Top 25 online slot games for December

A monthly report published by research and consulting firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) shows six new slot games have placed in the top 25 for December. The report is compiled based on game performance data captured from online casino sites across Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.

New slots tracked in the list of 25 include:

• Lightning Blaze, by Light & Wonder
• Ted, by White Hat Studios
• 5x A Winner, by Design Works Gaming
• Wild Hot Chilli Reels, by Evolution
• Thor Infinity Reels, by Reel Play
• Dragon Treasure Pearls, by Konami

Based in Irvine, Calif., EKG recently released a page from their performance report showing only the top 25 slots. Known officially as Eilers-Fantini Online Game Performance Report, the full report is available on the company's website.

Focusing on the top five, Lightning Blaze by Light & Wonder is ranked No. 1 after having no previous ranking in past reports.

Lightning Blaze was released exclusively via Paddy Power Betfair and Pokerstars for two weeks from Aug. 17 before its general release, according to an article by iGaming Future.

Lightning Box Games then announced on Oct 28 through Facebook that Lightning Blaze was available exclusively in Michigan through BetMGM. The game is now available at online casinos in Michigan, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Join BetMGM Virginia (sports betting ONLY)

Following Lightning Blaze is Molten Hot 7s from Design Works Gaming (previously ranked No. 3), Slingo Shark Week from Gaming Realms (previously ranked No. 9), Split Dragon from High 5 Games (previously ranked No. 18), and Deal Or No Deal Megaways Golden Case from White Hat Studios (no previous ranking in past reports.).

Thirteen manufacturers are represented in the top 25 slot games listed. Everi and Light & Wonder appear the most with four games each; Evolution and White Hat Studios, three games each; Design Works Gaming and Gaming Realms, two games each; AGS, High 5 Games, IGT, Inspired, Konami, Reel Play, and 4ThePlayer, one game each.

Lightning Blaze

Coming in at #1, Lightning Blaze is a progressive jackpot game. You win by lining up three to five matching symbols. This 3x5-reel slot screen will have you looking to hit those Wild 7 multipliers for big wins. Wild symbols substitute for all other symbols apart from a scatter and higher wilds. Hit on six or more lightning bolt scatter symbols and trigger the exciting Lightning Respin feature in the game. You can bet $0.40 to $100 per spin and win combos on 40 paylines. The game has a mini, minor, major, and grand jackpot that reaches $125,000. The game even has an animated handle that pulls down with each spin, for all you old-school players.

Molten Hot 7s

Looking for a hot machine in your local online casino? There is nothing “cool” about the Molten Hot 7s slot game sitting at #2 on the EKG chart. This is a classic three-reel game with massive prize potential. The slot is packed with 27 paylines and two progressive jackpots. This is a well-established fiery game online and in land-based casinos. It’s a simple three-reel screen with wild symbols to help boost your win lines. The game's volatility has been reported as medium with a Return-To-Player (RTP) rating of 96.6%. Bets range between $0.25 to $200 per spin. While playing, you'll notice the jackpots at the top of the screen increase with each spin preparing for a big win if you hit it.

Slingo Shark Week

With five bonus games and a shark wheel giving you the chance to play enhanced bonus rounds, it’s time to dive right in and sink your teeth into this jaw-biting adventure called Slingo Shark Week. Coming in at #3 in December, get ready to be hooked on the fun in this game. Spin the reel to match numbers off the grid. Landing Wilds and Super wilds allow you to click on the grid to choose which number to mark off. Mark five numbers in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row to get a Slingo. Completing five or more Slingos awards a cash prize and then the chance to play one of the bonus rounds. This game has an RTP of 95.36%.

Split Dragon

Released in 2014, Split Dragon comes in at #4 on the list. The Orange Dragon is the key symbol in this game. The main aim is to try and line up as many Orange Dragons as possible on the five reels and 40 paylines this game offers. The Orange Dragons can appear in both single and double form, giving you the chance to lining-up 10 dragons on a pay-line. Bets in this game range from $0.40 to $2,000 per spin. The theoretical RTP for the game is 96.5%. The other main symbol to watch out for is the Golden Dragon Bonus Symbol. Hit three of these on reels two, three, or four and you'll trigger the free games bonus round of seven free games.

Deal Or No Deal Megaways Golden Case

Can you guess the correct case and unlock the golden one? Deal Or No Deal Megaways Golden Case is a six-reel smash hit slot featuring up to 117,649 ways to win as well as cascading symbols that can trigger one of three Deal Or No Deal bonus rounds or the all-new Golden Case bonus. The game has an RTP of 95.99% and is available online in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, according to game developer White Hat Studios. Bets range from $0.10 to $10.00 per spin. Achieving seven or more consecutive winning cascades, or revealing The Golden Case icon from the final case in Mega Deal or No Deal, awards The Golden Case bonus.

Sikorsky increases production of new CH-53K helicopter

The US Navy approved full-rate production of the Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter on Friday, a decision that is expected to increase production to more than 20 helicopters annually in the coming years.

“Ramping up production of the most technologically advanced helicopter in the world allows the U.S. Marine Corps to build out its CH-53K King Stallion fleet,” said Bill Falk, director of the Sikorsky CH-53K program. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company.

A network of more than 200 suppliers across 35 states supports the CH-53K program.

The Marine Corps’ approved acquisition objective is 200 aircraft.

In October 2020, the CH-53K program had five aircraft on the line at Sikorsky facilities in Connecticut and over two dozen in various stages of production.

The Corps declared Initial Operational Capability for the CH-53K helicopter in April, validating the platform’s operational readiness to forward deploy Marines and equipment across the globe.

Production through 2032 and beyond

The CH-53K is a multi-mission helicopter with heavy-lift capabilities that exceed all other U.S. Department of Defense rotary wing aircraft and is the only heavy-lift helicopter that will remain in production through 2032 and beyond. The CH-53K can carry a 27,000-pound external load over 110 nautical miles, which is more than triple the external load-carrying capacity of the legacy CH-53E aircraft.

The CH-53K King Stallion is designed to conduct expeditionary assault transport of armored vehicles, equipment, and personnel to support distributed operations deep inland from a sea-based center of operations. The aircraft can also support humanitarian relief, firefighting, and search and rescue.

Rep. Lofgren appointed lead Democrat for science, space, and technology committee

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) has been selected by the House Democratic Caucus to be the ranking member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the 118th Congress.

Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) welcomed the appointment in a press release.

“Congresswoman Lofgren has been a longtime friend and colleague, has served on this committee for many years, and has been integral to moving forward key legislation to improve our scientific enterprise,” Johnson said. “I’m also very glad that the lead Democrat of the committee will continue to be an example to rising generations that women belong in places of leadership and science.”

The committee has exclusive jurisdiction over NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The committee also has authority over research and development activities at the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency,  Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, and the Department of Homeland Security.

“I intend to work in a bipartisan manner to continue to improve the speed of scientific research, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support our nation’s scientific and space enterprises,” Lofgren said.

Lofgren is also a member of the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot

New Mexican airline to begin service in first quarter of 2023

Mexico's new regional airline Aerus has purchased two Cessna SkyCourier and four Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft from Textron, Inc. The airline recently took delivery of the first three Grand Caravan EX turboprops.

The aircraft are designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation Inc.

“Both aircraft offer superior performance and low operating costs in combination with flexibility in cabin and payload,” said Marcelo Moreira, vice president of Sales, Latin America region, Textron Aviation.

Based in Monterrey, Mexico, Aerus will cover unserved national and international routes in order to meet the needs of its customers.

“When we looked at options within the market to operate the routes we had in mind, it was a no-brainer decision to choose the Grand Caravan EX and the SkyCourier from Textron Aviation, which will be the cornerstone of the Aerus project,” said Javier Herrera, CEO, Aerus. “We are very proud to be one of the first operators of the new SkyCourier.”

Aerus is part of Grupo Herrera, which has 80 years of experience in the automotive, financial, and real estate industries, and has had an air taxi permit since 1990. The company plans to begin its airline operations in the first quarter of 2023.

Cessna SkyCourier

Built for high utilization operations, the Cessna SkyCourier is a twin-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop offered in both cargo and passenger variants. The efficient 19-passenger variant includes crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding.

Cessna Grand Caravan EX

The Grand Caravan EX turboprop was engineered for challenging missions, high and short payloads, and rough runways. It can carry up to 14 occupants with an increased speed and climb capability and offers low operating costs.

RCI Hospitality Holdings buys a restaurant, taproom, and video game arcade in Colorado

RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. announced Wednesday they have purchased a restaurant and taproom in Greenwood Village, Colo. The location is a full-service bar, brewery, and video game arcade. The purchase is part of the company's planned expansion in the greater Denver area.

“Consideration paid was $5.2 million, consisting of $1.875 million in cash and a five-year, 6.67% bank financing note with a 25-year amortization,” the company said in a press release.

The popular 12,500-square-foot food hall offers sushi, Italian sandwiches, Korean dumplings, Mexican dishes, pizza, and Mediterranean specialties. The restaurant is located at 6575 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard.

The plan is to add a mini Bombshells kitchen featuring its famous wings and salads as well as many of its popular appetizers and use the brewery to create its own, signature craft beers for sale in other RCI locations to further differentiate its brands in Colorado.

RCI recently announced the acquisition of sites in Aurora for a Bombshells restaurant and Central City for a Rick's Cabaret Steakhouse and Casino, adding to the company's five adult nightclubs in Denver.

Potential upside in stock shares

Shares of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RICK) were trading in the $95 range on Wednesday following the restaurant acquisition news. Stock shares have gained 4.6% over the past four weeks.

In an article on Tuesday, Zacks Equity Research says “there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $122.67 indicates a 35.4% upside potential."

Nevada casino will open two safes that have been locked for 40 years

Nevada's longest-operating casino is offering an exciting look at its history with the opening of two safes that have been locked for the last 40 years. DeSimone Gaming's Railroad Pass Casino in Henderson, Nev., will display the historic findings from the safes on Dec. 29.

The event will kick off at 3:00 p.m. with a champagne toast and reception.

"Because of the vault room's space limitations, the actual openings will be live-streamed into the casino,” DeSimone said in a press release. DeSimone Gaming's founder, Joe DeSimone will open the safes.

Festivities will continue throughout the day culminating with the dedication of a new time capsule at 5:00 p.m. To maintain its place in Nevada's history, artifacts will be included from the Boulder City Council, Henderson City Council, Boulder City Historical Society, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Hoover Dam, and DeSimone Gaming. It will be opened in 2048, allowing future generations a look at life today.

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