What is a Casino Gaming Software?

casino software providersIf you’ve played casino games online, you’ll know that there are a plethora of different games: roulette, blackjack, slots, scratch cards, bingo – you name it!

Being a casino games manufacturer simply means that you are the company that develops and produces these games. These are then distributed to various casinos, allowing you and all other players to play them.

A casino software provider, in the simplest terms, is the powerhouse that fuels the world of online gambling. They are the technical wizards that breathe life into the games we adore. Imagine sitting in front of your computer or holding your mobile device, poised to dive into a vibrant world of spinning roulette wheels, glistening slot machines, and high-stakes poker tables. All of these experiences are crafted by casino software providers.

Now, you may ask, what exactly do these providers do? The answer is multifaceted. Casino software providers develop the games you play, the algorithms that determine your chances of winning, and the systems that allow secure financial transactions. They ensure that the digital environment is safe and secure, offering both peace of mind and a thrilling, fair play experience.

The importance of a software provider to an online casino is akin to the importance of a builder to a skyscraper. Without them, the structure simply doesn’t exist. It’s their expertise, creativity, and advanced technological prowess that provide the foundation for the adrenaline-pumping thrill ride that is online gambling.

So, the next time you’re placing your bets or spinning those virtual slots, spare a thought for the casino software providers. They’re the silent partners in your online gaming journey, diligently working behind the scenes to enhance your digital casino experience.

⭐ Laws and Restrictions for Game Manufacturers

When it comes to your safety online and when it comes to safe online casinos specifically, you should first and foremost make sure that the casino you want to play at has a gaming license.

By choosing a licensed casino, you can feel confident that the game manufacturers present at the casino are also audited, approved and licensed.

Today’s game manufacturers put a lot of work into data security and safe gaming. They need to ensure that the games are secure and to eliminate the risk of players’ personal information being leaked. If they didn’t, the games would never be approved.

⭐ Fair play

No one would want to play a game where the chances of winning are non-existent. A good game manufacturer will create games where the player has a relatively good chance of winning but which also, in the long run, generate revenue for the casino.

These games need to be fair and safe, and fortunately, several organisations ensure that the games meet the requirements that need to be met to be certified at all.

Some examples of organisations working on this include Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), eCOGRA, Technical Systems Testing (TST), NMi, SQS, BMM Testlabs and Gaming Associates.

⭐ Return to Player

Perhaps you’ve heard of RTP? “Return To Player” is expressed as a percentage and is something that the game manufacturers themselves determine for their games. Based on millions of spins, this number indicates how much the player can expect to get back from the game in the long run. The more you play, the closer the RTP should be to your results.

The Biggest Casino Software Providers

Below you can read more about the top casino software providers in our guides. Our aim is to guide you about the best online casino providers so you can choose casino operators with top-quality games from safe developers.

Today, there are many different casino software providers in the market. Some of them have established themselves more firmly than others, while new game makers are coming along all the time. Below, we have gathered some information about the top 10 providers in the online gambling industry:

  1. Microgaming: The Pioneers of Online Casino Software

    Microgaming is one of the oldest and most recognized names in online casino software development. Since their inception in 1994, they have been at the forefront of innovation, producing a stunning array of games that include some of the most popular online slots and table games around.

  2. NetEnt: Redefining Gaming Entertainment

    Swedish-based NetEnt is renowned for its high-quality, innovative games that push the boundaries of online casino entertainment. Their portfolio includes an array of award-winning slots, table games, and live casino offerings, all known for their outstanding graphics and immersive gameplay.

  3. Evolution: Masters of Live Casino

    Evolution, formerly Evolution Gaming, is the industry leader when it comes to live dealer games. They've revolutionized the space, offering real-time, high-definition streams of blackjack, roulette, and more. With professional dealers and a high-tech studio setup, they deliver an authentic casino experience to players worldwide.

  4. Playtech: Powering Play with Versatility

    Playtech is a powerhouse in the online casino industry, known for its diverse selection of games. From slots to table games, poker, and bingo, Playtech offers something for every type of gamer. Additionally, they're renowned for their progressive jackpot network, one of the largest in the industry.

  5. IGT: International Gaming Titans

    International Game Technology, or IGT, has a long history in both land-based and online casinos. Renowned for their wide range of slots, including some of the most iconic titles in casino gaming, IGT has consistently delivered high-quality, engaging games that captivate players worldwide.

  6. Novomatic: Reigning Supreme in Europe

    Novomatic is a major player in the European market, with a rich history in both land-based and online casinos. Their games, particularly their slots, are renowned for their classic feel, reliable performance, and player-friendly features.

  7. Betsoft: 3D Gaming Specialists

    Betsoft stands out from the crowd with their unique, cinematic 3D slots. Combining innovative technology with creative storytelling, Betsoft's games offer an engaging and immersive gaming experience that leaves a lasting impression on players.

  8. Realtime Gaming: Pioneers in USA

    Realtime Gaming, often known as RTG, has been a staple in the American online casino market since 1998. Known for their robust game library and quick, efficient software, RTG has earned a reputation for reliability and quality in the gaming community.

  9. Yggdrasil: Innovators in iGaming

    Yggdrasil may be a newer name in the industry, but they've quickly made their mark with a collection of innovative, visually stunning games. Their slots, in particular, have garnered attention for their unique features and creative themes.

  10. Pragmatic Play: Delivering Pragmatic Solutions

    Pragmatic Play is known for its practical approach to game development. With a solid collection of slots, table games, and live casino offerings, they're committed to creating games that cater to a variety of player tastes and preferences.

Online Casino Software Providers Key Qualities

Some of the most popular casino game developers worldwide players include NetEnt, Evolution, Microgaming, ELK Studios, Play’n Go, Pragmatic Play, Yggdrasil and Quickspin.  Expectations are often high for new games from these providers, while many of their existing games are still popular long after they were launched.

But what is it that makes these game manufacturers so popular with so many casino players? There are a few key factors that top-rated game providers have in common, so let’s take a closer look at the key criteria that make a casino software company stand out.

➡️ Quality and quantity

A truly awesome game maker has a diverse portfolio covering many different themes. But – and this is a big but – quality persists, constantly. The most successful game providers in the online gambling market are those that specialise in premium casino games within their niche. For example, Evolution is the leading provider of live dealer casino games. Even though many have tried to compete, their specialisation in the area still makes them the top dog in the market.

➡️ Innovation

If, as a game developer, you want to stay on top, you should also be innovative. In a constantly evolving market, this could mean creating an exciting new layout that no one has seen before or revolutionary features that players will love.

A great example of just this is the Megaways feature. Today, most game manufacturers use it, but Big Time Gaming created it and introduced it to the market. The feature was a hit that quickly became a trend that is definitely here to stay.

➡️ Mobile Optimization

This point is very obvious nowadays as the majority are happy to play on mobile online casinos. A really good game should be just as fun and stylish to look at regardless of the device you play on. And therefore, as a game manufacturer, you must make sure that the games fit this format.

➡️ User-friendliness

In addition to entertaining features and great design, games also need to be user-friendly.

As a player, you want it to be easy to get started and find the information you need in the game interface.

➡️ High RTPs

The most popular game manufacturers also make sure to have favourable RTPs in their games because they know that this is something that many players ask for and look at when choosing games.

And this is not particularly surprising. A good RTP gives players the feeling that the better the chances of winning, the more fun it is to play.

The most Innovative Casino Software Providers

online casino softwareAs we have already mentioned, Big Time Gaming is a casino game developer known for its attractive slots with great winning chances. The games’ stylish design and interesting features have made Big Time Gaming one of the most sought-after game providers on the market right now.

Their portfolio may not be as large as some other game developers, but that said, many popular online casinos have caught on to Big Time Gaming. Therefore, it is now possible to find their games at a variety of casinos.

Evolution (formerly Evolution Gaming) is the market leader in live dealer casino games. With the game shows Lightning Roulette, Monopoly Live, Dream Catcher and Crazy Time, Evolution has revolutionized the live section in recent years and once again proved why they are the leaders in their genre.

NetEnt has long been ranked number one regarding innovation in the online gaming industry. Among other things, they pioneered the game Gonzo’s Quest, which first introduced falling symbols (a concept that many have since emulated), and Twin Spin, where linked reels were a novelty that no one had seen before.

Mobile-oriented Casino Software Providers

If you prefer to play casino games on your mobile or tablet, ELK Studios is a game maker you should check out. They’ve made a name for themselves with visually stunning games that do well on mobile devices.

If you want to play ELK’s games, such as Black River Gold, Blood Lust and Ice Wolf, you may have to look a little harder than Microgaming’s games. ELK’s games may be really awesome, but unfortunately, they are not available at all casinos.

Of course, ELK is not alone in the trend of creating mobile-optimized casino games.

NetEnt has included most of their very best games in their Touch series, specialising for mobile users.

The Best Online Slots Developers

Who is the best at online slots might be hard to pin down, as it depends on who you ask. But if you’re looking for the market’s best game maker when it comes to slots, we thought we’d have to give an extra shout out to Pragmatic Play!

Pragmatic Play is indeed a game manufacturer that impresses time and time again, more and more often in the last few years. Here we really have an exciting provider that you should not miss if you are looking for high-quality slots.

This game manufacturer creates slots with fascinating themes and features that bring life and dynamism to the games. Today you can find Pragmatic Play’s games at the vast majority of online casinos.

Some of the most famous titles are Wolf Gold and The Dog House while Big Bass Bonanza, John Hunter and the Mayan Gold and Spartan King are three new games for this year.

Other game manufacturers you should know about when talking about awesome slots include:

  • Quickspin. Here, they focus on quality over quantity and therefore, the game library is not super large yet.
  • Thunderkick. Here, players are offered a unique game plan most of the time, with small, clever visual elements that make Thunderkick's games more realistic than many others on the market.

The Best Live Casino Providers

There is no doubt that Evolution is the biggest name of all the live casino software providers. In their stylish studios and authentic casino environments, players can play various table games, ranging from classic online Blackjack and Roulette to more innovative so-called game shows that have become popular in recent years.
If your casino offers live casino games, there’s a good chance you’ll find games from Evolution. In 2020, the company launched a number of new games, including Live Craps, Mega Ball and Crazy Time, the last two of which are just game shows. However, Evolution is not alone in developing and distributing live casino games.

Playtech also has a relatively large selection of live casino games today. Everything from Dragon Tiger and Sic Bo to classics like Blackjack.

Below, you can learn more about a few of the biggest live dealer providers with several high-quality live dealer games and that compete with Evolution:

Playtech: Breathing Life into Live Gaming

Beyond their wide variety of standard online games, Playtech also excels in the live casino arena. Their live dealer games are streamed from state-of-the-art studios, with professional dealers and high-quality graphics. With a broad selection including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, Playtech offers an interactive, immersive experience that rivals being in a physical casino.

Pragmatic Play: Embracing the Live Dealer Revolution

Pragmatic Play, although well-known for its slots and classic casino games, has also made a significant impact in the live casino space. Their live dealer games, such as blackjack and roulette, are streamed in high definition from their top-notch studios. Pragmatic Play’s commitment to a high-quality, realistic experience has made them a favorite among live casino enthusiasts.

Ezugi: Pioneers in Live Dealer Gaming

Ezugi stands out as a specialist in the live dealer gaming sphere. They offer a variety of classic games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, all facilitated by professional dealers and streamed in real-time. Ezugi’s games are known for their authenticity, interactive features, and innovative twists, making them a go-to choice for players seeking a real-life casino experience from the comfort of their own homes.

Other Big Casino Gaming Software

Of all the gaming manufacturers we’ve reviewed and mentioned so far, what they have in common is that they are among the more significant and most well-known names on the market.

However, there are, of course, a whole plethora of other game manufacturers that are great, even if they may not be as well known and big as NetEnt and co. Below you will find a bunch of great game manufacturers that are also worth mentioning:

  • Novomatic tends to make games that look simple and smooth to get started with. Book of Ra is their most famous slot, which you're likely to come across at one or more casinos.
  • Barcrest is the company that started with land-based slots to develop and create games for the internet. Rainbow Riches is one of their most beloved slots.
  • WMS has a strong reputation in the market as they pioneered modern online slots. You are sure to come across their game Raging Rhino which quickly became a hit.
  • NextGen tends to bring in other game developers and license out many games, so you may not see NextGen's own name too often. But Medusa and Jackpot Jester are two titles that quickly became, and still are, very popular.
  • Bally is a big company that has developed several Egypt-themed slots but also the game developer that made a slot of the world's most romantic movie: Titanic.
  • EGT started their career in Bulgaria, but their games are also represented internationally. Among their games, we find 100 Super Hot, 2 Dragons and 40 Lucky King.
  • Aristocrat is mainly known for their land-based games but has also invested in online casinos. Queen of the Nile and Red Baron are two of their more famous titles.
  • NYX Interactive is another major game developer that has its focus on slots. Their best games, according to many, are California Gold and Irish Eyes.
  • Blueprint Gaming. Their range is varied, and the games often catch one's attention both in terms of appearance and functionality.
  • Red Tiger Gaming has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. Today, the game developer is one of the biggest and most popular names on the market. Popular games from Red Tiger Gaming include Aztec Spins, Ra's Legend and Dragon's Luck.

Conclusion

In a market where there are thousands of games, it can be useful to know who is actually producing the games and which of all these companies you should be aware of and keep an extra eye on.

With the help of this guide, we hope that you are now a little wiser about everything that has to do with game manufacturers. Of course, not all of them will be to your liking, but one or a few companies are sure to be.

Once you’ve found a gaming manufacturer that seems interesting, you can then read the slots reviews and try out the games for free if you like.

FAQs

What are progressive jackpot slots?

Progressive jackpots are a type of slot game offered by online gambling software providers. The jackpot in these games increases every time a bet is placed until a lucky player hits the winning combination. The potential winnings can reach astronomical sums, making them a popular choice among online gamblers. The software provider normally pays out the main prize and not the online casino.

What do online casino operators do?

Online casino operators are the entities that run and manage an online casino site. They collaborate with software providers to offer a variety of games, ensure the site’s security, handle customer service, and manage financial transactions. They operate under licenses from regulatory bodies like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority.

Who are online gambling software providers?

An online casino games provider is a company that creates and supplies the games found in online casinos. They develop everything from online slot games to table games and live dealer games. Providers can offer a wide range of games, including those with progressive jackpots, or specialize in certain types of online casino games.

How does an online casino software work?

Online casino software works by using complex algorithms to generate random outcomes for games like video slots, video bingo games, and virtual sports. These algorithms ensure fairness and unpredictability in every game. The software also includes security measures to protect player information and financial transactions.

What types of games do casino game providers offer?

Casino game providers offer a diverse array of games to cater to all types of players. This can include traditional table games like poker and blackjack, exciting slot games, bingo games, video slots, and even live dealer games. Some providers also offer virtual sports and sports betting options.

author
Kate WebbEditor in Chief

With over ten years of experience working with gambling and writing about casinos, Kate brings a lot of knowledge to CasinoTop3.com. Kate oversees all the content written on CasinoTop3.com to ensure it contains factual information with value to you as a player.