All online casinos use casino software to run their sites and mobile apps. But not all gaming platforms are built with the same features and components. The best online casino software offers safe gameplay, fair results, and a huge selection of games from top-tier studios. Keep reading to learn more about what casino software is and how to find the most reputable brands on the market today.
What is Online Casino Software?
Online casino software refers to the design, including all of the different components that make it possible for players to enjoy online casino games at any given site. This includes everything from the website or mobile architecture to the gaming interface to the various background tools used by casinos to manage operations.
The world’s first online casino launched all the way back in 1994, but the early gaming sites offered only a handful of games each. As the industry grew during the 1990's and beyond, casino software companies emerged to provide game content and other services. These days, it’s rare to see an online casino offering a complete suite of administrative tools, so even large gaming sites typically contract with one or more outside developers for access to slots, table games, and other forms of electronic gambling entertainment.
What Components Make up Gaming Site Software?
Any discussion of has to take into account all the elements that combine to offer a seamless playing experience for users. Here, we’ll discuss the front end and back end facets that go into top-flight internet gaming operations:
Front End
User Interface (UI): Refers to the look and feel of a gaming site or app. A quality UI offers easy navigation and intuitive site functionality along with attractive graphics and branding.
User Experience (UX): Encompasses all aspects of user interaction with a gaming site, including ease of deposits and withdrawals, speedy game load times, responsive customer service, and effective search functions to help find favorite games or new titles to try.
Platform: Can refer to either a desktop or mobile environment in which games are played. Internet casino platforms can be proprietary designs created by the casino itself with assistance from outside developers, or they may feature games from multiple development houses, known as multi-platform sites or multi-vendor casinos.
Casino Lobby: Found on multi-vendor gaming sites, the lobby is where you navigate through various game categories - such as slots, roulette, blackjack, live dealer games, and more – to select your desired form of gambling entertainment.
Games: The reason anyone visits an online casino, these games come from various developers and are usually offered in instant play format for those playing directly in their web browsers or as download software for those using older computers that don’t support in-browser gaming.
Back End
CMS (Content Management System): A CMS provides a centralized location for managing all site-related activities, from adding new game content to promotions and bonuses to player account information and transaction logs.
Payment Processing: All online casinos accept payments via a variety of banking methods. At the minimum, most accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as bank transfers and third-party ewallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal. High-end sites also accept bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Quality payment processing involves fast turnaround times for both deposit and withdrawal transactions.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): An essential component for any business dealing directly with the public, CRM encompasses all communication between customers and the casino, including email correspondence, phone conversations, live chat dialogues, and social media interactions. Top-rated online casinos offer around-the-clock customer service to answer questions and resolve issues in a timely manner.
Cashier Interface: Provides a behind-the-scenes look at all financial transactions conducted at the casino. A quality cashier interface allows for quick deposit and withdrawal set up, while also maintaining tight security protocols to protect sensitive financial data.
Marketing Automation Tools & Affiliate Systems: Leading online casinos employ digital marketing professionals to build brand awareness and attract new players. To this end, modern casino software includes automated tools to execute email campaigns, social media outreach, and other online advertising efforts. In addition, many online casinos participate in affiliate programs that allow external websites to promote the casino in exchange for a revenue share based on new signups who make a deposit and wager a certain amount at the property.
Responsible Gaming Functions: Every reputable casino employs responsible gaming measures to ensure patrons gamble within their means. Such features include adjustable deposit limits and self-exclusion options that lock players out of their accounts for a specified period of time.
Licensee Relations: For casinos that feature games from multiple developers, there is often a backend section dedicated to managing relationships with outside providers. In these cases, licensee relations staff work with game designers to acquire new content for the casino.
Casino Security: Includes SSL encryption technology that helps prevent identity theft, as well as other under-the-hood elements designed to keep players safe while enjoying their favorite games.
How Are Online Casinos Different from Land Based Casinos?
While land-based casinos certainly have their place in the gambling ecosystem, these brick-and-mortar establishments operate much differently than their online counterparts. Let’s take a look at some of the differences:
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Real-world casinos generally feature hundreds or even thousands of slot machines, as well as tables for blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, pai gow, and other games. Many resort casinos also offer live entertainment, fine dining, spas, hotel accommodations, and other amenities that have little to no application for web-based gaming operations. Because real-world properties face significant overhead costs associated with utilities, salaries, rent/mortgage, and more, they must charge higher stake levels to turn a profit. That’s why the minimum bets at slot machines and table games in brick-and-mortar casinos almost always exceed $1.
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Online casinos may feature slots, blackjack, roulette, and other popular casino games, or they may take a niche approach and focus on a specific genre like live dealer gambling or high stakes gaming. Because internet casinos don’t have to pay for things like utilities, air conditioning, minimal security guards, and the like, they can offer games with much lower minimum bets. In fact, many internet slots accept mere pennies per payline. Furthermore, online casinos don’t need to worry about providing parking garage facilities for customers, so they can offer big bonus deals and other promotional offers that cost nothing compared to the thousands of complimentary drinks, buffet meals, and hotel rooms given out by land-based venues every day.
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Why Is Casino Software Important?
As a gambler, you might wonder why casino software is important – after all, all you care about is whether the games run smoothly and the results are fair, right? Well, yes and no. The truth of the matter is that the best casino software ensures a secure gaming experience with verifiably random results. Additionally, top-rated online gaming platforms offer a wide range of fun and exciting games powered by the best developers in the industry.
Best Casinos in Florida - Top Gambling Destinations in The Sunshine StateWhen you drill down into the specifics of , several key factors emerge as being paramount to the overall user experience:
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Safety and Security – The best casino software utilizes state-of-the-art security protocols to protect players’ personal and financial data. Encryption technology prevents identity theft, and trusted deposit methods further enhance safety on approved sites.
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Game Fairness – The best casino software ensures mathematical integrity through the use of randomly generated results. This is achieved through the use of Random Number Generators (RNGs) to produce unbiased outcomes devoid of human influence.
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Mobile Optimization – Mobile devices have become ubiquitous in everyday life, so online casinos must offer mobile-friendly versions of their sites or dedicated mobile apps to give players the option of gambling on the go.
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Bonus Offers – Bonuses and promotions add extra value to regular gaming sessions, giving players more chances to win without risking their own money. From welcome bonuses for new members to ongoing reload bonuses for regular patrons, the best casino software offers something extra for every type of player.
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Diversity of Games – No two gamblers have exactly the same tastes when it comes to casino games, so the best online gaming sites offer a diverse array of slots, table games, video poker, specialty titles, and live dealer entertainments.
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Fast Payouts – Deposits should appear instantly in your player account, but withdrawals sometimes take a few days to process completely. The best casino software gets payouts to your preferred method as quickly as possible, with 1-2 days being the ideal turnaround time for most transactions.
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Innovative Technology – The most reputable casino software companies stay ahead of the competition by constantly innovating and developing new gaming technologies. Virtual reality (VR) games, for instance, transport players to fully immersive 360-degree environments, while augmented reality (AR) titles overlay gameplay elements onto the real world via a smartphone’s camera.
These are just a few of the reasons why casino software matters. When you put it all together, only the biggest names in the business can boast all these features and more.
How We Rank & Review Online Casino Software
At , we have a team of experts who spend countless hours testing the latest online casino software products. We evaluate dozens of criteria to separate the good guys from the bad apples. Some of the factors that go into our rating system include:
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Safety and Security – Our team only recommends proven brands that have earned a reputation for trustworthy operations over many years in business.
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Fair Gaming – We check for third-party auditing certifications from reputable agencies to verify the integrity of random number generation processes.
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Casino Games – The best online casinos feature slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and other popular games contributed by top-rated developers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and RealTime Gaming (RTG).
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Mobile Friendliness – All of our recommended casinos score well in our mobile compatibility tests, whether accessed via mobile browser or a dedicated iOS or Android app.
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New Player Bonuses – Big welcome bonuses can provide extra value for your deposit dollar, so we seek out the best offers available online. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonus, as different offers may require different levels of play to clear.
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Banking Options – Fast deposit and withdrawal processing is a must, as is a wide range of supported banking methods. Our top-ranked casinos excel in this category with a long list of accepted deposit methods.
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Site Software – Modern casino software powers the leading gaming sites online, delivering smooth gameplay and reliable performance across the board.
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Customer Service – Any good online casino features 24 hour customer service, with prompt and professional responses to player inquiries.
We know that not everyone will agree with our rankings and ratings, as different players have varying preferences when it comes to casino game selection, bonus offers, and other such criteria. Rest assured that all of our recommended sites have passed our rigorous standards test with flying colors. If you decide to follow our advice and sign up at any of these casinos, you can do so by clicking any of the links found on this page. It won’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support the ongoing operation of our non-profit organization.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Gambling Software
Every online casino uses software developed by its own staff or purchased from outside providers. In fact, very few sites create their own software from scratch, as it’s a expensive and time-consuming proposition. Instead, most online gaming operators choose from among hundreds of pre-made games produced by the industry’s leading designers.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both in-house and outsourced casino software solutions. Here’s a brief overview of some of the main points to consider:
In-House Online Casino Software
Advantages
- Exclusive game content that can’t be found anywhere else on the Internet
- Proprietary software gives the casino greater control over all site features, from promotions to banking methods and beyond
- Customizable interface that can be tailored to fit the casino’s specific vision
- Potential for lower expenses associated with licensing fees paid to outside developers
Disadvantages
- Extremely expensive to develop top-flight casino software from the ground up
- May take several years to bring a new game or major update to market
- Requires a large team of highly skilled programmers, graphic artists, mathematicians, quality assurance testers, and other specialists
- Ongoing maintenance and updates necessary to keep up with evolving technological landscape
Outsourced iGaming Software
Advantages
- Cost-effective solution for small businesses looking to get into the online casino space
- Access to a wide range of pre-made games produced by experienced developers
- New games and platform updates are typically provided free of charge or at a nominal fee
- Fewer technical complications, as any bugs or glitches are the responsibility of the outside developer to correct
Disadvantages
- Must share a portion of gross gaming revenues with the software provider
- Limited ability to customize site features and game interfaces
- May lack exclusive games enjoyed by players at competing casinos
- Contractual obligations to continue paying licensing fees over a lengthy term, sometimes five years or more
Ultimately, there is no clear winner when comparing in-house to outsourced online gambling software. Both options have their pros and cons, and only you can determine which path is best suited to meeting your goals.
Types of Available Software
You might not have realized it, but online casinos use a lot of different types of software to handle all the tasks required to offer internet gambling entertainment. In this section, we’ll delve into the various real money casino software solutions currently available in the United States.
Web-Based Casino Software
Web-based casino software allows players to enjoy all their favorite games directly in their web browsers. Also known as “no download” or “instant play” software, this type of online casino requires only an HTML5-compliant browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge to run the games. You’ll still need to download and install software to play, but that happens in the background as you test drive various games in the casino lobby.
Web-based casino software offers a couple notable benefits over its downloadable counterpart. First, you don’t have to devote valuable hard drive space to installing the casino software on your computer. Second, web-based games load faster and play more smoothly, as there is no setup routine to get through each time you want to play. On the downside, you may experience graphical lag or other performance issues if you haven’t updated your web browser in awhile and failed to install crucial plug-ins like Adobe Flash or Shockwave.
Downloadable Online Casino Software
Downloading online casino software to your home computer used to be the norm back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, but its usage is on the decline these days. Still, some developers continue to offer downloadable clients for those who prefer them, and a few online casinos require you to download their software before you can access the games.
The main advantage of downloadable online casino software is smoother gameplay due to a more streamlined interface. Everything takes place within the confines of the casino client installed on your PC, which makes for snappy load times and a uniform appearance for all the games. However, you’ll need more available disk space on your hard drive, and you’ll have to update the casino software itself every time the game manufacturer releases a new patch.
Mobile Casino Software
All the top online casinos offer mobile-compatible games these days, as more and more gamblers demand the convenience of enjoying their favorite slots and table games while away from home. There are two basic types of mobile casino software:
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Mobile Web Apps – Also known as “instant play” or “HTML5” platforms, mobile web apps allow you to play right in the browser of your smartphone or tablet. No download or installation is required, provided the casino’s website is equipped with mobile-friendly versions of all its games.
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Mobile Apps – Some developers offer native mobile apps that you can download and install on your device from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. While these apps may offer enhanced functionality and graphics, they take up precious storage space on your handheld and may require frequent updates to keep up with the latest changes made by the game supplier.
Regardless of which mobile platform you choose, you can rest assured that all the best online casinos offer secure software that runs reliably on a variety of mobile operating systems, including Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry OS, and of course iOS for Apple mobile devices.
Live Dealer Casino Software
Live dealer casino software combines the best elements of online and live-in person gambling. With live dealer games, you view a live stream video feed showing a human dealer spinning roulette wheels, dealing blackjack hands, or rolling dice. You place your bets and controls the flow of the game from the comfort of your home computer or mobile device, making for a unique hybrid experience that many players thoroughly enjoy.
Some of the best online casinos feature live dealer software from respected developers like Evolution Gaming and Visionary iGaming (ViG). These companies maintain studio facilities where dealers shuffle, deal, spin, and roll the day away in shifts throughout the week. Live dealer games are a nice change of pace from traditional online slots and table games, and they even feature million dollar jackpot winners from time to time.
RNG Casino Software
RNG (Random Number Generator) software ensures that the results produced by online casino games are truly random and unaffected by outside influences. Unlike live casino dealing, which can potentially be influenced by factors like dealer mood swings or fatigue, RNGs operate entirely on computer code instructions to generate each result independently of any human input. This is important because it guarantees that every outcome is purely arbitrary, meaning that hot streaks and cold streaks are simply a function of probability and not any sort of cheating on the part of the online casino. Top-rated online casinos utilize RNG software in all their virtual casino games to provide a mathematically fair gaming experience.
Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency Casino Software
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have taken the finance world by storm in recent years, and the online gambling industry has certainly felt the impact. Crypto deposits and withdrawals offer certain advantages over traditional fiat currency banking methods, including enhanced privacy and anonymity.
To facilitate Bitcoin transactions, many online casinos utilize specialized crypto casino software that allows for direct deposits and withdrawals using your personal crypto wallet. These deposits bypass the traditional banking infrastructure, which is how players are able to maintain greater confidentiality over their gambling transactions.
best paying casino gamesHowever, it’s important to understand that the actual casino games themselves aren’t affected by the method used to fund your betting account. All reputable online casinos use RNG software to generate mathematically fair results regardless of how the funds in your player account were obtained.
Social Casino Software
Social casinos differ from traditional real-money online casinos in that they don’t use any RNG or live dealing software to determine the outcomes of their games. Instead, social casinos feature what are essentially demo versions of popular slots, video poker, and table games that you can play with free virtual credits.
You’ll never win any real money playing social casino games, as the virtual credits you amass during play have no monetary value outside of that particular casino. However, social casinos affiliated with real-money gaming operators may offer special promotions that allow you to convert a certain number of social credits into real-money deposit match bonuses – provided you meet the usual wagering requirements associated with such offers.
Facebook features numerous social casino pages and groups where you can enjoy these types of free games. Just be aware that none of your bets are real wagers, and you can never cash out your winnings in cold hard cash.
Developers of Popular Casino Software Products
Numerous companies develop the online casino software that powers the best internet gambling sites. Some of these firms concentrate solely on casino game production, while others offer full casino software suites incorporing everything a web gambling operation could possibly need to get off the ground. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top names in the casino software business.
Net Entertainment (NetEnt)
Founded in 1996, NetEnt established itself as a leader in rich HD casino game graphics and innovative features with hits like Gonzo’s Quest, Guns N’ Roses, and Narcos. NetEnt also produces live dealer software under the brand name NetEnt Live.
Playtech
Playtech came on the scene in 1999 and now supports over 60 online casinos with their gaming software. Known for licensed slot games based on MGM’s back catalog of movies, Playtech also operates the iPoker network and Playtech Live division for real dealer games.
Realtime Gaming (RTG)
One of the pioneering online casino software developers, RTG got its start back in 1998 and now boasts more than 50 US-accepting online casinos featuring their games. Hits include Caesar’s Victory, Shopping Spree, and Cleopatra’s Gold.
BetSoft
BetSoft claims a number of industry firsts since their founding in 2006, including the first 3D no-download slot machine and the first Facebook casino. Notable slot games from this developer include The Slotfather, Tycoons, and Greedy Dwarfs.
Evolution Gaming
Live dealer software specialist Evolution Gaming got started in 2006 and now provides games in more than 200 casinos around the globe. Roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, and other live dealer games are broadcast from studios in Latvia, Malta, and Italy.
International Game Technology (IGT)
A giant in the land-based casino world, IGT made a name for themselves with innovative slot machines like the Megabucks progressive series. IGT entered the online gambling arena in 2010 and now offers popular online slots based on blockbuster movie franchises like Transformers and Jurassic Park.
Aristocrat
Known for Buffalo, Warriors Moon, and other popular land-based slot machines, Aristocrat Gaming made the leap to online gaming in 2012. Hyperlink™ technology allows some of Aristocrat’s linked progressive online slots to interact with corresponding cabinets in live casinos.
Microgaming
Launched in 1994, Microgaming is one of the oldest online casino software developers still in operation. Mega Moolah is the most renowned of their many progressive slot machines, having produced multiple millionaire jackpots over the years.
Rival Gaming
iSlots are Rival’s signature innovation, featuring in-game bonus rounds that tell a story as you advance from reel to reel. Hundreds of thousands of people have won sums ranging from $1,000 to $37,250 with Rival’s iSlot jackpot feature.
Wms Gaming
Williams Interactive (WMS) is known for branded slot games based on hit TV shows like Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. Acquired by Scientific Games in 2013, WMS continues producing slots for online distribution.
Play’n GO
More than 50 online casinos host Play’n GO games, which include classic slots, video slots, blackjack, roulette, and arcade games. Mobile optimization is a cornerstone of Play’n GO’s development strategy, with all their new releases designed from the ground up to be cross-platform compatible.
World Match
World Match supplies casino software to government-approved lotteries in several countries around the world. Their portfolio contains hundreds of slots and table games from leading developers like Novomatic and Sheriff Gaming, along with some exclusive titles.
SHFL Entertainment
SHFL Entertainment provides the patented SHFFLE® deck of cards used in the popular television show “Deal or No Deal.” The company also markets online casino software under the NameGen and CHILL Gaming brands.
Questions About Online Casino Software
Who creates casino software?
Both the largest online gaming operators and scores of smaller developers create casino software. The latter group specializes in producing individual games like slots and blackjack variants, while the former bundles all kinds of software together in a package deal for aspiring online casinos to use as the basis for their operations.
How do I know the software is fair?
Reliable casino software is put through its paces by independent testing agencies to ensure it meets strict standards for fairness and security. Third-party certification seals from companies like eCOGRA and GLI are good indications that all the games at a given online casino are legitimately fair.
Where can I learn more about online gaming software?
The best way to educate yourself on the finer points of online gaming software is to visit authoritative informational resources like AskGamblers. We’ve been covering the latest developments in online casino software for more than a decade, and our team of experts is always on hand to deliver accurate information and analysis on the hottest topics in the industry.
Which is the best casino software?
There isn’t just one best online casino software provider – different developers excel in different areas. Some contribute the best new slots year after year, while others concentrate their efforts on improving live dealer software or mobile gaming platforms. It’s all about finding a collection of games and features that suit your particular playing preferences.
Do casinos write their own software?
Yes, many online casinos write their own software these days. Sometimes this just consists of customizing existing templates purchased from a developer, but other times, you’ll really be looking at a casino-specific piece of software. Either way, these casino sites are doing their best to stand out in a crowded field.
What does casino software mean?
Online casino software encompasses all of the underlying technology and algorithms that make internet gambling sites tick. This includes the random number generators (RNGs) which guarantee fair results, graphical user interfaces (GUI) that let you place your bets and play the games, and secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption that protects your private data.
Which online casino has the best software?
Once again, it’s difficult to say which online casino offers the absolute best software. There are a lot of intangibles that affect a player’s overall satisfaction level with any given site. Plus, different gamblers have differing opinions about what makes a good gaming experience.
How are online gaming software businesses doing financially?
Online gaming software businesses are doing quite well in light of the increasing global popularity of online gambling. According to , the online casino market alone is projected to reach $192.3 billion by 2027. Of course, individual companies will rise and fall according to consumer tastes and regulatory climates in various nations.
Does casino gaming software have a future?
Absolutely. As long as people enjoy spinning the reels of a slot machine or the roulette wheel, or the thrill of trying to beat the house at blackjack, casino gaming software will remain relevant. Technological advances will only serve to enhance the future experiences of gamblers everywhere.
Should I learn casino software engineering?
Whether you should bother learning casino software engineering depends upon your personal career goals and aptitude for programming languages. According to the , knowledge of SQL, Java, and C++ are especially valuable in the online gaming industry these days. Salaries vary widely depending on your job duties and the country in which you work.
Glossary of Terms
Getting to grips with the lingo is an integral part of understanding online casino software. The following definitions explain some of the more commonly encountered terms you’re likely to run into.
- API – Application Programming Interface; a set of protocols and tools for building software applications – A random number used to determine the outcome of a casino game – The appearance and functionality of software as perceived by the end user (you) – The underlying code and structures which make online gaming software work properly – The total amount of memory a computer program can access – A scripting language used for dynamic web content generation – A scripting language commonly employed in web development
- SQL injection attack – A malicious technique cybercriminals use to steal sensitive data from a database – A compact file format for embedding fonts in web pages and other document files
- PHP – A general-purpose scripting language used for web development – Data that is shared between different software applications – The visual and tactile elements of software that allow users to interact with it – Computer hardware or software that performs a certain function, especially as part of a larger system *This list is by no means exhaustive.
