From the simple betting games played with tiles in 2300 BC to the immersive experiences, convenience, and high stakes of online casino platforms today, gambling has evolved to impressive heights over the past few thousand years.
Today, there are more than 176 million active online gamblers worldwide — each enjoying the online casino game of their choice. But have you ever stopped to consider the casino game development company responsible for making your favorite online casino game?
Every day, some of the brightest and most creative technological minds work to improve the user experience, graphics, security, and gameplay of the casino game software they provide online casinos.
Online casino software developers are an essential part of the iGaming industry. Whether it’s the casino software providers who design and maintain the software that powers online casinos, ensuring seamless gameplay, robust security, and immersive user experiences or the engineers who design, code, and optimize a wide range of games, developers are key in making the gambling experience more enjoyable and profitable.
There are some genuine geniuses behind the most popular online casino games. Skilled teams work using cutting-edge technology to create amazing games with stunning graphics, engaging themes, and smooth gameplay. That said, the online casino industry is an extremely competitive market, so online casinos must ensure they’re only partnering with reputable developers who can help them bring the best experience and latest games to their customers. This means that developers are constantly looking for new ways to improve their offerings, bringing in a hoard of new innovations and developments to the industry — blockchain technology, virtual reality, and the emerging metaverse capabilities in online casinos are just the tip of the iceberg.
So, which are the best developers in the business, and how do you decide which of the thousands of slots out there you should spin next?
Keep reading to learn more about a handful of the industry leaders, along with their claims to fame and some of their hit games that you can play at BetMGM’s online casino.
Evolution Gaming
If you enjoy an authentic and lifelike casino table game experience, then you’ve likely heard of Evolution Gaming. This company was established in 2006 as one of the first live casino developers in Europe.
Evolution Gaming does not claim to be a jack of all trades. Instead, it has dedicated its focus and attention to live dealer casino games. Having created more than 40 games to date, Evolution has grown to become a leading live casino operator. What sets its offerings apart are the inclusive multilingual dealers who host the live games from its state-of-the-art live casino production studios across the globe. The company’s recent acquisition of other top developers, including NetEnt and Big Time Gaming, has cemented its place as a heavyweight in the casino game industry.
Claims to Fame
- Launch of its first virtual reality casino game — Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt.
- Native speaking dealers.
- Live-streamed casino table games.
- Largest live dealer game portfolio.
Popular Evolution Casino Games To Play
- First-Person Lightning Roulette.
- Live Baccarat.
- First Person Football Studio.
- Infinite Blackjack.
Microgaming
Microgaming was founded in South Africa in 1994 by Martin Moshal before its main office was moved to the UK shortly after. Today, the company has a global presence, and its high-end software is now available in more than 600 gambling venues.
The software giant is considered to be the foremost casino game developer in the business. Its staff are the geniuses behind more than 1,200 casino games, with a focus on slots. Microgaming was also the first company to introduce the ever-popular progressive jackpot feature to online casino slots back in 1998.
What’s more, Microgaming also founded the Interactive Gaming Council, which is yet another testament to this company’s glowing reputation in the industry. This international nonprofit organization provides a forum for addressing issues within the interactive gaming industry and regulating organizational practices to maintain fairness.
Claims to Fame
- Holds a Guinness World Record for having paid out the “largest jackpot payout in an online slot machine game” ($20,062,600 was won on Mega Moolah in 2015).
- Highest-paying slots with a high RTP (return to player).
- The world’s first online casino software in 1994 and the first mobile casino software in 2004.
- Uses the latest technology with constant innovation.
Popular Microgaming Casino Games To Play
- Immortal Romance.
- Thunderstruck II.
- Book of Oz.
- 9 Masks of Fire.
- Break Da Bank Again Respin.
NetEnt
Leading developer NetEnt (previously Net Entertainment) was founded in 1996 and specializes in a wide array of game categories, including live games, table games and slots. To truly stand out from the competition in such a competitive market, it’s not just about creating fun slot games. Rather, it’s about creating slots with intriguing storylines and immersive themes that elevate the gaming experience and bring players back time and time again — something NetEnt seems to have managed remarkably well.
NetEnt was the first to experiment with Java software and Flash technology to improve its mobile slots. Since its inception, the developer has released more than 260 games and worked constantly to perfect the mobile gambling experience, including adopting powerful HTML5 technology. The NetEnt Touch division of the company is dedicated to creating online slots designed and optimized for Android, iOS, and Windows mobile operating systems.
Claims to Fame
- Immersive themes and graphics.
- Optimized mobile games.
- Extensive collection of branded music and entertainment-themed slots (including Jumanji, Jimmy Hendrix, and Scarface).
- Avalanche wins and cascading reels.
Popular NetEnt Casino Games To Play
- Starburst.
- Narcos.
- Gonzo’s Quest.
- Jumanji.
- Finn and the Swirly Spin.
International Game Technology (IGT)
IGT takes the cup as the most well-known gaming software developer in the world. Though it has become a leading player among slot game developers, renowned for its captivating themes in online slots, IGT has actually been a consistent, high-quality slot provider for land-based casinos for many years. The company was founded in 1990 and now has more than 12,000 employees worldwide.
Its extensive casino games catalog includes a wide variety of slot machines, table games, and roughly 40 bingo games. IGT also uses its top-notch tech to create skill games, progressive games, VLT (video lottery terminal) games, and multiplayer games. One thing IGT has proven it’s good at is successful diversification.
Claims to Fame
- Amazing storylines.
- The world’s very first area progressive slot machine system.
- Winner of Best Slot Machine, Best New Innovation Product and Best Diversity and Inclusion Employer at The Casino Awards 2022.
- More than 75 progressive jackpot games.
Popular IGT Casino Games To Play
- Cleopatra.
- Da Vinci Diamonds.
- Enchanted Lamp.
- Pixies of the Forest.
- Wheel of Fortune: On Tour.
Playtech
Last but certainly not least on this list is Playtech, founded in 1999. Playtech is the largest designer, developer, and licensor of virtual gambling software and mobile casino rooms. Six years after its inception, the company had already become one of the most popular online casino game developers. Today, it ranks in the top five of the best casino game developers and boasts more than 600 games in its portfolio.
As one of the best iGaming software providers in the industry, Playtech is known for its high-quality and high-octane smartphone games. Its software expertise in creating simple and easy-to-use interfaces makes it even easier to learn how to play casino games.
Its distinctive and top-rated 3D slot games demonstrate the company’s attention to detail and realism. Aside from slots, Playtech has also created virtual casino games such as blackjack, bingo, poker, and roulette. Though it might be younger than its longer-standing competitors, many of its instant-hit games have become classics. Such titles include Iron Man, King Kong, and Safari Heat.
Another factor that has helped fuel Playtech’s phenomenal growth is its acquisition of big names in the game development industry. In 2016, it acquired Quickspin and Best Gaming Technology, and in 2017, it acquired bingo game developer Eyecon.
Claims to Fame
- Immersive 3D graphics.
- World’s largest supplier of online gaming and sports betting software.
- Partnership with Marvel Studios (until 2017) and DC Comics.
- Produces consistently popular hit slots.
- Substantial bonuses and incentives.
- Wide variety of movie-themed hit slots.
Popular Playtech Games To Play
- Buffalo Blitz.
- Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven.
- King Kong.
- Miss Fortune.
Choose Your Next Gaming Adventure With BetMGM
The most talented developers and their innovative creations can all be found in one convenient place: the BetMGM app or website. These developers continue to create games that are portals to parallel worlds and ancient civilizations. Where will your gaming experience take you next? Ancient Egypt, a tropical jungle, or maybe a Mayan temple? There’s only one way to find out.
Register with BetMGM to enjoy the widest selection of action-packed slots from the best developers in the business.
