Gambling has been a popular source of entertainment for many years as players were given the opportunity to place bets in numerous land-based casinos all over the world. However, ever since online casinos emerged, this form of entertainment has thrived even further. It is no longer necessary to be physically present at a particular casino in order to enjoy the exciting games it offers.
Advances in technology have created countless opportunities, especially for online casinos. Blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, craps, and slots are among the casino classics you can enjoy wherever you feel most comfortable. Most online casinos operate around the clock, enabling you to choose the most convenient time to play.
Without doubt, online casinos have a lot to offer, which is why they are on the rise. To provide a wide range of top-notch games, every online casino cooperates with a reliable software supplier. Some online casinos have teamed up with more than one provider in an attempt to offer games that are second to none in terms of diversity and quality.
The software supplier a particular online casino uses plays a crucial role in your online gambling experience. It is a good indicator of the games on offer and their quality. Thus, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the leading software suppliers in the online gambling industry so you know what to look for.
The Important Role of the Software Provider
Software providers are responsible for developing high-quality games that online casinos can offer to their players. Their aim is to satisfy not only their casino customers but also the end users. Thanks to them, you can enjoy a broad selection of casino games without having to travel to a brick-and-mortar casino.
Moreover, some software suppliers have developed exclusive versions that allow you to experience your favourite games in completely new ways. The virtual nature of online play will not deprive you of the high-quality experience you normally enjoy at a land-based casino; quite the contrary – you may find it even more entertaining and exciting.
Online casinos that partner with leading software providers offer diverse games that impress with their excellent quality. Their realistic graphics and sound effects greatly enhance the overall experience.
Another category available thanks to the hard work of software providers is live dealer games. Without a doubt, these are must-tries, as they are extremely entertaining and engaging. Conducted in real time by professional dealers, live games replicate the experience of playing at a land-based casino.
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Leading Software Providers
Nowadays, there are many reputable software providers that have proved extremely innovative in the realm of online games. They spare no effort in developing exciting casino titles that players will love. Every self-respecting software supplier is unique and has something different to offer. This allows online casinos to choose the supplier that best suits their needs and to deliver an unparalleled gambling experience. Some of the most renowned names in the online gambling industry are Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, IGT, Betsoft, Evolution Gaming and others. All of these suppliers are famous for creating unique games with exclusive features, great visual effects, and beautiful designs.
Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the leading software suppliers and is famous globally for many reasons. The company takes credit for developing software for the first online casino back in 1994. With so many years of valuable experience, it is no wonder that a great number of online casinos opt for its services today.
This supplier has produced a broad selection of games, including roulette, blackjack, video slots, and video poker, some of which can be played in real time with a live dealer. The online games Microgaming offers are simply one of a kind in terms of quality, graphics, and diversity. The company has ensured that every single aspect of its games is impeccable so that end users enjoy an unprecedented experience every time they play.
Besides the classics, the company also offers many exclusive variations of popular casino games, showing its dedication not only to meeting but to surpassing expectations. Roulette fans can enjoy 3D Roulette, the progressive Roulette Royal, and Multi-Wheel Roulette.
For slots enthusiasts, Microgaming has developed several progressive jackpot titles, including Mega Moolah, Major Millions, King Cashalot, and more. Its exclusive Gold Series of blackjack includes Perfect Pairs, Spanish Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack, and others. More than 50 video poker variations are available, some of which can be played in Expert Mode. Microgaming is also famous for exclusive Playboy-themed games operated in real time by attractive female dealers.
Microgaming at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 1994 |
Headquartered In | Douglas, Isle of Man |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | eCOGRA |
Key Acquisitions | Games Global* |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, keno, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, casino poker, video poker, instant win games, progressive jackpots |
Number of Games | 820 |
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Playtech
Playtech is another software provider that is worth mentioning when it comes to high-quality casino games. It has been present in the online gambling industry for many years, which has surely contributed to the excellent games it offers today. Its titles are loved by many players as they stand out with crisp graphics and authentic sounds.
Thanks to these incredible features, you can completely immerse yourself in your favourite variations and experience them as never before. Its foremost priority has always been to provide end users with the best possible online gambling experience. Established in 1999, the company has continuously improved and developed its products.
As a result, it has created exclusive versions that quickly gained popularity among players. Slots enthusiasts can try some of the progressive jackpot slots, including Age of the Gods, Goddess of Wisdom, Furious 4, Fate Sisters, Prince of Olympus, and others. The provider also offers many DC-based progressive slots such as Man of Steel, Superman, and Batman and the Joker Jewels.
If roulette is your game, you can win big by playing a progressive variation such as Marvel Roulette. Lucky Blackjack and Blackjack Switch are among the blackjack versions provided exclusively by Playtech. Fans of video poker, baccarat, and craps can also enjoy their favourite games with realistic graphics and excellent visual effects.
Playtech at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 1999 |
Headquartered In | Douglas, Isle of Man |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | Technical Systems Testing (TST) |
Key Acquisitions | Quickspin (2016), Eyecon (2017) |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, video poker, bingo, poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, instant win games, live dealer games, progressive jackpots |
Number of Games | 800 |
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NetEnt
NetEnt is among the most respected game development companies in the online gambling industry. The brand’s history started almost twenty years ago, but it has greatly expanded the scope of its operations since it first launched. NetEnt’s catalogue is currently available at more than 200 online casinos, including major UK-licensed brands like Casumo and 32Red.
The company’s games have become a benchmark for playability and premium quality thanks to their fine-tuned interface, amazing graphics, and stunning animations that deliver great aesthetic pleasure to all players. NetEnt is highly regarded for its collection of branded slot releases, which includes massively successful titles like The Invisible Man, Jimi Hendrix, Narcos, Vikings, and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen. The Stockholm-based company also operates one of the largest pooled progressive jackpot networks in the world. The jackpot suite comprises record-breaking slots like Mega Fortune, Mega Fortune Dreams, Arabian Nights, and Hall of Gods.
The bulk of the NetEnt portfolio consists of feature-packed video slots, but the company has also released various authentically rendered table games. NetEnt used to stream live dealer games such as blackjack and roulette from its dedicated studios, but rival Evolution Gaming shut them down after acquiring the company in late 2020. NetEnt currently operates as part of the Evolution family of software brands, which also includes Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming, and Ezugi.
NetEnt at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 1996 |
Headquartered In | Stockholm, Sweden |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | eCOGRA |
Key Acquisitions | Acquired Red Tiger in 2019; was acquired by Evolution Gaming in 2020 |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, branded slots, progressive jackpots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, video poker |
Number of Games | 200 |
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Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is an award-winning supplier of premium gaming content whose products are available to players from more than 20 regulated markets. Established in 2015, the company boasts an outstanding offering that spans over 300 distinctive titles at the time of publication, including hugely popular slots like Gates of Olympus, Big Bass Bonanza, Wolf Gold, and Hot Safari.
The software studio launched its Drops & Wins campaign in early 2020, and it has gone on to become a massive success. Unique to Pragmatic Play, this ongoing campaign enables players to participate in daily or weekly tournaments at affiliated casinos. Some of the studio’s best slot titles are part of the initiative, further boosting its popularity.
The renowned supplier delivers premium content across several verticals, including virtual sports, bingo, online slots, and sports betting. In 2018, Pragmatic Play sealed a deal with Novomatic for the acquisition of Extreme Live Gaming. The purchase allowed the company to expand into yet another vertical by adding a range of live dealer tables to its growing catalogue.
The titles from the live dealer suite are particularly exciting, as many of them offer bespoke twists on classic table games like roulette and blackjack. The betting action is transmitted in real time from Pragmatic Play’s dedicated studios, allowing desktop and mobile players to immerse themselves fully in the live experience. PowerUp Roulette, Blackjack Azure, Mega Wheel, and Boom City are some of the most popular titles from the suite, but the rest of the live tables are also worth a try.
Pragmatic Play at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2015 |
Headquartered In | Sliema, Malta |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | BMM Testlabs, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) |
Key Acquisitions |
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Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, bingo, blackjack, baccarat, scratchcards, progressive jackpots, live dealer games |
Number of Games | 300 |
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Big Time Gaming
Big Time Gaming started more than a decade ago as a small game house founded by Nik Robinson, Huw McIntosh, and Ian Schmidt. The three Aussies clearly knew what they were doing, as their company quickly established itself as a global leader in online slot development. The highly acclaimed studio pioneered a new mechanic that irrevocably transformed the way modern video slots pay and play.
Known as Megaways, this innovative mechanic allows for thousands of possible winning combinations on each spin. The games in this category use a groundbreaking random reel modifier that changes the number of symbols on every round. The company debuted its first Megaways slot, Dragon Born, in 2016 and saw it become an overnight success within the online gambling community.
The game can produce up to 117,649 winning ways on a single round of play, but newer Big Time Gaming releases like Rasputin Megaways can yield 2,985,984 possible combinations per spin. Rival studios quickly took notice of Big Time’s groundbreaking reel modifier and started incorporating it into their own creations.
The Aussie company licenses its industry-changing mechanic to major market players like Blueprint Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and Relax Gaming. Meanwhile, Evolution Gaming continued its acquisition spree by adding Big Time Gaming to its growing family of software brands at the cost of £389 million (€450 million).
Big Time Gaming at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2011 |
Headquartered In | New South Wales, Australia |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | eCOGRA |
Key Acquisitions | Was acquired by Evolution Gaming in 2021 |
Notable Awards | Game of the Year (2022 Gam3 Awards) |
Game Categories | Video slots, Megaways slots |
Number of Games | 50 |
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Play’n GO
Play’n GO was created by a group of gaming experts whose expertise and business acumen shine through in every single game the studio has released since its launch in 2005. A couple of years later, the acclaimed company joined the mobile gaming revolution by launching some of the first cross-compatible casino games in history. The supplier has earned multiple awards for the excellence of its mobile products and continues to dominate the mobile gaming arena to this day.
The Play’n GO catalogue has now expanded to feature more than 280 video and grid slots, including fan favourites like Moon Princess, Book of Dead, Diamond Vortex, and Reactoonz. Whether you prefer mythology and ancient civilisations or are keen on animals and fairy tales, Play’n GO has you covered with a broad range of themes. The supplier’s creations are overflowing with thrilling features like win clusters, multipliers, respins, scatters, wilds, bonus games, and free spins.
The popularity of titles like Gunslinger Reloaded, Fruit Bonanza, and Bell of Fortune is further boosted by their life-changing progressive jackpots. Play’n GO is no stranger to developing authentic table games, either. The studio has launched several releases from this category over the years, including European Roulette Pro, Casino Stud Poker, Single Deck Blackjack, and Mini Baccarat. The games are equipped with useful functionalities like fast play, multi-hand mode, and statistics.
Play’n GO at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2005 |
Headquartered In | Växjö, Sweden |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | BMM Test Labs, Quinel, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) |
Key Acquisitions | Acquired Proactive Gaming in 2018 |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, grid slots, video bingo, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, progressive jackpots, keno |
Number of Games | 290 |
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Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is a leading software provider from Sweden that has been supplying premium gaming content to online casinos since 2013. The Stockholm-based company has successfully expanded its footprint to 24 regulated markets, including the UK, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Belgium, and Finland. It is widely regarded as a powerhouse in the iGaming industry and partners with major brands, including LeoVegas, Betway, and William Hill.
The supplier specialises predominantly in the development of high-end online slots. At the time of publication, its catalogue comprises over 250 premium releases, including player favourites like Tut’s Twister, Nirvana, Cazino Zeppelin, and Vikings Go to Hell. Progressive jackpots are available in more than a dozen popular Yggdrasil titles, including Dr Fortuno, Joker Millions, and Holmes and the Stolen Stones.
Despite its focus on slots, Yggdrasil has launched several true-to-life table games. Golden Chip Roulette, Sonya Blackjack, and Lucky Blackjack are among the most prominent examples. The leading supplier cooperates with many up-and-coming independent studios via the Yggdrasil Game Server (YGS) Masters programme launched in spring 2018. The programme enables operator partners to provide content from third-party suppliers like Northern Lights, Gamevy, and Rabcat, among others.
In addition to crafting superior games, Yggdrasil provides promo tools designed to boost player engagement and improve customer retention at affiliated casinos. Operator partners can incorporate in-game tournaments and offer surprise cash drops to their customers.
Yggdrasil at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2013 |
Headquartered In | Stockholm, Sweden |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | Not specified |
Key Acquisitions | N/A |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, progressive jackpots |
Number of Games | 250 |
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Relax Gaming
Founded in 2010, Relax Gaming is considered one of the leading casino content providers in the industry. With over a decade of experience behind it, the company has established itself as a key partner to heavy hitters like LeoVegas, Mr Green, and Casumo. It presently services operator partners from multiple regulated markets, including Great Britain, Ontario, Romania, and Greece.
The top-tier supplier caters to operators with a growing portfolio of online slots featuring versatile themes that resonate with a vast audience. Well-loved titles include Hot Rod Races, Templar Tumble, Snake Arena, and Money Train, whose sequel, Money Train 2, was named Slot of the Year at the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards in 2021.
Relax Gaming keeps up with the competition by offering several slots that implement the Megaways payout mechanic. Prominent examples include The Great Pigsby Megaways and Temple Tumble Megaways. In 2022, the supplier unveiled a new breed of slots that offer enhanced winning potential with the launch of its Dream Drop Jackpots product. Games from the series feature five-tiered jackpots (Rapid, Midi, Maxi, Major, and Mega) and the prizes are guaranteed to hit whenever they escalate to specific amounts.
The Mega Jackpot is particularly appetising, as the studio will level it up by €500,000 once every two wins until it reaches a cap of €10,000,000. It has been won five times so far and currently drops before it reaches €6,000,000. Grim the Splitter, Templar Tumble 2, Neko Night, Volatile Vikings, and Wild Chapo all form part of the Dream Drop network. As for table games, Relax Gaming offers only Blackjack Neo and Roulette Nouveau.
Relax Gaming at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2010 |
Headquartered In | Tallinn, Estonia |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | eCOGRA |
Key Acquisitions | Was acquired by the Kindred Group in 2021 |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, bingo, poker, roulette, jackpot games, blackjack |
Number of Games | 80 |
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Red Tiger Gaming
Red Tiger Gaming was established in 2014 by a group of industry experts with an impressive track record in gaming content development. After nearly a decade of growth, the Red Tiger portfolio encompasses more than 250 top-flight slots and table games, and the studio continues to roll out new titles each month.
This prolific provider’s catalogue includes top-performing slots like Fa Fa Babies, Jingle Ways, Dynamite Riches, and Dragon’s Fire. The company may lack the longevity of veterans such as Playtech and Microgaming, but its creations captivate players with innovative features, immersive graphics, and great animations.
The award-winning studio unveiled its Daily Drop Jackpot network in early 2019 to great acclaim. All operator partners can connect their casinos to the network, delivering extra excitement to their customers. The progressive jackpots pool across multiple Red Tiger slots and are guaranteed to hit once per day before a predetermined time, usually before 11 pm GMT. Taking this concept further, the supplier launched hourly must-drop jackpots later the same year.
Apart from creating superior content, Red Tiger provides robust back-office services that allow online casinos to monitor and manage multiple aspects of their operations. The fast-growing studio was acquired by the Swedish giant NetEnt in 2019 and subsequently joined the Evolution Gaming family of brands after Evolution purchased NetEnt the following year.
Red Tiger Gaming at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2014 |
Headquartered In | Saint Julian’s, Malta |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | eCOGRA |
Key Acquisitions | Was acquired by NetEnt in 2019 |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Video slots, must-drop progressive jackpots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat |
Number of Games | 250 |
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Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming has effectively created the blueprint for premium live dealer solutions. The company’s live casino games have become a benchmark for superior quality and have earned it multiple accolades, including eleven trophies for Live Casino Supplier of the Year at the annual EGR B2B Awards.
A global powerhouse in this field, Evolution further cements its excellent reputation by working with some of the biggest online gambling brands on the UK market. Indeed, all major UK-licensed operators opt for Evolution Gaming’s services.
The company operates over 200 live tables located in state-of-the-art studios across Europe. Some games utilise the dual-play format and stream directly from the floors of luxurious land-based properties like the Hippodrome Grand Casino in London. The live tables come with limits flexible enough to meet the needs of all players; bets at some UK-friendly casinos start at only £0.10 and can exceed £10,000 in certain cases.
Notable titles from the Evolution portfolio include Instant Roulette, Immersive Roulette, Lightning Blackjack, Speed Baccarat, Lightning Baccarat, Mega Sic Bo, and Caribbean Stud Poker. Many of these games support side wagers and feature payout multipliers that greatly enhance both winning potential and entertainment value.
The acclaimed provider also offers multiple game shows hosted by charismatic live presenters, including Crazy Time, Dream Catcher, Mega Ball, and Monopoly Live. Thanks to a series of strategic acquisitions in recent years, Evolution now markets gaming products under several major brand names, including NetEnt, Nolimit City, Big Time Gaming, Ezugi, and Red Tiger.
Evolution Gaming at a Glance | |
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In Business Since | 2006 |
Headquartered In | Stockholm, Sweden |
Licensed By |
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Certified By | eCOGRA |
Key Acquisitions | Ezugi (2018), NetEnt (2020), Red Tiger Gaming (2020), Big Time Gaming (2021), DigiWheel (2021), Nolimit City (2022) |
Notable Awards |
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Game Categories | Live blackjack, live roulette, live baccarat, live craps, live game shows, live casino poker |
Number of Games | 200+ live and first-person table games |
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FAQ
Why is it important to check the software provider a particular online casino uses?
It is always a good idea to consider the software supplier with which an online casino partners, for several reasons. The provider can be a great indicator of the games you will find on the casino’s website, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. Since the quality, graphics, and diversity of the games depend entirely on this third-party company, your overall gambling experience is largely determined by it. Moreover, online casinos that have teamed up with leading software suppliers are more likely to be fair and trustworthy than those that rely on lesser-known companies.
Do online casinos use only one software supplier?
Some online casinos partner with more than one software supplier to provide a broader selection of games featuring spectacular graphics and exclusive features. As a result, their catalogues are often impressively diverse, enabling players of all types to find titles that suit their preferences. However, you should not assume that casinos using only one provider are not worth visiting—especially if they have partnered with a reputable company.
Is there a way to check whether the casino software is worthwhile or not?
To see for yourself how good the casino software truly is, you can simply try some of the games in fun mode. This allows you to gain a general impression of both the casino and its software provider, helping you decide whether you like them. Playing in practice mode is entirely risk-free, making it perfect for players who want to test the software and its games.
Is it necessary to download the casino software in order to play?
In most cases, it is not. Many online casinos allow players to take advantage of Instant Play mode. This means you can enjoy slots, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and other games without downloading any software. To play, you simply access the casino’s website through your preferred browser.
Which version is better – Instant Play Flash casinos or Download casinos?
The answer depends on your personal preferences, as both versions offer advantages. If you choose the first option, you can play many casino games without the hassle of downloading software. This saves time and protects your device from potential threats such as viruses. Instant Play casinos also give you the freedom to play on various computers or mobile devices without preparation.
If you opt for the second option, you can enjoy a broader selection of games with slightly better visual effects and graphics. You are also likely to experience smoother play, as the platform tends to be more stable. Furthermore, in some cases, Download casinos offer more games than their Flash counterparts.