Best Casino Software Providers
So, who are some of the best casino software whizzes? Let’s take a closer look at some of the names you are likely to see at the top casinos.
NetEnt
Founded: By Pontus Lindwall in 1996
Based in: Sweden
Recent awards: Global Gaming Awards, 2021: Product Launch of the Year for Divine Fortune Megaways; EGR B2B Awards, 2019: Slot Supplier of the Year; International Gaming Awards, 2019: Mobile Product of the Year; Global Gaming Awards London, 2019: Casino Product of the Year for the video slot, Jumanji.
With over two decades of experience in the industry, NetEnt is considered a member of the ‘Big 3’ when it comes to casino game developers. It would be an understatement to say that NetEnt has a presence at most online gambling sites; its software systems handled almost 60 billion gaming transactions in 2019 alone. Now part of the Evolution Gaming Group, NetEnt’s games are known for their attention to detail, exceptional sound and graphics, and for producing some of the biggest online casino slots in recent memory. Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Narcos are just a few of its blockbuster titles from the last ten years.
Microgaming
Founded: By Martin Moshal in 1994
Based in: The Isle of Man
Recent awards: EGR B2B Awards, 2019: Innovation in Slot Provision, and Best Poker Software from 2013-2016; The International Gaming Awards, 2018: iGaming Software Supplier of the Year, and Mobile Product of the Year, 2017; Malta Gaming Awards, 2018: Slots Platform of the Year.
Another member of the Big 3, Microgaming claims to have developed the world’s first online casino software in 1994. Though this claim is disputed by other development houses, it’s now fair to say that Microgaming is practically synonymous with online casinos. Its games can be found at the majority of online gambling sites – the biggest and best in recent years are the slots Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II, and Game of Thrones. The company also states it was the first to develop a progressive jackpot game way back in 1998, and the first to create mobile casino software in 2004. One thing’s for sure: it’s almost impossible to visit an online casino without running into Microgaming’s products and influence.
Playtech
Founded: By Teddy Sagi in 1999
Based in: The Isle of Man
Recent awards: Gaming Intelligence Awards, 2019: Supplier Innovation Award, Poker Supplier of the Year; Global Gaming Awards, 2016: Best Digital Industry Supplier; EGR B2B Awards, 2013: Slot Provider of the Year.
Making up the Big 3 trio is Playtech – a casino software provider founded in Estonia at the end of the last century. In recent years, Playtech has become known for its development of TV and Hollywood-inspired blockbuster slots, which include The Matrix, Gladiator, and Green Lantern. Playtech’s licensing contract with Marvel Comics expired in 2017, but the company consolidated its expertise in developing movie-themed hits by signing a new contract with Warner Bros. This partnership has seen Playtech develop slots for The Dark Knight Trilogy, Suicide Squad, and Justice League.
Evolution Gaming
Founded: By Jens von Bahr in 2006
Based in: Sweden
Recent awards: Global Gaming Awards, 2021: Online Casino Supplier of the Year; SBC Awards, 2020: Innovation in Casino Entertainment Award; Global Gaming Awards, 2020: Digital Industry Supplier of the Year; EGR B2B Awards, 2020: Live Casino Supplier of the Year for the eleventh year in a row.
As the astonishing 11-year awards run tells you, Evolution Gaming is renowned for its development of world-class live dealer games where online casino operators use video streaming technology to simulate authentic brick-and-mortar casino experiences. Evolution noticed a huge gap in the market when it burst onto the scene and has never looked back – today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a gambling site of note that doesn’t host dozens of Evolution’s live dealer games. Blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and all other classic table games dominate the live dealer corner of an Evolution casino, but the company is also well-known for taking iconic game shows and board games and adapting them for the live casino arena – Dream Catcher, Deal or No Deal, and Monopoly Live all fall into this division of Evolution games.
Novomatic
Founded: By Johann Graf in 1980
Based in: Austria
Recent awards: Global Gaming Awards, 2020: Casino Supplier of the Year for the third year in a row; SAGSE Awards, 2020: Best Electronic Roulette.
Starting off as an importer of pinball machines, Novomatic continued to keep pace with a rapidly changing gambling industry throughout the 80s and 90s, and was among the first gaming equipment manufacturers to use touch screen technology. Its acquisitions of other game developers like Greentube and Ainsworth Game Technology have solidified its position as a top-tier casino game developer, and its most famous slot titles include Book of Ra, Lucky Lady’s Charm, and Sizzling Hot.
Play’n GO
Founded: By Johan Törnqvist in 1997
Based in: Sweden
Recent awards: Malta iGaming Excellence Awards, 2019: Best Casino Supplier of the Year; International Gaming Awards, 2017: Slot Provider of the Year; SBC Awards, 2018: Game Developer of the Year.
Play’n GO started off as a breakaway of self-proclaimed gaming geeks working in the emerging dotcom scene of the mid-90s, and they know what players look for in a world-class casino game. Play’n GO doesn’t profess to be the biggest software house, but it aims to be the best. Its games are known for their bright colour schemes, strong thematic concepts, and excellent mobile gameplay; as the name suggests, Play’n GO excels at developing casino games for the mobile market. Among its biggest slot titles are 7 Sins, Aztec Princess, and Rich Wilde’s Book of Dead, which is often leveraged for free spin welcome bonuses at various online casinos.
IGT
Founded: By William Redd in 1975
Based in: London, UK
Recent awards: Global Gaming Awards, 2021: Casino Supplier of the Year; British Casino Awards, 2020: Best Slot Game for Fortune Coin; International Gaming Awards, 2020: Slot Provider of the Year; International Gaming Awards, 2017: Best Casino Equipment Supplier.
Like Novomatic, International Gaming Technology (IGT) has evolved through the decades to stay relevant in a dynamic sector. Starting out as a manufacturer of mechanical slot machines, IGT is now one of the biggest casino software providers around. It strengthened this position in 2014 when it acquired Gtech, the world’s largest slot machine manufacturer at the time, for $6.4 billion. For a slice of the best IGT slot action, we recommend checking out Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune, and Golden Goddess.
Yggdrasil
Founded: By Fredrik Elmqvist in 2012
Based in: Malta
Recent awards: International Gaming Awards, 2017-2020: Innovator of the Year; EGR B2B Awards, 2018: Innovator in RNG Casino Software; EGR B2B Awards, 2016-2017: Slot Provider of the Year.
Comfortably the youngest casino game developer on this list, Yggdrasil exploded onto the scene in 2012 with its bold range of online casino games. The International Gaming Awards named Yggdrasil Innovator of the Year for four years in a row, and for good reason. With its highly thematic and striking games, Yggdrasil is one of the most recognisable brands at any online casino. The company takes its inspiration from the Norse mythology of Yggdrasil – an ancient tree said to be the basis of all life, stretching across the nine realms and up into Valhalla. These ideas of Gods and mythology run through many of Yggdrasil’s games, the best of which include Valley of the Gods, Vikings Go Wild, and Super Heroes.
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