Best Online Casino and Sports Betting Software Developers

Learning the best online casino software and sportsbook software developers is essential to your ongoing enjoyment. Countless companies provide everything from slots to sports betting resources nowadays, so identifying the best ones is crucial. Without this knowledge, you could easily be stuck playing inferior casino games or glitchy sports betting products. But don’t worry; our expert team of online gambling enthusiasts is here to help. Keep reading for a detailed analysis of the best online casino and sports betting software providers.

How We Review Casino Software Providers

Online casino software technology has evolved considerably over the past decade or so, generating an unrivalled gaming experience with superb graphics, interesting themes, expansive bonus features, and much more. We review online casino software providers based on these factors alongside other characteristics, such as licensing, international reputation, RTP, and game quality. Check below for an in-depth exploration of the most important considerations forming our comprehensive online casino software provider review process:

License

Licensing is arguably the most important thing for us when reviewing software companies, as you cannot guarantee fair RNG-powered gaming without it. Generally speaking, regulation from bodies, including the Malta Gaming Authority, Curacao eGaming and relevant Canadian provincial authorities, are top of the list. We look specifically for licensing from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario where possible. This regulator has strict rules, allowing only the best casino software developers, such as Yggdrasil, NetEnt, and Microgaming, to operate within the province.

Leading casino sites only work with fully verified developers, so this is an essential attribute for any software company. Canadian players benefit from transparent gaming operations and third-party testing, ensuring that all games are fair and safe. Whether you’re playing slot games or video poker, this is an absolutely essential thing to look for. As a result, it’s first on our list when reviewing a casino software provider. If it doesn’t have industry-leading regulation, we simply cannot recommend it. Fortunately, most iGaming software providers have licensing from several global jurisdictions.

Reputation

The best online casino software providers have superb global reputations due to their bonuses, jackpots, portfolio, history, and user reviews. For example, big-name companies, including Pragmatic Play, Quickspin, Novomatic, Aristocrat, and IGT, are all well-known across various global casino markets. The main reason behind this reputation is their quality range of slot titles, with various theme categories, exciting gameplay, and huge jackpot size available.

The best-regarded casino software providers also pay close attention to game fairness, offering games with random number generators (RNGs) that have been independently tested.

We rate each developer’s strength by looking at their gaming portfolio and researching their overall reputation across the industry. Our expert team also pays special attention to B2B partnerships alongside each individual player experience. By doing so, we can create a well-rounded view of each casino software provider’s reputation within the market and throughout the casino slots community.

Game Range and New Release Frequency

It goes without saying that casino game providers must have an exceptional game library to receive the highest ratings. We always rate quality over quantity as well. It doesn’t matter if a software developer has thousands of games in their catalogue. Our main priority is that each of their video slots or table games is of superb quality. With that being said, a truly world-leading casino provider brand will also have a rolling stream of new releases each month to keep things fresh. This is something that customers will appreciate, in particular, as it’s always nice to have a new slot game to enjoy.

Our online casino software provider review process also takes the game range into account. The best brands have a healthy range of various slot machines, from progressive jackpot titles to vintage games and forward-thinking Megaways slots. Interesting and unique themes are also essential, ideally displayed with genuinely high-definition graphics and a keen eye for detail. Extra points go to casino software providers with live dealer games or other options like bingo. Our experts always analyze hundreds of games from a particular software provider to check whether the whole library is up to scratch. Consequently, we can show you the best companies to play games with and give you the best value possible during your iGaming adventure.

Average RTP and Volatility

RTP, also known as Return To Player, and slot volatility are two of the main metrics for players choosing which games. RTP is a percentage value that indicates the average amount you can expect to win back from C$100, while volatility refers to the frequency of winning spins and their size. The best online casino software providers treat their Canadian audience to a healthy range of different volatilities and above-average RTP on their games. We always make sure to check these details during our research. It’s one of the main things we look for when reviewing online casino software services.

Providers such as Pragmatic Play, Big Time Gaming, and NetEnt are consistently raising the bar regarding RTP and volatility. Many of their games are much higher than the commonly acknowledged 96% average, delivering a more enjoyable experience for players and pushing the market forward. Elsewhere, brand-new technology like the Megaways design (triggering up to 117,649 ways to win) has resulted in astonishingly high volatility scores that are gaining massive popularity. The best online casino software providers have no choice but to guarantee high RTPs and excellent slot volatility. Playing their games can often give the best chances of winning and guarantee the most fun.

Recommended Online Casino Software Providers

Online casino software providers are the backbone of the modern iGaming industry. These companies have proved instrumental in the continued development of casino games, especially online slots. You can find some of our most recommended online casino software providers below:

NetEnt

NetEnt is a Swedish online slot developer with an unrivalled history of creating industry-leading iGaming entertainment focusing on online slots and live dealer games. The story starts way back in 1996 when the Scandinavian iGaming outfit began pioneering brand-new online casino software solutions. Together with Eyecon and Microgaming, NetEnt is often regarded as the godfather of the modern slots universe. The developer has unrivalled experience and is renowned for consistently creating incredible games for players from Australia to Canada.

Notable NetEnt online slots throughout history include Starburst, which was the first game to offer truly 3D and high-definition graphics. Elsewhere, Aloha! Cluster Pays, released in 2016, was the first slot to offer the cluster wins mechanic, something that has arguably gone on to inspire the current wave of Megaways titles. By far the most popular NetEnt slot, however, has to be Gonzo’s Quest. This conquistador-inspired adventure to El Dorado is often regarded as the best game of all time. A few spins on its meticulously designed reels and bonus features will show you exactly why.

More recently, NetEnt has again proved itself as an innovator within the casino industry. The game studio’s series of legendary musician-themed slots has caused massive excitement due to their incredible sound, characters, and sky-high RTPs. We cannot recommend playing NetEnt slots enough. The online casino software developer has an incredible range of over 200 titles to choose from and handles over 60 billion annual gaming transactions. It’s undeniably one of the industry titans and will be for years to come.

Best NetEnt Slots

  • Starburst
  • Gonzo's Quest
  • Divine Fortune
  • Twin Spin 
  • Dead or Alive 2

Microgaming

Microgaming is a similarly experienced and prestigious online casino software developer, with its roots in the early 1990s. The Isle of Man-based company launched in 1994, becoming the first brand to develop truly online casino software. You cannot overstate Microgaming’s influence on the emerging online gambling world. We all have the company to thank for various pioneering inventions. For example, it was instrumental in creating online progressive jackpot slots, with Cash Splash released in 1998.

Microgaming is regarded as a jackpot giant due to its extensive progressive jackpot network and games like Mega Moolah. Players have a chance to win a progressive jackpot prize that seeds at C$1 million. It has paid out truly outrageous sums in the past, notably breaking the record for online gambling jackpots with an extraordinary $23,632,599.85 prize awarded to a fortunate Belgian player in 2020.

Microgaming is also known for its valuable contributions to the wider iGaming industry. The company regularly works with smaller boutique slot studios, providing crucial experience and logistics to help smaller brands like Triple Edge Studios and Gameburger Studios. As a result, Microgaming now has almost 1000 games available, either officially released or through its partner studios.

Best Microgaming Slots

  • Immortal Romance
  • Thunderstruck II 
  • Avalon II
  • Extra Chill
  • Who Wanter to Be a Millionaire Megaways

Play'n GO

There must be something in the water in Sweden because the country is home to several of the most recognized online casino software providers. Play’n GO is another renowned company responsible for some of the industry’s best games. With over 300 games displaying full mobile integration and a variety of superb bonus features, there is no wonder the developer is so highly regarded. We’re huge fans of games such as Book of Dead and Reactoonz, although its entire catalogue rarely misses.

Play’n GO loves an innovative bonus feature, with the software provider notably pioneering various forward-thinking bonuses, including transforming symbols and reverse clusters. Games like Rise of Olympus are particularly inventive, using different characters to trigger bonuses and create an incredibly immersive atmosphere. Play’n GO is undoubtedly one of the best developers for Canadian players. Fortunately, its games are available at countless casino operators, so experiencing their state-of-the-art gambling solutions is easy and straightforward.

And it’s not just us that think Play’n GO is one of the best online casino software providers available. The company has won several awards over the past few decades. Winning Slot Provider of the Year at the 2017 International Gaming Awards and 2019 IGA Awards are arguably the most significant, although the 2018 EGR Awards Game of the Year for Sweet Alchemy win also catapulted this candy-fuelled online slot to the top of many experienced players’ rankings. In short, you cannot miss Play’n GO games!

Best Play'n GO Slots

  • Diamond Vortex
  • Book of Dead
  • Reactoonz
  • Moon Princess
  • Honey Rush 

Playtech

Playtech is another one of the most influential and critically-acclaimed online casino software providers. The company is known for an excellent range of online slot titles and live dealer games, but its work behind the scenes is potentially even more pivotal. Playtech works with online casino operators to help them offer the best gaming interfaces possible. Its cross-platform software solutions cover its online casino platform, poker, keno, lottery, bingo, live gaming, and even sports betting. The partnership between various casinos and other iGaming businesses generates all-round quality that’s difficult to beat.

Playtech was founded in 1999 and has grown to become one of the industry’s biggest and most profitable online casino software providers. As context, the company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and reported €792.3 million’s worth of revenue in the first half of 2022 alone. It enjoys close relationships with regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, delivering 100% fair and transparent iGaming entertainment to players in countless countries across the world.

Notable Playtech games responsible for its extraordinary success over the years include the Age of the Gods series, Buffalo Blitz, and Jungle Giants. The company’s multifaceted approach has resulted in forward-thinking games across all genres. Want a progressive jackpot slot? Check out Jackpot Giant. What about a box office smash hit movie-inspired title? It doesn’t get better than Gladiator: Road to Rome. We cannot forget the legendary Ugga Bugga Playtech title either. Released in 2013, it still holds the record for the highest slot RTP with an incredible 99.07% RTP score. The game studio has over 370 slots alone, with thousands of other live dealer, bingo, and sports betting options.

Best Playtech Slots

  • Age of the Gods
  • Buffalo Blitz
  • Jungle Giants
  • Green Lantern 
  • Goblin's Cave

Evolution

Everyone loves Evolution nowadays. This casino software designer has caused an almighty splash over the past decade or so, playing an instrumental part in the extraordinary rise of live dealer gaming. It was founded in 2006, determined to overhaul the online table game niche with a forward-thinking way of doing things. The company began supplying live dealer games from its Riga studio, employing real-life casino specialists to conduct games like baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.

As you can imagine, the ability to play these games with a live dealer instead of RNG was an immediate hit within the iGaming community. It didn’t take long for studios to launch in Malta, Belgium, Lithuania, and elsewhere, bringing Evolution a rapidly expanding worldwide audience. Nowadays, the company has over 16,000 employees to run its catalogue of 100+ live dealer options. While this online casino software started life specializing in classic table games, it has grown into a true innovator. For example, Evolution game shows such as Crazy Time have spawned a whole new genre of online gambling entertainment.

The casino software provider has also been active behind the scenes, making a number of high-profile acquisitions over the past decade. It has acquired Ezugi, NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming, consolidating itself as arguably the largest developer going into 2023. Players in Canada and beyond can enjoy a top-rate gambling system available across various devices and platforms. NetEnt and Microgaming may have been the online casino flag bearers in the early days, but Evolution looks like the new definitive provider on the block. We recommend reading casino reviews before choosing an operator to ensure the best selection of Evolution games.

Best Evolution Slots

  • Monopoly Live
  • Immersive Roulette
  • Deal or No Deal Blackjack 
  • Evolution Lightning Roulette 
  • Cash or Crash

How We Review Sportsbook Software

Sportsbook software has grown considerably over the last few years as Canada, the US, and other countries worldwide open the doors to legal sports betting. With the prevalence of mobile apps and the constant thirst for new and exciting wagering tools, sportsbook software developers cannot afford to rest on their laurels. We consider licensing, regulation, user interface, special features, and sports market availability when reviewing sportsbook software to deliver the best overview possible to our readers.

License

Licensing is arguably the most important thing we consider when reviewing a sports betting website. All bookmakers must have appropriate licensing from organizations such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to guarantee watertight security, appropriate risk management, and an entirely fair betting service. Without relevant regulation, a sportsbook platform could mistakenly use dodgy software, ultimately affecting the overall user experience.

We’re also closely following sportsbook software providers in the newly opened Ontario market. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission’s Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming are Canada’s tightest regulations, keeping bettors safe and allowing only the best sports betting software providers to operate. As a result, some companies available elsewhere cannot be found in the province.

Reputation

The only way for a sportsbook software developer to gain a strong reputation within the industry is by offering a first-rate service. Many factors fall under this. For example, providers must supply perfect iOS and Android app integration for their clients to facilitate mobile bets. Sportsbook software designers also have to gain an advantage over competitors with sleek and intuitive user interfaces alongside various types of bets and special features such as detailed infographics on sports events.

We consistently track the world’s leading sportsbook software providers’ reputations to guarantee our review process is up-to-date and well-informed. As a result, we can give the most well-rounded review and ensure our recommendations are the best possible. Check back to our site for reports on information and updates regarding sportsbook software companies’ reputations. We’re keeping our ear to the ground, so you don’t have to.

Interface

The sportsbook software interface is the first thing bettors will see, so this is another key area we base our reviews on. The entire interface package must be of the highest quality, with easy access to special features, straightforwardly located odds, and a glitch-free user experience.

The very best sportsbook software companies provide their partners with detailed analytics regarding teams or a specific event alongside live streaming capabilities and more. We also look for interfaces that make it easy to find your preferred global sporting competition and give flexible control over betting offers or other incentives.

Features

But an industry-leading interface isn’t just enough to score high points during our sportsbook software provider review process. We pay special attention to the variety of betting markets, awarding points for developers that cater to fans of everything from straight moneyline wagers to spread betting and parlays. The option to place stakes before events or live during games is paramount, especially in the evermore advanced and complex sports betting universe.

We also look for special features, such as statistics tracking on sporting events, which significantly improve your ability to place bets based on concrete data. Live streaming support is another key characteristic alongside the presence of other gaming options like an integrated casino solution. Some bettors prefer to use rarer payment methods, such as bitcoin, so this is another important consideration when reviewing sportsbook software providers.

Diverse Game Selection

What good is playing at a sportsbook that doesn’t satisfy your sporting needs? As a bettor, you’ll want easy access to a diverse selection of global sports to ensure you’re never left searching for matches or races that are unavailable at your chosen bookmaker. The best sportsbook software providers make provisions for popular leagues such as the NBA as well as rarer sports like volleyball or even Aussie rules. 

Nowadays, simply offering a wide array of global sports isn’t enough either. Industry-leading sportsbooks have comprehensive live betting, eSports, and virtual sports categories that guarantee bettors are never left without anything to wager on. A diverse game selection is another one of the most important traits we look for when reviewing a sportsbook software business.

Recommended Betting Software

The modern sports betting industry is completely indebted to software providers. These companies provide the vital digital architecture allowing sportsbooks to offer betting possibilities, mobile apps, and more. We highly recommend the following sportsbook software developers for their high-quality software services.

Kambi

Kambi is arguably the world’s biggest and most well-regarded B2B sports betting platform provider. The company has been operating since 2010, when the international bookmaking giant Unibet announced a new side business with Kristian Nylen at the helm. Kambi is responsible for much of what you see behind the scenes, pioneering new technology, including sophisticated bet builders and live streaming solutions.

In their own words, the company relishes “the challenge of developing and maintaining the highest quality sportsbook in the world” and has carved out a position as one of the industry’s only premium B2B sportsbook suppliers. Kambi has over 100,000 live betting opportunities annually, alongside almost half a million pre-match wagering possibilities. It’s undeniably the sportsbook software provider to beat!

Openbet Live

OpenBet has over 25 years in the sports betting game, starting life in 1996. The sportsbook software provider works with several leading internationally-recognized operators and is renowned for its passion for innovation within the industry. Openbet Live was Canada’s leading sports betting supplier in 2020, with an 80% share of all digital wagers processed by the company.

Endeavour acquired Openbet Live for more than $800 million on September 30th last year, an incredible amount of money that clearly demonstrates how well-regarded this sportsbook software provider is. The company processes over 12,000 bets per second across hundreds of thousands of wagering opportunities. It’s easily one of the best names in the market due to its global reach, flexibility, and highly professional operation.

SBTech

SBTech had its inception in 2007. The B2B sportsbook software provider is a leading brand across the worldwide industry, paying particular attention to dynamic in-play betting possibilities. Its mission statement is “to offer the best sportsbook product out there, with the right tools and smart extras to beat any challenge the competition may raise,” something millions of bettors benefit from every year.

The sportsbook software provider covers over half a million sporting events annually, with various bets, such as parlays, props, or moneylines available on each fixture or competition. SBTech achieved a significant breakthrough in 2015, gaining licensing from the UK Gambling Commission, which notably improved its reputation. The company allows its partners to offer top-of-the-range sports betting entertainment alongside dynamic promotions and other incentives.

Julia Attard
Senior Author Julia Attard verified symbol
Julia has expertise in managing content and is enthusiastic about producing content for the gaming markets in English at CasinoTopsOnline. When she's not at work, you can find Julia enjoying a good book by the beach, watching sports, or baking something delicious in the kitchen!

Fact-checked by Valerie Lizotte

Reviewer Born and raised in Quebec, Valerie has over 10 years of experience working in the Canadian gambling industry, bringing wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Read More