What is a casino gaming provider?

A company specializing in online casino gaming is responsible for designing and delivering games and software for internet gambling platforms.These companies develop a wide range of games, including slot machines, table games, live dealer games, bingo, poker, and more.Additionally, they offer features and services that enhance the overall gaming experience, such as high-quality graphics, immersive sound effects, captivating animations, enticing bonuses, robust security measures, and a commitment to fairness.

Are online casino software providers licensed and regulated?

Online casino software providers obtain licenses and are subject to regulations from numerous authorities and jurisdictions worldwide. These governing bodies are responsible for ensuring that the providers adhere to the necessary standards and guidelines to maintain a fair and secure online gambling environment. Among the well-known and respected regulators are:

●      The UK Gambling Commission: This is the official regulator for all gambling activities in the United Kingdom. It grants online casino operators and software providers the permission to operate, and also checks and ensures that they follow the UK Gambling Act 2005.

●      The Malta Gaming Authority: This is the regulator for all online gaming activities in Malta, one of the most popular jurisdictions for online gambling. It gives online casino operators and software providers the authorization to run, and also inspects and verifies their quality and honesty.

●      The Alderney Gambling Control Commission: This is the regulator for online gambling in the British Channel Island of Alderney. It authorizes online casino operators and software providers to offer their services, and also makes sure that they comply with the highest levels of player safety and fair gaming.

●      The Curaçao eGaming: This is the regulator for online gambling in the Caribbean island of Curaçao. It offers a single license that covers all types of online gaming activities, including casino, sports betting, lottery, and bingo. It also assists online gambling operators and software providers with technical and financial matters.

These are some of the regulators that give licenses and oversee online casino software providers. There are many more regulators in different areas and nations that have their own standards and rules for online gambling. You can learn more about the online gambling licenses and secure places for gambling by reading this guide.

Selecting a game provider for online casino gaming in Canada can be a challenging endeavor, considering the multitude of factors to take into account. Some of the key considerations include:

●      The quality and diversity of the games offered by the provider. It is essential to have access to games that are not only enjoyable and equitable but also visually appealing, featuring high-quality graphics and immersive sound effects. Additionally, a wide selection of options, ranging from slots and table games to live casino experiences and jackpots, is highly desirable.

●      The reputation and dependability of the provider. Opting for a provider with a track record of providing secure and trustworthy gaming experiences is crucial. This encompasses aspects such as swift and seamless payment processes, responsive customer support, and attractive bonuses and promotions.

●      The compatibility and accessibility provided by the provider. It is important to select a provider that caters to your preferred device, whether it be a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Furthermore, ensuring that Canadian players are accepted and that convenient banking methods for deposits and withdrawals are available adds to the overall convenience and satisfaction of the gaming experience.

You can use these criteria to compare different game providers and see which one meets your expectations. You can also read some of the reviews, ratings, and comparisons of different providers.

According to these criteria, some of the top game providers for online casinos in Canada are:

1.NetEnt

NetEnt is a highly popular and innovative game provider within the industry, boasting a portfolio of over 200 games. Its games are renowned for their stunning visuals, immersive soundtracks, and thrilling features. Some of the most well-known titles from NetEnt include the famous Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Fortune, and Narcos.

Its games have a notably high Return to Player (RTP) percentage, indicating that they offer greater payouts compared to the average online casino game. On average, the RTP of NetEnt games stands at approximately 96%, with certain games even reaching RTPs as high as 98% or even 99%.

To ensure fairness and security, NetEnt utilizes a Random Number Generator (called RNG) to guarantee that all outcomes are random and unpredictable. Additionally, NetEnt holds licenses from reputable authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, among others. This further solidifies the trustworthiness and credibility of NetEnt games.

NetEnt games are compatible with various platforms, including desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets. You have the flexibility to enjoy NetEnt games on any device that supports HTML5 technology, eliminating the need for downloading any software or applications.

When it comes to bonuses and promotions, NetEnt games offer a wide range of rewards for players. These include free spins, no deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses, loyalty programs, and exciting tournaments. Numerous online casinos that feature NetEnt games provide these enticing offers to players.

One of the standout features of NetEnt games is their progressive jackpots, which can reach staggering amounts in the millions of dollars. These jackpots are available in both local and networked formats, giving players the chance to win big prizes at a single casino or across multiple casinos. Some of the most renowned NetEnt jackpots include Mega Fortune, Hall of Gods, and Arabian Nights.

NetEnt offers a live casino section where players can enjoy an immersive and authentic gaming experience. The live dealer games available include roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker, all hosted by real dealers and played alongside other players. In addition to the interactive gameplay, players can also engage in conversations with the dealers and take advantage of various features such as multiple camera angles, statistics, and game history.

2.Microgaming

A highly respected game provider, boasts a vast collection of over 800 games. Renowned for their diversity, quality, and massive jackpots, Microgaming games have earned a special place in the market. Some of the most popular titles from Microgaming include Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, Thunderstruck II, and Game of Thrones.

3.Evolution Gaming

This games provider stands as the industry leader in live casino games, offering a catalog of over 100 games. Known for their unparalleled realism, professionalism, and interactive features, Evolution Gaming’s titles provide players with an unmatched gaming experience. Among the most famous games from Evolution Gaming are Lightning Roulette, Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, and Crazy Time.

4.Playtech

Playtech is one of the largest and most established game providers in the industry, with over 600 games in its portfolio. Playtech games are known for their branded titles, progressive jackpots, and live casino offerings. Some of the most famous Playtech games are Age of the Gods, Gladiator, and Kingdoms Rise.

5.IGT

IGT is one of the oldest and most renowned game providers in the market, with over 400 games in its collection. IGT games are known for their classic slots, video poker, and lottery games. Some of the most famous IGT games are Cleopatra, Wheel of Fortune, and MegaJackpots.

It is currently one of the world’s largest slot machine manufacturers and seen as a leader in lotteries and gaming technology. It has operations in more than 100 countries and offers a variety of online and offline casino games.

This games provider was founded in 1975 as A-1 Supply by William “Si” Redd, a pioneer in the gaming industry. It changed its name to Sircoma in 1978, and then to International Game Technology in 1981. Same year it went public, and became one of the first companies to use computerized player tracking and frequent-player rewards programs. IGT also entered the microprocessor-driven spinning-reel slot market and the video poker machine market.

IGT expanded its global business activities by acquiring Electronic Data Technologies in 1984, then Barcrest Gaming in 1998, Anchor Gaming in 2001, WagerWorks in 2005, and in 2006 Acres Gaming.

In 2015 IGT was acquired by Gtech, an Italian gambling company. The new company adopted the IGT name and is headquartered in London, with major offices in Rome, Providence, Rhode Island, and Las Vegas.

6.Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil stands out as an industry leader when it comes to innovation and creativity in game development, boasting an extensive catalog of over 100 games.

Yggdrasil games are renowned for their visually stunning graphics, unique themes, and thrilling features. Among the most notable Yggdrasil games are Vikings Go Berzerk, Valley of the Gods, and Joker Millions.

7.Betsoft

Betsoft, on the other hand, has made a name for itself as a distinguished and easily recognizable game provider in the market, offering a diverse portfolio of over 200 games.

Betsoft games are highly regarded for their impressive 3D animations, cinematic effects, and captivating storylines.

Some of the most popular Betsoft games include The Slotfather, A Night in Paris, and Good Girl Bad Girl.

8.Thunderkick

In the realm of game providers, Thunderkick brings a touch of quirkiness and enjoyment to the table with its collection of over 50 games.

Thunderkick games are known for their humor, originality, and element of surprise. Notable Thunderkick games include Esqueleto Explosivo, Fruit Warp, and Pink Elephants.

9.Play’n GO

Play’n GO is a highly acclaimed and renowned game provider in the gaming industry, boasting an impressive portfolio of over 300 games.

Play’n GO games are well-regarded for their thrilling gameplay, cutting-edge features, and seamless mobile compatibility. Among the standout titles from Play’n GO are the popular Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Fire Joker.

10.Red Tiger

Red Tiger, on the other hand, is a dynamic and innovative game provider that has made a significant impact in the market. With a collection of over 200 games, Red Tiger is known for its visually stunning graphics, captivating soundtracks, and enticing progressive jackpots.

Some of the most notable games from Red Tiger include Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Dragon’s Luck, and Pirates’ Plenty.

Both Play’n GO and Red Tiger offer players an exceptional gaming experience with their diverse range of games and commitment to quality. Whether it’s the thrilling adventures of Play’n GO or the captivating visuals of Red Tiger, players are sure to be entertained by these top-tier game providers.

This table helps you compare the different providers and their live dealer offerings. However, please note that the numbers may vary depending on the source and the availability of the games.

Provider	Number of Slots	Number of Live Dealer Games	Number of Live Roulette Games	Number of Live Blackjack Games	Number of Live Poker Games
NetEnt	Over 350	24	9	8	3
Playtech	Over 600	Over 100	Over 20	Over 20	Over 10
Microgaming	Over 800	Over 40	Over 10	Over 10	Over 5
IGT	Over 400	None	None	None	None
Yggdrasil	Over 100	None	None	None	None
Betsoft	Over 200	None	None	None	None
Thunderkick	Over 50	None	None	None	None
Play’n GO	Over 300	None	None	None	None
Red Tiger	Over 200	None	None	None	None

How old are these game providers?

The oldest of these nominees first 10 games providers is IGT, which was founded in 1975 as a slot machine manufacturer at that time

The youngest of the 10 providers is Red Tiger, which was founded in 2014 by a group of industry veterans. The other providers were founded in the following years:

Microgaming: 1994

NetEnt: 1996

Playtech: 1999

Betsoft: 2006

Play’n GO: 2007

Yggdrasil: 2013

Thunderkick: 2014

Which is the largest casino game provider?

It is not easy to say who is the biggest casino game provider, because different providers use different ways to measure how big and successful they are.

Playtech is the biggest game provider when it comes to market shares. It recently signed a new deal with FanDuel to launch branded Live Casino content on their Canadian platform. A dedicated Live Casino studio was built in Riga, Latvia, to serve FanDuel Canada, offering games like Roulette, All Bets Blackjack, Baccarat, and 7-Seater Blackjack.

If we are referring to the biggest number of games, Microgaming takes the prize and it has a history of more than 25 years in the industry. It has more than 1200 games in its portfolio and the most recent ones are: Monopoly Go!, Diablo IV, The Witcher 3 – Wild Hunt, and Cocoon.

The game provider that brings the most revenue is Evolution Gaming with an estimated 1.53 Billion per year, followed closely by Microgaming and Pragmatic Play. You can check out their official website here  evolution.com or follow them on social media

How have all these game providers contributed to responsible gambling practices?

Game providers are companies that specialize in creating and supplying various online casino games, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. It is their duty to ensure that their games are fair, secure, and enjoyable for players while also taking measures to prevent problem gambling and mitigate any potential gambling-related harms. Game providers have implemented several responsible gambling practices, some of which include:

Developing and implementing standards and codes of conduct for responsible gambling. These standards and codes, such as RG Check by the Responsible Gambling Council, Responsible Gaming Regulations and Statutes Guide by the American Gaming Association, and Codes of Conduct by the Australasian Gaming Council, provide comprehensive guidelines and best practices for various aspects of game design, testing,

certification, marketing, player protection, harm reduction, and evaluation.
Integrating responsible gambling features and tools into their games. These features and tools encompass a range of options, including self-exclusion, time-out periods, reality checks, time limits, deposit limits, loss limits, session limits, and self-assessment tests. By incorporating these tools, players are empowered to monitor and control their gambling behavior effectively. They can set personal limits, take breaks when needed, and seek assistance if required.

Supporting research and education on responsible gambling, the prevention of problem gambling, and the reduction of harm is a key focus. As an example, IGT has formed a partnership with the University of Nevada Las Vegas to establish the International Gaming Institute (IGI). The IGI conducts in-depth research and offers comprehensive training on various aspects of gaming. Additionally, IGT takes pride in sponsoring the annual Responsible Gambling Innovation Award, which aims to recognize and celebrate innovative solutions that effectively reduce gambling-related harms.

Collaboration is a core principle, as IGT works closely with regulators, industry operators, problem gambling experts, community groups, and players. Through these collaborations, valuable information, insights, and best practices are shared regarding responsible gambling. Game providers actively participate in various forums, conferences, workshops, and events that promote awareness and initiatives surrounding responsible gambling.

Some notable events include Responsible Gambling Week, the World Regulatory Briefing, the International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, and the National Council on Problem Gambling’s Annual Conference.
Overall, game providers take their role seriously in promoting responsible gambling practices by adhering to established standards and developing innovative features that prioritize player safety and well-being. Through these efforts, they strive to create an enjoyable gaming experience while minimizing the risks associated with excessive or problematic gambling behavior.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, or psychological advice. Please gamble responsibly and refer to the terms and conditions of each individual casino for specific details.