Learn how to – The Evolution of Online Casino Software Providers

Learn how to – The Evolution of Online Casino Software Providers.

The online casino industry is big business. There are hundreds of online operators providing services to customers all over the world. Recent studies show that more than a quarter of the world’s population have tried gambling before, and the amount of them choosing online casinos is growing.

Online casinos have evolved rapidly since they first appeared in the mid-1990s. The kind of games on offer have changed from simple 2D card games to all-singing all-dancing video slots with full animations and a custom soundtrack. Live streamed games match players with dealers broadcasting from their own studio and let you play roulette and blackjack as if you were in a real casino.

Online casinos don’t produce their own games, instead they rely on sourcing the best options from expert developers. Once these games would have been exclusive to each casino provider, but now the software developers have reached multi-license agreements so that different online casinos can host the same, popular slot game. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest names in the business.

Microgaming

Microgaming claim to have launched the first online casino software in 1994, and they are still one of the top providers in the industry today. Based out of offices on the Isle of Man they offer one of the best platform systems for hosting online casinos incorporating over 2500 games and serving more than 206 million players.

But Microgaming don’t just deliver the operating systems, they are top game developers too. Microgaming slots are some of the most popular on the internet and their back catalogue includes such great offerings as Thunderstruck, Cash Splash, and Mega Moolah. Their Mega Moolah progressive slot holds the record for the largest slot prize, a massive £13.2 million.

Playtech

Another big player in the online casino software industry, Playtech produce software for live games, hosted from their own studios, and for digital slots, bingo, and video poker. Their most successful online slot series is the Age of the Gods titles, each featuring a different ancient or mythological era such as the Ancient Greeks. Playtech are also well known for licensing movie and pop culture imagery for use in their slots, like Superman and Wonder Woman.

Playtech have more than 20 years’ experience providing online casino software and they kept up with developments in technology by embracing advancements like progressive slots and live casino streaming. Playtech went public ten years ago and has been on the London Stock Exchange ever since, giving customers a chance to own their own piece of the company. See here for an in-depth review of Playtech casinos.

NetEnt

NetEnt has also been active in the industry for more than 20 years and over this time they have acquired more than 200 partners including big names such as Ladbrokes, Poker Stars, and Paddy Power. With 200 exciting online games under their belt, it’s a good bet that if you’ve played a couple of online slots, you’ve probably come across one of theirs. Some of NetEnt’s most famous slots include Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst, and Jack Hammer.

NetEnt have a reputation as one of the best developers in the world and they’re working hard to keep it. They’ve already turned their attention towards VR gaming, making sure that they’re at the very forefront of new developments in emerging technology. Like Microgaming, NetEnt chose early on to specialise in the third-party production of games rather than hosting their own online casino, and it’s a decision that has definitely paid off for them.

IGT

The oldest company on this list, IGT was originally founded back in 1951. They designed, installed, and games in land-based casinos, creating an impressive library of titles including those based on board games and tv shows like Monopole, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune. When online casinos started to grow in popularity, many providers wanted to tap into the existing fans of IGT games, and so the company began to develop their games for the online market.

IGT games tend to have a more traditional style, but they have been fully updated to take advantage of the newest technology. Retro designs are still very much in fashion meaning they are gaining a whole new audience of players who saw them online first and love the nostalgia of the classic themes.

In Summary

Online casino software has evolved to incorporate new developments in video streaming, better graphic capabilities, and the growing preference for mobile gaming over browser gaming. And the companies who develop the software have evolved along with it. Big names like Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt and IGT didn’t accrue 20+ years of experience in online software development without the ability to adapt and grow with changing markets. 

The decision to focus on creating games which can then be outsourced to online casino providers proved to be a smart one, and these companies have dominated the specialised market. Their names are well known amongst gambling fans and a new release from one of these studios can be as eagerly awaited as the next summer blockbuster.