While online casinos control aspects like bonuses and site design, your actual gambling experience relies heavily on the game providers. They're responsible for creating the casino games you know and love, and the triggers for the jackpots you hunt. Game providers have a big responsibility to players, so we've reviewed each one to find the ones that are taking online gambling to new heights.
Best Online Casino Software Providers
NetEnt
NetEnt is one of the most popular game companies in online gambling due to their branded titles through partnerships with Universal and South Park Digital Studios. The software provider launched in 1996 and has made more than 200 titles for slots, live dealer, and progressive jackpot games. Along with its own NetEnt online casinos, over 100 gambling sites feature games from this software provider in their collections.
Top games for NetEnt
BetSoft
Founded in 1999, Betsoft's collection of 150 games features countless themes that cater to a wide audience. The software provider specializes in cinematic 3D gaming for slots, blackjack, video poker, lottery, and table games. It has also created a special line of 'To-Go' games optimized for mobile users with iOS and Android operating systems.
More than 500 online casinos feature Betsoft's games on their sites, including LeoVegas and Mr Green.
Top games for BetSoft
Aristocrat
Known for some of the most popular land-based slots in the world, such as the Buffalo series, Aristocrat is a household name for most casino game enthusiasts! You can now enjoy their most popular titles at some of the biggest online casinos in the US. With more than 300 slot titles available, Aristocrat is a good bet to have your next go-to game online.
IGT
International Game Technology, more commonly known as IGT, is one of the premier casino games providers around the globe. With megahits including Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune Megaways and Da Vinci Diamonds, you’ve likely already enjoyed spinning the reels on an IGT original. Find out more about IGT and where you can play their leading games at US friendly casino sites on the web!
Top games for IGT
Light & Wonder
Light and Wonder have been creating amazing casino games since the 1970s. Formerly known as Scientific Games, they’ve brought their creativity and experience to the online casino world and now offer hundreds of games available at your fingertips. Learn more about this world-class software provider and find out where you can play their incredible games online!
Top games for Light & Wonder
High 5 Games
US based High 5 Games is quickly becoming one of the most popular casino game creators around. They feature slick games optimized for both desktop and mobile play. Their award-winning software is featured at many well-known online casinos and sweepstakes sites. Find out more about High 5 Games and discover your next favorite game online!
Top games for High 5 Games
More game providers
Why Should I Care About Casino Game Providers?
An online casino may feature hundreds of games, but it's unlikely it made any of them. Most casino operators form partnerships with casino software providers to create online slots, table games, bingo, live dealer games, and more for their players. These developers will create real money games and free demo versions of their titles for casino sites to showcase.
Beyond the hype of bonuses and tournaments, online casinos know they're only as good as their games. Online casinos work with multiple game developers to ensure their players are getting new casino games with exciting features and themes, and of course opportunities to win jackpots.
There are thousands of casino sites, and it's impossible for game providers to cater to all their demands. Each game provider will have its own specialisms, and some will even cater to specific bankroll sizes. For players, finding a casino game provider that matches your gaming preferences and betting limits will make it easier for you to find the best games to play.
10 Tips for Finding the Best Casino Game Providers
There are dozens of established game companies online, but how can you tell if games from a new casino software provider are worth your time? Besides reputation or history, there are several indicators players can use. The following quality markers can help bettors discover the next gamechanger in online gambling:
1Has gambling license:
1
Software providers should have their games' random number generator (RNG) software independently assessed and tested.
2Graphics quality:
2
Software providers should use 3D graphics that rival top video games.
3Intuitive user design:
3
The casino game should be easy to navigate, with information clearly displayed in the relevant sections.
4Gameplay speed:
4
Avoid any software providers with games that freeze or take too long to load.
5Mobile optimization:
5
People do everything on mobile these days, and casino games are no exception. New game companies should always optimize for mobile gambling.
6Regular new releases:
6
Depending on the size of the company, a game provider should deliver new titles each month.
7Game variety:
7
Innovative developers have game portfolios bursting with different themes, bonus features, and quests.
8Information transparency:
8
Game companies should clearly display the RTP, bet limits, and jackpot sizes of their games. Yggdrasil for instance displays real-time jackpot counters and prize ranges for its games.
9Embracing trends:
9
Software providers that truly know their players and the igaming industry will incorporate new trends or technology into their games.
10Awards:
10
Whether given by players or contemporaries, awards are a decent indication of a game company's quality.
Comparing Game Company Providers
Some casino games, like slots, are saturated with options from software developers. Bettors want to play with the best but finding the top choices can be tricky with so many options. Reading reviews of the companies or their games helps, but this can be time-consuming. When pulled between two games that both look fun, you want instant answers. We've drafted three questions every player should ask themselves when comparing casino game providers. These incorporate the factors game companies use most to set themselves apart from their rivals. Players can find the game provider that offers them better odds for winning cash, along with a better gaming experience for them.
| Provider | Game types | Games Portfolio | Crypto-ready | Established in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arcade, Baccarat, Bingo, Blackjack, Dice Games, Other, Roulette, Scratch Cards, Slots, Table Games, Video Poker | 1000+ | Yes | 1994 |
 | Slots | 200+ | No | 1996 |
 | Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Crash Games, Dice Games, Instant Games, Keno, Other, Plinko, Roulette, Scratch Cards, Slots, Video Poker, Virtual Sports | 700+ | Yes | 1999 |
 | Baccarat, Blackjack, Card Games, Instant Tap, Keno, Mines, Other, Slots, Table Games, Video Poker | 1000+ | Yes | 1975 |
 | Plinko, Slots | - | No | 2011 |
Which provider gives me the best RTP/house edge?
Choose games that offer the lowest house edge or the highest payout percentage. For slots, players should look for games that have a 90% RTP minimum.
What is the jackpot size?
Casino software developers will create games for specific bankrolls and volatility. Small jackpots generally have low volatility, meaning modest but frequent wins more suitable for low rollers. Games with the biggest jackpots can be highly volatile and drain bankrolls. The rewards may be life-changing, but players should expect long gaps between wins.
What software features do I want?
Everyone wants to win money, that's a given. Players should consider what type of entertainment they expect from a casino game. Perhaps it's hidden bonuses or sociable live dealer tables. Maybe you want your casino games with quest levels reminiscent of video games. A quick scan of the paytable will highlight if this software developer's game is right for you.
Choose Casinos with Good Software
Good software developers should be part of every player's criteria when reviewing an online casino. Aspects like bonuses, payout speeds, and payment methods are important, but if the casino's games are faulty there's little point in worrying about the rest.
You can also save time and money in the long run by knowing which software providers you prefer. Before signing up for a new casino, check whether it provides any games from your preferred software developer. A quick search on the gambling site or in casino reviews will reveal this information.
With some smart decision-making, you can save your bankroll for casino sites that deliver the best gaming experience for you.
FAQs
Which software provider is the best?
This depends entirely on a player's preferred games and priorities when gambling online. Some software developers create titles for specific games, such as slots or live dealer options. Other providers focus on developing innovative features in games or recreating classic titles. Our list of popular software developers will help you find the best provider for your needs.
Do I have to download casino software?
In the past players had to download software, but now online casinos have instant play games. Unless you're playing through a mobile gambling app, bettors can enjoy any casino games with no download required.
Do casino software developers make free games?
In most cases, the software provider will make freeplay versions of their real money games for online casinos. The gameplay between the two versions is identical, but the free game cannot take accept or pay out any winnings.
Do software companies have their own online casinos?
A few software providers like NetEnt have their own online casinos. Most software companies simply license their games to existing, reputable casino sites.
Are software providers responsible for the jackpot amounts?
No, not directly. The software can be programmed to have different jackpots and the actual amount, or who wins, is random. The only exception is progressive jackpot games. The bets in these games are gathered between a large network of terminals, and the game ultimately decides the jackpot amount.
What differentiates these software providers from one another?
Most of the online gaming software companies have similar offerings. They have a variety of different game options that can be played online and on mobile. However, each company has their own twist of the game designs, offering you a unique experience.
Are all casino software developers fair and safe?
Any reputable casino software developer will be trustworthy and secure. Online gambling sites will only promote games from safe developers, as it costs them money to return wagers on dodgy games to players. A quick check on gambling sites and casino reviews will help players determine if a developer is legit.
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