Why Should I Care About Casino Game Providers?
An online casino may feature hundreds of games, but it's unlikely it made any of them. Most casino operators form partnerships with casino software providers to create online slots, table games, bingo, live dealer games, and more for their players. These developers will create real money games and free demo versions of their titles for casino sites to showcase.
Beyond the hype of bonuses and tournaments, online casinos know they're only as good as their games.
Beyond the hype of bonuses and tournaments, online casinos know they're only as good as their games. Online casinos work with multiple game developers to ensure their players are getting new casino games with exciting features and themes, and of course opportunities to win jackpots.
There are thousands of casino sites, and it's impossible for game providers to cater to all their demands. Each game provider will have its own specialisms, and some will even cater to specific bankroll sizes. For players, finding a casino game provider that matches your gaming preferences and betting limits will make it easier for you to find the best games to play.
The Most Popular Casino Software Providers
There are hundreds of game companies all vying to make a name for themselves in online gambling. Whether it's exciting features, cutting-edge graphics, or lucrative promotions, each software provider offers a unique reason to choose their games.
Players can find exciting new games and more opportunities to win money through software providers. Check out our list of the most popular casino software developers and discover the best providers for your favorite games.
What to play straight away? We've recommended trustworthy online casinos for every game company. You can be playing its biggest titles within minutes, using free credit from one of our casino bonuses.
Aristocrat
This Australian company is one of the biggest slot game developers in the world. Responsible for superstar games like the Buffalo series, Aristocrat's titles have garnered legions of fans for their big jackpots and charming gameplay.
Currently, the software provider is licensed in more than 240 jurisdictions for online gambling. Aristocrat titles are so popular players will easily find them in the biggest online casinos, including Royal Panda and 888casino.
Bally
Bally's history in gambling stretches back to 1936 when it was the world's oldest slot machine manufacturer. Today Bally is renowned for its retro-style Vegas slot games, including Blazing 7s and Hot Shot. The company was bought by rival Scientific Games (SG) in 2014, so players should look for the SG or Bally logos when searching for their casino games online.
Barcrest
The brand may have started out in 1968 developing as a game supplier for bricks-and-mortar casinos, but that's all in the past. In the last three decades, the game company's transition to online casino games has given players huge titles, such as Rainbow Riches.
The casino software provider is known for creating inventive slot games that suit both low-limit and high-stakes bettors. Like Bally, Barcrest was absorbed under Scientific Games' brand, but players can still find its games at popular casinos like Betway.
Betsoft
Founded in 1999, Betsoft's collection of 150 games features countless themes that cater to a wide audience. The software provider specializes in cinematic 3D gaming for slots, blackjack, video poker, lottery, and table games. It has also created a special line of 'To-Go' games optimized for mobile users with iOS and Android operating systems.
More than 500 online casinos feature Betsoft's games on their sites, including LeoVegas and Mr Green.
Blueprint
Blueprint started out in the early 2000s as a land-based casino provider but soon after pivoted to online gambling. The software provider focuses exclusively on slot games, from classic three-reel fruit machines to complex progressive jackpot slots. Players may recognize some of Blueprint's famous titles: Eye of Horus, Rick and Morty, and Deal or No Deal Megaways.
The game company has a flair for adding innovative (and lucrative) features to its slot games, such as the Megaways™ function or progressive system found in its Jackpot King series. As a result, players will only find Blueprint titles at premium slot casinos. Alternatively, bettors can try some of Blueprint's games at our free slots arcade.
Big Time Gaming (BTG)
Big Time Gaming, better known as BTG, is an Australia-based company renowned for creating groundbreaking slot titles. The game provider is responsible for inventing the famous Megaways™ mechanic, which shifts reels to give players 117,649 ways to win slot games. After releasing the Megaways™ function in 2016, BTG enjoyed meteoric success with its Bonanza Megaways slot game. This encouraged the software provider to turn its Megaways™ feature into a franchise, which the likes of SG, Blueprint, and Red Tiger have incorporated into their games.
For slot fans looking for BTG's biggest titles, check out Party Casino and Paddy Power.
International Game Technology (IGT)
Since being founded in Las Vegas in 1975, IGT has established itself as a heavyweight in online gambling. The software provider has created more than 1,000 slot, video poker, and other online casino games for gambling sites worldwide. As IGT expanded into countries like Japan and the UK, it has acquired other game companies, including Barcrest and Wagerworks.
IGT's classic slot games, such as Cleopatra and Wheel of Fortune, have enduring popularity due to their history of dishing out unusually high jackpots. Players can find these and other popular IGT titles at all major online casinos.
Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the giants in online gambling, having more than two decades of experience creating games for casino sites. The software provider creates pioneering slot titles and poker games. Its progressive jackpot slot, Mega Moolah, has broken several world records and spawned dozens of copycat games.
In fact, Microgaming has endless hits to its name: Break Da Bank, Jurassic Park, and Game of Thrones are just a few to name. It's unsurprising then that players can find Microgaming's portfolio of games at most online casinos.
NetEnt
NetEnt is one of the most popular game companies in online gambling due to their branded titles through partnerships with Universal and South Park Digital Studios. The software provider launched in 1996 and has made more than 200 titles for slots, live dealer, and progressive jackpot games. Along with its own NetEnt online casinos, over 100 gambling sites feature games from this software provider in their collections.
Novomatic
With more than 40 years of experience creating land-based and online casino games, Novomatic is one of the most recognizable names in gambling. The game company specializes in slot titles, with award-winning games like Book of Ra in its portfolio.
Novomatic operates in over 40 countries, with a particularly loyal slots fanbase in Europe. On average, Novomatic generates €5 billion a year in revenue, making it one of the most successful software game providers. Players can enjoy Novomatic's slot games at popular gambling sites like Grosvenor Casino.
Playtech
Playtech originally started as a small game studio in 1999 and has since gone from strength to strength. Today the game company operates in over 20 countries and has acquired other software providers (QuickSpin and Ash Gaming). While Playtech's most popular titles are slots, it also creates blackjack, live dealer, poker, and roulette games. Playtech even has its own bingo sites.
Jackpot Giant and Gladiator are just a few Playtech slot games that bettors can find at most online casinos.
Play 'N' Go
Slot fans wanting games with a high return-to-player (RTP) should look no further than Play 'N' Go. The game company is the mastermind behind the hit Book of Dead game and regularly launches slot titles with high RTPs and jackpots. Play 'N' Go also makes other online casino games, albeit on a much smaller scale compared to its slots offering.
After starting out as a subcontractor in 1997, Playtech became an independent company in 2014 with offices throughout Europe and the Philippines. The game company's titles feature in many online casinos, such as Betfair.
Red Tiger Gaming (RTG)
Red Tiger Gaming is renowned for its action-packed slot games and fun features. With its Smart Spins mechanic, regular slot tournaments, and Daily Drop Jackpot promotions, it's easy to see why this software provider has expanded rapidly across European and Asian online casinos.
Despite only launching in 2014, RTG was quickly acquired by NetEnt. Since then, RTG continues to launch its own games as well as collaborative efforts with NetEnt.
Scientific Games (SG)
Scientific Games is a leading name in online gaming. The juggernaut has been in the gambling industry since 1968 and has acquired numerous software game providers since its inception. Over time SG has created bingo, roulette, and video poker games for casinos, but it is most famous for its slot titles. Bettors will recognize SG's distinctive retro-style games, such as Goldfish, at any online casino.
Williams Interactive (WMS)
Another subsidiary of Scientific Games, WMS first started out in 1974 as a pinball manufacturer. As WMS grew, it expanded into mobile gambling and created a host of innovative table games and slot titles. The game company was a pioneer in slot games, adding stacked, expanding, and chained wilds long before other software providers.
What really promoted WMS in the online gambling industry was its film-themed slot games. James Bond, Top Gun, and The Wizard of Oz are a small selection of WMS slots that players can still find in online casinos. Combine that with the high RTPs WMS slots have (96-99%), and it's easy to see why players love this game company.
Yggdrasil
When Yggdrasil arrived on the gambling scene in 2013, the game company was keen to disrupt the industry. With its innovative features and high-quality artwork, Yggdrasil quickly garnered top awards for its engaging portfolio. Slots are Yggdrasil's specialty, but bingo, blackjack, and table games are also a focus for the game provider.
Despite its small size and relative infancy, Yggdrasil's collection can be found at many of the best online casinos.
10 Tips for Finding the Best Casino Game Providers
There are dozens of established game companies online, but how can you tell if games from a new casino software provider are worth your time? Besides reputation or history, there are several indicators players can use. The following quality markers can help bettors discover the next gamechanger in online gambling:
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1
Has gambling license:
Software providers should have their games' random number generator (RNG) software independently assessed and tested.
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2
Graphics quality:
Software providers should use 3D graphics that rival top video games.
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3
Intuitive user design:
The casino game should be easy to navigate, with information clearly displayed in the relevant sections.
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4
Gameplay speed:
Avoid any software providers with games that freeze or take too long to load.
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5
Mobile optimization:
People do everything on mobile these days, and casino games are no exception. New game companies should always optimize for mobile gambling.
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6
Regular new releases:
Depending on the size of the company, a game provider should deliver new titles each month
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7
Game variety:
Innovative developers have game portfolios bursting with different themes, bonus features, and quests.
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8
Information transparency:
Game companies should clearly display the RTP, bet limits, and jackpot sizes of their games. Yggdrasil for instance displays real-time jackpot counters and prize ranges for its games.
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9
Embracing trends:
Software providers that truly know their players and the igaming industry will incorporate new trends or technology into their games.
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10
Awards:
Whether given by players or contemporaries, awards are a decent indication of a game company's quality.
Comparing Game Company Providers
Some casino games, like slots, are saturated with options from software developers. Bettors want to play with the best but finding the top choices can be tricky with so many options.
Reading reviews of the companies or their games helps, but this can be time-consuming. When pulled between two games that both look fun, you want instant answers.
We've drafted three questions every player should ask themselves when comparing casino game providers. These incorporate the factors game companies use most to set themselves apart from their rivals. Players can find the game provider that offers them better odds for winning cash, along with a better gaming experience for them.
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1
Which provider gives me the best RTP/house edge?
Choose games that offer the lowest house edge or the highest payout percentage. For slots, players should look for games that have a 90% RTP minimum.
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2
What is the jackpot size?
Casino software developers will create games for specific bankrolls and volatility. Small jackpots generally have low volatility, meaning modest but frequent wins more suitable for low rollers. Games with the biggest jackpots can be highly volatile and drain bankrolls. The rewards may be life-changing, but players should expect long gaps between wins.
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3
What software features do I want?
Everyone wants to win money, that's a given. Players should consider what type of entertainment they expect from a casino game. Perhaps it's hidden bonuses or sociable live dealer tables. Maybe you want your casino games with quest levels reminiscent of video games. A quick scan of the paytable will highlight if this software developer's game is right for you.
Choose Casinos with Good Software
Good software developers should be part of every player's criteria when reviewing an online casino. Aspects like bonuses, payout speeds, and payment methods are important, but if the casino's games are faulty there's little point in worrying about the rest.
You can also save time and money in the long run by knowing which software providers you prefer. Before signing up for a new casino, check whether it provides any games from your preferred software developer. A quick search on the gambling site or in casino reviews will reveal this information.
With some smart decision-making, you can save your bankroll for casino sites that deliver the best gaming experience for you.
FAQs
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Which software provider is the best?
This depends entirely on a player's preferred games and priorities when gambling online. Some software developers create titles for specific games, such as slots or live dealer options. Other providers focus on developing innovative features in games or recreating classic titles. Our list of popular software developers will help you find the best provider for your needs.
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Do I have to download casino software?
In the past players had to download software, but now online casinos have instant play games. Unless you're playing through a mobile gambling app, bettors can enjoy any casino games with no download required.
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Do casino software developers make free games?
In most cases, the software provider will make freeplay versions of their real money games for online casinos. The gameplay between the two versions is identical, but the free game cannot take accept or pay out any winnings.
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Do software companies have their own online casinos?
A few software providers like NetEnt have their own online casinos. Most software companies simply license their games to existing, reputable casino sites.
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Are software providers responsible for the jackpot amounts?
No, not directly. The software can be programmed to have different jackpots and the actual amount, or who wins, is random. The only exception is progressive jackpot games. The bets in these games are gathered between a large network of terminals, and the game ultimately decides the jackpot amount.
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What differentiates these software providers from one another?
Most of the online gaming software companies have similar offerings. They have a variety of different game options that can be played online and on mobile. However, each company has their own twist of the game designs, offering you a unique experience.
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Are all casino software developers fair and safe?
Any reputable casino software developer will be trustworthy and secure. Online gambling sites will only promote games from safe developers, as it costs them money to return wagers on dodgy games to players. A quick check on gambling sites and casino reviews will help players determine if a developer is legit.