Online casinos are powered by a casino software platform, containing all of the relative games, as well as accounting and cashier needs. The casino software industry is fairly expansive, with several well known brands that tend to corner the market.
The casino software that powers your favorite online casino will effect the game variety on tap. Casino software developers may offer anywhere from 60 to nearly 400 games. Some casino software brands also offer an instant-play version of their casino, where the game variety is generally lower, and the graphic quality isn’t quite as good, but these are very convenient for players on a shared computer. They also offer Mac and Linux users a compatible platform to play at online casinos.
Best Casino Software Platforms
Microgaming
The number one casino software developer in the industry, Microgaming offers the absolute largest game variety. Microgaming casinos have well over 350 games to choose from, with about 200 of those being online slots. Microgaming produces a well-balanced platform with good graphics and user-friendly interface. Players can download the casino software, or play instantly in the Java version.
Microgaming licenses its superior casino software to more than 100 online casinos. As of early 2009 though, Microgaming Casinos no longer accept players from the US.
PlayTech
Coming in at number two in the casino software industry is PlayTech, another provider of solid casino software with excellent graphics and an option instant-play version of the casino. PlayTech has a large variety of casino style games, currently topping the 300 mark.
PlayTech licenses its stellar casino software to just under 100 online casinos. Many PlayTech Casinos still accept US players.
Rival Gaming
Climbing its way to the top is Rival, one of the most innovative casino software brands ever developed. There are less than two dozen Rival casinos currently available, the game play, graphics and unique variants are simply spectacular. From table games and video poker to online slots and specialty games, Rival puts its focus on the quality of its games, not the quantity. In fact, there are only about 65 games to choose from, but you can’t beat the overall player experience.
Rival’s most famous development was the I-slots, interactive slot machines with evolving story-lines that twist and turn in different directions with each player’s choices and accomplishments. There are currently 10 I-slots on the menu.
Rival licenses its exceptional casino software to 21 online casinos, all accepting US players. Just recently, rival announced it had the very first Mac-compliant download casino software in the works.
Vegas Technology
Vegas Technology has slipped down the ladder in recent years, but still has a grand offering that players can appreciate. The graphics are decent enough, and the game variety is around 100, with about 2/3 being online slots. Blackjack fans will love the wide range of variations available. Otherwise, there’s really nothing too outstanding about the casino software.
Vegas Technology licenses its casino software to only about 10 online casino, some of which continue to accept US players, but may restrict residents of specific states.
Cryptologic
CryptoLogic is an award winning casino software brand, voted Best Casino Software 4 times over. The graphics are clean and crisp, but the game variety isn’t as large as the top casino software developers, offering about 130 games. CryptoLogic is most famous for its branded slots, including Marvel favorites like Daredevil, the Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolervine and X-Men. Licensed in Alderney, a member of the European Union, players at CryptoLogic casino can rest assured they are being regulated by the strictest guidelines in the online gambling industry.
CryptoLogic licenses its casino software to 8 online casinos, none of which accept US players.