Best Online Casino Software

There is a long list of online casino software companies on the market today, but here at CasinoTopsOnline we have chosen to review only the largest and the best makers of online casino games. The leading online gaming software developers are Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt and Realtime Gaming. Below you’ll find all top-rated casino software companies on our site. You can also see detailed reviews and find online casinos powered by the world’s best eGaming software providers.

Top Casino Software Providers

Over the course of the past years, more and more independent online casino software providers have popped up. Not only because the industry was demanding more new games, but also to give the players more variety in games. As online gambling surges in popularity, players want more and more options.

So the game developers and gaming operators rose to the challenge. Microgaming was the first provider to take matters into their own hands and started to create high-end casino games of all shapes and sizes. Afterwards, many other companies like Net Entertainment, Play'n Go, Yggdrasil Gaming and Thunderkick followed suit.

Now, we have plenty of options with each provider specialising in a slightly different game offering. Some create games which are dependable and easy to follow, and some of them create games which are exciting with new mechanics at every turn - some even going so far as to create a classic video game experience with gambling offerings! We've dived into the world of online providers to see what each one offers, and what to look for when it comes to finding the right one for you.

With a healthy amount of competition amongst these software provider giants, they have managed to keep casino gaming exciting and dynamic. When looking at the amount of progress in technology and software development, casino games have really come a long way. 

From 3-Reel Slots to Video Slots

From simple 3-reel slot machines built with Flash software, to modern video slots on HTML5, things have changed. Not only have the games become more graphically advanced in terms of animations, artwork, and soundscape, but also the way they are played. Good software providers make sure that their games are filled with exciting and thrilling gameplay features that add an extra dimension to their games. On top of this, the switch to HTML5 has made games available on many operating systems meaning that there is no difficulty running them on a phone as well as a desktop computer, for example.

We see new features pop up with almost every well-made slot. So far we have seen a continuous evolution, with new features like different variations on Wild Symbols, Scatter Symbols and different reel systems like “Avalanche modes” and “Tumbling reels”. 

When it comes down to choosing the best providers, here at CasinoTopsOnline we can help you on your way by giving you our favourite game developers. 

• Microgaming:  has changed the online gaming sector for the better by providing operators and players alike with the best games. Over the years this innovative and agile software developer has put their mark on the map and raised the bar when it comes to the quality of their games. Recently they have expanded their portfolio with the launch of their independent software branch: StormCraft Studios. Continuing to expand on their territory and never refusing any challenge, Microgaming truly deserves a spot in our top casino software providers. 
• Net Entertainment: come in at a close second - perhaps you will know them better as NetEnt for short. NetEnt is one of the reigning software giants in the online casino industry. They have published crowd favourites like Gonzo’s Quest, Jack and the Beanstalk and of course the hit slot machine Starburst. Up until this day, NetEnt makes it their it mission to challenge the norm and produce high-end casino games. What puts this software provider in our top casino providers is the fact that NetEnt also owns their own brand of live casino software. This sets them apart because it shows that NetEnt is an expert in all fields of online casino games. 
• Play’n Go: are one of the best-known providers in online casino games. Established in 2004 by a team of talented developers, this software provider is still going strong by publishing high end and entertaining games for all kinds of players. Under their name you will find games with outstandingly colourful graphics and fitting soundscapes, with games ranging from regular video slots to stylised video-game style casino games that offer exciting bonus levels and extra types of play. Tapping into nostalgic themes like the video game franchise “Hugo” while also publishing classic slots, Play’n Go manages to cater to the needs of all players.
• Red Tiger: create some of the best-quality games available online right now, and also create specialty games which offer huge prizes, called Megaways slots. Having been bought by NetEnt in 2019, Red Tiger has been able to draw on a wealth of experience that NetEnt also brings with them. Their games are fully licensed and tested in multiple jurisdictions, and tend to be made up of high quality, fun and exciting graphics and gameplay.
• BTG: are also known as Big Time Gaming, this company has been creating amazing games for quite a while! Specialising in mobile-first games and Megaways slots, BTG are one of the biggest and most trusted named in the industry for a reason. Both Red Tiger and BTG have managed to put themselves on the map despite being relative newcomers by creating visually stunning and exciting games, ranging from the extremely volatile slot machine Bonanza to the relaxing gameplay of Laser Fruit. 
• Yggdrasil: Known for their spectacularly beautiful slots, Yggdrasil has produced so many great casino games that we would struggle to name them all! Their games are just as well created as games from other comparable developers, but with even more attention to detail paid to the visual front of the game. This means that Yggdrasil games are some of the most recognisable in the online gaming world, with recognisable characters and great games making a mark on casinos across the internet.
• Pragmatic Play: create games which are super fun, super exciting, and which look amazing too! With their offerings ranging from themes typical in online casino software right up to sponsored slots such as Peaky Blinders, Pragmatic Play create an astonishing range of games that anyone who likes online casinos will enjoy!

How Does Online Casino Software Work? 

Before smartphones and tablets came into the picture, the only way to spin the reels of slot machine online was through your old trusty PC. Casino games on desktop computers tended to be made in Flash, which is no longer industry standard as it stopped games being available on all types of device.

Eventually, when smartphones and tablets became commonplace, there were extra software issues that would make running Flash impossible on some devices. As eventually Flash support was discontinued, the industry could take the leap into HTML5 - a relatively new way of building sites what was interactive, flexible, and far more useful for playing newer games and building better websites than HTML4.

So, why make games in HTML5? Not only does it allow for crisper and smoother animations and graphics, it also allows for the game to played across all devices. HTML5 is supported by all browsers and devices, and also allows for players to play their favourite slot machines on their mobile phones without skimping on quality. This way players can be assured that they can play their favourite games on the go and still enjoy the same experience as they would on desktop. Any good software provider keeps mobile-first in mind when creating a concept for their new games.

There are other aspects of a casino game that have to be coded into online casino software. All spins in a slot game, for instance, are created using a RNG or Random number generator. This ensures that the game is run by chance and not set up to lose more often than win, for example. The RNG has to be tested by outside authorities, which helps to ensure that the company making the software sticks to all the rules of that legislation, including those about fairness.

What Makes a Good Casino Game?

This is a question that has many different answers depending on who you ask. One of the biggest factors in how a casino slot will play is the volatility. Slots can vary between low and high volatility. Volatility is how often the slot symbols change, the variance in their appearance, and how wildly different each spin will be when playing. A lower volatility slot may vary less or have fewer events changing the spins, and a higher volatility slot will contain more changes on the reels.

Low Volatility

Players who prefer to relax and gamble of slots purely for recreation and entertainment will find slot machines with a lower volatility more appealing. These games allow for players to spend a small amount of credits on a large amount of spins. But of course in turn, the payouts will be lower as well. 

High Volatility

Ask a true high roller and they will recommend slot machines with a high volatility. High volatility means that the hit rate of a slot will be rather low, but the payouts will be massive. This means that the player will have to bet a large sum of money in order to see a return in their balance. This style and mechanic of slot machines appeals to players who know what they are doing and are in it for the big prizes.

Low volatility slots are more abundant but we can see a steady rise in popularity of high variance slot games as online gambling becomes more popular. Software providers have been focusing on creating good looking and entertaining high roller slots to match the demand.  Of course, if you like old school you can always stick with classic high variance slot machines like Mega Moolah, Cleopatra, Da Vinci Diamonds and other classic slot machines. 

Bonuses and Extra Rounds

A casino game will often have extras coded into it. This can come in the form of extra rounds, where lining up certain symbols will get you free spins for example, or even extra bonuses that come about due to game mechanics. For example, collecting a number of symbols as you play might trigger a bonus wheel spin which nets you an extra prize.

Theme and Sound

The casino game should be fun to look at and listen to - after all, you are the one that's playing it! With casino games coming in so many different themes it makes it easy for players to pick something that appeals to them! Game developers generally pick a theme and soundtrack that go together and which is pleasing. Visual effects to make the game more exciting, as well as an encouraging soundtrack and sound effects all work together to improve the game experience.

What Makes Online Casino Software Good? 

There are plenty of aspects that play into what make casino software good. Is it trusthworthy, has no bugs, and works well on any device? Or is it slow, from an unknown developer, and full of errors? Obviously you'd want to look out for games that fit the first type -  so here are a few pointers.

• Ensure that the company that makes the games is  licensed. You will be able to view their licences on their website or on the licence authority's website.
• Check that the casino software is provably fair and that it runs using a RNG in order to create true chance when playing
• Check that you can run the game on both your mobile or tablet and your desktop - a good casino software will be built in HTML5 and run on any device

There are two types of software use in gambling sites: online casinos tied up with a single software developer for games across one or more platforms and online casinos powered by a variety of different software developers under a range of different platforms.

We recommend you also check out the exclusive online casinos page where you’ll find not only casinos powered by a variety of different software providers, but also with unique players’ features. 

Note that the credibility of software companies reflects the overall quality of online casinos that work with these software providers. It is worth paying attention to the software providers of online casinos in order to feel safe playing for real money.