What Does it Take to Be an Industry-Leading Casino Games Developer?

Joining a fully licensed and regulated website to play games like digital fruit machines, classic table games, or live dealer content might surprise some players. Many don’t realize that the website operator often doesn’t create the digital content available on their site.

Instead, everything you play, whether for real money or in free-to-play mode, is supplied by third-party companies known as software providers or digital content development studios. In-house creation of these games is rare.

If, like me, you have accounts on multiple top-rated sites, you may have noticed that only a few providers dominate the market, supplying software to numerous websites. These leading providers have developed industry-award-winning titles that stand out due to their unique style and playability.

Wondering what it takes for a company to become a top-tier software provider? Here are some insights gathered from playing on today’s most trusted sites – easier to find casino sites and games by searching askgamblers.com for example – with what many regard as the best iGaming software.

Do All Software Providers Create the Same Content?

Not all software providers create identical content. Some specialize exclusively in computer-generated fruit machines, while others produce a variety of games, including traditional favorites like online scratchcards, bingo, Slingo, keno, video poker, and sophisticated live dealer titles.

Through my research, I found that over 120 companies currently produce digital content for online casinos, creating a collective library of more than 9,000 individual titles. These providers supply their software to anywhere from a single licensed site to over 500 platforms.

Most online casinos offer a selection of 3,000 to 7,000 titles from 10 to 90 or more providers, ensuring a diverse range of options for their players.

What Makes a Good Software Provider?

The best software providers share several key attributes that make them stand out:

• Experience and Reputation: Top providers are often well-established, with most having been in the industry for over ten years. They have excellent reputations and a solid standing in the industry.
• Licensing and Regulation: Leading providers are usually licensed by multiple jurisdictions, ensuring their software meets rigorous standards.
• Popular Titles: These providers have developed hundreds of popular titles that resonate with players, offering superior graphics, immersive storylines, and impressive sound effects.
• High RTP%: The average return to player (RTP) rates for their games are typically high, ranging between 93.00% and 98.00%.
• Variety of Content: They offer a range of games to suit different player preferences, including low, medium, and high-volatility titles.
• Accessibility: Their games are accessible from most web browsers and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Windows, and Android. They feature responsive controls, wide betting ranges, and user-friendly interfaces.
• Progressive Jackpots: Many top providers offer life-changing progressive jackpots that can be won by any player at any time.

Content from these providers is known for fast loading times, glitch-free performance, and overall fun and ease of play.

Who Are the Top Providers to Watch in 2024?

When choosing an online casino, I look for sites featuring software from top providers like GamesGlobal (which acquired Microgaming in 2022), NetEnt, Playtech, Blueprint, Red Tiger, BTG, Pragmatic Play, IGT, Yggdrasil, Thunderkick, and ELK Studios.

Additionally, the best sites often feature games from Play’n GO, Evolution, iSoftBet, Novomatic, Skywind Group, Playson, Push Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, Light & Wonder, Iron Dog Studios, and StakeLogic, among others.

Final Note

Always play on trusted sites featuring software from well-established providers to ensure fair and realistic outcomes. Avoid sites with unknown or unlicensed software providers, as their content may be unreliable or tampered with.

Top providers and the websites hosting their software are regularly monitored and tested by accredited agencies like TST, eCOGRA, iTech Global Pty Limited, Global Lab Limited, BMM Testlabs, GamingLaboratory International, or Quinel Ltd, ensuring the highest standards of fairness and quality.