Online casinos are a multi-billion-dollar industry with players from all corners of the globe now having access to a plethora of exciting sites, with alluring bonuses. However, the fundamentals of an online casino centre around the gaming experience. There are now more than 150 software developers working in this sector – ranging from independent studios to mega-corporations. These are some of the top brands to look out for.
Microgaming
Credited with launching the first-ever online casino in 1994, Microgaming is one of the biggest casino game providers in the world. Its portfolio offers more than 600 titles, including slots, roulette, blackjack, video poker, and many other types of gambling games. However, Microgaming is probably best known for its immense linked progressive jackpot games like the WowPot series and Mega Moolah – the latter of which holds the world record for the largest online payout – over £17 million!
NetEnt
When thinking of the top software providers, NetEnt casinos always enter the conversation. This Swedish powerhouse has been a market leader for more than 20 years, and it’s responsible for creating some of the most played games in existence. These include Starburst, Mega Fortune, Dead or Alive, Narcos and the platinum award-winning Gonzo’s Quest, which was the first online slot to use cascading reels.
Evolution Gaming
In the world of live casino games, Evolution Gaming towers above the competition. It is the number one provider with a host of mega hits in its portfolio, such as Lightning Roulette, Mega Ball, Crazy Time, Blackjack Party, Super Sic Bo, and Monopoly Live. However, not content on standing still, Evolution Gaming made the bold move to acquire NetEnt in 2020. Combining the portfolios of each company and the imaginative talents of the developers, Evolution has recently launched Gonzo’s Quest Live, which offers a larger-than-life online slot experience.
Playtech
Playtech is another online casino games provider with a long and rich history. It is one of only a few developers that offers virtual and live dealer games. Playtech’s portfolio is bursting at the seams with player-favourite games like Jackpot Giant, Beach Life and Age of the Gods, but it’s the company’s branded slots that often steal the limelight with iconic titles such as Batman vs Superman, Rocky, Gladiator and Frankie Dettori’s Sporting Legends.
IGT
Founded in 1990, International Game Technology (IGT) was founded in 1990. The company built its reputation by developing cabinet slot machines and video poker games for land-based casinos in Las Vegas and across the United States. Although IGT is still a big name in the retail casino sector, it’s also grown into a top brand for online casino gaming. Some of the developer’s top titles include The Price is Right, Cleopatra, The 100,000 Pyramid, and Ghostbusters. It also operates MegaJackpots, which is a series of linked progressive jackpot slots.
Notable mentions
The industry is flooded with outstanding developers. In addition to those mentioned above, we also tip our hat to Play’n GO, Quickspin, Yggdrasil, BTG, Novomatic, Pragmatic Play, Leander and numerous others.