Best Online Casino Software

There is a long list of online casino software companies on the market today, with options ranging from classic slot experiences to brand new game mechanics. The leading online gaming software developers are Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt and Realtime Gaming, among others. Below you’ll find all top-rated casino software companies on our site, along with reviews and pros and cons.

Top Casino Software Providers

More casino providers appear regularly, as the world of online casinos is always on the hunt for new, exciting casino games. As online gaming grows in popularity, players get to enjoy new options related to their interests.

Game developers and gaming operators rose to the challenge. Microgaming was the one of the first providers to take matters into their own hands, as they started to create high-end casino games of all shapes and sizes. Afterwards, many other companies like NetEnt, Play'n Go, Yggdrasil 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 classic 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!

With a healthy amount of competition amongst these software provider giants, they have managed to keep casino gaming exciting and dynamic, with new innovations appearing frequently.

Best Types of Casino Slots

From simple 3-reel slot machines built with Flash software, to modern video slots on HTML5, things have changed. Not only have the look and feel of the games improved, but the gameplay has become even more exciting over time. Good software providers make sure that their games are filled with exciting and thrilling gameplay features, such as free spins or bonus rounds. 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.

With new features like different variations on Wild Symbols, Scatter Symbols and different reel systems like “Avalanche modes” and “Tumbling reels”, there’s always something new. Looking for the best online slots? Check out our top rated online slots before you play.

Top Casino Software Development Companies

We know there are plenty to choose from - so here are a few of our favourite casino software developers and some of the games that you can choose from!

Microgaming

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, along with their sister studio StormCraft Studios. Continuing to expand on their territory and never refusing any challenge, Microgaming truly deserves a spot in our top casino software providers.

NetEnt

Previously known as Net Entertainment, 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 game Starburst. Up until this day, NetEnt makes it their it mission to challenge the norm and produce high-end casino games.

Play’n GO

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. With outstandingly colourful graphics and fitting soundscapes, and games ranging from regular video slots to stylised video-game style casino games, their games 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.

Some of the other bets casino software developers you might like to explore are:

• Red Tiger: create some of the best-quality games available online right now, and specialise in Megaways slots. These Red Tiger slots add an extra sideways reel to the regular slot layout, making for totally amped up play. 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: Also known as Big Time Gaming, BTG specialises in mobile-first games and Megaways slots. BTG are one of the biggest and most trusted named in the industry for a reason, as they create visually stunning and exciting games, ranging from the extremely volatile slot machine Bonanza to the relaxing gameplay of Laser Fruit.
• Yggdrasil: With an amazing attention to detail in their game art, Yggdrasil’s games are up there with the big names. 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: Pragmatic Play’s games 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, as 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, leapt 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.

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 casinos in mind when creating a concept for their new games.

Rating the Best Online Casino Software

What goes into an online slot game? 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. In addition to this, the slot's RNG has to be top-notch.

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 can 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.

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.

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 is RNG and How Does it Work?

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 ensures that the game is truly random and not weighted in any way.

Best Online Slot Bonuses

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.

Best Mobile Casino Software

With the push to be mobile-ready, many casinos have to ensure they offer software which works well no matter which device it's being run on. Thankfully, most casinos use some of the top casino software developers to supply their games. As many casino games use HTML5, you can rest assured that your game will almost definitely run on any Android or iOS device.

What Makes The Best Online Casino Software? 

There are plenty of aspects that play into what make casino software good. Is it trustworthy, 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

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.

This page was written in 2012 and is now maintained and updated regularly by Daniel Hardman. Should you have any questions or see any discrepancies on this page, feel free to reach out to him on daniel.hardman@casinotopsonline.com. The casino list at the beginning of the page is revised each month, to ensure we only offer the best casino sites to our readers. For a list of references used to create this page, please see below.

References

• Top 8 Casino Software (World Financial Review)
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• United Kingdom Gambling Commisson (UKGC)