Online Casino Software Platforms vs Providers
There are two types of software usage on online gambling sites: online casinos tied up with a single software developer for games across one or more platforms and online casinos powered by a variety of different software developers under a range of different platforms.
Note that the credibility of software companies reflects the overall quality of online casinos that work with these software providers. It is worth paying attention to the software providers of online casinos in order to feel safe playing with real money.
Firsty, you should understand the software element of an online casino. The vast majority of online casinos buy, or rather license, their game platforms from a third party software developer. A few online casinos have made their own, however generally the argument that’s being made is that if an online casino has developed their own software, who is to say that they can’t manipulate it? That would be no one, because basically they could if they wanted to. The clue here could be found in the audited payout information section on the online casino’s website. This should be displayed on the casino’s website and show recent figures of how much each group of games has paid out (in %) over the past months. Even still, the thought of possible manipulation might leave you feeling uncomfortable and in that case you should avoid casinos with in-house software.
Important to keep in mind: a software platform that insists for their casinos to meet strict licensing guidelines helps to ensure that players will be treated fairly.
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Top online casino gaming software providers
Since all online casinos use one or multiple software platforms, as you browse, you’ll start to notice lots of game similarities. Usually each casino will have a casino games link which shows previews of a number of their games. There are several very well known online casino software providers, most notably Microgaming, Netent, Betsoft, NextGen, Play’n Go, Playtech, Cryptologic (or Wagerlogic to be specific) and RTG (RealTime Gaming). Behind these are some lesser known providers, such as Leander, Wagerworks, Kismet, WMS and IGT. You can find out more detailed info in our Online Casino Software Provider Area.
Broadly speaking, these are all established and recognised online casino software providers, each delivering a fair game to the players. Meaning that the online casinos themselves cannot alter the paytables and it is widely accepted that the odds for each game are also a no-go territory, which means that each online casino offers the same odds.
Important side note: RTG does allow their casinos to alter the paytables, so (if you care about winning) you’ll need to be careful which games you play at which online casinos.
Full online casino gaming software providers list
Microgaming
Microgaming products include casino, multi-player, mobile, Poker, Bingo, land-based, Sportsbook, Live Dealer, Business Solutions and Quickfire. Currently, Microgaming is one of the world’s largest online casino gaming software providers. For the past two decades Microgaming has been creating reliable and innovative software solutions with a large selection of online casino games. Microgaming guarantees at least two new titles each month.
As eGaming software developer, Microgaming also offers a mobile casino capability that are just as playable on tablets and smartphones as they are on desktops.
Online casino players have their favourites obviously, but Microgaming software is fairly ahead in terms of popularity. However, equally if not more importantly, they are well known for regulating their licensees strictly and effectively.
Playtech
Playtech was founded in 1999 in Tartu Estonia by entrepreneurs from the casino, software engineering and multimedia industries. Playtech has become a renowned online gambling software provider as their product line has expanded over the past couple of years. They offer cross platform solutions which provide players with games across all platforms via a single login. Playtech’s product range includes Casino, Poker, Bingo, Live Games, Sports Betting, Social Gaming, Lottery, Server-supported Terminals, as well as Casual and Fixed odds games.
Playtech also features a wide range of online Video Slots, including Marvel themed online Slot games such as Iron Man, The Fantastic Four, Elektra, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Blade, Daredevil and the Avengers. This online gaming software can be downloaded or played instantly from your browser.
Most Playtech online casinos offer mobile online casino capability, which allows you to play Playtech games from your mobile device, including your Blackberry, Android smartphone, tablet, iPad or iPhone.
NetEnt
Established in 1996, Net Entertainment (NetEnt), is an award winning software provider within the online casino industry. Their open source games were one of the first to use Java back in the late 1990s and they continue to develop new gaming technology. Online casinos that feature NetEnt Slot games have become popular amongst players over the last couple of years.
The online casino operators like NetEnt games because of their customisation potential and their overall look. NetEnt online casino games are designed to attract players and keep them playing. They’re known for their 3D graphics and realistic qualities. This software offers a big variety of instant-play online casino games enhanced with graphics and sound effects, along with mobile casino capability, that enables you to play NetEnt games via a mobile device, including your Android smartphone, tablet, iPad or iPhone.
Realtime Gaming – RTG
Established in 1998, Realtime Gaming (RTG) online casino software has seen large growth and expansion over the past fifteen years, as the number of online casino sites has skyrocketed. Online casinos that feature Realtime Gaming games are known as RTG casinos. The company is one of the industry leaders and offers quality software and a committed development team that works with online RTG casino owners to ensure that they’re well-supported.
RTG provides customisations and game branding for each client, so even though there are dozens of RTG casinos, players can have a unique experience at each online casino. Realtime Gaming’s software is available in two formats: downloadable software and standalone software that uses Flash. You can enjoy Video Slots, Blackjack, Roulette and Video Poker games on your laptop or desktop computer as well as ‘on-the-go’ from your iPhone, iPad or Android devices. This software is recognised all over the world including in the USA, meaning that U.S. players are also welcome to play at most RTG casinos.
NextGen
NextGen Gaming, also known as NYX Gaming, was founded in 1999. NextGen Gaming pioneered platform-independent content delivery with a focus on quality game content and innovation. At NextGen Gaming they believe that it’s key to keep the balance between innovation and the ‘proven fundamentals’. They actually do deliver good stuff and are especially famous for their good looking Slot games, features and gameplay enhancements. These enhancements add a level of excitement to the game, creating long-term repeated play.
IGT
Started back in 1981, International Game Technology (IGT) is the world’s largest Slot machine manufacturer and land-based casino provider. WagerWorks, later renamed to IGT Interactive is a company providing online gaming software to reputable online casinos. They provide the government-sponsored and commercial gaming industry with solutions for gaming, lottery, interactive, and social. IGT software is most popular for its wide range of IGT Slots.
Most of the IGT casinos are powered by a variety of different software providers, so that players can enjoy all their favourite games in one place. The downside is that the games are not available in some countries, including the USA due to online gaming laws. IGT casinos offer information on payout percentages of each game for added transparency and fair play. There is no need to download a software application, the software uses instant play Flash format, along with mobile casino capability, that enables you to play IGT games via a mobile device, including your Android smartphone, tablet, iPad or iPhone.
Play‘n GO
Play’n GO was originally founded in 2004 to create ‘made-to-order’ products for the online gaming and entertainment industry. Offering a wide range of products and solutions, Play’n GO are constantly developing new software for their clients, using only the latest technology. Their games are accessible to mobile users as well and they are known for creating mini games and widget games.Play’n GO have created a range of high-quality games such as table games, Poker games, Video Slots, progressive Slots and scratch cards.. All games created by Play’n GO are instant play games and are available in 30 different languages.
WMS
Started way back in 1934, WMS ( or Williams Interactive) is one of the world’s oldest companies in the casino and gaming industry. In 2010, WMS released their first online casino product called Jackpot Party: one of the most exclusive UK online casinos which was sold in 2014 and rebranded to Slots Magic Casino.
WMS online casinos are popular amongst online gamblers. There is no need to download an app to your PC or Mac, because the software uses an instant-play format.
Betsoft
Founded in 1999 and based in Malta, Betsoft Gaming has years of experience and it shows. Betsoft has created popular 3D Slots. There is a long list of Betsoft powered online casinos to choose from. Some websites also accept US players, which makes Betsoft games available internationally. Betsoft also uses an instant-play format and most games can be played on mobile devices.
Cryptologic
Established in 1995, Cryptologic is one of the oldest software providers within the online gambling industry. Cryptologic develops reliable software, which is being used by many well known casinos. Cryptologic was sold to Amaya Gaming in 2012. Amaya Gaming is one of the largest service and products suppliers for online casinos. Cryptologic games include Roulette, Blackjack, Video Slots, Video Poker, progressive Jackpots and unique card games.