Сasino Software

The Most Important Suppliers in the Market

The best casino software providers always stand out from the pack. While there are over fifty recognisable names involved in the business, only a handful of could accurately and fairly be called the top online casino software providers in the industry. We’ll introduce you to what we deem to be the best seven developers below.

• Microgaming: Microgaming has more experience than any other provider around, having featured at the very first online casino way back in 1994. The eCOGRA certified provider has long been known for its top array of progressive jackpot video slots. These mega jackpot slots include Mega Moolah, the game responsible for the highest jackpot ever paid out. However, the established developer also has a range of RNG and live dealer table games, instant win titles and video poker games. Their collection of 500+ games are all certified as fair and regularly appear at over three hundred established betting sites. Microgaming is credited with developing the 243 ways to win engine, the Rolling Reels mechanic and randomly triggered bonuses. Microgaming has successfully launched its Quickfire open gaming platform. This sees many fledgeling providers’ titles feature at Microgaming powered casinos, giving those developers an outlet for their games while boosting the array of titles Microgaming casinos can offer.
• NetEnt: Scandinavia’s number one software provider may now be owned by Evolution Gaming, but they are still a force to be reckoned with, with over two decades of gaming experience behind them. Present in over 200 casinos, NetEnt games were amongst the first to be deemed mobile-friendly. While they tend to focus heavily on slots (and their jackpot games give Microgaming’s a run for their money), this developer has licenses from the MGA and UKGC and has developed live casino and table games. The latter can be played with low, medium, and high roller modes. NetEnt is often deemed to be an innovator and is credited with introducing the Cluster Pays engine to the casino world.
• Playtech: For years, Playtech was Microgaming’s chief rival. Licensed out of the UK and established in 1999, Playtech appears at sportsbooks, poker rooms and casinos alike. They also have their own bingo platform – Virtue Fusion – which is one of the most popular networks. Playtech has its own major progressive slots, and that is something they are arguably best known for. Playtech does develop table games, but their live dealer collection is arguably better known. Expect to see RNG-certified games from this revered and trustworthy provider. However, Playtech software is not as globally available as their primary rivals, Microgaming and NetEnt.
• Play’n Go: Play ‘n Go has games playable in over thirty languages. Their arsenal of over seventy-five games does tend to heavily feature slots more than other entries. Despite being founded in 1997, it is only in recent years that Play ‘n Go has hit the big time with their highly volatile “book slots”. High RTP rates, fair wagering ranges and mobile compatibility are other highlights of this UK, Danish, Norwegian, and Belgian licensed software provider. Play ‘n Go is nothing if not an adaptable developer of slots, and their games always tend to score high ratings amongst fans.
• Yggdrasil Gaming: Yggdrasil Gaming may have started in 2011 as a small-scale developer, but they rapidly became a fan favourite. Yggdrasil immediately partnered with fellow Scandinavian provider, NetEnt to get themselves a foothold in the industry. Since then, they have broken away, and now the MGA and UK licensed developer even has its own open gaming platform, Yggdrasil Masters. They still largely focus on slots and have around seventy titles for you to choose from. Yggdrasil’s games are notable for featuring bizarre but wholly unique and original wagering ranges and features. They have some of the best RTP rates of any software provider’s games.
• Pragmatic Play: Pragmatic Play started out as Top Game and were one of the worst providers, with dodgy RTP rates and reportedly fixed games. However, they were taken over and rebranded almost a decade ago. As Pragmatic Play, they have become one of the most trusted and reputable developers in the business. Pragmatic Play games can be found at UK, MGA, and Curacao licensed casinos and are notable for featuring gorgeous graphics, creative re-spin rounds, and the Drops and Wins system. This allows their games to feature in daily, weekly, and monthly tournaments where prizes worth millions of credits can be won on selected titles.
• BetSoft Gaming: BetSoft Gaming is renowned as the leading developer of 3D slots. This means to say slots that feature animated 3D imagery. Some of their titles were acquired by the now-defunct Sheriff Gaming, but many are original releases. BetSoft is notable for featuring somewhat costly wagering options, but they offset this with rich winnings and innovative features. BetSoft has also produced a small array of RNG table games, although their slots tend to draw the most attention. BetSoft is licensed out of Malta and Curacao, so their games tend to appear at so-called offshore or “international casinos”.

Why Are Software Providers Important?

As you can see from the list of our best online casino software providers above, every one of them brings something unique and different to the online casinos that feature them. In the past, casinos could get by utilising the software of just one provider. However, nowadays, the best casinos will feature software from an ample array of providers. It is important to note the difference between operators and providers. Operators are merely the companies that “run” casino sites. However, it is operators that provide the power than “run” the casinos.

Some operators solely focus on developing games. However, others – most notable the larger ones – provide a full back-office and suite of software. This can handle everything from processing payments, bonuses and promotions, security and more. With that in mind, let’s look closer at how online casino software works.

How Does Online Casino Software Work?

Casino software providers can be broken down into three genres based on the services they offer:

• Full Package with Back-Office Software: These provide everything an operator needs to run a casino, including back-office software that processes payments, offers security, and handles promotions. Casinos will almost always choose to have one provider that kits them out with the entire software package.

• Open Gaming Platforms: These providers offer an open gaming platform that can see rival developers offer their titles alongside those of the primary provider in one platform. Casinos that wish to provide a wealth of games may opt to utilise the services of an open gaming platform from a provider.

• Game Developer: These are often start-ups or small companies. They solely focus on game development. To get their games to casinos, they will often sign up to open gaming platforms, like Microgaming’s Quickfire.

The best casino software providers can fit into all the genres listed above, or they may offer a service that spans two or even all three of them. Ultimately, any modern online casino will want to have a mix of software from various providers that cover those genres. The more experience a provider has, the more likely they will offer casinos a “full software package”.

The top casino software providers will have tools and software that offers the customer support services that a casino uses to cater to its players. They will also sometimes provide a UI that makes it easy to navigate the gaming collection. Software providers may also customise their games to appeal to the specific needs of each casino client. Some may prefer to accept cryptocurrency payments, and the software provider would need to tinker with their games to ensure that this is possible.

Payments may be processed by third-party software, the casino’s own software, but often it is the software provider who handles this. The currencies a casino can accept, the limits on deposits and withdrawals, and the transaction times involved are often determined by the parameters set by the casino software provider.

What Makes the Best Casino Software Providers?

We’ve discussed some of the best casino software providers in the business above. We’ve also looked at some of the services their software can provide. However, we still need to look at what makes these software providers the best in the business. Allow us to take you on a journey by looking at three common features found in all the best casino software developers. They include:

Variety and Quality of Games

One of the tell-tale signs of any top supplier is the array of games it can deliver. The greater the variety of games a provider has to offer, the more content casino players will be. The best in the business tend to developer more than just slots. On top of that, the quality of the games is important. You want to see wagering ranges that are suitable for all players, coupled with a fair prize to wager ratio, features that provide excitement and engage players, nifty graphics, and gripping themes. Poor quality games tend to appear at riskier, less reputable casinos, while high-quality titles appear at the biggest and best casinos. It is that simple.

RTP, Fairness and Security

Three other aspects need to be considered when trying to see why some software providers excel above others. Firstly, there is the RTP rate. The Return to Player rate is a theoretical figure that shows you “how much” of each bet the casino makes available to be won, compared to its house edge (how much it keeps). The higher the RTP rate, the better. The industry standard is now around 96%. This means that 96% of each bet wagered is thrown into a pot for players to win. The best providers have RTP rates that range from 95.5% up to 98%.

We should also consider fairness. A higher RTP rate isn’t the only indicator of fairness. We also want to see games that use RNGs that are certified. Random number generators (RNGs) ensure that each spin or turn is random. These algorithms should be checked by independent auditors that include Technical Systems Testing (TST), the eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation Authority (eCOGRA), or Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). All the best developers will have fully regulated games that have been certified as fair. Even cryptocurrency games are checked and measured for fair play. Fair cryptocurrency games should bear the Provably Fair hallmark and certificate. 

Finally, let’s talk about security. It isn’t just online casinos that need to be licensed – providers do, too. Casinos should only feature games from operators that have the same licenses that they do. For instance, UKGC licensed casinos will often feature games from UK Gambling Commission licensed software providers. UKGC casinos won’t feature many games from Curacao licensed slot developers. This ensures that the software provider developers’ fair games are in-line with the gambling regulations of the country you reside in. The UK is a great example here. There are UKGC laws that state that games can’t offer a super-fast auto-spin mode and that buy-a-bonus rounds aren’t legal.

Therefore, Microgaming and NetEnt ensure that while these features may be available elsewhere, they are disabled or limited in UK casinos. UK casinos can offer this added security because both they and the software providers are licensed by the same regulator. On top of that, added security may come in the form of KYC verification, deposit caps, wager limits and reality checks, most of which can be woven into casino software with ease by the developers.

Mobile and Tablet Compatibility

The final thing we need to consider that helps the best providers stand out from so-so ones is the type of platform they offer. It is unthinkable in this day and age that casino software providers could develop games that aren’t fully mobile compatible. Oddly enough, a few still do. You want to see games that feature finger and thumb-friendly buttons, easy to navigate screens, smooth and crisp animation and graphics and games that can be played with ease on mobile devices. One of the ways that casino software providers do this is to ensure that they develop their games in HTML5.

Sure, some providers can create games that are playable via mobile casino apps, but these may be iOS or Android-exclusive apps. By developing games using HTML5, a casino software provider can ensure that those games can be played at any casino on virtually all mobile phones and tablets using nothing more than a basic web browser. For the best companies in the business, this won’t be an issue at all.

How to Compare the Best Online Casino Providers

While we wouldn’t want to single out one of the best online casino software providers over the other leading top online casino software providers, there are things we can look at to help you understand where each excels. Below, you can find a convenient table that covers some of the key features that each of our recommended developers has to offer compared to its counterparts.

Types of Casino Software

There are several ways in which casino software providers may deliver their products to gambling sites. That exact platforms you can choose from will vary from casino to casino. Most software providers develop their games to be available on the instant play platform, while others go above and beyond that. If you’re not sure what this means, don’t worry. We’ll explain it all below. 

Downloadable Software

The downloadable software platform is now deemed to be an outdated option, but for years it was the number one way of betting online. In a nutshell, software providers would compile their games into a downloadable and installable EXE file for Windows users. This would almost never be compatible with MacBook users, though. While gameplay was faster (as it didn’t rely on a browser), it was a fiddly platform and has now been largely removed from most software providers’ options.

Instant Play Software

The best casino game providers all now develop their software to be instant play friendly. What this means is that it has been created using HTML5 and is browser-based, replacing Flash games over half a decade ago. In short, you can play any of the games a casino has to offer using nothing more than your web browser. This has the advantage of being compatible with virtually all devices with an internet connection, including mobile phones and tablets.

Mobile Software

Most mobile users can simply rely on their tablet or phone’s browser to play games on the go using the instant play platform on their device. However, some software providers have decided to create apps for their client casinos. These tend to be iOS or Android-specific, but the constant requirement for updates may put some players off. The basic idea here is that games will run smoother on older tablets and smartphones via an app, but not all casinos offer them.

Live Casino Software

Live casino software first appeared around a decade ago. This is essentially a video stream/feed, where you use cameras to play real money casinos games with a human dealer. While some top developers such as Microgaming and NetEnt have tinkered with live casino games, the best live casino providers are those who solely focus on live casino games and nothing more. These include Evolution Gaming, Authentic Gaming and Ezugi. It is worth noting that while the “format” of these games is different to RNG releases, the method of playing them is the same as those discussed above, with live games available as downloadable software, mobile apps, or as instant play games. 

Best New Online Casino Providers

Thus far, most of the best online casino software providers we’ve looked at have a decade or more experience in the business. There are competitors, though. Some providers may not be “new” given they launched years ago, but it is only in recent years that they’ve made a name for themselves. Others are brand new, fledgling developers who’ve made an impact. However, some of these can be described as rapidly approaching that line where they deserve to be mentioned alongside the best providers around. You can find this list of casino software providers below. 

• Evolution Gaming

In terms of recognisability, Evolution Gaming is the top dog when it comes to live casino games. The software provider leads the way in terms of live baccarat, blackjack, craps and dice games, poker, roulette, and money-wheel/game show titles. Their sudden rise to the top has seen them overtake many rivals. In the last few years, they have acquired live dealer rivals Ezugi, up and coming developer Red Tiger Gaming, and industry leader, NetEnt. 

• Endorphina

Prague-based Endorphina is one of the fastest rising software providers in Central Europe. The developer has hit the headlines for developing games that cause a fuss and is notable for making major strides in the cryptocurrency gambling sector, with a host of BTC-friendly games. In terms of their modest library, most of Endorphina’s games tend to be slot machines.

• Authentic Gaming

With Evolution’s acquisition of NetEnt and Ezugi, Authentic Gaming is one of the final rivals to the live casino software provider. Authentic Gaming (AG) is a small-scale provider founded in 2015, but it is one that has one of the best live roulette collections around. Their live blackjack games are also worthy of mention, with Authentic Gaming’s RTP rates in excess of 99% for some of these titles.

• Endemol Games

Endemol Games is a software provider that tends to be most commonly found in UK casinos. This UKGC licensed operator has a knack for developing games based on some of their most famous television game shows. Examples include slots based on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Deal or No Deal. In terms of TV-themed slots, Endemol sets the bar high for all its challengers to follow.

• NoLimit City Studios

NoLimit City Studios first caught our attention when they appeared on Microgaming’s Quickfire platform as a fledgeling provider. Since then, the software developer has branched out. NoLimit City is known for its medium to low volatile slots that come with fair RTP rates and glossy graphics. Their games can be regularly found alongside those of other software providers at today’s biggest casinos.

• Red Tiger Gaming

Red Tiger Gaming has risen such a long way since its debut in such a short time. Despite being less than a decade old, Red Tiger Gaming has already been acquired by Evolution Gaming and is notable for developing top slots with an exciting (if limited) array of bonus rounds and special features. Their games are affordable for all and offer decent prize per wager ratios. Their software is heavily featured at UKGC, MGA and Swedish licensed casinos, where they frequently appear in slot tournaments.

• Big Time Gaming

Big Time Gaming can be credited with bringing a few things to the online casino world. This Australian casino software provider is renowned for popularising high volatility in games. However, there are most notable for developing the MegaWays engine. That engine has now been leased to many major providers and has become one of the biggest stars of the internet casino world in the last decade.

Variety of Games from the Best Casino Game Providers

It is not a prerequisite for top developers to have an array of games for you to play. For instance, Evolution Gaming only produces live casino titles, while Play ‘n Go doesn’t develop these games at all. However, most of the best casino software providers have their fingers in many pies. Fortunately, only producing one genre of games is no longer a deal-breaker.

Most top casinos now feature software from many developers. By doing so, they can ensure that their members have access to online slots, table games, live dealer titles and much more under the same roof. Indeed, some casinos even have an array of video poker, lottery and bingo games, instant win titles like scratch cards, and some even include sports betting options on top of their conventional casino offerings. 

Irrespective of the casino you choose to join, any site that has software from the best developers in the business should easily be able to offer you some of these games:

• Online Slots. Online slots regularly make up the lion’s share of any casino’s arsenal of games. These may include three-reel classic slots and fruit machines, five-reel video slots and progressive jackpot slots, or the latest crazes, such as Hold and Win, Cluster Pays and MegaWays games. The best slots will be those that have high RTP rates of 95.5% or higher. They will also provide top prizes in relation to your bets. They will also provide you with a fair wagering range, so you’re guaranteed to get a slice of the action whatever you budget. On top of that, video slot software providers will ensure that you have access to an array of features to help you land wins. Many casino software providers tend to deliver games that span similar themes and features, so if one developer has a slot that you like the look of but lacks in some other way, there will always be another game nearly identical to it that can provide you with what you’re looking for.
• Table Games. Table games are typically known for featuring RNGs (random number generators), and you won’t be playing these against a real-to-life dealer. Instead, you’ll often be taking on a CG dealer one-on-one. Table games need to be flexible so that low and high rollers alike can get involved. Most come with a selection of side bets and basic 3D imagery. You should readily expect to see games that include baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, table poker and even oddities such as Sic Bo, Casino War, Andar Bahar, Teen Patti, Dragon Tiger, and more. Table internet casino games such as blackjack and roulette may be playable as any of a dozen variants, each with its own slight tweaks on the rules and RTP rates.
• Live Dealer. If you think of table games played over video streams, you’re looking at live dealer games. These are played using the same rules as their RNG table game counterparts. The principal difference is that you’re looking at games that feature a real-to-life human dealer who controls the action via cameras. These games are more immersive, more realistic and have a better atmosphere than conventional RNG table games. While they are fewer in number, they are amongst the most popular games you can currently find online. However, not many of today’s leading providers currently develop live casino software.
• VR Gaming. VR gaming is the latest industry to emerge in the online casino world. Of course, there is only a very limited market for these games right now. The same was said of mobile casino games a decade ago, though, and look how that has grown since. VR games are, of course, games played using a headset, where virtual reality takes over, giving you an even greater touch of realism and authenticity when you play. However, very few of the world’s best casino software providers have yet made the jump to VR gaming. Make no mistake about it, though – it is coming and will likely dominate the industry in the coming years.

New Providers vs. Established Ones

When we think of the best casino game providers out there, our mind automatically tends to wander to those with gaming experience spanning decades. After all, they must surely have learnt something in all those years. However, that would be unfair. There are plenty of top features and exciting options available in a newer casino gaming software provider. 

To emphasise what we mean, we need to look at the pros and cons of new providers and established providers alike. The easiest way to do this is to showcase the results in a table. Have a mooch at these tables to get an idea of what new and experienced, established providers bring to the table compared to one another.

Pros

Cons

Innovations in the Casino Software Market

Thus far, we’ve looked at all sorts of reasons why the best providers are separated from the so-so or have-a-go developers. There is one more thing we need to look at, though – innovation. If we were to look at the games of a software provider that regularly appears at poorly licensed, “offshore” casinos, we’d notice one thing. Without mentioning any names, the games from such a provider released a decade ago are largely the same as their newest releases. Innovation has stagnated. The provider just churns out the same old games, now and always. There is little that is new or exciting to be found in them. This is not something you’re going to find with the best casino game providers.

The top dogs in this industry are innovative. They are always trying to bring something new to the table. Competition drives innovation in the online casino world. Microgaming introduced the world to the 243 ways to win format and Rolling Reels. Big Time Gaming brought their MegaWays engine to the gambling sector, Evolution showcased the live dealer format, and NetEnt has introduced the Walking Wilds, Synced Reels, and Cluster Pays. IGT developed the Tumbling Reels (cascading) format, Play’n Go made the Scatter Wild popular, Pragmatic Play successfully popularised slot tournaments, and Playtech introduced us to randomly triggered jackpots. Each has been on the cutting edge of casino game innovation.

Of course, we wouldn’t want to expressly state precisely which innovations are in the pipeline for the future. We’d assume VR gaming will be chief amongst them, but who can say for sure. What we do know is that if the last decade or so is any sort of guide, expect technological improvements in fairness, features, cryptocurrency and mobile action, immersive experiences, and choice. The best casino software providers featured on this page are the ones driving those changes, and our money is firmly on those top developers to continue to do so as we move forward.

Summary

By now, you should have a great idea about what the best online casino software providers bring to the table from our review. From great games, new features, security, payment processing options, customer support and fair gambling options, these leading developers are consistently improving the experience we can have betting at online casinos.

If you’re eager to sign up and play at online casinos, then we’d strongly urge you to select casinos linked to these, the biggest and best casino software providers in the business. If you want fair, trusted and exciting games, you simply can’t go wrong by choosing software from the top dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve still got a few questions that remain unanswered, there is every chance that we can help you. Allow us to start with this brief FAQ guide: