile first studio: can I still play on my desktop?Yes, although ELK Studios online casino games are created with mobile gaming in mind, but you can play their top 10 best-rated games seamlessly and perfectly well on desktops.
Our Final Opinion & Overall Rating
It's fair to say that the ELK Studios casino games come with a smaller selection than most top 10 best rated online venues, but it's also true that the best ELK Studios casino games are stylish and smartly made, coming with interesting and innovative features to engage players in best ways that other software developers do not. Not to mention the top-rated online betting sites where you can find their games often offer great online no deposit bonuses of free cash for roulette or blackjack, free spins with no deposit for slots and more.
Amanda has been involved with all aspects of the content creation at Top10Casinos.com including research, planning, writing and editing. The dynamic environment has kept her engaged and continually learning which along with +15 years iGaming experience helped propel her into the Chief Editor role.
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