The Ultimate List of Software Providers for Online Casinos

You’re no doubt here as you’re a fan of online casinos. These are the sites we all head to seeking a thrilling experience playing top-quality games. We all have our favourite casino sites as they all do things just a little bit differently. However, what they do have in common is that they’d be nothing without online casino software providers. These are the companies that create the games that we all know and love.

When you look at the best online slot review site, you’ll find that slots software is mentioned as part of reviewing slots. When you get to know game providers and what they bring to the playing experience, it becomes easier to find other slot titles that you’ll enjoy. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best casino software providers, along with examples of some of their top games. Keep on reading to discover who the top providers are.

A Quick Introduction into Casino Game Providers

Before online casinos became the norm, casino game providers were there to create titles for land-based casinos. This meant that the development of games often happened in-house (although some current online providers, such as Novamatic, made their name creating offline games first). It was during the late 1990s when online casinos began to grow and, with this, there was a rise in the number of casino software companies. These game providers were, and still are, independent of the casinos and became free to offer their games where they pleased.

This new breed of online slots software providers emerged with the aim of engaging players by innovating games and driving development forward. This is what has led to the likes of slots becoming quite so popular. They moved beyond the basics and stayed to feature new mechanisms and a host of special features. These were all there to increase the entertainment value.

These online software providers soon became the rocks that online casinos relied on. They were developing more and more titles and making the range of games gigantic. This led to them allowing a host of online casinos to feature their games through special licensing agreements. Top game providers will only allow their games to be featured at reputable casinos that comply with all relevant legislation and protect their players. These licenses have also allowed sites to feature demo versions of titles where you can play slot machines for free.

To be able to identify the best online casinos, and the best games, you need to know who’s behind the best online slots software. That’s what we’re going to look at next.

Best Overall: The Top US Casino Software Providers Right Now

The iGaming scene in the US is continually growing and with this growth, we’re seeing more and more game providers enter the industry. This is good news for players, as each of these is looking to bring something better than has come before so that they become the go-to game provider. The only downside is that the sheer number of casino game providers means that it’s hard for players to know which ones are worthy of their attention.

What follows is our list of the best game providers around right now. This list has been put together by our team of experts who have played 1,000s of games from a range of providers. This means that you can be sure that any opinions are unbiased and based on real experience. Let’s take a look at the providers that you should be taking note of:

Bally

As slot providers go, Bally has to be one of the oldest. This one has roots going back to 1936  when it was involved with traditional slots that appeared at land-based casinos. Nowadays, Bally continues to innovate and develop online titles. What you can expect from titles coming from this provider now are those that have a retro feel but come with modern features such as bonus rounds and impressive jackpots. It’s fair to say that Bally casino games provide a truly immersive experience.

Barcrest

When looking at online casino software providers, there aren’t many that originate from the UK. This one, however, does. Barcrest is a British game provider that developed an amazing reputation in the UK throughout the 19602 and 1970s. It was behind some of the very best land-based slot machines and garnered an enviable reputation. As online casinos took off, Barcrest continued to innovate. This is the software company responsible for the first ever 5 reel slot which is a standard feature today. In 2011, Barcrest was acquired by Scientific Games.

Playtech

As casino game providers go, it’s fair to say that Playtech is a powerhouse in the industry. This is a company that seems to excel in all areas of online casinos and is behind some of the most popular games that have been created. You’ll find a range of Playtech slots, as well as spectacular table games and immersive live dealer titles. This is a company that also features progressive jackpots as well as games that are based on popular movie titles.

IGT

If you’re a fan of rags to riches stories, then IGT may be one of the game providers that captures your attention. This is a provider that started as a small family business and has gone on to become one of the biggest providers of casino games in the world. For fans of slots, this is the developer behind titles such as Da Vinci Diamonds and Cleopatra. However, the expertise here goes beyond slots and IGT Is held in high regard for a host of online casino games.

Aristocrat

Like many of the top slots software providers, Aristocrat is also known for the amazing games that it has brought to land-based casinos. Based in Australia, the company is proud to be one of the biggest slot providers in the world. So, what does this provider bring to the table? Well, Aristocrat is known for slots that feature charming gameplay and that feature big jackpots. Even if you don’t recognise the name of this provider, you are bound to know some of its great titles such as Queen of the Nile, Where’s the Gold, and 5 Dragons.

Play’n Go

With so many casino game providers out there, Play’n Go has long been regarded as one of the very best. If you play any slots coming from this provider, you can be sure of outstanding graphics and immersive soundtracks. This is a provider that also pushes forward in terms of innovation, always looking to bring new features to its games. This provider is also behind some of the best mobile slot games. It has long committed to providing an outstanding mobile casino experience. 

Novamatic

Novamatic is a game provider that is still famous for its land-based offerings. It created its name by providing some of the very best traditional slot machines. However, it didn’t fail to adapt with the rise of online casinos, and it is now equally as famous in this space. Slots from this provider fall under a diverse range of themes and, perhaps, one of its most famous titles is Book of Ra.

NetEnt

NetEnt is among the most famous game providers around. As well as a diverse range of slots, this provider is behind a host of other online casino games. Its catalogue includes live dealer games, slots and progressive jackpots. Having entered the market in 1996, the company has been behind some of the best titles around and is responsible for introducing features such as avalanche reels, expanding wilds and sticky wilds.

Pragmatic Play

The online slots software from Pragmatic Play is behind some of the most famous slots of all time. However, this provider is equally famous for its live dealer offerings. The live dealer games are top quality and feature professional dealers with the action all being streamed in HD quality. While Evolution is widely regarded as the best live games provider, Pragmatic Play certainly gives it a run for its money. In terms of slots, we have Pragmatic Play to thank for the popular Buy Feature. 

WMS

This provider first found fame as a pinball provider. However, it soon found its place in the world of online casinos and is now regarded as one of the best. This software provider is famed for its movie-themed slots with titles that cover James Bond, Top Gun and The Wizard of Oz. One thing you can be sure of with WMS slots is a healthy RTP. These all start at 96% at the lowest and go as high as 99%.

Slots Software Providers: Our Favorites as Slot Experts (and Fans!)

At SlotJava, we’re crazy about slots. Yes, we love all things online casino-related but slots are our real passion. That being the case, it’s perhaps unsurprising that our slot experts have their own favourite online casino game providers. We’re going to share these with you now. While there may be some crossover with some of the game providers mentioned above, this time we’re also going to be looking at some of the best slot titles from them too.

Microgaming – First Online Casino Software

As slot providers go, Microgaming is one of the finest, as well as the oldest. The provider started to produce titles all the way back in 1994 and has decades of experience meaning that it knows how to create some of the best slots around. Here are just 3 titles worth exploring:

• Break Da Bank: This slot with 2D graphics dates back to 1999. Break Da Bank still proves hugely popular and provides a great playing experience full of fun. With BAR symbols, there is also an RTP of 95.75% and a max bet of $250.

• Immortal Romance: This is another classic title from this game provider. What makes Immortal Romance so appealing is the 243 ways to win along with 15 bonus games and 25 free spins up for grabs. 

• Thunderstruck: With Thor, the god of thunder, stealing the show here, the Thunderstruck slot has an STP of 96.10% and comes with medium volatility. Great gameplay makes this another Microgaming classic.

NetEnt – Stunning Visuals & Innovation

When looking to play real money slots, you can be sure that slots software from NetEnt is nothing short of spectacular. This provider brings slots with stunning graphics and is always innovating. We have NetEnt to thank for features such as Avalanche reels, among others. Here are just two titles worth trying:

• Dead or Alive: This NetEnt slot sees the action take place in the Wild West. With stunning graphics, players also get the benefit of sticky wilds here. The Dead or Alive slot proved so popular that there was even a sequel. With an RTP of 96.8%, this game has high volatility.

• Starburst: This soon became an all-time classic. Starburst sees the action taking place on a 5×3 grid with 10 paylines. There’s low volatility here and an RTP of 96.1%

IGT – Iconic Slots Both Online and Offline

Casino game providers don’t come much bigger than IGT. This is another company that has gone on to produce an extensive catalogue of online slots, all of which have a touch of class. Here are just two that you might want to look at:

• Cleopatra: Set in the world of Ancient Egypt, this slot has an RTP of 95.7% and comes with medium volatility. While we’re fans of the graphics and the gameplay in Cleopatra, what really stands out is the potential to bag a whopping 180 free spins.

• Da Vinci Diamonds: Stunning and dazzling visuals, Da Vinci Diamonds is a slot worth checking out. While the RTP of 94.93 isn’t the highest, we assure you that this is a game that you’ll come back to again and again.

Yggdrasil – Slot Storytellers

As the headline suggests, Yggdrasil provides software for online casinos with slots that tell a story. Launched in 2013, this provider quickly came to the fore and is known for its Game Engagement Mechanic. Looking for Yggdrasil slots to try? Take a look at these:

• Age of Asgard: In the Age of Asgard, players are transported to an adventure in an ancient mythical world. With medium volatility and an RTP of 96.3%, the action takes place across 2 separate grids. The big plus here is the rewards that special symbols can bring.
• Time Travel Tigers: This online slot has stunning graphics that have a touch of humour and a cartoon quality to them. The action in Time Travel Tigers takes place on a 5×4 grid and features 25 paylines. The RTP here is 96.3%.

Play’n Go – Producing Some of the Most Well-Known Titles

If you’ve ever played at an online casino, there’s a good chance that you’ve played games that feature this casino slots software. Playtech is behind some of the best-loved titles in the world and it continues to push boundaries and innovate. Here are 2 great slots from Playtech that you should check out:

• Gladiator: Stunning graphics combine with simple gameplay to make Gladiator a favourite among many players. With an RTP of 94.09%, a major draw here is the jackpot that stands at an impressive $2.5 million.

• Age of the Gods: What makes Age of the Gods stand out? Well, apart from an immersive experience, there’s also the matter of 4 progressive jackpots. These can lead to life-changing wins for players and provide great motivation to get in on the action.

Choosing a Game Provider: What We Look Out For

The list of online casino slot providers above is based on countless hours of playing slots. This experience has given our team of experts their firm favourites. However, what you see as the best slots software is a personal preference and you may well have your own opinions. If you want to explore more providers, these are the things that we check at SlotJava, and the things that you should be looking at too:

Licensing & Regulations – ensuring game mechanics adhere to standard regulation and fairness

The first thing to consider when looking at casino game providers is their legitimacy. Are they providers that are known to be safe and produce fair games? Check out the licenses that the providers hold and investigate how they are tested for fairness. Legitimate slots are tested by independent bodies to prove that they adhere to the required standards.

Popularity

The popularity of video slots software is a good indication that it’s worth checking out. By looking at forums and exploring online casinos themselves, you can get a feel for which online casino software providers are popular and producing worthy titles.

Number of Games

Great casino game providers have an extensive catalogue of slots to choose from. They are constantly innovating and releasing new titles regularly.

Unique Features & Mechanics

Does your chosen provider bring something new to the table? The best game providers are always looking to bring something a little different to the slot-playing experience.

Average RTPs & Volatility

When looking at casino software companies, make sure that you check the RTP of their titles. Don’t opt for providers that are constantly churning out titles with low win potential. Equally, you need to be looking at the volatility and making sure that games suit your attitude to risk.

Graphics (Mobile & Desktop)

It goes without saying that casino game providers should be producing games that look great. However, you also need to be checking that these games translate well on a mobile device so that you can play on the go.

Frequency of New Releases

Do the slot providers you’re looking at have plenty of new releases? Providers that are constantly active stay at the cutting edge and either stay up with current trends or go on to create them.

Game Interactivity & Design

Test games from game providers. You can try slots for free here at SlotJava. By doing this, you can take in the design and consider how interactive a title is. You need slots that provide an immersive experience and keep you entertained.

Awards & Accolades

Do the game providers you’re considering have any industry awards? Many of the recognised awards come from the International Gaming Awards.

If you consider all of these points, and tick all of them off, the chances are that you’ve found a great slots provider.