It’s important to do your research when choosing a sportsbook or online casino provider. For the former, you will, of course, be looking at aspects like the choice of betting markets, odds, promotions, and so on. For the latter, there are several things to take into account, yet the most important is arguably the choice of game providers.
Casinos don’t develop their own games, so in truth, their strength is relative to their partners. If your casino doesn’t partner with the big names in the sector, you’re probably playing at the wrong place. In light of that, we are creating a long list of the biggest names you should be looking for, trusted brands that are a mark of quality as online slots providers:
Microgaming:
The pioneer of online casino gaming in the 1990s, Microgaming now has 100s of online slots and remains the most legendary name in the industry. Games include Mega Moolah – the world’s largest online jackpot.
IGT:
Probably more well-known for its physical machines (you’ll see IGT games all over Las Vegas), it has also carved out a niche online, particularly known for classic-style slots.
NetEnt:
Once a Swedish upstart looking to disrupt the sector, but now the purveyor of some of the world’s most iconic slots. Among others, NetEnt created Starburst – arguably the most popular online slot in history.
Blueprint Gaming:
Renowned for branded slots and unique approach to iGaming, Blueprint is characterized by innovative games, often full of special features, and sometimes even hidden features.
Big Time Gaming:
Not the biggest developer in terms of output, but the innovator of the Megaways™ slot mechanic is one of the most influential. Danger High Voltage, Bonanza, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (based on the hit TV show) are among its huge hits.
Evolution:
The undisputed leader in live dealer games, Evolution now operates the NetEnt and Red Tiger brands, although the studios are allowed to operate independently, hence their inclusion on this list.
Hacksaw Gaming:
Probably the best example of the new generation of slots providers, characterized by volatile and innovative games. Titles like Beam Brothers are so artistically unique that it does not feel like a slot at all.
SlotMill:
Like Hacksaw, SlotMill is one of the new generation of providers making waves. The games are always explosive, with high win thresholds. The blend of entertainment and high-stakes play has won SlotMill many fans.
Play’n GO:
Renowned for diverse and high-quality slot games, Play n’ Go is the maker of Book of Dead – the main contender to Starburst’s throne of most popular online slot in history. Play n’ Go has numerous imitators of its games, which is the highest praise we can give.
Yggdrasil:
Known for visually stunning slots and innovative gameplay features, Yggdrasil tends to have some hardcore loyal fans. Its Wildfight series is well worth checking out.
Quickspin:
Quickspin is known for its focus on delivering premium, uniquely themed slot games. Wild Chase: Tokyo Go should be your starting point for exploring this brilliant developer.
Red Tiger Gaming:
There are plenty of things that characterize Red Tiger as one of the best, but we reckon experienced players will point to its daily jackpot networks. It’s also known for some brilliant Egyptian-themed games, like Vault of Anubis and Wings of Ra.
Pragmatic Play:
Offers a wide range of popular slots with diverse themes and features. Games like Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, and Fruit Party have become so popular that Pragmatic now has claims of being no.1 slot provider in the world.
Thunderkick:
Known for quirky, innovative slots with high-quality visuals, Thunderkick always takes a novel approach to its games. Titles like Flamebusters will transport you back to the golden age of 8-bit video gaming in the 1980s and 1990s.
Push Gaming:
Often characterized by high volatility slots with engaging mechanics and creative designs, Push Gaming is somewhat like Big Time Gaming in that it is influential without having a massive library of games. Jammin Jars and Razor Shark are among its gems.
ELK Studios:
ELK focuses on mobile-friendly slots with engaging storylines and features, proving that slots don’t always have to be about winning and losing money. Some of the games have breathtaking graphics, too.
Betsoft:
A provider with one of the best design teams around, Betsoft is renowned for 3D cinematic slots and immersive gameplay.
Relax Gaming:
An important provider even beyond the actual games it creates, Relax Gaming is seen as a facilitator in the sector, building out the software for casinos across the world.
Playtech:
One of the most important names in the history of iGaming, you can argue that Playtech built the industry alongside Microgaming. Known for its huge jackpot network and branded games based on DC Comics, Playtech is the world’s largest provider of casino software.
Wazdan:
Wazdan is fairly niche, but it is becoming more recognized in the 2020s thanks to its unique slots with customizable volatility levels. The latter aspect is very important as players have embraced volatile games with more explosive features.
Playson:
Playson delivers a diverse range of high-quality slots with engaging mechanics. It has a similar vibe to IGT, creating games that elicit the memories of old-school Vegas-style slots, with games based on gems, Bars, 7s, and so on.
Nolimit City:
Not for the faint-hearted, Nolimit City literally changed the game when it comes to high-voltage games. It is definitely one of the key providers of the 2020s.
iSoftBet:
A stalwart of the sector, iSoftBet forms the backbone of many online casinos. Titles like Euphoria, Tyrant King Megaways, and Secrets of the Sorcerer are among its hottest titles today.
Merkur Gaming:
Merkur is known for its classic slot designs and has made an impact in both land-based and online markets. It has plenty of loyal fans, particularly those who enjoy classic casino games.
Scientific Games:
Finishing with a big brand that covers everything from lotteries to scratch-offs, Scientific Games has been an established player across the decades.