Top 10 UK casino software providers – a comprehensive guide | The Sun
YOU can enjoy thousands of casino games at licensed online gambling sites in the UK. From high-octane slots with mega jackpots to casino classics such as blackjack and roulette, you’ll never be short of games to play.
Behind these games are companies that specialise in creating entertaining and potentially profitable experiences. This guide reveals the best casino software providers in the UK, their most popular games and how they can keep you entertained.
Our top casino game developers
- Play’n GO
- Evolution
- Pragmatic Play
- Spinomenal
- NetEnt
- Playtech
- Yggdrasil
- Microgaming
- Novomatic
- IGT
How do online casino software providers work?
Visit any of the leading UK online casinos and, rather unsurprisingly, you’ll see that they’re filled with games. Indeed, without games, a casino wouldn’t be a casino. Online gambling companies, such as bet365 and Casumo, have teams of developers working on their websites and mobile apps. This means they don’t always have the resources to develop games.
In fact, there’s a lot that goes into making online casino games, which is why companies specialise in it. Because of this, casino operators outsource their games. They forge relationships with software developers so they can use their games. This is why you’ll see the same casino games available at different online casinos.
We should also say that there could be a conflict of interest at casinos that don’t use third-party software providers. Why? A casino operator needs to be neutral. If they create their own software and games, there’s a chance of foul play. We’re not saying that happens, but it could, which is another reason why operators work with third-party suppliers.
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A closer look at the top casino software providers in the UK online casino industry
Which software suppliers create the games you like to play at the best UK online casinos? Our top-rated UK casino sites collate games from a variety of sources but, based on our experience, the following providers are behind the industry’s biggest titles. Scroll down to find out why the best developers have a track-record of creating great games.
1. Play’n GO
Play’n GO has been in online casino gaming since 2005. Based in Sweden, this software provider puts entertainment front and centre in all of its games.
That’s not to say other suppliers don’t focus on the fun aspect of gaming because they do. However, of all the brands in our top ten, Play’n GO makes more effort to create quirky games with a friendly vibe. Put simply, it’s not all about the money you can win when you play slots, table games and video bingo games from Play’n GO.
Top three Play’n GO games
- Super Wheel
- Viking Runcraft Bingo
- Sweet Alchemy 100
2. Evolution
Evolution isn’t the only live dealer software developer in the world, but it’s regarded by most as the best. Along with Playtech, Evolution pioneered live casino technology more than a decade ago.
It started with a small collection of classic table games but, over the last few years, Evolution has pushed the boundaries. In addition to enhanced payout games, such as Lightning Roulette, Evolution has created an impressive line-up of live casino game shows such as Dream Catcher and Crazy Time.
Top three Evolution games
- Lightning Roulette
- Dream Catcher
- Monopoly Live
3. Pragmatic Play
Pragmatic Play’s portfolio of products spans the entire breadth of the gambling industry. From casino games and bingo to virtual sports betting, this software vendor does it all. In fact, it doesn’t just create products, it wins awards for them. With licences in over 20 jurisdictions and one API that can be used on all devices, Pragmatic Play is a veritable powerhouse.
One of its main strengths is innovation. This company likes to try new things, which leads to unique products such as Drop and Wins. This feature can be added to any Pragmatic Play slot so that players can win random prizes, regardless of the stakes they’re playing for.
Top three Pragmatic Play Games
- Big Bass Fishing
- Sweet Bonanza Candyland Live Game Show
- Live PowerUP Roulette
4. Spinomenal
Spinomenal has been around since 2014 and, with a commitment to releasing at least 10 new casino games every month, it’s among the fastest growing softer providers in the business. A lot of the company’s 300+ slots and table games are HTML5-based, which means they’re optimised to work on all browsers, including PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and Android.
Spinomenal has a solid collection of standard casino products, but there are some interesting innovations thrown into the mix. It has a virtual lottery terminal. It also has social media integration add-ons for its games. Best of all, this vendor offers crypto-based blockchain software that ensures safe, fair results using a decentralised system.
Top three Spinomenal games
- Majestic King
- Western Tales
- Demi Gods II
5. NetEnt
Gambling software providers are often forced to be creative when it comes to making games that have a social relevance. In other words, casino software suppliers and vendors can’t make games about popular TV shows, films or bands without getting permission from the owners. That’s why you often see games that make references to things in popular culture but stop short of naming them directly. That’s not the case with NetEnt games.
Unlike almost any other trusted casino software provider, NetEnt works hard to secure the licensing rights for its games. That means it can create official slots for TV, film and music franchises, such as Guns N’ Roses, Planet of the Apes and Jumanji. Add to these games a collection of industry favourites that includes blackjack, roulette and baccarat games, and it’s fair to say NetEnt is one of the world’s leading online casino software providers.
Top three NetEnt games
- Starburst
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Jumanji
6. Playtech
Playtech is one of the original online casino software providers. The company was founded in 1999 and launched its first online casino in 2001. Playtech also ran its own poker network for a time but, more recently, its main focus has been on providing games and products for casino operators, including William Hill, Grosvenor and bet365.
As well as shaping some of the UK’s leading online casinos, Playtech’s games are extremely popular. One of the company’s standout franchises is Age of the Gods slots.
Top three Playtech games
- Buffalo Blitz
- Age of the Gods
- Jungle Giants
7. Yggdrasil
When it comes to creativity and games with unique features, Yggdrasil is hard to beat. Yggdrasil doesn’t offer as many table games as other software developers, but its collection of slot machines is right up there with the best.
We say this because all Yggdrasil slots have a storyline that heavily influences action. For example, Glory of Heroes takes you on an epic adventure that plays out over three levels. You move up levels by collecting special symbols which makes the game more immersive and enjoyable.
Top three Yggdrasil games
- Burning Blox Gigablox
- Going Wild in Vegas
- Hip Hop Pop
8. Microgaming
Microgaming, like Playtech, is an OG among online casino software providers. The company has been operating from the Isle of Man since 1994 and, today, it provides slot machines and table games to virtually all of the top online casinos in the world. Top of this supplier’s list of creations is the iconic Mega Moolah slot.
A lot of casino software suppliers make progressive jackpot slots, but none of them match Microgaming’s marquee title. Even though it’s been around since 2006 and looks dated compared to new online slots, Mega Moolah still offers the biggest jackpots. In fact, it’s broken the world record multiple times with progressive payouts worth more than £10 million.
Top three Microgaming games
- Mega Moolah
- European Roulette Gold
- Craps
9. Novomatic
From land-based casino products, progressive jackpot networks, interactive games and software platforms, Novomatic has a vast catalogue of products. This is the main reason why it employs more than 23,000 people and turns over more than £2.5 billion in revenue every year.
Novomatic launched in 1980 and, after making its mark in the land-based casino world, it focused on the digital realm. This footing in two parts of the gambling world means a lot of Novomatic’s best games are available live and online. This crossover experience is one of the reasons Novomatic is regarded as one of the best casino software providers out there.
Top three Novomatic games
- Book of Ra
- Cops N’ Robbers
- Genie Jackpots
10. IGT
International Game Technology (IGT) was founded back in 1975. Being active in the gambling industry this long means the decision-makers at IGT have an acute understanding of what casino players and sports bettors want. As an industry veteran, IGT covers the full spectrum of casino gaming options, from blackjack and roulette to slot machines and video poker.
One of the main products this gambling software supplier is best known for are based on the famous TV show, Wheel of Fortune. IGT’s Wheel of Fortune slots now span a variety of themes, features and betting structures. So, if you loved the TV show, IGT’s casino games are worth playing.
Top three IGT games
- Wheel of Fortune 4D
- Ultimate X Ten Play Video Poker
- 888 Empress
What’s the difference between an online casino platform and an online casino white label?
An online casino is a website and/or app that’s its own entity. It’s owned by a gambling brand that has built a custom platform. Casino operators also have the ability to make their own games, but they don’t have endless resources. This means casino operators need to partner with gambling software suppliers to fill their platforms with enough games to satisfy the maximum number of players.
White labels are companies that put their branding on top of an existing casino platform. They rely on a software developer to build and manage the technical side of an online casino. This means a developer provides the games, app, website and software. The white label company does everything else. They put their branding on the site, they create promotions, they do the marketing and handle payments.
What makes a good casino software provider?
There are plenty of world-class online and mobile casino software providers out there. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses but, in our opinion, a brand can’t be ranked among the industry’s best if it covers the basics. To put it another way, we want game providers to have a solid foundation and a few flashes of genius. The qualities we look for when it comes to reviewing trusted casino providers are:
Game quantity and variety
Quality and quantity matter when it comes to casino gaming. A developer might create one of the best casino games ever made but, if it can’t replicate that feat, it’s never going to be ranked among the industry’s best. Casino players come in all shapes and sizes, which means developers need to cater to as many different tastes as possible. Those that do that get top billing.
Gameplay quality
Casino games are inherently entertaining, that’s why the likes of blackjack and roulette have been popular for centuries. However, in today’s world, online casino players demand more. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for traditional gaming dynamics, but innovations such as cash drops and Megaways are what get players excited.
Graphics
Modern online casino games need to have crisp graphics, vibrant colours and, importantly, look great on all screen sizes. One of the main things that makes 3D casino games engaging are animations.
Innovation and special features
Creativity counts for a lot in online casino gaming, which is why software providers such as Yggdrasil work hard to develop unique features. Random payline structures for slot machines, random prize drops, interactive bonus rounds and slots with levels are some of the best modern features to look out for.
Mobile compatibility
Games need to be available on any device. Not only that, they need to perform just as well on mobile devices as desktop computers. A casino vendor that can’t create games that work in any setting aren’t worthy of a place among the industry’s best.
Fairness, RTP and volatility
The final quality that defines a supplier’s position in the gambling world is fairness and safety. All online casino games created by licensed suppliers must be certified as fair by third-party testing agencies.
On top of this, a trusted casino software provider needs to meet certain standards with regards to RTP scores i.e. theoretical payout rates. There aren’t any official limits, but there are expected RTPs based on industry norms.
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What are the most important casino game developers by category?
Every casino software provider has its forte and, in the list below, you’ll see which ones excel in three different areas:
Slot games
The best casino providers for online slot machines are NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Microgaming and Play’n GO.
Live games
The best casino providers for live dealer games are Evolution, Playtech and NetEnt.
Table games
The best casino providers for table games are IGT, NetEnt, Microgaming and Playtech.
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What are the biggest differences between high-end and low-end casino software products?
High-end online casino software is optimised for all devices. It offers a gaming experience that players at all levels can enjoy. This means people can play for small stakes on their computer or high stakes on their mobile. Whatever someone’s preferences are, a high-end game will cater to them.
Do all casino software providers make free and demo games?
Yes, but it depends on where you are in the world as to whether you can access demo games. In the UK, demo (aka free play) isn’t available due to local gambling regulations. This isn’t the case in all countries, which is why casino developers create demo versions of their real-money games.
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Which casino game developer has the biggest number of games made?
Microgaming has one of the biggest game libraries in the world, not least because the company was founded in 1994. Microgaming has not only been around since the start of online gambling, it’s shaped the industry over the last 20+ years. As such, Microgaming offers more than 1,000 games to online casino operators around the world. Other suppliers with hundreds of games in their collection are Playtech, NetEnt, IGT, and Pragmatic Play. To enjoy games from these developers and many more, check out our recommended UK online casino sites.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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