One of the critical factors when deciding at which online casino to play is its software. Today the software determines many of the casino features and specifications, from in-game features to security and privacy, from banking and graphics to flash or downloadable versions.
Modern UK online casinos provide players with an all-encompassing gaming experience that can hardly be matched by any other form of gaming. However, online casinos can only do so thanks to the powerful software platforms that are provided to them by some of the world’s most innovative software development studios.
Online Casino Reports (OCR) brings you an extensive guide to casino software providers and developers. On this page, you can learn all about how casino software works, what major companies are involved in its production and how you should choose the software to play.
Out team of gaming experts has reviewed all the major casino platforms and games provided by the top software providers and has come up with conclusive verdicts on their quality. Keep reading and find out more about the finest casino software providers in the UK and for the UK Market.
When it comes to the online casino industry, there are two major components that the operators need from software developers. These two things are the platform on which the casino will run and the games which will be included into the casino.
Today, many new casinos in UK opt to use existing platforms from industry giants which already contain games from many different software developers. On the other hand, other casinos take a more bespoke route and use platforms which allow them to add games of their choosing.
Most online casinos in the UK operate on a handful of major platforms, which enables them to provide fast and seamless gaming experience on all types of devices. What is more important to the players is the choice of games in the casino. Each casino picks and chooses which games to include in its lobby, and while there are many casinos with similar gaming portfolios, each casino is unique in its own way.
Players who play casino games are probably already acquainted with some of the big names in the online casino software development industry. Companies like NetEnt, Playtech and Microgaming have been around for well over a decade and have continually provided outstanding software that players have fallen in love with.
This is why most major online casinos in the UK today still use plenty of software by these companies, as one can hardly make a mistake when choosing games from these providers. All three companies are famous for their popular video slot titles, but also offer a decent selection of table games that allows casinos to run exclusively on a single software, which is the case with many Playtech online casinos.
In more recent years, live online casinos have become extremely popular, which allowed developers like Evolution Gaming and Ezugi which are focused on live dealer games to come to prominence. Many UK online casinos today offer full libraries of live dealer games provided by these developers.
As the online casino industry is growing, more and more companies are getting involved with the development of casino games. Numerous new studios have appeared in the last few years, bringing hundreds of new games and exciting new features and gameplay styles to the industry.
Some of these studios include the likes of Leander, Elk, Habanero and Quickspin. At OCR, you can read full reviews of these providers, learn about their games and play their titles for free. We do our best to bring you information on all the new developers that come up, which makes us your one stop shop for online casino gaming.
There is one thing that online casinos can offer that live casinos never really could and this is versatility. Even the most advanced live casinos are still limited with space, but online casinos don’t have this problem. This is why some of the biggest online casinos in the UK today offer well over 1.000 different casino games for players to choose from.
For players who join these casinos, options are endless. With hundreds of slots by different software developers, countless different versions of each table game and the live dealer tables on offer, player can really experience all the thrill of casino gaming without having to switch the venue.
The fact that many different software developers are involved with the production of online casino games means that the players get to experience many different approaches and styles even while playing seemingly similar games.
This versatility is expressed the most in video slots, where different studios implement many different features, jackpots and gameplay options to make their games unique. Some providers focus on massive wins while others prefer to offer lower variance games. Some of the new developers out there have started to create games with more paylines than ever before and adding features that have never been seen before, making the online casino experience fresh every time they issue a new game.
The use of the most modern software technologies out there has resulted in online casinos becoming extremely sophisticated. The studios working on the development of casino games are manned by some of the finest programmers out there and are able to create software that not only looks but also works great.
One of the major innovations to the industry in recent years has been the mobile compatibility as most software studios are trying to make sure their games are playable on as many mobile devices as possible. The most modern online casino sites nowadays are available on Android devices, iPhones, iPads and other tablets and mobile phones in download and instant play versions, with hundreds of games made using the HTML5 and Flash technologies.
As online casino players are continually asking for new things, online casino developers are doing their best to keep up with these requests. The introduction of live dealer games was a great step in this direction as it made real casino games available to players in their homes and on their mobile devices.
The industry is moving forward along with technology and things like virtual reality casino games are starting to appear. As the VR technology is becoming more popular, more and more software developers are joining in the VR casino games race, which NetEnt kicked off with their release of the first virtual reality video slot game.
UK players are spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of games available at online casinos. Below, we will introduce you to the most popular casino game types you can play online.
Online Slots Slots are an online casino staple and probably the most popular online casino games today. They come in all shapes and sizes, enabling you to choose from various themes, mechanics and types. Today, at UK online casinos, you can choose from classic, video and progressive slot machines. Some gambling sites also allow you to browse slots by special features, such as free spins, Megaways, volatility, etc.
Online Blackjack Blackjack is one of the most played card games, popular with casino players offline and online. Online blackjack is available in the RNG and live dealer format, so you can choose whether you will play it against the computer or the real-life dealer. Its rules are pretty simple, but if you want to master blackjack and be successful at it, you have to learn optimal strategies and make moves according to them.
Craps Online Playing craps online may never provide you with as exciting experience as its land-based counterpart because it is a solitary activity. Yet, online craps offers all the betting options which make this game thrilling. You can enjoy craps online at virtual or live dealer tables.
Online Roulette Can you imagine a land-based casino without a roulette table? Well, the same goes for online casinos. On UK-friendly gambling sites, you can choose from different roulette variants, available at live and virtual tables. Some even offer massive multipliers that give you a chance to win big, thus adding more excitement to the gameplay.
Online Video Poker Video poker is another card game of skill. One of the main reasons it is a fan favourite is that it has a low house edge you can take advantage of if applying the proper strategy. Playing online, you can enjoy video poker in 50 or more hands simultaneously. Most UK online casinos offer Jacks or Better, the most popular video poker variation.
Online Baccarat You don't have to be James Bond to enjoy baccarat online. Whether you play it at an RNG or live casino table, you can feel a Macau-like atmosphere and have fun. If you are a high-roller, consider joining live baccarat tables that accept larger wagers.
Online Poker Poker is available in many variants at UK online casinos, so every enthusiast can find the game they like best. From Texas Hold 'em to Caribbean Stud and Three Card Poker, pick your favourite poker variant and beat the computer or the live dealer with a better hand. Did we mention that some online poker variants offer progressive jackpots?
Online Keno Keno is a simple game of chance you can play at the best UK-facing online casinos. So if you like bingo, make sure to give keno a try, as they share similar rules and can provide you with the same levels of excitement.
Online Sic Bo Like craps, sic bo is a dice game that offers plenty of betting options. Make sure to choose the right sic bo strategy depending on the level of risk you want to involve in the gameplay, and keep an eye on the dice to see if you have placed a winning bet. Sic bo is also available at live dealer tables, offering high multipliers that can help you win big.
The best software providers tend to offer innovative games with attractive bonus features that will keep you entertained for hours. We have taken a look at the crucial features of online casino games and come up with the list presented below.
Progressive Jackpots Today, you can choose from various slot machines, including those that offer progressive jackpots. A progressive slot may be the best bet if you dream about winning a life-changing payout at an online casino. Progressive jackpots are paid out from prize pools all players who wager on these games contribute to, meaning that you can win millions of GBP in a single spin.
3D Slots and Table Games Today, software developers put a lot of effort into creating RNG games that will provide an immersive gaming experience. Modern slots and table games boast outstanding graphics, with some of them using 3D visuals. 3D slots guarantee a cinematic gaming experience, while 3D table and card games create a realistic environment, thus keeping you more engaged.
VR Casino Games The application of new technologies, like virtual and augmented reality, has taken gameplay to a whole new level. If you own a VR headset, you can get transferred to a virtual casino where you can enjoy familiar gambling new games in a new setting without leaving the comfort of your home.
Live Casino Games Live casino games have taken the online gambling industry by storm. Thanks to technological advancement, you can enjoy the action taking place at land-based casinos and studios in real-time on your desktop or mobile device. Starting with casino classics, providers of live casino solutions have also introduced innovative takes on them, adding more excitement to the gameplay. So, whether you are into popular TV shows or traditional casino games, you can play them at live casinos today.
TV Casino Games Another novelty in the online gambling industry are casino games developed for smart TVs. Not a fan of smaller screens? Then, you can enjoy your favourite casino game on your smart TV. It will definitely provide you with an immersive gaming experience while unwinding in your living room.
Virtual Sports Today, most online casinos cover other forms of entertainment, including virtual sports. Although betting on virtual sports may not be as popular as betting on real sports events, you can enjoy it anytime, regardless of the season. Virtual sports imitate actual sports, using the RNG to determine the results, so you can rest assured that the outcome of each virtual match is random and unbiased.
Social Casino Games If you want to try your luck at casino games but don't want to wager real money, social casino games may be the perfect fit for you. They are free to play and allow you to enjoy them with your friends as they are available on social networking sites. Zyga Poker and Slotomania were the first social casino games available online.
Since the UK is a regulated online gambling market, operators and providers offering their services and products here must be licensed. So, yes, online casino software providers operating in the UK can be trusted since their games are fair and deliver random outcomes.
Some of the best software providers in the UK market are NetEnt, Microgaming and Evolution.
Known as the software provider that launched the first-ever online casino back in 1994, Microgaming is one of the oldest iGaming companies offering their products in the UK market.
While theoretically, a software provider can rig its products, in practice, games available on UK-facing casino sites are not rigged. On the contrary, software providers have their online casino games audited by independent agencies who test them for fairness. In addition, they are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, a regulatory body ensuring a fair and safe gaming experience.
Evolution is the leading provider of live casino solutions. On our website, you can find the best UK online casinos featuring Evolution live dealer games.
When choosing a software provider, you should pay attention to its reputation and the quality of casino games it offers.
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