Software Providers are the game changers in the online casino industry. First and foremost what brings life to casinos is a couple of things. We are talking about amazing graphics, visuals, and sound. But all this cannot be achieved without the aid of software providers.
There are several popular software providers offering online gambling services. These include Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Real Time Gaming, Scientific Games, IGT, Konami, Yggdrasil, Endorphina, WMS, RTG, Evolution Gaming, and Aristocrat. These companies develop proprietary gaming platforms, providing online casino operators with secure systems and quality games.
What Do Software Providers Do?
Software providers offer a variety of products to online casinos. They help regulate the industry by reviewing operator applications for compliance to ensure they maintain an ethical environment. They also create the operating system and tools that allow game developers to create their own software solutions without having to hire outside programmers.
Most software providers keep their identities anonymous so as not to influence any decisions made by regulators or customers. Some companies release details about themselves on their websites, but most do not. The following is a list of some of the most prominent names in online gambling:
Endorphin
The company has been around since 1994 and has developed more than 100 games which can be played online. It is licensed by the Gambling Commission and holds a record as one of the top ten most popular provider’s in the UK. It also offers numerous games including slots, video poker and live bingo. With over 50% market share in the United Kingdom, it has been ranked among the best for years. In addition to this, the company provides 24-hour customer service support. This helps reduce waiting times when players need assistance. Its website has information about its games, licenses and complaints policy. Players receive email reminders when there is activity on their account.
Net Entertainment
With nearly 30 years of experience under its belt, Net Entertainment continues to dominate the European market. It was first established in 1989 and is fully registered in Malta. The company began development of online casino games in 1998. Since then, it has won awards at various international competitions such as the Las Vegas Game Developers Conference. It has released many different games including roulette, blackjack, craps, pai gow poker, keno, three card stud, progressive jackpots and slot machine games. The company is also heavily involved in developing mobile devices. This includes apps for Apple and Android phones and tablets.
Microgaming
Founded in 1990, the company has managed to grow into one of the world’s largest software producers. To date, it has published more than 500 titles across all types of games. Many of these titles have been awarded prizes from major global events, such as the Cannes Grand Prix. For example, in 2014, it partnered with Bwin.party Digital Ltd., who owns BetOnSports and Pokerstrategy.com, to release World Series of Poker Hold’em Tournament Edition 3 — the latest version of a freehold poker simulation software series. Besides this, the company runs successful brands like SlotMasters, Thunderkick and Casino Tropez and operates in more than 20 countries.
Playtech
Founded in 1994, Playtech is another leading software developer in Europe. It currently partners with 150 operators worldwide and has about 5 million monthly active users (MAU). To date, it has produced hundreds of games, which range from slots to table games. In particular, the company launched its proprietary software platform called “Playtech LIVE” in 2000. Over time, the technology became highly praised due to its capacity to develop new features while playing existing games. As of December 2015, Playtech had more than 13 million MAU.
Betsoft
BetSoft is one of the biggest betting sites in the US and Canada. Established in 1996, the company focuses mainly on sports betting and casino games and has earned a reputation as a reliable game developer within the industry. It now boasts more than 15,000 employees globally and has offices located in New Jersey, Nevada and California. Among the award-winning games that are connect to the brand are Slots Magic, Jackpot City, Big Time Wins and Win Money Now.
Novomatic
One of the oldest companies in the gambling industry from 1983 is Novomatic. Its headquarters are out of Vienna, Austria but the entire gaming operation is out of Hungary. It currently licenses more than 250 games and is available in over 20 languages. It supports almost every type of device whether they are connect to the Internet or not. Some popular titles include Book of Ra Deluxe, Rizk Casino, Merkur Games, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quasar Gaming, Microgaming and others.
How we Rate Top Casino Software Providers
Just like there are things or criteria that we use when you want to see the best casino the same applies to software providers. Let’s get to know as to what you can look for when you are looking for the best software provider there is.
Amazing Visuals
As you probably know by now, visuals play a vital role in any online gaming experience. They help entertain players while providing them with valuable data and important feedback at the same time. This is why we rate most software providers on their visual design and how well they keep up with technological advances. If an app provides an impressive UI, then it will likely be easier to use and keep updated compared to other similar apps.
A Good Game Selection
This goes hand in hand with the previous category. However, it also comes down to the total number of available slot machines, roulette wheels, blackjack tables, video pokers and live dealer games. The bigger the selection, the better the chances you will find what you’re looking for!
Licensing
The last part of the rating system consists of third-party licensing and certification programs. Any reputable provider should have licenses for all countries where they offer their services. There are several independent organizations offering online gambling license tests and certification exams, such as eCOGRA, IGGYBME and TST. These certifications verify that your provider offers fair games, transparent payouts and secure transactions.