Casino Software
Casino software is a big deal. It’s what makes the games look good, function well and give you that realistic brick and mortar experience. Bad software can break a great casino. It’ll dampen your experience and make you wish you were playing elsewhere.
That’s why we recommend sticking to well-known online casinos. They use software provided by outside companies that specialise in i-gaming applications. In fact, very few operators, like SLOTLAND, use their own in-house software.
Software Providers We Have Covered:
We’ve reviewed majority of software vendors that empower most modern online casinos. Although you might not find some here, I believe all the most popular are there! Browse around and find some exclusive bonus offers!
 Amaya |  Aristocrat |  BetSoft |  Evolution |
 IGT |  MicroGaming |  NetEnt |  NextGen |
 Novomatic |  NuWorks |  PlayTech |  QuickSpin |
 Rival |  RTG |  SkillOnNet |  SlotLand |
 TopGame |  VIG |  Vuetec |  WGS |
 WMS |
Beginner’s Casino Guide
There are several companies that provide gambling operators with their graphics, games and backend management system. The beauty of this for players is that you can have a unique experience from one casino to the next, even if you’re playing the same game. The graphics will look different, the hands might be dealt slower/faster, the rules might have subtle variations in them and one casino might have progressive jackpots whereas the other one doesn’t. But you’re still playing your run-of-the-mill blackjack game.
Of course, it is possible to play at two casinos that are operated by two different companies, that use different themes, promotions and banking methods, but are identical in the game department. This works against them a little because they can’t distinguish themselves in that department, but instead need to attract customers in another way; usually in the form of bonus and cash back offers. This is great for players, though.
Now, what I’ve noticed from my research is that players tend to favor these program providers over the casinos they power. In other words, instead of saying they like Bovada Casino the best, they say they prefer Real Time Gaming (RTG) software. That’s because most of them have a unique look or set of games that you cannot get elsewhere. To better show you what I mean, I thought I’d show you what the most popular software platforms are and what makes them unique.
Most Popular Software Platforms
Rival – Rival provides over 100 games and licenses their software to over 40 casino operators. They are most known for their i-Slot games, which contain interactive story lines, mini-games and characters. Rival Software comes with other games, too, including video poker, several table games and blackjack variations, 3D games and progressive jackpot games. Casinos powered by Rival Software include Tropica Casino, Slots Capital, Desert Nights, Gibson Casino and many others.
Playtech – Playtech has been powering casinos since 2000 and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. They are known for their huge 400-game library, live dealer games and for providing software to multiple gaming markets, which include casinos, sports betting, poker, bingo and binary options. Playtech powers casinos such as Omni Casino and Fly Casino.
Real Time Gaming – RTG is known for having over 100 games, accepting US players and for their Real Series slots games. RTG powers casinos like SlotsLV, Slots Plus, Lucky Red and Bovada Casino.
Microgaming – Microgaming was the first software provider. They now power over 400 online casinos which include 32 Red, Maple Casino, Vegas Paradise and GR88. They have over 2000 games when you combine their flash and download software, and they run the largest progressive jackpot network.
Software Platforms and Casino Game Variations
One thing you’ll notice from one software provider to the next is that you can play different games and variations. Blackjack is a good example of this. All casinos have your traditional game of blackjack, but only select casinos will have European blackjack, Spanish blackjack or double exposure. Some operators have huge progressive jackpots while others have none. And as you saw above, most software providers have (at least) one thing that differentiates them from other providers.
The takeaway here is that where you play and the software you play on will be dictated by the games you want to play. For example, if you want to play live dealer baccarat, it won’t make sense to play at Real Time Gaming casinos. You’ll want to play at Playtech casinos. This will also impact players that have other needs, such as finding casinos that accept US players or that want to play games on their Mac, mobile phone or tablet.
Compatible Software – Playing on Windows, Linux and Mac Operating Systems
Not only will games dictate what software provider and casino you go with, but your operating system will, too. Every online casinos is compatible with Windows, although there are minimum requirements that your computer needs to meet.
Unfortunately, though, not every casino is compatible with Mac and Linux systems. It’s been getting better for Mac users, though, as software providers have been creating flash versions of their games. Flash games, also known as no download or browser casinos, host everything online. All you need to do is login (for real money play) to the casino and choose the game you want to play. It’s that easy.
However, understand that fewer games are available to play in Flash mode compared to the full download. Unique variations aren’t (usually) available in the Flash library either.
Just to be clear; there are Mac downloads. It’s just not as common as Flash or Java games.
There aren’t any downloads for Linux users, though. They will have to stick to Flash / Java casino games.
Mobile Casino Software
The mobile market is growing quickly. It’s poised to overtake desktop usage within the next 6-18 months (as of 4/2013). The most popular activity amongst mobile users is gaming.
Software providers and operators are starting to take notice. They’re providing apps and game downloads for the most widely used mobile phones and tablets, which includes Apple’s (iOS) iPhone and iPad, and Google’s Android OS found on phones and tablets.
What you won’t find a lot of are apps compatible with Blackberry or Windows operating systems. My guess is that the market share for either of them isn’t big enough for operators and software providers to worry about. That might change in the future, though, as mobile, gaming and online gambling continues to grow.
Getting started with mobile gambling is simple enough. All you’ll need to do is visit the mobile section of your online casino, preferably with your smartphone or tablet. Then click the download link. Sometimes the software will download immediately, and other times you’ll be taken to the app store. Other casinos will ask that you fill out a form with the device you own, your phone number, country and the game(s) you want to play. Once you hit submit, they’ll send a link to your device.
All of these apps are (should be) free, too. The casino knows they’ll make money from you later, so there’s no reason to charge you a nominal fee of $1 or $2.