Online Casino Software Providers
Software providers are the lifeblood of the top NZ online casinos; without them, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the fabulous digital casino games we’ve all grown to love. You could even take that a step further and say that without casino software, you wouldn’t be able to open an account with an online casino, log a complaint or ask for assistance, or even make a payment or withdraw your winnings.
Online casinos would probably be unavailable without big names like Playtech, Net Entertainment, and Microgaming. But now, with a wide range of online casino software providers offering countless games to fulfill your gambling needs, how do you know which provides the best possible experience? This page discusses the top software providers and the business model used in the online casino industry.
Online casino software providers do more than just design and create slots and casino games; they power entire platforms, including mobile platforms. We’ve gathered a list of the best online casino software providers operating internationally and within the New Zealand market. Knowing more about each software brand will help you to narrow down your next NZ casino, whether you prefer playing at home or on the go via your mobile device.
Top 5 Software Providers at a Glance
| Rank | Software Brand | Established | Top Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Microgaming | 1994 | Mega Moolah |
| 2. | Netent | 1996 | Starburst |
| 3. | Playtech | 1999 | Age of Gods |
| 4. | Evolution | 2006 | Live Monopoly |
| 5. | Play'n Go | 1997 | Book of Dead |
Not all online casino software providers are created equal, nor do they design and produce the same software. While some providers specialize in one field, such as slots or live dealer games, others provide a comprehensive service, covering as many genres and needs as possible. However, the following list features a wide range of software brands, from the oldest to the newest, all-rounders to ground-breaking specialists.
What makes a good Casino Software
A severe and reputable online casino software should tick off the below requirements:
- Excellent, high-quality graphics and sound effects
- Easy and user-friendly interface that is simple to use
- Animations should run smoothly and be an added value to the game
- Games, games, games - the more variety, the better
- All game categories should be offered, from table games like Roulette and Blackjack to Slots
- Impeccable Mobile experience
- Smooth and exciting gameplay that keeps you hooked
Microgaming
Microgaming launched in 1994, right in the early days of the internet, and founded the world's first online casino called GamingClub. Over the years, Microgaming has been responsible for many of the industry's most significant milestones and innovations, including the world's first online progressive jackpot, Cash Splash. The brand was also the driving force behind industry watchdogs and auditors like the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) and the e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance organization or eCOGRA. Top titles include Mega Moolah Slot game, Immortal Romance, and Game of Thrones. See also Microgaming casinos.
✔️ Multiple EGR awards winner (2020 for Platform of the Year)
✔️ Additional Gaming Intelligence, Global Gaming, and IGA Gaming Awards
✔️ Hundreds of exclusive Microgaming casinos with high success rates
NetEnt
NetEnt is another one of the original online casino software companies that opened for business in 1996. Based in Sweden, NetEnt is a multinational company that holds offices in several other countries, including Malta, Gibraltar, Ukraine, Poland, the USA, and the UK. NetEnt is known for being innovative and often pushes the boundaries of what is currently possible within the industry. They are especially well-known for their mobile platform, NetEnt Touch, which allows players to instantly access a collection of the best NetEnt titles on virtually any mobile device running on iOS, Android, Windows, and Blackberry. Top titles include Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, and Cosmic Fortune. See also Netent casinos.
✔️ Multiple EGR awards winner (2020 for Slot Supplier of the Year, via Red Tiger Gaming, acquired 2019)
✔️ Casino Supplier of the Year several years in a row at the Gaming Intelligence Awards
✔️ Best Casino Product award by Global Gaming Awards 2019
✔️ Most reputable online casinos offer Netent games as part of their selection
Playtech
Think of Playtech as the third member of the triangle of pioneering software providers, along with NetEnt and Microgaming. Playtech can also trace its roots back to the dawn of the online casino industry, launching in 1999, just a few years after Microgaming. Headquartered on the Isle of Man, Playtech has several additional offices and studios in other parts of the world, including Estonia, Gibraltar, Romania, Latvia, and the UK. One of Playtech's most impressive achievements is its Omni-channel platform, known as 'Playtech ONE. The Playtech ONE platform uses cutting-edge software to facilitate a single-user experience, allowing members to access any Playtech game on any device they like and in any location they find themselves in. Top titles include the Age of Gods slots and the Marvel Comics series.
✔️ Best Multi-Channel Software provider of all time according to eGR awards
✔️ Awarded Game of the Year and Supplier Innovation recognition by Gaming Intelligence Awards
✔️ Multiple times iGaming Software supplier award by IGA Gaming Awards
✔️ One of the few Software providers offering Live Casino in addition to all other categories
Betsoft
Founded in 2006, Betsoft is perhaps best known for its incredible 3D animated slots series, which feature unique and colorful characters that can easily rival the best Disney and Pixar offer. You'll find a Betsoft casino with slots available at most top NZ online casinos, as they are among the most in-demand games within the NZ market. Betsoft is also known for several nations that have helped to peel the industry into the future. This includes introducing their HTML5-driven series of mobile slots, which contain all of the best features players have come to expect from Betsoft. Top titles include Take the Bank, Gemmed, and Spinfinity Man.
✔️ Innovation in RNG Casino Software award by EGR 2019
✔️ Fantastic branded slots
✔️ Innovative themes and safe gameplay
Yggdrasil
Launched in 2013, Yggdrasil can undoubtedly claim to have the strangest name of all online casino software providers. The small specialist company is based in Sweden and borrows inspiration from Swedish mythology, including Yggdrasil – the mythical tree that binds and connects the various Norse worlds. Yggdrasil is on the cutting edge of the industry. It has introduced several exciting innovations into the sector, including its first network campaign launch in 2015 and the 'Brag' social media sharing tool in 2016. Aside from a stunning range of exciting and original animated slots, Yggdrasil also offers a 'white label' casino solution, which means that you could be playing at a Yggdrasil casino and not even know it! Top titles include Age of Asgard, Golden Chip Roulette, and Wild Robo Factory.
✔️ EGR award for RNG Casino Supplier 2018
✔️ Innovator of the Year in the Supplier category at the IGA Gaming Awards 2019, 2018, and 2017
✔️ This Rising Star has just started; there's a lot more to come
Quickspin
Another Swedish gaming software company, Quickspin, is a subsidiary of Playtech and produces a range of unique story-based slots that are popular with NZ casino gamers. The team at Quickspin consists of a diverse group of game designers and animators, and the company produces one new slot title each month. While the collection is still relatively small compared to the likes of NetEnt or Microgaming, you'll find that the selection is always exciting and intriguing at most Quickspin casinos. Top titles include Polar Paws, Wild Tome of the Woods, and Hall of the Mountain King.
✔️ EGR award for Big Bad Wolf Game of the Year 2013
✔️ Acquired by Playtech and continuing to grow on a big scale
✔️ Unique themes that have conquered the online casino world
Thunderkick
Sweden seems to be the hot bet of slots innovation, with yet another company hailing from this creative land. Thunderkick first launched in 2012 to cocreate an experienced player's overall experience. More online casinos in NZ now offer a range of exciting slots from Thunderkick casinos, featuring high RTPs and an intuitive game layout. Thunderkick is based in Stockholm, with additional offices in Malta. The company holds licenses through the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Top titles include Riders of the Storm, Rocket Fellas Inc, and Not Enough Kittens.
✔️ Deal with the major brands in the industry, like Unibet
✔️ High-Quality gaming experience
✔️ Original slots creations with exceptional themes
Evolution Gaming
While most software brands specialize in designing and producing feature-rich animated slots, Evolution Gaming chose to make the best live dealer casino games in the industry. A pioneer in live-streamed casino games, Evolution Gaming, has developed an astounding range of live dealer tables and fun, which you can enjoy on desktop and mobile in real-time. Since Evolution Gaming focuses entirely on the live dealer sector, they can offer Evolution Gaming casinos an extensive range of games streamed live from several studios, including Latvia, Canada (Vancouver), Romania, Sweden, Malta, and several other locations. Top live games include Blackjack Party, Dream Catcher, and Lightning Roulette.
✔️ THE BEST Live Casino Supplier 2020 and previous years by eGR - market leader in live dealer gaming
✔️ Game of the Year awarded by Gaming Intelligence several times
✔️ Online Casino Supplier of the Year 2020 at the Global Gaming Awards
✔️ Countless rewards for Product Innovation
Play N' Go
With an extensive casino gaming experience dating to 1997, Play' n Go started as a subcontractor to other more prominent and well-known software brands. However, in 2005 Play 'n Go decided to go on its own and began to release award-winning titles under its name. Top titles include Battle Royal, Chronos Joker, and Ankh of Anubis, available at your favorite Play N Go casino.
✔️ Best Mobile Supplier at EGR Awards 2019
✔️ Outstanding Slot Provider at the IGA Gaming Awards 2019, 2018 and 2017
✔️ Best Use of Technology Award by WIG
✔️ Creator of the ultimate success Slot Book of Dead
Elk Studios
Elk Studios has significantly impacted the industry since it blasted onto the scene in 2013. There is little doubt that you haven't already played at least half a dozen unique slots since then, as most New Zealand online casinos now offer slots and casino games from Elk Studios. The small company tends to focus on individual memorable lines complimented with intense graphics and lovable characters. Top titles include Voodoo Gold, Platooners, and Taco Brothers Saving Christmas, and they are available at most Elk casinos.
NextGen and NYX Gaming
NYX Gaming merged with NextGen and is based in Las Vegas, USA; Nyx Gaming Group has offices across North America, Europe, and Australia and has created well over 600 different casino games. While some software brands specialize in slots or live games, Nyx Gaming has made entertaining games in several categories, including spaces, lottery games, scratch cards, table games, poker, and bingo. Nyx Gaming creates games across various platforms, including Mac and Windows desktops, iOS, Android, and Windows mobile phones and tablets. Top titles include Spin Sorceress, Jackpot Jester Wild Nudge, and Merlin's Magic Respins.
Aristocrat
While software providers like Microgaming and NetEnt may already be over two decades old, they still have nothing on Aristocrat Gaming, the true granddaddy of all software companies. Aristocrat got their start in 1953 and is the pioneer of the pokie or slot machine that we all know and love today.
Based in Australia, Aristocrat quickly expanded into new territories, supplying their ground-breaking slot machine to top casinos in Las Vegas and other parts of the world. Aristocrat is still a significant force within the online and land-based casino and gaming industries, thanks mainly to some intelligent acquisitions over the past few years. This includes Plarium Gaming in 2017, makers of free-to-play mobile, social and web-based games like Vikings, Sparta, and War of Clans, and Big Fish Gaming in 2018, makers of free-to-play desktop and mobile games like Cooking Craze and Gummy Drop.
Real-Time Gaming (RTG)
RTG has been supplying quality gaming solutions to both the land-based and digital (online) casino industries since 1998. Real-Time Gaming design and produce a wide range of casino game types. Standout examples include their signature 'Real Series' slot games, progressive jackpots, and several specialty games, including keno, roulette, and bingo. Top titles include Spirit of the Inca, Big Bopper, and European Roulette.
Novomatic
The Novomatic Gaming Group is one of the largest digital gaming groups in the world, raking in over five billion in revenue in 2018. The Novomatic brand name is well-known in both land-based casino circles and within the online casino industry.
The company produces land-based casino slot cabinets, progressive jackpot games, digital video slots, and electronic table games. Novomatic has grown close to 400 online video slots, among their most popular products not only in New Zealand but across the globe. Top titles include Book of Ra Deluxe, Lucky Lady's Charm, and Savage Hunt.
International Game Technology (IGT)
International Game Technology, or IGT, stastarted1975, initially designing and manufacturing slot machines for Las Vegas casinos. However, in 2015, the company was bought out by US lotto and gaming company Gtech. Under new ownership, International Game Technology continues to produce outstanding games that run the spectrum from state-of-the-art video slots for online platforms and brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, IGT casinos have a range of exciting games covering keno, bingo, Wide Area Progressives (WAP jackpots), Multi-Level Progressives (MLP), standalone jackpots, video poker, and various games of skill.
Konami
Perhaps more well-known for their work in arcade games and consoles, Konami has also succeeded in the slots sphere for land-based casinos and online platforms. Over the years, Konami has developed an extensive library of slots, and you'll find more and more Konami slots than you may have realized since not all Konami games are marketed under their name. The first Konami slot that saw significant success was their Rocky Slots series, inspired by the Stallone movie series of the same name. Other popular Konami slots to look out for include China Shores, Fortune Stacks, Pride of Egypt, and many others.
FAQ
This depends on the casino in question. Some online casinos, particularly the more established ones, will usually offer their software as a full download package, or a slightly slimmer browser-based (In Play) version. You’ll often find that many of the newer online casinos will only run Instant Play platforms.
No, not all online casinos will run all the various software providers on their site. While many of the new generation of online casinos do offer games from dozens of the top software brands, other online casinos will tend to stick to one or maybe two software providers. These usually take the form of Microgaming, NetEnt or Playtech.
While it is true that each online casino decides what software to run with, you’ll often find that most casinos will at least offer games from NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech and Evolution Gaming.
There are loads of software providers on the market today. While the number of games companies is growing, no legitimate software provider would be able to supply good games to online casinos these days. With that said, you are highly likely to come across the top software providers when playing online.