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Have you ever wondered how your favorite online casino games are created? This article tells you all about online casino game providers. Knowing who these creators are and how they function helps you understand the time and effort that goes into creating top-quality casino games.

Since there are many casino game providers, we will review some of the most popular ones, their awards, and what makes them best-in-class. Before we get into all of that, we’ll explain what online casino providers are so that you have an idea of what you can expect.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Discover all about top online casino game providers, such as Microgaming.
  • Some online casino game providers started with land-based casino games.

What Are Online Casino Game Providers?

Online casino game providers are software firms that create games for gambling platforms. These brands are responsible for brainstorming games, coming up with the designs, bringing them to fruition, testing, and eventually launching them. 

Casino game providers are usually made up of a team comprising mathematicians, coders, a design team, and even a marketing team.

Some of these businesses started by creating games for land-based casinos in the US before transitioning to the online gambling scene. Also, there’s no restriction on the kind of casino games they choose to make.

Best Online Casino Game Providers

Based on our research, player reviews, and overall impressions, these are a few of the top game developers for online casinos:

Microgaming

Microgaming, known as the first-ever online casino games provider, started in 1994. Over the years, it has created some of the most famous games ever, including Mega Moolah, the slot with the world’s largest jackpot payout. Microgaming has many awards to its name, including Platform of the Year at the EGR B2B Awards in 2020.

Microgaming slots have one of the best payout rates in my experience.

Greg, a casino player

Here are some popular titles to try at Microgaming casinos in the US:

  • Jurassic Park
  • Game of Thrones
  • Avalon

Fact: Microgaming has some of the most successful games based on TV series, one of which is Game of Thrones.

NetEnt 

There’s hardly a reputable online casino without some games from NetEnt. In fact, its popular slot, Starburst, is one of the most common games used to claim free spins and welcome bonuses.

The software provider kicked off business in 1996, making it the second provider to join the iGaming space. It would then go on to win several awards, including the 2016 EGR Best Game of the Year for its Guns N’ Roses‘ slot.

There is hardly a slot from NetEnt with bad graphics. They are easily the most creative slot creators.

Manu, a slots lover

Try out any of these slots at top NetEnt casinos for a feel of the provider’s work:

  • Dead or Alive
  • Narcos
  • Gonzo’s Quest

Playtech

Teddy Sagi started Playtech in 1999, pulling together talents from the multimedia, software development, and casino industries. Within two years, the company released its first casino game.

The provider has grown since then and even acquired Swedish developer Quickspin in 2016. Their product range now spans across online slots, table games, live dealers, and even iPoker.

I enjoy every one of Playtech’s games based on DC comics. The Dark Knight Trilogy is a personal favorite.

Alfred Atkins

Some slots to try at the best Playtech casinos include:

  • Age of the gods
  • Big Bad Wolf
  • Jackpot Giant

Evolution

When it comes to live dealer casino games, there is hardly a name bigger than Evolution. Unlike the other providers above, Evolution Gaming waited out the 90s to be launched in 2006. It redefined the European live dealer casino space and then spread to other continents.

As of 2021, the provider had won Live Casino Supplier at the ERG B2B award for the 12th year running. In 2020 they also acquired NetEnt and RedTiger.

For the best of 4K live streams, with fun dealers, Evolution never disappoints.

Aisha Denu

If you fancy any of the classic table games, consider trying them out at Evolution casinos for US players:

  • Salon Privé
  • Lightning Roulette
  • Live Blackjack

IGT Games

IGT has one of the longest and most interesting histories of any software provider. The company started out as A-1 Supply in 1975, was renamed Sircoma in 1978, and finally IGT in 1981. In its early stages, the company focused on land-based casino games, with the famous Wheel of Fortune rolling out of its studios in 1996. 

IGT does a great job with its jackpot slots.

Jaydee, a casino player

Here are some games to check out at top-rated IGT Games casinos:

  • Wheel of Fortune On Tour
  • Pixies of the Forest 2
  • Arthur Pendragon

NextGen Gaming

Australia-based NextGen Gaming was founded in 1999 when the online gambling industry was still young. They have since delivered hundreds of casino games in partnership with other software providers, land-based, and online casinos. 

With innovation, community, and user empowerment as its core values, NextGen Gaming is a proud recipient of the 2010 E-Gaming Award for innovation in bingo.

NextGen defines what the next generation of casino games should look like.

Davey Scott

Some successful releases you should try at NextGen Gaming casinos include:

  • Foxin’ Wins
  • Jackpot Jester
  • The Wild 3

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play was founded in 2015 and is easily the fastest-growing developer yet. It currently operates from its offices in India, Ukraine, the UK, Malta, the Philippines, and Gibraltar.

Within a short time, the company clinched a number of awards, including Casino/Slot Developer of the Year at the 2021 SBC Awards and EGR Game of the Year also in 2021.

Fact: Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins is the largest provider network bonus program.

Its unrivaled product portfolio makes Pragmatic Play the gold standard for casino game development.

Asher Green

A few notable releases you can find at Pragmatic Play casinos in the US include:

  • The Dog House
  • Sweet Bonanza
  • Wolf Gold

Big Time Gaming

Founded in 2021 by industry veterans, Big Time Gaming has made gigantic strides in the online gambling world.

They have not only had many successful releases, but BTG also launched the famous Megaways slot mechanic, which has inspired games by other software developers. Their industry recognition includes the Best iGaming Software Experience Award 2017.

BTG pushes creative boundaries, and that’s the fuel needed in this ever-evolving space.

Carol Mag

Top games you should consider playing at Big Time Gaming casinos include:

  • Star Atlas
  • Shrapnel
  • Theten Arena

What Makes a Good Casino Game Provider?

Several crucial qualities define a good casino game provider. Some of these factors include the following.

Game Quality and Variety

The best providers understand that variety, engaging gameplay and high-quality graphics are what really draw in users. So, if slots are their area of focus, they create games with a wide range of themes, mechanics, bonuses, and volatility levels to cater to different types of slot players.

However, a more varied portfolio should feature variations on traditional online casino table games, live dealer options, and perhaps even specialty bonuses and promotions. 

Innovation and Technology 

To stay relevant, top providers push boundaries and create novel concepts. Every new slot feature, game engine, and redesigned table game variant increases player engagement. As people continue to embrace new technologies, the best providers find ways to integrate them in future releases.

Fairness and Security

As most games run on RNG, and RTP remains a crucial part of the math model, reputable providers ensure to be transparent about both. They ensure their RTP and RNGs are vetted by third-party bodies such as iTech Labs and eCOGRA which evaluate random number generators, and licensing bodies vet the RTPs to ensure they have not been tampered with.

Future of Online Casino Game Providers 

Industry experts see online casino developers making great leaps in how they create future releases. With online casinos now leveraging the power of blockchain, we are set to see other technologies like NFTs and VR take over in a short time.

It is beautiful to see that the changes are gradual and well-received by players. That gives developers the confidence to try new things as themes change.

So, Which Casino Game Provider Will You Choose Tonight? 

Casino game providers are the brains behind every slot, table game, or live game you play from your smart devices.

There are many of them, but the best ones stand out for innovation, game quality, and the reputation they’ve built with players and partners. With the guide on what makes a good game provider, you can easily spot the best ones at your chosen casino.

Will you be playing at any of those we’ve listed tonight? If yes, check out some of our online casino game reviews to find a title you’ll enjoy.