Today’s online casinos are a significant improvement over the early versions that first appeared on the web towards the end of the last century. They have evolved a lot in a relatively short time and the best casinos now offer a truly excellent online gaming experience.
Most of the improvements we’ve seen with online casinos are due to the software they use, as casino software is much more advanced than it was in the early days. The graphics and animation are certainly much better than they used to be, as are the sound effects and background music.
The software is also generally a lot more user-friendly, with improved functionality and additional features.
You don’t really need to know all the ins and outs of the software to enjoy playing at online casinos, but it doesn’t hurt to at least understand the basics.
We’ve covered these below, along with information about the different types of casino software and details from some of the major online casino software developers.
Casino Software Basics
The most important thing to know about online casino software is how it ensures that the games are fair. A common problem with people who play online, and those who are considering doing so, is that the games are somehow ‘manipulated’ in favor of the casino.
This concern is largely unfounded as casinos already have a decent house edge so they will always make a profit without cheating.
The software at online casinos uses so-called random number generators (RNGs).
These are computer programs that constantly produce random sequences of numbers, with no discernible pattern, and the software communicates with them to produce results such as which card is dealt next or which symbols appear after a spin on a slot machine.
The outcomes of the games are therefore completely random and this ensures that the games are completely fair. You are just as likely to win a hand of blackjack, or any bet you place, at an online casino as you are at a land-based location.
It is also worth knowing that most online casinos do not develop their own software, but instead use third-party providers.
This is a change from the early days of the industry when many operators used their own proprietary software. Some still do, but they are now in the minority.
As a result, you will encounter the same games at different online casinos. Some of the best places to play use software from a selection of developers, ensuring a wide selection of games are offered.
This means that players usually have plenty of choice wherever they play, as well as not necessarily being limited to a single casino if they have a favorite game that they enjoy playing.
Different types of casino software
Casino software can be roughly divided into three categories: downloadable, instant play and mobile. Many games are available in all three formats, meaning you can play them on different devices.
For the most part, the games all work in much the same way regardless of format, but there are a few minor differences.
Downloadable software
The downloadable software at most online casinos is only compatible with PCs running the Microsoft Windows operating system. You can find this kind of software in several places and once you download it, you have full access to a wide selection of games. You just need to load it up, log in and start playing.
Instant Play software
Instant play software has become more and more common among online casinos. It allows you to play games directly from your web browser, without having to download anything. This type of software usually uses Adobe Flash, which means it is compatible with a wide variety of devices and operating systems. Many instant play games are accessible from smartphones and tablets.
Mobile apps
In addition to the instant games that can be played from a mobile device, a number of online casinos also offer mobile apps with a range of games specifically designed (or adapted) for mobile devices. You can download these apps to your phone or tablet from the appropriate app store, or directly from the respective casino’s website.
Major Casino Software Providers
The following are some of the best known and most widely used casino software providers. A significant percentage of all online casinos use software from one of these companies, and many of them use software from two or more of them.
playtech
Playtech is one of the most recognizable names in the online casino world. Their software is used by many of the best online casinos and is mainly used by the major gambling sites in the UK. They have developed a huge range of games in various categories including table games, card games, video poker and live dealer games.
This company is perhaps best known for its impressive selection of slot games, and in particular its games based on Marvel Comics superheroes. Playtech also developed and maintains the popular online poker network iPoker.
CASINOS USING PLAYTECH SOFTWARE
POPULAR PLAYTECH GAMES
- Jacks or Better Video Poker
Microgaming
Microgaming was one of the very first online gambling companies. In fact, they claim that they opened the very first online casino in 1994. This claim is disputed by some, but there is no question that the company is one of the best known in the online gambling industry today.
In addition to developing hundreds of casino games in their time, Microgaming also operates an online poker network. They have won a number of prestigious industry awards and they continue to bring new and exciting games to the casino market.
CASINOS USING MICROGAMING SOFTWARE
POPULAR MICROGAMING GAMES
- Vegas Single Deck Blackjack
Net Entertainment
Net Entertainment is a Swedish company, also known as NetEnt. Founded as an online gaming company in 1996, it was founded by one of Scandinavia’s largest land-based casino operators. It has grown into one of the best-known casino software providers and has won several industry awards along the way.
NetEnt’s game offering consists mainly of slots, although they also offer table games and live games. The company is known for its innovation and unique features, and many NetEnt slot games are real favorites for players. The graphics used in their slots especially stand out and are easily among the very best out there.
CASINOS USING NETENT SOFTWARE
POPULAR NETENT GAMES
- Double Exposure Blackjack
Real-time gaming
Real Time Gaming (RTG) is one of the largest online casino software providers accepting customers from the United States. It was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1998, then moved to Costa Rica.
RTG is best known for its range of slots, including some with progressive jackpots, although they offer a variety of other games as well. The company offers downloadable games and instant play games, and some of their games are also compatible with mobile devices.
CASINOS USING RTG SOFTWARE
POPULAR RTG GAMES
International Gaming Technology
International Gaming Technology (IGT) is a bona fide betting giant, with a history dating back decades. The company has long been involved in the design and manufacture of slot machines, including some of the most popular casino games of all time. It is estimated that they produce about half of all new slot machines in the United States.IGT expanded into developing games for online casinos in the late 20th century, aided by the purchase of WagerWorks, an online gaming technology company. More recently, IGT merged with GTECH, an Italian gaming equipment company.
CASINOS USING IGT SOFTWARE
POPULAR IGT GAMES
- Wheel of Fortune Hollywood
For more information about these and other companies, see our dedicated section on online casino software providers. We cover all the major casino software developers, with full details about the games they offer and the best places to play them.
