How Does Online Gambling Software Work?
Contrary to what new players generally assume, online casinos do not make their own games and casino software. The casino operator is usually not involved hands on in developing games or fine tuning their software, they simply get games and source software from the experts. In order to cater to the rapidly growing online casino gaming industry, there are hundreds of different software providers in the world today. These studios are all focused on developing innovative games and seamless casino software that will perform smoothly on PC and mobile.
Casinos will simply buy the creations and the support of such companies and then feature these products on their casino website for end users to access and play. Under the hood, software providers also supply casino operators with a range of analytics systems, back-end management tools, affiliate marketing software and much more.
Most online casinos use instant play software deployed directly on their websites, so players don’t have to download any software or app onto their native devices. Only in rare cases, some casino operators (particularly large-scale companies) will venture into setting up an in-house development team and offer exclusive games and software.
For online casino operators, it is much more economical and faster to simply buy software and games from third party vendors. Rather than embarking on the convoluted and highly-competitive journey of developing their own software.
Why Pay Attention to Gambling Game Software?
Players should certainly take into account the software providers’ products featured at an online casino because this has a direct bearing on the kind of gaming experience they are going to have. For instance, certain software providers are renowned for making amazing slot machines, while others specialize in live dealer games or facilitate bets online. Depending on the player and his/her gaming preferences, certain software providers could be a better fit for them.
Additionally, choosing an online casino with products from multiple providers indicates that the game collection is not only massive but also diverse in terms of gameplay, appearance, etc. This is because they come from different game studios with varying development processes and priorities.
The Most Popular Game Categories
Playing casino online games for real money is the go-to option for many gamblers. It delivers both entertainment and the prospect of winning some cash. It doesn't get better than that. But, as mentioned, there is a few more things to keep in mind when it comes to the actual software providers. They differ in several aspects: some excel in slots, while others may be known to produce the best table games or video poker. Below, we outline some of the most popular game categories featured at present day online casinos.
Slots usually make up the bulk of any casino’s game library. These are easy to play and they offer decent odds as well. They are reel-based machines with various in-game features, music, themes, etc.
No casino is complete without table and card games. Classics like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat is usually featured at all online casinos. Most casinos even have interesting variations of these classic games.
Live dealer games are one of the newest types of online casino games and they certainly are a great innovation. When you play live dealer games, you’re essentially using high-definition video streaming to play face to face with a real dealer located at an actual land-based casino or dedicated streaming facility.
Video poker is a hybrid between five card draw poker and slot machines. It’s a reel-based game where the winning paylines are basically poker sequences.
Some casinos feature scratch cards, bingo and other lotto style games that offer instant wins.
Top Gambling Game Operators in South Africa
The online casino game development sector is highly competitive. Different providers dominate different types of games in different markets/regions. Below, we go over some of the most popular and sought-after game providers for South African online casinos in 2024.
Ezugi
Ezugi is more recent online casino game development studio which is most well - known for its live dealer catalogue. Ezugi live dealer games are known to be highly social, interactive and secure. Ezugi was founded in 2013 by Kfir Kugler. Kugler now serves as the CEO of Ezugi. Ezugi is licensed by multiple top gambling regulatory authorities, including Curacao eGaming.
If you’re not keen on live dealer games, then Ezugi, as of 2022, does not have much else to offer. They are focused solely on producing fantastic live dealer games. Some of Ezugi’s most popular live dealer games today are:
Ezugi Live Dealer Blackjack
Ezugi Live Knockout Baccarat
Ezugi Teen Patti
Ezugi Live Speed Roulette
Ezugi Live Keno
Evolution Gaming
Inspired by the iconic casino in Monte Carlo, Evolution was established in 2006. The firm has more than 15 years of expertise in the iGaming sector and is a pioneer in providing live dealer games to both online and brick-and-mortar casinos. A comprehensive and authentic casino ambiance is created via expansive studios, several cameras, and experienced dealers, which Evolution provides to its clients and their player bases. However, Evolution is a somewhat adaptable casino vendor because it offers both traditional online and live dealer games.
Currently, Evolution has licenses to offer products in the UK, Belgium, Canada, Romania and SA.
Some of Evolution Gaming trending games are:
Crazy Time
Live Poker
Super Sic Bo
Dragon Tiger
Live Roulette
BetConstruct
Founded in 2003, BetConstruct is among the top B2B game providers. They provide a wide range of online and offline goods and services, such as sportsbook, live casino, fantasy sports, sports data solutions, etc. The top BetConstruct websites provide players and operators fantastic online and mobile experiences because to their extremely user-friendly interfaces, creative designs, and potent visuals.
For Android, Windows and iOS mobile platforms, BetConstruct delivers a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Some of our top BetConstruct live dealer games that we would recommend are as follows:
Live Blackjack
Live Roulette
Live Bet on Poker
Russian Poker
Hi-Lo Game
Live Keno
Swift Roulette
BetGames.tv
Since its founding in 2012, BetGames.tv has grown swiftly to become a company with 100 employees and clients in more than 40 nations. This Malta-based company has developed a variety of highly distinctive live gaming choices, all of which are aired live from studios in Malta and Lithuania. The provider has licenses from Malta, Curacao, and the UK.
Some top BetGames.tv games are:
BetGames TV Live Lucky 5
BetGames TV Live Dice
BetGames TV Wheel of Fortune
BetGames TV Live Bet on Baccarat
BetGames TV Live Bet on Poker
Real Time Gaming
Real Time Gaming is a unique online casino software and game provider because most casinos that feature RTG software and games don’t feature games from other vendors. In some cases, casinos use the RTG software backbone and then onboard one other provider to supply live games since RTG does not offer live dealer games.
RTG is known for their slots, progressive jackpots and video poker games. Their games are visually appealing and their casino software is easy to use, simple and pragmatic.
Some of our favorite Realtime Gaming slots over the years are:
Naughty or Nice
Aztec’s Millions
Cleopatra’s Gold
Shopping Spree
Playtech
Playtech is an excellent all rounder that supplies all categories of games and excels at each one. The Alderney Gaming Commission has given Playtech its clearance. It has been listed on the London Stock Exchange for more than a decade and has grown to be regarded with respect by both online gamblers and the casino gaming sector at large.
This respect is a result of their excellent game selection, software functionality, and security measures. Playtech offers over 750 slots at this time. Some of their top performing slots around the world are:
Age of the Gods
White King
Top Gun
Matrix
The Flintstones
Games Global (formerly Microgaming)
Games Global is the most well-known game provider in the industry and was the creator of the first ever real money online casino game. This company paved the path for other providers to follow and succeed. In the early days, Games Global singlehandedly carried the iGaming sector and it still takes poll position in many regards.
Even today, Games Global is relevant and creates games that are second to none. They develop various types of casino games, but are most popular for their slots and high-paying progressive jackpots.
Some of Games Global’s best creations to date are:
Mega Moolah
Thunderstruck II
Immortal Romance
Game of Thrones
Avalon
How to Pick the Best Game Operator for You
Check to make sure the provider is licensed in your jurisdiction.
Depending on which games you prefer playing, you want to choose a game provider that is known for that category of games.
Ensure that the game provider company has a good reputation with other players and online casinos.
Check what type of casinos the provider collaborates with and make sure the casinos themselves are licensed, high-quality and reputed sites.
Check the RTPs of their games and ensure that the return to player stat is at least average or higher.
Try some of the providers games in demo mode or free play mode and get a feel for it before playing for real money.
Gambling Game Operators FAQ
What is a gaming provider?
A company that develops online casino games and/or online casino software is generally referred to as a gaming provider in the iGaming industry. Some examples are – Games Global, Evolution Gaming and Playtech.
What are the best gambling game development companies?
Every game development company listed above on this page is a top-quality company with state-of-the-art games and products. However, the best provider for one player may not be a good fit for another. It all depends on the gaming preferences of the individual player.
What is an RTP for gambling games?
RTP stands for return to player percentage. An RTP of 95% entails that $95 of $100 wagered on the game is returned back to players over time.
Why do casino software providers exist?
Without casino software providers, online casinos would not exist. Online casino operators usually don’t make their own games or software, they rely on software providers.