The iGaming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last two decades, thanks to web technology and powerful software that allow players to enjoy online games known from the casino, at their homes.
This revolution is led by world-class companies that offer cutting-edge games with impressive 3D entertainment. Some of them even simulate a live experience, as if the player were sitting live in the casino at a poker or blackjack table.
The global online gaming market is estimated to reach $72 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12% from 2023 to 2030.
So, when we talk about the latest software developments of our time, gambling and online casino developers cannot be neglected.
But which software houses are the leaders in this industry? And what exactly characterizes their success? Here, we present the top 8 leading iGaming software developers. Some of them even offer easy to install WordPress plugins that you can try on your WordPress demo installation.
What exactly is iGaming?
Simply put, iGaming is any form of online betting that involves placing bets on a game or event’s future outcome. The iGaming definition includes sports betting, online casinos, poker, and eSports. It doesn’t matter if the games are played on a computer or a mobile device, like an Android phone, iPhone or tablet.
Different laws and approaches to gambling regulation
Millions of gamers worldwide have access to a wide range of online gambling services. However, legal requirements and regulatory obstacles differ greatly from one nation to another. While some nations are generous and carefree when it comes to gambling, others, like Germany or the USA, have strict rules for both players and providers.
In these countries, iGaming is currently legal in one form or another:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United States
- United Kingdom
It should be noted, however, that some countries also have subdivisions and different rules for their gambling industry. For example, in Germany, games of chance with lottery draws are only organized by official state agencies. However, slot games and casino software for poker or roulette can also be offered online by private providers, as long as they have a German license and comply with the legal requirements. The details are regulated in a complicated construct called the “Glücksspielstaatsvertrag” (which means State Treaty on Gambling). Here you find more information about the Glücksspielstaatsvertrag and legal software providers in Germany on vergleich.org (German website).
Overall, however, the situation within the European Union is more complicated than one would think. This is because some providers do have an EU license for gambling. However, they acquire this license at their headquarters, usually Malta or Cyprus. These two islands are known for their relaxed approach to gambling and the issuing of casino software licenses.
From a purely formal point of view, a company with a license from Malta or Cyprus can make their websites accessible even in conservative regions within the EU, such as Germany, Austria or Denmark, as long as they comply with the laws of the respective country.
The situation in the USA is different: Here, each state has its own laws regulating the gambling industry. The floodgates opened 2018, after US Supreme Court determined that PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was unconstitutional because it commandeered power from the states. Today, many states allow gambling and participation in licensed casinos and gambling halls, as known from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Despite all these regional legal hurdles, the biggest gambling software developers try to operate globally and be a leader in all countries of the world, if possible.
These are the 8 best software providers and companies focusing on casino and gambling software:
Top leading iGaming software companies
NetEnt
Due to their branded titles created through collaborations with Universal and South Park Digital Studios, NetEnt is one of the most well-known game providers in the online gaming industry. Since its inception in 1996, the software company has created more than 200 titles for slot machines, live dealer games, and progressive jackpot games. Around 100 gaming websites use games from this software company in their game libraries in addition to its own NetEnt online casinos.
Novomatic
Novomatic is one of the most well-known brands in gambling, having more than 40 years of expertise in the development of both offline and online casino games. The gaming company specializes in slot games, and its library includes titles like Book of Ra that have won awards.
With operations in over 40 nations, Novomatic has a devoted following of slot machine players in Europe.
Playtech
In 1999, Playtech was just a little game studio, but it has since grown significantly. The gaming business now operates in more than 20 nations and has purchased other software providers (QuickSpin and Ash Gaming).
Although though slots are Playtech’s most well-known games, the company also develops blackjack, live dealer, poker, and roulette games. Even Playtech owns bingo websites.
A few Playtech slot machines that players can discover at most online casinos include Jackpot Giant and Gladiator.
Play ‘N’ Go
Fans of Play ‘N’ Go slots who are looking for titles with a high return-to-player (RTP) should only consider Play ‘N’ Go. The gaming business, which created the popular Book of Dead game, frequently releases slot games with high RTPs and jackpots. But on a much smaller scale than its selection of slot machines, Play ‘N’ Go also produces other online casino games.
Playtech began as a subcontractor in 1997 and changed to a standalone business with locations across Europe and the Philippines in 2014. The gaming company’s titles feature in various online casinos, such as Betfair.
Big Time Gaming (BTG)
Big Time Gaming, sometimes known as BTG, is an Australian business noted for its ground-breaking slot game productions. The well-known MegawaysTM mechanism, which shifts reels to provide players 117,649 ways to win in slot games, was created by the game provider.
By introducing the MegawaysTM feature in 2016, BTG’s Bonanza Megaways slot game saw astronomical success. This inspired the software developer to make a franchise out of its MegawaysTM feature, which companies like SG, Blueprint, and Red Tiger have adopted into their games. Party Casino and Paddy Power are good options for slot enthusiasts looking for BTG’s most popular games.
Microgaming
With more than 20 years of experience developing games for casino websites, Microgaming is one of the industry titans in online gambling. The software developer makes cutting-edge poker and slot gaming titles.
The Big Moolah progressive jackpot slot has set numerous global records and inspired dozens of imitative games. Break Da Bank, Jurassic Park, and Game of Thrones are just a few examples of Microgaming’s countless successes. Hence it comes as no surprise that the majority of online casinos provide Microgaming’s game selection.
Ezugi
Innovative games are developed by Ezugi, a market leader. The Malta Gambling Authority issues iGaming a license. It should be noted that legitimate software developers must also have an operating license in order to evaluate an iGaming system’s safety.
Ezugi, like the majority of gaming providers, lacks diversity. A company, on the other hand, focused on making games with high performance. Ezugi is a quick way to discover any gaming genre on any platform and has partnered with numerous online casinos across the nation. Amazing games like live blackjack, Texas Hold’em, and baccarat have been developed by the company.
Evolution Gaming Software
Undoubtedly, Evolution Gaming Software is notable for its achievements in the iGaming industry. The company provides high-quality games for online casinos. The Evolution series games can be found on the majority of live-dealing websites. At the time of its launch in 2006, Evolution Gaming had studios in Canada, North America, and a few European nations.
It should be emphasized that Evolution is one of the most sought-after providers of online games and it is a well-known brand in the industry. There are a variety of games for a variety of audiences in its extensive catalog. Poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette are all variations of the standard games and tables. Evolution Gaming also offers Lightning Roulette and Dreamcatcher, two intriguing games.
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