The First Time I Clicked “Spin”
So here’s the thing. I wasn’t even looking for them. I was halfway through a lukewarm pint at home, scrolling through a UKGC-licensed casino lobby, when this bizarre title popped up: Aeterna. It looked… odd. Not “bad graphics” odd — more like “is this even a slot?” odd. I clicked it, figuring I’d spin twice and move on. Forty minutes later, I was muttering at my screen like some lunatic in the bookies. That was my accidental introduction to Black Pudding Games, and I’ve been keeping an eye on them ever since.
They’re not big. They’re not loud. And they’re definitely not trying to be everyone’s cup of tea. Which, in a market where every other slot feels like a copy of a copy, is kind of refreshing.
Who Are They, Really?
Founded in 2018 — yeah, fairly recent — Black Pudding Games is like that small indie band your mate swears is better than anything on the radio. They came out swinging with mechanics that made some seasoned players scratch their heads. Orbital reels? Dice-based spins? At first, I thought it was a gimmick. Then I realised — no, this is their thing.
They partnered with the 1X2 Network early on, which is why you can actually find them in proper UK casinos rather than dodgy offshore sites. That’s important — we’re talking UK Gambling Commission compliance here. Which means they’ve had to jump through all the hoops: independent testing, responsible gambling integrations, the lot.
The Games – Small Menu, Big Flavour
Slots You Won’t Mistake for Anyone Else’s
Their flagship slot, Aeterna, ditches standard reels entirely. Instead, you’ve got symbols orbiting around a centre point. No paylines. Wins come from matching patterns in this circular setup. It’s hypnotic — and yeah, I lost track of time more than once.
Then there’s Slice & Dice, which basically turns a slot into a hybrid board game. The bonus rounds feel like rolling for loot in a tabletop RPG, except you’re playing for actual cash.
That’s Pretty Much It (For Now)
Look, they don’t have 200 games. If you’re expecting a buffet, you’ll be disappointed. But that’s what I like — you don’t get that “didn’t I already play this?” feeling.
Mobile Works Fine
I’ve run Aeterna on an iPhone while waiting for the train at King’s Cross and it didn’t lag once. HTML5 build, no extra downloads, and the animations stay smooth even on patchy 4G.
Why They’re Different – And Not Just for Show
Their RTP rates hover around 96–97%, which is comfortably higher than some of the big names that have dropped to 94% “because reasons.” Volatility varies, but even the high-vol titles don’t feel as punishing as some. UK player chatter on forums often says the same thing: “I actually hit bonuses before my balance hit zero.”
Also, they don’t spam reskins. I can name a dozen other providers that will release the same game four times in a year with slightly different symbols. Black Pudding? Nah.
The Bonus Situation
Where the Free Spins Live
Black Pudding doesn’t hand out bonuses themselves. You’ll see them through partner casinos — like 25 free spins on Aeterna as part of a welcome pack.
Watch the Wording
A “Black Pudding Games bonus” isn’t some direct-from-the-developer perk. It’s just the casino spotlighting their titles in a promo. Could be free spins, could be a leaderboard comp, could be a prize drop.
UK Rules Apply
This is the UK — if the casino’s licensed, the terms have to be clear. No hiding insane x99 wagering requirements in tiny grey text. And if you’ve had enough, GamStop and BeGambleAware tools are always an option.
My Honest Pros & Cons Table
Good Stuff | Not-So-Good Stuff |
Games actually feel different | Small game library |
High RTPs | Limited presence in some UK casinos |
UKGC-compliant | No table or live games yet |
Mobile-friendly | If you hate quirky mechanics, you won’t like them |
Picking a UK Casino That Has Them
Here’s my personal checklist:
- UKGC licence — non-negotiable.
- Fast withdrawals — I’ve had e-wallet cashouts in under six hours from one operator.
- Transparent bonuses — if you see “wagering x50,” think twice.
Some good spots? LeoVegas UK and BetVictor have both hosted their games recently — and both are fully licensed.
The Legal & Safety Bit
Boring, but important: you must be 18+. KYC checks will happen. Your games are tested before launch. And if you think you can VPN in from outside the UK — don’t bother. Casinos track that, and they will shut you down.
My Take – Worth a Go?
In my opinion? Absolutely — as long as you treat them like a treat. You’re not here for an endless library; you’re here for something different. Fire up Aeterna or Slice & Dice when you want to shake up your usual routine. Worst case, you walk away thinking, “Well, that was weird.” Best case? You’re posting a screenshot of a bonus round win in some forum at 1 a.m. with the caption: “Told you these guys were good.”
FAQ
Are these games fair?
Yep. RNG tested, UKGC-approved.
Can I get a no-deposit bonus?
Sometimes, but only through casinos — not directly from Black Pudding.
What’s the average RTP?
Most titles sit around 96–97%.Do they work on mobile?
Yes — I’ve played them on train Wi-Fi and survived.