Software developers in the gaming scene typically emphasize storytelling and graphics engines, but there’s another niche that’s a lot less talked about—online casino software. These underrated software developers are responsible for powering some of the hottest casinos on the web, including the top-ranked social casinos on casinos.com, and driving billions in revenue for top casino apps all around the world. While they also focus on game mechanics and creating fun and engaging titles, they’ve got the unique responsibility of ensuring fair play and compliance with often strict gaming regulations. They might consider how to harness the latest and greatest in casino software, including live dealer technology.

What casino software companies have in common with game developers, however, is that they start off as small indie brands and work their way up to the big leagues. While these brands might not be household names like Electronic Arts, Naughty Dog, or Namco, they deserve serious recognition for their contributions to the online gambling world. Let’s take a look at a few of the top casino software providers.

Playtech

Founded during the big online gambling boom, Playtech was certainly ahead of the game, a trend you’ll see with most of the software providers in our list. The company was founded by Israeli businessman Teddy Sagi, who also owns London’s Camden Market and Kape Technologies, the cybersecurity company that owns ExpressVPN. It’s considered the world’s top international developer, licensor, and designer of software for the online gaming industry, responsible for online bingo, sports betting, poker, casinos, and more. Over the years, the industry was initially volatile and unpredictable, so naturally, the company went through a few ups and downs. However, it was ultimately proven to be built to thrive in these conditions, acquiring a variety of casino-relevant businesses, including PokerStrategy.com, YoYo Games, and other online game developers to create a monolith presence.

Microgaming

Microgaming isn’t far behind in the ranks of the biggest casino developers on the planet. The company was responsible for many firsts in the virtual gambling niche, seeing as it launched its first game as early as 1994. Most people didn’t have internet access at home at the time, but Durban entrepreneur Martin Moshal saw what the future would hold and capitalized on the opportunity.

Although Microgaming also went through a rough patch with the new laws enacted by the U.S. government, its over 800-casino-game portfolio with over 1,000 variants speaks to its determination and tenacity. After this rollercoaster, the company was able to secure plenty of other licenses and partnerships, with movie themes and iconic characters implemented into its games. What sets it apart from other companies is its focus on innovation, with ideas and plans to make slot games available for wearable devices, for example. The brand also holds the Guinness world record for the largest online casino payout at £13,209,300 in 2015 ($17.6 million).

Evolution AB

Internationally renowned in the gaming technology space, Evolution AB notably provides live casino services to 600+ online casino operators and popular land-based casinos like the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City. Although based in Sweden, Evolution has studios across North America and Europe and has been named Live Casino Supplier of the Year every single year the award has existed. Within its portfolio, you’ll find games like craps, live blackjack, lightning roulette, live roulette, live poker, live baccarat, and countless others that are highly regarded among casino-goers and enthusiasts. Throughout its tenure, it acquired other casino software brands like NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Ezugi. Evolution was launched in 2006 with the aim of delivering the live player experience to people’s homes, but little did the company know that the industry would explode beyond its expectations.

Novomatic

Novomatic was founded in the 1980s by Austrian Johann Graf. At the time, public internet didn’t yet exist. Graf initially started a business to import pinball machines, but after his partner called it quits, he decided to produce gambling machines under the brand Admiral Casino and opened a few casinos under that name. Eventually, Admiral became Novomatic and focused on improving the technology of those machines. Because of the company’s efforts, its machines became some of the first to use touchscreen technology. With so much focus on its 2,000 gaming facilities, including casinos, betting shops, and slot parlors, it wasn’t until 2010 that Novomatic entered the online gambling business. Today, the provider creates slots, roulette, table games, live casino games, and more, with a range of products catering to a digital generation of gamblers.

Gaming Innovation Group

EveryMatrix is a little more of a jack-of-all-trades, providing everything from software and services for sports betting, payments, casinos, and even affiliate management to an online casino platform. The brand provides a scalable, modular service that operators can use to provide its customers with a more accurate, compliant, and comprehensive offering.

For example, its CasinoEngine product has all the tools a B2B partner needs to start a successful online casino—more than 27,800 casino games, multiple compliance certifications in different jurisdictions, and all sorts of robust features to stay competitive. And that’s just one in its lineup of products. The OddsMatrix solution comes with industry-leading sports coverage and accuracy, real-time sports data feeds, and even esports services, so providers don’t miss out on that chunk of the market. If you’re looking for other tools, EveryMatrix has a cross-product bonus system, a jackpot management system, and other useful gaming platform additions.