The online casino industry is already huge and it’s only getting bigger. In fact, there are almost twenty thousand games out there supplied by over 400 different game providers. So it’s safe to say that if you’re a fan of online casino games, you’re definitely spoiled for choice. However, selecting a great provider is the key to a superior gaming experience. The best games with the most impressive graphics and most compelling features come from the bigger, better-known providers.
Hence, selecting more established providers almost certainly means you’ll be in for a real treat. Moreover, the leading companies are constantly improving their products and make them even more fun. Of course, you can still find perfectly good games by less popular providers as well. But not to worry, we’ll walk you through the basics of picking a software provider right now. In addition, we’ll have a close look at some major companies that create the games that millions love playing.
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A Little History
People from all sorts of countries and cultures have enjoyed gambling for hundreds of years. In fact, there are countless examples of people throughout history gambling with money. But before the first online casino, if someone wanted to gamble they’d have to visit their nearest land-based venue. However, now with online gambling, this is no longer necessary. You could play all kinds of online casino games from the comfort of your own home and even on the go.
The very first real money online casino software was created by the provider Microgaming back in 1994. At the time, the internet was still in its infancy and websites were very basic compared to the ones we’re familiar with today. Hence, the first online casino games were also nowhere near as advanced or complex as their modern versions. However, they were innovative for the time and they attracted many players. Since then things have vastly improved and now you can choose from modern iterations of all-time classics to new and unique picks.
Microgaming paved the way for other providers to step into the fast-growing online gaming market. Over the years, many more companies would launch such products. Some developers, such as NetEnt and Play’n Go, specialize in creating online games only. On the other hand, others like Aristocrat and Novomatic, were already making games for land-based casinos. Providers like them continued supplying physical games, while also expanding their reach online. Nowadays, there are more than 400 providers launching games for online casinos.
Top Game Providers in Canada
There are hundreds of game providers out there on the market but some are better known than others. Here are some of the biggest names in the business with games widely available at many of the best online casinos in Canada.
Microgaming
In addition to creating the first online casino software, Microgaming developed the very first mobile casino software in 2004. This was what made it possible for people to play casino games on their phones while on the go. Moreover, the world’s highest-paying progressive jackpot slot, Mega Moolah, is also a product by Microgaming.
NetEnt
This provider has more than 200 slots games in its portfolio. Some of its slots, such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Aloha! Cluster Pays, are among the most popular ones around today. NetEnt game provider also created some branded games themed after popular TV shows and movies, including Jumanji and Narcos.
Play’n Go
Since launching in 2005, Play’n Go has created loads of successful slots. The provider was one of the first to create casino games for the mobile market. It’s responsible for many popular games, from Book of Dead and Reactoonz to Banana Rock and Cops n’ Robbers.
BetSoft
The team at BetSoft has been creating high-quality online casino games since 2006. The slots from this provider are known for their rich, detailed design and visually impressive 3D graphics. Like many other providers, BetSoft offers a full casino management platform alongside its collection of games.
IGT
IGT started out in London back in 1980. While it initially served the land-based casino market, today it caters to both the physical and digital sectors. It’s a global company with over 11,000 staff and offices in numerous countries. As well as excellent online casino games, IGT offers lotteries and sports betting.
Other Competitors
The aforementioned game providers are just some of the many that supply online casinos nowadays. They all have products with outstanding graphics and unique themes, in addition to truly unbiased games. However, there’s plenty of other companies that make great games. Some of the most popular ones you may want to check out include NextGen Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and Yggdrasil.
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Live Casino Game Providers
Live dealer games take the online casino experience to the next level. They’re real-time games with actual dealers that players can take part in from the comfort of their own homes. Moreover, all you need to play is a live casino account and a steady internet connection. You’ll get to watch a live broadcast of the game as it develops, hence the name. Besides, you can interact with not only the dealer but also other players.
But most online casino game providers stick to animated games. That is to say, games that are entirely computer-generated and use video animations. On the flip side, the number of game providers creating live dealer games is much smaller. This is because live games are much more expensive to run and require things like filming space, crew, gaming equipment, and a croupier.
Evolution Gaming is one of the biggest names that supply products to live casinos nowadays. They’ve released live versions of many casino classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Moreover, they’ve taken things a step further by creating some original live games, such as Dream Catcher and Football Studio. Evolution Gaming also has some branded games, including Monopoly Live and Deal or No Deal.
Some of the other providers that make live dealer games include Ezugi, Microgaming, and Playtech. Ezugi is similar to Evolution Gaming in that it specializes in live games, while Microgaming and Playtech’s portfolios mostly consist of animated games.
Comparing Game Providers
Most online casinos in Canada have games from a number of different game providers. Some platforms partner with fewer than 10 developers, while others offer products by dozens or even up to 100+ companies. Generally, there is plenty of choices everywhere, hence selecting the right provider can be a choir.
Some people just play whatever games take their fancy and don’t pay attention to what providers the games come from. Others are a bit more selective in their approach and seek only high-quality titles. If you’re also after the best experience, here’s what to look for:
License, Safety & Reputation
If you’re going to look at the providers more closely and seek only the best, there are a few simple things to check for. First and foremost, make sure the software provider is reliable and not dodgy in any way. Verify it has a proper license and a good reputation online. This is crucial not only for the overall experience but also your safety as a user. If most of the comments online are negative, you should take that as a sign that something’s wrong. Licensed companies comply with industry standards and country-specific laws, therefore it’s an extra layer of security for you.
Game Providers and RTP
You should also consider the games’ payout rates – different developers offer products with different RTP percentages. The RTP, or ‘return to player’ coefficient, is a figure that shows how much of your bet you should get paid back for every spin, on average. So the bigger a game’s RTP is, the more money you’ll probably earn over long-term play.
For example, let’s say you spend $100 on a slot with an RTP of 95% and another $100 on a slot with a 96% RTP. Theoretically speaking, you should get more money back from the 96% slot. Most slots have an RTP of around 96%. But some providers have a number of slots with higher RTPs. For instance, NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n Go, and BetSoft, all have slots with RTPs of 97% or higher.
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Extra Features
Some game providers come up with exciting new features for their games, especially slots. For example, Big Time Gaming developed the Megaways system, which randomizes the number of symbols and ways to win on every spin. Most Megaways slots can have up to 117,649 ways to form winning combinations.
The majority of online slots nowadays have special features like free spins, re-spins, bonus rounds, and symbols with extra effects. However, some have more than others and picking which one is best just depends on what you like. Some providers don’t introduce new concepts and instead focus their attention on creating enjoyable, high-quality games.
Different Game Providers, Different Graphics
Another factor worth taking into account is graphical quality. The newest slots tend to be more visually impressive with detailed, high-quality graphics and creative designs. Lots of providers try to make their games as realistic and immersive as possible. Whether it’s a slot set in a fantasy world or a classic table game – it can all feel very real.
Generally speaking, it’s the newer games that look the best but the design also depends on the provider. Some of the biggest companies have been creating online casino games for well over a decade. Of course, their earlier titles won’t be as graphically rich as the newer releases. But it’s this experience under their belt that makes the new titles so good.
A few providers out there have been really excelling when it comes to graphics. For example, BetSoft has received praise for the use of 3D visuals, especially in their slots. On the other hand, Playtech has also scored well for its use of sharp, vivid graphics and video animations.
Summary
Without software developers, the online gambling industry would look very different. They are the cornerstone of the business and in fact, there are more than 400 of them. Moreover, they are all regularly releasing new creations for players around the world to enjoy. Hence, the choice can be overwhelming at times. But with our guide, you now know how to narrow it all down.
Canadian players have access to games by the biggest and most popular providers today. So, fortunately, all you need to do is sign up to a platform and you’ll find more than enough top-quality games to keep you entertained. If you are in need of a gaming destination, check out our casino reviews. There you will find only the best in Canada.
FAQ
Yes, the majority of online casino games are fair and can be trusted.
They use a random number generator (RNG) to makes games with unbiased results. The RNG is a piece of software used to ensure that the game outcomes are completely randomized.
It doesn’t necessarily matter, so long as the providers the casino uses are safe, reliable, and trustworthy. However, many players have their favorites, so they prefer to play at casinos that have games by the providers they like.
There’s no single provider that’s the best, simply because it’s a matter of personal opinion whether a provider’s good or not. That being said, there are some providers whose games are usually rated higher than games by others.
Most companies that create games for online casinos are safe and fair. If you come across a provider and you’re not so sure about them, it’s best to check their official site to see if they’re licensed and read some player reviews.
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