The Best Casino Software Developers
Online casino software providers bridge the gap between the creative minds making our favourite games and us players enjoying trying them out. The essential components of a great game are multi-faceted because we expect much more than just unique slots themes. Modern players are after interesting casino games variants, fantastic graphics and high-octane sound to draw them in. Whether software needs to be downloaded rather than playing straight in the browser is another consideration. Fundamentally, the prime job of the software developer is to provide a solid foundation for safe and secure games, including mechanisms that protect players from losing their bets during a software crash for example. If you’re not sure where to start looking for solid game products, read on for a summary of the best casino providers.
- Playtech Play Here! Pink Panther Batman Exclusive DC Comics-Themed Slots Over 849 Casino Games ––
- NetEnt Play Here! Starburst Mega Fortune Niche Games and Epic Graphics Over 300 Casino Games –
- Dragofish Play Here! Treasure fare Millionare Genie Awesome Jackpot Games Over 200 Casino Games ––
- IGT Play Here! Triple Diamond Da Vinci Diamonds Instant Play in Browser Over 200 Casino Games –
Why Are Online Casino Software Providers Important?
Games are created by the software developers, not the operators. If you care about how your games look, play, or sound you should care about devs.
Software-based games use a random number generator to create the outcome. How that win or loss is displayed is on the software developer’s creativity.
Reputable software developers have gotten to where they are by staying free from scams and dodgy practices, offering safe and fair games only.
All of the mobile optimizations is done on the software development side. If you want a first-class mobile experience, look out for leading developers.
How to Find the Right Software for You
Finding the right software provider is a complex job. You can, of course, simply read this page and choose one of our recommended developers but in such a fast-moving industry, it’s also worth learning a bit about how we choose the game-makers we present, so that you can identify the pros and cons of new developers entering the market. Here’s what we look for when evaluating a casino software developer.
| International Reputation | |
|---|---|
| Other Markets | Are the games from a developer sold to markets in other countries and regions that are big in iGaming, such as Germany, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia? |
| Award Winners | Online casinos can win awards, but most are given to the people who actually make the products – the software developers. Keep an eye out! |
| Creativity & Ideas | |
|---|---|
| Reskin & Respin | If you notice a software developer churning out the same old formula in different clothing, this is a surefire sign that it does not care about creativity. |
| Unusual Licenses | Everyone knows Game of Thrones and Jurassic Park, but there are devs out there picking up niche licenses for hardcore fans – look out for them! |
| Safety First In This Game | |
|---|---|
| Anonymous Playing | Beware of ANY software developer that does not have a legit website or contact information. This market is full of scamers, schemers, dodgy dealers and frauds. |
| Seal of Approval | If you go to a big casino brand such as Ladbrokes and see a new software developer, you are almost certainly in safe hands. |
Who Develops the Best Online Casino Software?
I’ll begin by distinguishing between online casino software providers and pure game developers. Indeed, they complement each other but cater for different parts of the game production process. For the online casino providers, it is far too much effort to develop their own individual software, therefore they rely on specialised games software developers. These games providers do a great service in providing a secure platform for the games to be launched. For more information on which providers casinos work with, head to my casino reviews page. The games themselves are developed by specialist casino software developers. It’s common for casinos to cooperate with a bunch of manufacturers, which is the ideal scenario, giving a fantastic variety of stimulating games, where players can profit from the different strengths of each developer. The effect of casinos choosing from the same ‘pot’ of developers has a nice knock-on effect. The individual jackpots of games grow far higher since they aren’t contributed to from just one casino’s players, but across every casino which also hosts the game. The list below presents some usual suspects among the software devs that populate the UK online gaming scene. However, there are numerous other, smaller yet powerhouse software providers, who have made it their modus operandi to provide cutting-edge, modern games. You’ll be best off browsing the new online casino sites to experience these innovative games from niche game-makers.
Playtech
Playtech is the undisputed champion and heralded as the best online casino software provider. This market-leading brand gives visitors to Playtech casinos the choice of downloading software or playing straight in your browser. They stand out from the pack because they hold the exclusive right for numerous licenses for blockbuster films. Collaborating with Hollywood was a genius move and a has been a great source of success for Playtech. The progressive DC Comics jackpot games and standout games such as Batman and The Joker Jewels have been a raging success amongst slots players.
- Number of Casino Games: 500+ games, all licensed games and jackpots
- Instant Play Games: All games run directly in the browser
- Download Software: Download available, min. Win2000 SP2
Microgaming
Microgaming is another huge name in slots games, and one you’re probably more familiar with. This powerhouse has been developing software for online casinos since 1994 and have made many a millionaire world wide. A quick Google search of their infamous Mega Moolah will produce tonnes of results with millionaire holding a cheque totalling 7, 8, even 9 figure sums. For card game fans, Microgaming offers a fantastic Pai Gow Poker variant, too. For flexibility, games are available to play instantly in browser or via download.
- Number of Casino Games: 850+ games, Mega jackpots
- Instant Play Games: All games run directly in the browser
- Download Software: Download available, min. Win2000 SP2
NetEnt
Active since 1996, this company’s website embodies the philosophy well, with a cheeky take on staff morale as their employees pose with grimaces on their faces. This fresh-faced Swedish company NetEnt is hitting it with bringing an innovative take on slots games. NetEnt specialises in bringing browser-based games to the masses and impressing with stunning graphics, cinematic sounds, and stacks of new features to stimulate even the most avid player. It’s no surprise players worldwide are chasing for the Mega Fortune jackpot and embracing the striking gem-based Starburst slot.
- Number of Casino Games: 200+ games, incredible graphics & great ideas
- Instant Play Games: All games are browser-compatible
- Download Software: No download of software available
NextGen
NextGen is part of the longstanding NYX Gaming Group, producing flash games. Fancy pitting DC superheroes against each other? You’ve found the right place. You’ll find comic book and cinema fantasy bought to the world of slots, with fantastic execution. Aside from their standout DC games, I recommend slots such as Foxin’ Wins or Merlin’s Magic Respins for a genius take on contemporary slots with some impressive look to be won whilst enjoying.
- Number of Casino Games: 200+, patented game features
- Instant Play Games: All games are browser compatible
- Download Software: No download of software available
Dragonfish
You’ll find Dragonfish games exclusively at the 888casino. As you may have guessed, Dragonfish is the development department of the entire 888 group and one of the best casino providers around. Players using this online casino software benefit from their impressive looks, smooth running plus the option to download or play directly in your browser. The quality of gameplay and security are strong cards here, and the difference is noticeable playing Dragonfish-designed games. I highly recommend checking out Millionaire Genie, another millionaire-making game.
IGT
We’re proud to present IGT, a British company producing a fantastic packages of casino games and software. IGT’s comprehensive services produce games ready to be fired up straight in the browsers, on mobile phones, tablet and of course PCs. One of their standout games is Cleopatra, with a timeless Egyptian theme and promising win potential. There’s much more besides this, also going in the direction of classic slots. If you’re a fan of simple layouts, I’d highly recommend the Triple Diamond slot.
WMS
Been around since 1943, WMS has been one of the longest-running games developers. Native to the US, WMS provides some of the most popular land-based slots, and for us in Europe, it has channelled its focus onto online expansion. The developer has made this leap like a fish to water, producing some epic slots including the action-packed Bruce lee, or endless variations on the Star Trek theme, all available uncomplicatedly straight in your browser.
Play’n GO
The Swedes are a talented bunch, with another company from their fine country making my list of the best software providers. Games known all over the world are made in the small town Växjö, producing hit games with strikingly diverse themes, Cop’s ‘n Robbers is one of my top picks. Play without downloading in safe hands since Play’n GO is small but endorsed by all major gambling regulators, the UKGC and IBAS, to name a few. You will be in good company thanks to Play’n GO games like Book of Dead.
Betsoft Gaming
Now onto a relatively small team making big things happen from their native land of Malta. The team behind Betsoft prides itself on bringing a ‘cinematic experience’ to the reels. A combination of epic graphics and 3D software makes for some seriously impressive games. Take Birds and Frankenslots Monster as just a taster of their expertise. These games are so detailed at first glance, they’re easily mistaken for a Pixar film.
Cryptologic
Dublin-based Cryptologic is also long-standing in the online casino software providers industry. Around since the online casino scene blew up in 1996, this company began with humble origins, conceived by two teenage brothers in their Toronto basement. They’ve come on leaps and bounds since the early years, getting listed on the London Stock Exchange, in 2003! With slots like Cleo: Queen of Egypt, Savannah Sunrise under their belts, it’s no wonder they’ve been such a success.
Instant Play in the Flash Casino or Download?
The question is, is there a benefit to downloading software over playing in the browser? I’m happy to say: no, there are no significant advantages from downloading software and not many of the best casino providers offer any perks for downloading. Nevertheless, users with a slower internet connection will notice a slight difference when downloading software since they will experience quicker loading times and slightly smaller data volume usage with the download software. Fast internet connection is common through the UK, so this slight advantage on the domestic computer has been lost in recent years, and the first choice for most players is actually playing games directly in the browser. The are some tangible benefits to playing in-browser: you can log in to any internet-ready terminal any time without problems, and there’s also the possibility to offer several providers under one roof, which isn’t possible with download software.
In relation to downloading mobile apps, the story is a little different. Obviously, connection speed and data volume are factors for consideration. However, with casino software app providers benefiting from HTML5 support instead of relying on the obsolete Flash casino, there seems little point entertaining the download software – in turn saving space on your portable devices.
The Random Number Generator
Random number generators, or – for those in the business – RNGs, are the cornerstone of a transparent and smooth-running online casino. Software developers have regulatory bodies check the random distribution from playing over a lengthy period. This can exceed a million turns on a slot or rotations of the roulette wheel for instance. Any mistakes or biases in the distribution can be quickly spotted and exploited by players or hackers, or from the other side, be detrimental to players. Any irregularities are spotted by a complex mathematical algorithm for the benefit or both the casinos and their users.
These so-called regulatory bodies must be independent, you don’t have casino software developers checking their own stats and handing the information back to the casino. Examples of the key players include eCogra, Technical Systems Test (TST) and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). Casinos with pass certificates from these auditors can be trusted without doubt, and most casinos are proud to display monthly reports with their detailed games RTP values.
Software Security
One of a casino’s top priorities is security – they can’t be licensed without meeting minimum security standards. To meet the conditions required, they partner with external agencies like McAfee, Norton or COMODO. These cover all sorts of safety and security provisions: from protecting player’s data, to SSL encryption of real money transfers, to anti-virus defence. Often the logos of these well-known agencies are stamped across the company homepage footer, with clickable links to their respective homepages so you can be sure that the partnership is official.
Software Innovation for Online Casinos
Most of the innovation in this industry comes from the software providers, not the online casino sites themselves. Developers work hard to provide innovative new products that they can sell or license to casino brands, so keep an eye out for the major players that are moving the game forward. The best software developers mix up the formula in a couple of different ways. It can come in the form of changes to the gameplay, the animation style or even the theme. The game is changing quickly, and it’s an exciting time for innovation in the online casino business today.
Conclusion: Which Is the Best Provider for Casino Software?
As you can see from all of the information on this page, choosing the best casino software provider is a complex task. There are multiple factors to consider when finding the right choice for you, and the is no ‘right’ answer. Essentially, it all comes down to player preference. You can, however, not bother with all of that and go with an online casino that has a wealth of software providers and all of the games and services that come with them all. If you’d rather cut to the chase and go with a safe option, check out our recommended casino for game software below.
- Large Welcome Bonus
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- No Languages Available
FAQ
Here we have collected a selection of the most frequently asked questions from our readers, and answered them.
Is online casino software free?
For you, the players, yes. I mean, you have to gamble money to play, obviously. And the game is designed so that you lose between 1-5% of everything you stake, so in a way it costs money. But, there is no fee for using casino software.
Is IGT casino software available for every operator?
No, is the short answer. Online casinos strike deals with one or several software developers to offer games via their sites. A lot of the top operators have very similar game libraries, but IGT is not one of the big-time software devs. Cleopatra, IGT’s biggest game, is available everywhere though.
What is a downloadable client?
A relic of the past is what it is. Before browser technology was what it is today, online casinos had to force players to download a software package that could be installed on a home computer or laptop. This client ran the games, taking the processing power away from the browser. Today, Chrome and Firefox are so powerful that the downloadable client has become redundant in the modern online casino business.