Software providers are the main building blocks of online casinos. These are the companies responsible for developing programs that power gambling sites and design games for different operators. They are also the trendsetters behind the innovative features in casino brands, which have helped the industry keep up with the latest technological trends. With such a massive footprint in the iGaming scene, it is only fair to provide in-depth scrutiny of the biggest iGaming software developers in the world. Since the list is overwhelming, we have narrowed it down to the following game providers based on their impact, market size, and contribution to the sector.
1. NetEnt Software Provider
Net Entertainment or NetEnt is an established software provider that has been supplying quality games to thousands of online casino sites across the globe. The company officially opened in 1996 and soon became reputable in the online gambling scene with its signature releases. NetEnt is dedicated to developing entertaining games, with some of its top titles being Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, and Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen. Besides, it is among the main developers of instant-play games, which you can enjoy in different casinos across the world. NetEnt casino slot machines come with different paylines and reels, with every title introducing players to different characters. Furthermore, NetEnt is recognized for pioneering the avalanche feature where the reels fall instead of spin. To witness the functionality, you can play Gonzo's Quest for free or real on any reputable casino site.
As the company progressed, so did its ingenuity. Marking the introduction of even more entertaining titles, some of which are inspired by movies and TV series, including Narcos, Vikings, and Jumanji. These games are meant to capture the attention of TV show fans and provide them with a better gaming experience fueled by their favorite characters. Besides, NetEnt is one of the software providers behind the best progressive jackpot slots, including titles like Vegas Night Life, Imperia Riches, and Grand Spin. Thanks to these games, you can try your luck to win millions with as little as 0.50 coins. The biggest transition in the company came in December 2020, when Evolution Gaming acquired 90% shares of NetEnt in a €1.8 billion deal. Evolution Gaming went ahead to restructure the company, and this helped streamline its operation. The partnership also saw the creation of Live Gonzo's Quest, which is meant to appeal to the live casino gaming scene.
2. Microgaming
Since 1994, Microgaming has been designing and developing top-of-the-class slot machines and table games. The company is known to be the pioneer of online casinos and one of the biggest providers of movie-themed casino slots. Some of its major releases in this category include Terminator 2: Judgement Day, a 243-payline video slot with 5-reels, Tomb Raider, and Jurassic Park. It is also behind titles like 9 Masks of Fire, Immortal Romance, and Wheel of Wishes. In case you didn't know, the developer designed and launched Mega Moolah, the video slot with a Guinness World Record of the biggest jackpot win in the history of online casino gaming. Its apparent contribution to the online gaming scene has seen it bag top awards, including the EGR B2B 2020 Platform of the Year award and EGR Italy Awards, Mobile Supplier 2021.
Other aspects that make Microgaming competitive is that all its products are fitted with Random Number Generators or RNG systems. Furthermore, it is licensed by multiple organizations, including the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This certifies the authenticity and fairness of its products. If you peruse the company's website, you will notice the developer has 2500+ games integrated into different online casinos worldwide. Moreover, Microgaming has more than 206 million clients spread across 20+ jurisdictions, covering a significant portion of the online gambling market. Microgaming is available in 45+ languages to capture the attention of different players, unlike its competitors, which appeal only to a specific group of people. Finally, Microgaming develops mobile-friendly games so you can play your favorite titles on the move.
3. Evolution Gaming
Although formulated in 2006, Evolution Gaming has proliferated to become one of the most influential game developers in the iGaming industry. The software provider designs, creates, and markets integrated B2B gaming solutions to operators. Its strategy has seen it remain relevant in the online gambling scene for years. After all, Evolution Gaming is not just about making profits but ensuring responsible gambling. The company works with social gambling sites like GamStop and BeGambleAware. Apart from its concern for players' gambling habits, the eCOGRA-certified site holds a license from the UKGC and has its offices in Nasdaq Stockholm. The license echoes Evolution's legitimacy in the online casino scene. Unlike most software providers, Evolution Gaming took the live casino path.
The software developer supplies 500+ operators with superior live dealer products, including live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and live poker games. Each live title from Evolution comes with skilled croupiers, and displays HD videos streamed straight from the company's studios. A couple of years ago, news of NetEnt acquisition by Evolution Gaming hit the online casino scene. Evolution took the step to diversify its portfolio and increase its market coverage. Through NetEnt, Evolution produces award-winning slot machines, which you can play on different online casinos. Evolution also partners with PlayStar and is behind software developing brands such as Big Time Gaming, Ezugi, and DigiWheel.
4. Play'n Go
If you are an avid casino gamer, you should be conversant with one of the top software providers, Play'n Go. The company is currently making headlines with its amazing gaming products renowned for the best innovation. But before diving into the kind of titles Play'n Go produces, you should be aware that the company is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), the Government of Gibraltar, and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Moreover, it partners with Independent Betting Adjudication Service, a UKGC-approved alternative dispute resolution service, cementing its status as a legitimate online casino software development company. But what makes Play'n Go special? First, the software developer tests its products using a third-party site to ascertain their fairness. Furthermore, they work with BeGambleAware, which promises responsible gambling.
Regarding its products, the company is behind some of the top games in the online casino industry today. For instance, Play'n Go offers players access to amazing video slot titles like Inferno Star, Golden Colts, and one of the highest-ranking video slots, Legacy of Dead. Some of its recent releases include Ghost of Dead, not to mention Cat Wilde and the Pyramids of Dead. In addition to slots, Play'nGo designs and develops grid slots and table games. Some games in these two categories include Rise of Olympus, a 2018 grid slot, and 3-Hand Casino Hold 'em, one of the top poker games the operator created in 2019. Bingo fans should also know that most of the titles they encounter in top online casinos come from Play'n Go. This has helped the developer to remain significant in the online gambling scene. The dedication of the Play'n Go saw it carry home the 2019 International Gaming Awards for Slot Provider of the Year.
5. Playtech
Playtech is an established casino software provider dating back to 1999. The company launched its initial casino product in 2001, and since then, it has grown to become recognized throughout the world of online gaming. Playtech prides itself as the pioneer of Omnichannel gambling, which means its products can be accessed on different devices anywhere and anytime. The company is authentic with licenses from the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) and UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Moreover, it is among the game developers that employ sustainability throughout their dealings. But what has made it expand its reach is its passion for providing feature-rich slot machines, table games, bingo, and live casino games.
Playtech is the company behind titles like Age of the Gods, Golden Sands, and Jackpot Giant. Similar to Evolution Gaming, Playtech is known to invest in online casino companies showing potential. For instance, in 2011, the company acquired Ash Gaming, a 2002 software developing company. They also made ripples in the industry when they purchased Quickspin in 2016. Other companies operating under Playtech include Rarestone Gaming and Eyecon. Playtech continues to grow with its staff developing new games every day. They are currently among the most reliable software providers in the UK, US, and other countries.
Each software provider discussed above is popular for providing top casinos with the best gaming products. These might be slots, table games, live dealers, or bingo. Furthermore, the companies have shown great potential by rapidly expanding over the past years, broadening their games portfolio, and acquiring subsidiary developers into their network to expand their reach. The listed companies also work with reputable organizations to ensure responsible and fair gaming.
