Online Casino Software at Gambling Sites
We’ve established that there are numerous factors that set the best online gambling sites apart, but another crucial element is the range of software providers featured within a casino’s games library. Game developers play a hugely important role, providing the slots and table games that keep players coming back.
Different gambling sites have different approaches to the games they offer to players. Some aim to host the broadest array of software providers as possible, ensuring lots of variety across the site, since different developers are able to bring unique features to the table.
Conversely, some operators become known for the select few software developers they feature on their site. A Playtech casino, for example, may only host games by that one developer. Sticking to a sole provider may have logistical benefits, or encourage fans of that software house to sign up and play with them.
Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent software developers in the industry that you’re likely to come across at Irish gambling sites.
Microgaming
Based on the Isle of Man, Microgaming is one of the gambling industry’s foremost software developers. The company claims to have developed the world’s first online casino software back in 1994, as well as the world’s first mobile casino software ten years later.
Microgaming is known for some of the most popular slot games on the market. Its Mega Moolah progressive jackpot slot was released in 2006 and has since crowned multiple millionaire winners. Other well-known slots like Thunderstruck II and Immortal Romance continue to be popular today, despite being over ten years old. To top it off, Microgaming has won over 60 industry and non-industry awards since its founding, including EGR Platform of the Year in 2020.
Playtech
Playtech is another prominent software provider that has developed a range of content since its formation in 1999. From slots like Age of the Gods and Green Lantern, to live casino blackjack and roulette games, Playtech has done it all. For this reason, it’s no surprise some casinos host games exclusively from this developer.
The London-based developer has also picked up several awards over the years, including Best Digital Industry Supplier at the 2016 Global Gaming Awards, and Gaming Intelligence Game of the Year award in 2018 for the Age of the Gods series.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is a developer specialising in live casino games. Since its founding in 2006, Evolution has worked across five continents to bring immersive, live streamed games to players around the world. Experienced croupiers operate from purpose-built studios that are inspired by Monte Carlo’s world-renowned casino.
Evolution aims to provide players with an authentic casino experience, wherever they may be. Many of its games up the ante with new and exciting features, such as the Lightning Blackjack and Lightning Roulette games that throw multipliers and other special features into the mix. The company’s growth was reaffirmed when it acquired the hugely influential developer NetEnt in 2020, in addition to the likes of Red Tiger Gaming and Big Time Gaming.
NetEnt
Established in 1996, NetEnt brings decades of experience to the table. This Swedish software developer is best known for its slot games and is the brains behind iconic titles like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest, as well as popular TV and movie-themed games like the Narcos, Jumanji and Vikings online slots.
In December 2020, NetEnt was acquired by Evolution Gaming, a live dealer specialist developer who has also brought Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming under its wing. NetEnt continues to develop new slot games, while also maintaining a small selection of casino table games, such as Blackjack Single Deck for mobile. NetEnt live casino games have retired.
Pragmatic Play
Founded in 2015, Pragmatic Play is a multi-award-winning software provider based in Malta. This provider partners with big gambling brands like 888, Entain, Flutter and Kindred to offer real money entertainment products including slots, live casino, bingo, virtual sports and sports betting in over 20 jurisdictions.
While Pragmatic Play has plenty to shout about, for slots players, this developer is best known for its Drops & Wins tournaments. Available at many of the online casinos in Ireland, these online slots tournaments offer players the chance to scoop random cash drops and weekly cash prizes by playing popular Pragmatic slots such as Wolf Gold and Gates of Olympus.
Play’n GO
Founded in 1997, Play’n GO offers an incredible collection of almost 300 online slots. Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead is among the most well-known of this developer’s titles, though there’s lots more to discover. For example, music fans can enjoy themed Play’n GO slots like Def Leppard Hysteria and Alice Cooper and the Tome of Madness.
Play’n Go creates all of its games using HTML5, making its slot games the perfect pick when you’re out and about. If you prefer to play something different, Play’n GO also offers a selection of video bingo games and classic RNG table games such as Mini Baccarat, Casino Stud Poker and European Roulette Pro.
Yggdrasil
Founded in 2013, Yggdrasil Gaming has come a long way in a decade. With offices in Sweden, Poland, Gibraltar and Malta, this developer boasts an impressive portfolio of real money games. The library includes realistic RNG table games such as Sonya Blackjack, Lucky Blackjack, Dr Fortuno Blackjack and Golden Chip Roulette.
Slots players also have plenty to look forward to from Yggdrasil. Many of the slots produced by this supplier have unique mechanics such as Gigablox and Splitz and payment systems like cluster pays and infinity reels. All these features do something different, develop gameplay, and add extra ways to win.
IGT
Established in 1990, IGT offers a variety of entertaining gambling experiences, including lotteries, land-based gaming machines, sports betting and digital gaming. It’s the latter we’re interested in here, of course, and we can tell you that IGT packs a punch for fans of real money online slots and casino games.
Some of IGT’s most popular titles include classic online slots like Cleopatra and Da Vinci Diamonds, though this isn’t a provider to rest on its laurels. At the 2022 Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, IGT introduced some of its latest exciting titles, including progressive jackpot games like Wheel of Fortune, Money Mania and Megabucks.