Contrary to what a lot of players think, casino games are hardly ever developed by casino operators. Most of these games are developed by independent bodies, known as software providers. These providers are responsible for everything that has to do with the games: they write the code, create the graphics, and ensure randomness. There are more than 100 different software providers in the world, and most of them are open to use for Irish players. Just like casino operators, the best software providers should be licenced by regulatory gambling bodies, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Read on and discover some of the best software providers in Ireland!
NetEnt
Net Entertainment (NetEnt) is a Swedish game developer that has been around for more than 20 years! Founded in 1996, NetEnt has built itself a strong name in the online casino industry. This software developer has more than 300 games, including online slots, table games, and even live dealer games. NetEnt is mostly famous for its thrilling video slots that have intriguing themes and unique gameplay. Some of the most popular NetEnt games are Gonzo’s Quest, Aloha, and Starburst. NetEnt is licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority and can be found in many Irish online casinos.
Evolution Gaming
Founded in 2006, Evolution Gaming is the dream software provider for all players who want a more realistic online casino experience. This software developer provides some of the most exciting live dealer games in the industry! Evolution Gaming has more than 30 live dealer games in their catalogue. Some of the most popular ones include Live Blackjack, Deal or No Deal Live, and Lightning Roulette. In 2020, this developer acquired NetEnt for €1.8bn. Evolution Gaming is licenced in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission.
Microgaming
When talking about software providers, it would be a crime not to mention Microgaming! This software developer is one of the oldest in the industry, launched in 1994. In addition to their experience and expertise, Microgaming provides more than 800 of the best casino games, from slots to table games. You will also find some of the best lottery games in their catalogue. Microgaming is really popular for its progressive jackpots. Mega Moolah, one of the biggest progressive jackpots in the online casino industry, was developed by Microgaming. Some other popular games by this software developer are Thunderstruck II, Immortal Romance, and Book of Atem. This software provider is licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority.
Playtech
Launched in 1999, Playtech is another OG software provider. Starting off as a poker network, this Estonian developer soon expanded to providing other casino games. Its catalogue is made up of more than 700 exciting games. While more than 500 of these games are slots, they also develop table games, live dealer games, and lotteries. Some of the best Playtech games are Age of the Gods, Great Blue, and Arowanas Luck. It also developed Ugga Bugga, one of the slots with the highest RTP (99.07%). Playtech is licenced by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Pragmatic Play
Although Pragmatic Play launched in 2015, this software company has found its way into the hearts of operators and players alike. Based in Malta, Pragmatic Play has more than 300 games in its catalogue. You will find a little bit of everything, from slots to live dealer games! Some of the best live dealer titles from this software provider are live roulette and live baccarat. Other games developed by Pragmatic Play are Sweet Bonanza, Chilli Heat, and Power of Thor. This software developer is licenced by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
IGT
International Game Technology (IGT) is one the oldest software providers in the casino industry. Licenced by both the Malta Gaming Authority and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, IGT has more than 8000 games in its catalogue! Some of the best IGT titles are Cleopatra, Elephant King, and Betti the Yetti.
Ezugi
Ezugi is another software provider that is focused exclusively on live dealer games. It was founded in 2012 and has more than 20 game titles. This software provider has all types of live dealer games, from baccarat to poker and blackjack. Some of the most popular titles from Ezugi are Dream Catcher, Cricket War, and Andar Bahar. This software provider is licenced by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Yggdrasil
Although relatively young, this software provider knows just how to make a mark! This software developer was founded in 2015 by the former CEO of NetEnt, Fredrik Elmqvist. There are over 100 games in its selection, although the company’s main focus is video slots. This software provider is licenced by the Malta Gaming Authority. Some of the best titles from Yggdrasil are Vikings Go Bezerk, Pumpkin Smash, and Valley of the Gods. Yggdrasil is licenced by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Play ‘N GO
Launched in 1997, this Swedish software provide has more than 300 games in its catalogue! Play ‘N GO is licenced in Gibraltar, Malta, Alderney, Italy, Denmark, and the UK. This software provider is mostly famous for leading the mobile revolution in 2008. Some of the most popular Play ‘N GO titles you need to check out are Cash Pump, Moon Princess, and Book of Dead.