In recent years, the number of software developers that specialise in the field of online casino games has increased significantly. This is hardly surprising, especially when one considers how thriving and lucrative the online gambling industry has become of late.
It is on software developers that online casinos rely for the creation of all their table games, live-dealer offerings and, of course, online slots, which remain the most sought-after games among online casino enthusiasts.
Yet, there are some software developers whose names stand out from the rest. Companies like Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Betsoft and IGT are widely regarded as frontrunners in online casino game development and are responsible for a plethora of high-quality slot titles, as well as for introducing countless innovations that have taken the industry to new heights.
Players who are interested in online slots, in particular, should acquaint themselves with the key software providers that boast the most diverse slot catalogues, offering only high-quality titles with fair payouts. Read on to find out who supplies the most popular online slots, with the best graphics and the most exciting features.
NetEnt
NetEnt has become one of the most recognisable names in the online gaming industry and is regarded as one of the leading suppliers of premium online casino solutions. The company has succeeded in establishing long-standing and fruitful partnerships with some of the most renowned online gambling operators in the industry.
NetEnt was established in 1996 in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. The company’s headquarters remain in Luntmakargatan, Stockholm, to this day, but it has expanded into international markets and operates offices in countries such as Ukraine, Gibraltar and Malta.
Over the years, the company’s portfolio has expanded greatly and now spans over 200 quality titles. Each of the games from the software supplier impresses with crisp, vivid visuals, great sound effects and a user-friendly interface. In 2011, NetEnt made it possible for players to enjoy their favourite slot titles and table games on the go by launching its NetEnt Touch platform, which supports mobile devices running on Android and iOS.
NetEnt is responsible for an extensive collection of superb slots boasting a wide range of great features and high payouts. The software supplier’s branded slots enjoy the greatest popularity among players. Some of the most sought-after branded slots by NetEnt include South Park: Reel Chaos, Dracula, The Invisible Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Aliens. Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst and Jack and the Beanstalk rank among the first slot titles to be optimised for the latest VR casino format. At the beginning of 2016, the developer introduced its NetEnt Rocks slot collection, which spans three enticing titles inspired by influential musicians – Guns N’ Roses, Jimi Hendrix and Motörhead.
Slot fans who decide to register at an online casino that utilises NetEnt’s cutting-edge platform need not download and install a specific casino client, since the developer’s slots are available for Instant Play.
Microgaming
Based on the Isle of Man, Microgaming was established in 1994. Microgaming is celebrated as a pioneer in the industry and is often credited with launching the first-ever fully functional online casino, known as The Gaming Club. Several years later, Microgaming began offering its platform to other online casino operators.
This change in direction allowed Microgaming to concentrate fully on creating some of the most sophisticated and innovative online slots and table games available. What is more, Microgaming has been honoured with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Innovation in Slot Provision award at the EGR Awards.
Microgaming has been leading the way in mobile games development for over ten years. The software supplier is responsible for developing over 350 games optimised for mobile play. The mobile collection is available via the developer’s native downloadable application, as well as in HTML5 format.
Microgaming is no stranger to innovation, as its slot The Dark Knight Rises became the world’s first online slot title to be optimised for the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch. In addition, the developer’s Mega Moolah progressive slot holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest jackpot payout from an online slot game in history.
Microgaming’s slot collection is beyond impressive, spanning over 600 titles, each of which is noteworthy. The slots boast rich graphics, amazing sound effects and various lucrative features that aim to render players’ gaming sessions more engaging and, of course, rewarding.
Keeping track of industry trends, Microgaming released a number of branded slots through its joint efforts with Universal Studios. Some of these film-based titles include Terminator 2, Bridesmaids, Jurassic Park and Battlestar Galactica. The Playboy-themed online slot is also a great success among reel fans. Other notable titles in Microgaming’s extensive collection include Hot as Hades, Thunderstruck II, Immortal Romance and the Titans of the Sun series.
Playtech
Established in 1999 by Israeli entrepreneur Teddy Sagi, Playtech is considered a leader in the online gambling industry, alongside its main competitors Microgaming and NetEnt. The developer, which is also based on the Isle of Man, was among the first companies to address the need for mobile gaming when it released its mobile platform back in 2005.
The software supplier is proud to offer over 500 innovative and premium-quality casino games. Its catalogue continues to expand at a rapid pace, as Playtech releases over 50 new games each year. Since Playtech has signed licensing agreements with leading entertainment brands like HBO, MGM and NBC Universal, players can enjoy various thrilling movie-based slot titles, such as The Mummy, Pink Panther, Gladiator and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Slots like Gold Rally and Beach Life are also worth mentioning, as they have massive progressive jackpots attached to them, which can truly change the lives of lucky players.
Popular Developers
Best Payout Playtech Slots
Best Payout Microgaming Slots
Best Payout NetEnt Slots
Best Payout IGT Slots
Yet, it is the Marvel-themed slot collection that enjoys the greatest popularity among players. Playtech’s Marvel collection is beyond impressive and spans a wide range of titles based on popular characters from the classic comic-book series. Some of the most notable slots in the collection include The Incredible Hulk, The Avengers, Iron Man, Wolverine, Fantastic Four, Thor: The Mighty Avenger and Spider-Man: Attack of the Green Goblin.
Apart from the appealing visuals and fantastic sounds, the Marvel-themed slots attract players with their colossal prizes, since all Marvel titles are linked to Playtech’s Marvel Jackpot Network. Lucky players can randomly trigger a bonus game and collect one of the four guaranteed progressive prizes, namely the Power, Extra Power, Super Power and Ultimate Power jackpots.
Betsoft
Based in southern Cyprus, Betsoft was established in 1999 and quickly cemented its position as a well-known and respected software developer by introducing a number of premium casino products that range from enticing slot titles to bingo, traditional table games and virtual racing. Each game on offer impresses with state-of-the-art graphics, evocative sound effects and smooth, intuitive gameplay.
Like other developers, Betsoft concentrated its efforts on expanding into the mobile gambling market by introducing its ToGo collection of quality mobile slots. The games are optimised for Windows Phone, Android and iOS-based devices. Betsoft focuses on quality over quantity, as each slot in its portfolio impresses with bespoke random features, bonus games and 3D cinematic animations.
Each video slot developed by Betsoft has its own unique theme and storyline. Winning combinations on the active paylines are often accompanied by short animated clips, which add to the entertainment value of the games and keep players on the edge of their seats. Some of the most noteworthy 3D slots Betsoft has created in recent years include Good Girl Bad Girl, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Aztec Treasures, At the Movies, A Night in Paris, Greedy Goblins and Gypsy Rose.
IGT
IGT (short for International Game Technology) specialises in the development of premium-quality slots for both online and brick-and-mortar casinos. IGT’s history began in 1975. Over the last four decades, IGT has undergone a number of transformations, but its reputation as one of the leading slot manufacturers in the world remains intact to this day.
One of the key moments in the history of IGT is its acquisition of WagerWorks in 2004. This step provided IGT with the opportunity to introduce its large catalogue of land-based slots to the online gambling community by employing the existing technology WagerWorks had already developed. The slots are available in Instant Play format, so players are not required to download and install specific software in order to enjoy them.
IGT caters to the needs and preferences of all slot fans. The developer has incorporated a unique feature into its online slot games, which enables players to adjust graphics quality according to their internet speed, ensuring a hassle-free and smooth gaming session. Another peculiarity of IGT slots is that they offer larger betting limits, as minimum and maximum bets per payline typically vary between £1.00 and £50.00.
Many players prefer to place their bets on IGT’s progressive slots and there is a good reason why. IGT’s progressive network starts at a seed of £1.5 million and encompasses three slot titles, namely Monopoly, Cleopatra and Cluedo. Other popular IGT slots that players are recommended to try include Wolf Run, Cats, Siberian Storm, Pharaoh’s Fortune and Wheel of Fortune.
Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play is yet another multi-product software provider with a long-established presence in the iGaming industry. The provider’s portfolio covers a number of verticals, and gambling enthusiasts are presented with a rich and varied selection of live games, bingo and slots.
The provider’s slot selection is indeed diverse, as the creator of gaming content has rolled out around 200 gripping titles. The game designers from Pragmatic Play are quite imaginative when it comes to the themes of the slots they present, and players can enjoy games set in the Wild West or in Asia. Fruit-based slots are also given plenty of attention by the provider, as are mythology-based titles and games themed around magic, zombies, pirates, animals, Christmas, sport and more.
The interesting concepts and themes the provider relies on undoubtedly make its creations instant attention-grabbers. The games that are courtesy of Pragmatic Play have great win potential, while their superb bonus functionalities make the slots a go-to option for thrill-seekers. There are sticky wilds, rounds of free spins, expanding symbols, progressive bonus games and stacked symbols, to name just a few.
The company does its best to offer engaging content, and its live lobby quickly won the hearts of fans of classics with its authenticity. Playing the games that are courtesy of Pragmatic Play might result in handsome prizes, thanks to the progressive jackpots linked to them.
Although these games are not millionaire-makers like some other slots available, the prizes they offer should not be overlooked. Players who are intrigued by such games should consider trying Wolf Gold, Chilli Heat and Gold, among others.
Not to mention that the creations of Pragmatic Play are widely available, as they can be played in more than 30 languages and currencies. Besides, the software provider works under seals of approval granted by the UK Gambling Commission and the Maltese Gaming Authority, which render it fully legitimate.
Pragmatic Play is indeed a mobile-focused software provider, and the fact that it received an award for Mobile Supplier speaks volumes about the quality of the experience players are offered while on the move.
Play’n GO
When speaking about the world’s leading slot creators, we cannot help but mention Play’n GO. This is easily one of the most recognisable names, as the company has been in the gambling industry for well over 20 years and is presently regulated by the Maltese Gaming Authority and the UKGC. The company hails from Sweden and is celebrated for the premium quality of the slots, table classics and video-poker games it designs. The studio does not focus solely on such games, as jackpot titles and bingo are also included in its portfolio.
The provider’s game catalogue is all-embracing, and the titles stand out from the crowd with their innovative and fresh design, features and gameplay. The unwavering dedication to quality undoubtedly works to the advantage of players, as they can revel in their favourite games on tablets, smartphones and computers.
The company has gone on to roll out titles based on all fan-favourite themes, and its portfolio contains games themed around Ancient Egypt, gold mining, gems, Greek mythology, magic, fairytales, pirates, the Wild West, Norse mythology and vampires, to name just a few. The titles that revolve around Ancient Egypt are among the ones players are most taken with, and the best-liked releases that are courtesy of Play’n GO include Book of Dead, Rich Wilde and the Amulet of Dead, Cat Wilde and the Doom of Dead, Dawn of Egypt, Ankh of Anubis and Doom of Egypt, among others.
The games in the company’s suite impress with high-end visuals and sounds, but also with their unique bonus functionalities. Rounds of free spins are indeed the most widely used bonus feature, but reel spinners can make the most of their slot adventures thanks to expanding wilds and win multipliers, among others.
What players should remember about the games designed by Play’n GO is that, normally, their RTP is around 96%, while their volatility is rather high.
The diligence of the software provider has not gone unnoticed, and now Play’n GO prides itself on a number of accolades, including awards for Slot Provider of the Year and Best Casino Supplier of the Year.
Big Time Gaming
Founded in 2011, Big Time Gaming is a small-scale game-making studio. It is best known for creating the Megaways slot mechanic, an innovation that turned slot-making technology upside down and helped the company make a name for itself. The company licensed this mechanic to a number of other software developers, and now the number of games in which it is used continues to increase.
The company never stands still and, not long ago, presented the first titles in which the Megacluster and Megaquads mechanics are used. Other innovations the company is renowned for are the Heartstopper and Reel Adventure mechanics, which are employed in games like Holy Diver Megaways and Royal Mint Megaways.
Big Time Gaming is also celebrated for its selection of branded slots, and reel spinners who have a liking for such games might enjoy Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Danger High Voltage, Survivor Megaways or Monopoly.
The company has what it takes to remain at the forefront of the iGaming world and, to ensure that its games stay relevant, the provider has obtained licences in a number of jurisdictions, including the UK.
Big Time Gaming is dedicated to creating player-focused games, and to achieve this, the company has ensured that there is a rich assortment of themes, bonus features and play styles for reel spinners to enjoy. To guarantee player engagement, the provider has included fruit-based slots, as well as games that revolve around food, Ancient Egypt, animals and Vegas, among others.
The best thing about the games that are courtesy of Big Time Gaming is that they are suitable for all players, no matter their bankroll. The company boasts a number of titles high-rollers will certainly enjoy, but players who prefer placing smaller bets might opt for the games where the minimum stake is just 0.01. Besides, the Big Time Gaming-powered slots are built on the HTML5 platform, which means they load without a glitch on computers, smartphones and tablets.
Yggdrasil
Although Yggdrasil has only been around for a short while, having made its foray into the online gambling scene back in 2013, the studio is already renowned for the extremely high quality of its slots, jackpot games and table classics. The company is evolving at a fast pace and keeps expanding its footprint; presently, its games are available in 17 licensed jurisdictions, including the UK.
In spite of its brief presence on the online gambling scene, the studio already prides itself on a number of accolades. Obviously, the games Yggdrasil is responsible for are very well received, and therefore it is no surprise that it won Innovator of the Year in 2018, Slot Provider of the Year in 2018, and Gaming Software Supplier of the Year in 2016, among others.
The titles released by the provider are among the most popular available, so much so that more and more UK-friendly casinos choose to add them to their portfolios, giving players a vast array of options.
The premium quality of the visuals is not the only outstanding feature of the slots designed by Yggdrasil; they also grab attention with their unique themes. The variety of options is indeed rich, and slot buffs will be treated to titles inspired by Norse mythology, underwater adventures, pirates, Ancient Rome, journeys and Irish luck, to name just a few. Fortunately for players, the studio does not limit itself exclusively to ordinary slots, as its jackpot games are among the most popular.
Gambling enthusiasts will be able to tell the titles that are courtesy of Yggdrasil apart from others, thanks to the fresh concepts and ideas used in the gameplay. The software provider puts a heavy focus on innovation, and players can now enjoy slots where the brand-new Splitz, MultiMax and Gigablox mechanics are employed.
The multi-device compatibility of the games designed by Yggdrasil is worth mentioning as well, and players will enjoy the same superb visual experience and smooth gameplay whether spinning the reels on the move or on their computers.
Quickspin
Boasting widespread popularity, the releases of Quickspin are worth considering when you are on the lookout for slots that offer action-packed gameplay. The company set up its business back in 2011, and in 2016 it was acquired by Playtech.
It can safely be said that the Sweden-based company has a flair for creating slots, as its releases are among the most sought-after options available. This is no surprise considering the unique stories the Quickspin titles offer. Along with Roman-themed slots, players might have a whale of a time while immersing themselves in titles based around dinosaurs, bandits and thieves, science, Asian culture, Ancient Egypt and ghosts, among others.
The clean and crisp designs of its slots are indeed one of their distinctive traits and make the creations a pleasure to play. The impeccable audio and stunning graphics make the slots all the more enthralling. Reel spinners should certainly look out for the Quickspin Achievements Engine, thanks to which they collect special points as they enjoy the betting action.
Obviously, the software developer prefers quality over quantity, and presently its portfolio comprises 77 titles, 72 of which work like a charm on portable devices. The gaming suite of the provider is expected to increase at a faster pace, as this year it aims to roll out up to three titles per month.
There is no doubt that Quickspin is a legitimate creator of gaming content, as it has acquired licences from the UKGC and the Maltese Gaming Authority.
