When first dipping your toes into the world of online casinos and gaming, you’re looking for 3 main things:
- Quality graphics
- Easy to use, fun games
- Good payouts
The best software developers in the business deliver exactly this, and more. Not all users actually realise the difference between game developers and casinos – and they are usually quite separate. Developers are the guys who come up with all the ideas and actually make the games. The size of payout, the storyline, the number of paylines and reels – everything.
| Brand | Bonus | Rating | Mobile | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A multiple award-winning online casino | 32 Red |  | Play 32 Red |
 | One of the most popular and growing casinos | Betway | | Play Betway |
 | Wide range of first-class online and mobile games | Lucky Niki | | Play Lucky Niki |
The UK has a huge love of online casinos, and most major casinos will buy licences from the very best game developers so that you, the player, have the most enjoyable (and lucrative) experience possible. Since every player has unique tastes and preferences, casino gaming software providers need to bring variety as well as utmost quality.
Long story short, while you may thank the casino, it’s the software developers who are creating the best online games available today.
Biggest Names in Casino Game Development
Say you’re interested in registering with an online casino but aren’t sure whether or not their games will be high quality and entertaining with good payouts – look at who is providing the gaming software. If it’s a respected developer, then you can probably leave your worries behind and start playing!
Microgaming
Hailing from the Isle of Man, Microgaming is one of the most respected and longstanding casino software providers in the world. They are a giant, which isn’t surprising given the number of brilliantly conceived, well-executed games in their portfolio. You know, like Mega Moolah, the highest payout game ever.
Playtech
Playtech have shown a masterful understanding of their target market by landing the rights to use Marvel characters in their games. Many casinos choose to work exclusively with Playtech software for their simple, moreish games.
Net Entertainment
A real innovator in casino software development, Netent invented the alternative “avalanche” style of reel movement in online slots. Loads of casinos stock Netent games and have done so for over 20 years – longer than almost anyone else in the industry.
888
Though 888 also make use of games from Amaya and Net Entertainment, they also work hard at developing their own games. This commitment means they offer the entire package from conception right through to navigating the casino website itself. It also means exclusive games you won’t find anywhere else online or on mobile!
Amaya Gaming
A relatively young kid on the block, Amaya are a Canadian developer who are definitely gaining traction across the UK. Their games usually features animated characters and have very impressive graphics. Oh – and they have exclusive rights to all DC comic characters, like Superman, Batman and the whole crew.
What’s Hot in the UK
There’s no single “favourite” game for UK players, but it’s hard to deny slots a spot very near the top of any list. Online slots are incredibly well-developed in the UK, with many gaming developers offering exceptional graphics, flawless animations, clever stories, low house edge and high payouts.
Mega Moolah is undoubtedly up there. Microgaming have captured a huge wedge of the audience with this one by offering not only a great player experience, but also ridiculously high jackpots.
An exciting number from Net Entertainment is Gonzo’s Quest. It’s another 5-reel game, but using the avalanche method. With 25 paylines and a huge amount of bonuses available, searching for Eldorado has never been more profitable. The game has really cool animations when switching into bonus rounds and the reels look slick and realistic.
Software Providers and Casinos: How it Works
As we’ve seen with 888, it’s possible to operate as both a casino and a developer, working your own exclusive games in-house. However, for the companies that are better at game development than running a casino, it makes more sense to specialise. For those who excel in marketing and running a casino, it’s sensible to focus on that and let developers take care of the tech side.
The result is a whole bunch of competing developers trying to make the best games possible and respectable casinos who need great games. Supply and demand. Developers can then sell licences for specific games to casinos, allowing them to use their platform.
That’s why some casinos offer games from various different developers. It costs more money, but it also pulls in a bigger audience. If you’re ever unsure about a game, look up the developer and see what their history is like – if you land a big fish, the game is probably gonna rock.