The popularity of online casinos has rendered land-based operators less attractive, especially among modern punters. Young players prefer to gamble over the Internet, as they enjoy better bonuses, exclusive deals, and a more convenient environment. The quality and quantity of online games also weigh heavily in the balance and provide players with a strong incentive to switch to online casinos.
There are many software developers that contribute to this burgeoning ecosystem of games, but some of them stand out from the crowd. They have an impressive track record and a lot of experience, which translates into a diverse and sizable portfolio:
Microgaming - Established in 1994, Microgaming is one of the pioneers of online gaming software. They've developed nearly a thousand games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Some of their most popular titles include Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, and Thunderstruck II.
NetEnt – This is a Swedish company that's been creating online casino games since 1996. They're known for their high-quality graphics and innovative features. Popular titles include Starburst, Gonzo's Quest, and Mega Fortune, as well as several high-paying progressive object slots
Playtech - This UK-based company has been providing online gaming software since 1999. They offer a wide range of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. Some of their most popular titles include Age of the Gods, Buffalo Blitz, and Gladiator, all of them being mobile friendly
Evolution Gaming - This developer specializes in live dealer games and is considered the industry leader in this area. They offer a wide range of live games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Online casino games have so many friends because of their variety and ability to check all the important boxes. These are all important ingredients in the recipe for success, although some genres are more popular than others. Slots are the dominant genre, with thousands of games out there, ranging from classic games to the latest releases. These are also the games with progressive jackpots, so their enduring popularity acts as a magnet for prospective players.
Table games come in second, in terms of popularity and reach, as they come in different flavors. Roulette, blackjack, and baccarat are the cornerstone of the portfolios of most software developers and they include both classic and modern varieties. Table games have the advantage of being compatible with real dealers, so you can compete against live croupiers. The only downside is that all online casinos and software developers will offer these games exclusively to real money players.
Mobile compatibility is an important quality when choosing online casinos and likely most of them are suitable for smartphones and tablets. You can spin the reels of slots or compete with real dealers on your handheld device, without having to download anything. You can play straight in the browser, although players who download the app are more likely to enjoy access to exclusive promotions. In any case, online casinos have benefited greatly from the growing popularity of mobile devices.
The bottom line is that software developers have drawn large crowds to online casinos, which represent both the present and the future. Leading developers such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, and Evolution Gaming have their games featured at the top casinos, but new operators are also gaining traction. Regardless of preferences and experience, players are likely to enjoy the time spent gambling at online casinos.
There’s no shortage of casino games and when gambling online, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding the one you like the most. Check out the lineup of slots, table games or try other genres that you used to play in land-based casinos. Regardless of what games you end up playing, you have no problem finding something that fits your playing style and expectations.
Slots Software developers know how popular slots are among online players and dedicate ample resources and time to this genre. When you play at online casinos, you can find hundreds of such games, ranging from classic three real titles to the latest varieties and progressive object slots.
Blackjack Evolution Gaming is the leading supplier of table games and blackjack is one of the most popular titles. However, all important casino game developers have blackjack in their collection and these games come in different flavors, so punters are never in danger of getting bored.
Craps A seemingly complicated game, craps has an excellent return to the player and one of the lowest house edges. You can find it at many online casinos, including some operators that have the live dealer version. It is a game that grows on players, because of its engaging nature.
Roulette Perhaps the most popular casino game of all time, roulette has passed the test of time and was embraced by online casino game developers. American and European versions of the game are the most popular, but you can find more than a dozen game varieties and leading online casinos.
Video Poker The appeal of video poker derives from the fact that it has a tiny house edge that goes close to zero if the optimal strategy is used. There are many games in this category and even though they have similar mechanics, they provide just enough variety so players don’t get bored easily.
Baccarat Among table games that have a lower house edge and provide players with an excellent chance of winning, baccarat has a special place. It is a fun game to play that requires minimal experience and it has few betting options, so it is perfect for those who seek a simple form of gambling.
Poker Poker is popular among veteran players because of the average high return to the player and its engaging nature. Since you can also compete against real dealers, it is perfect for punters who have switched to online casinos but still feel nostalgia for brick-and-mortar venues.
Keno Lottery-inspired titles have plenty of fans among players who don’t mind letting black decide the outcome. Winnings are more frequent and even though smaller amounts are warm, the action never runs out. This is one of the most social games created by online casino developers.
Sic Bo Sic Bo is a game with Asian roots, but one that has won the hearts and minds of international players. It is fun to play and available at many online casinos, with software developers producing different variables. The rules are only slightly different, so the learning curve is smooth.
Progressive Jackpot 
Modern software and game developers have honed their skills in creating casino games that players want to enjoy, a significant improvement from the early days of simple slots and basic blackjack. Providers have introduced various features that enhance the excitement of these games of chance. Here are some of the most thrilling and widely used features created by providers.
Progressive Jackpots Slots have won the hearts and minds of international players, both in land-based and online casinos. Progressive jackpot games have a special place because they provide players with an avenue to big winnings. The odds of claiming that jackpots are low, but you need to be lucky to win a fortune.
3D Games Visually appealing games have always appealed to modern players and 3D games are a shining example. They use 3D graphics and animations, so players are quickly immersed in the gaming experience. Most of these games are slots and video poker, but other genres are also featured.
VR Games Virtual reality is no longer a fringe technology, but one that was successfully incorporated into many online casino games. Software developers for online casinos have launched slots that use VR, and the future belongs to live dealer table games that use this technology.
Live Dealer Games The ultimate form of gambling, live dealer entertainment is available at online casinos and it comes in different forms. You can play blackjack, roulette, and baccarat and the games are streamlined from luxurious studios and online casinos. Every respectable operator has such a collection of games.
TV Games Online casino game developers have produced titles that allow players to enjoy the best of both worlds. They interact directly with croupiers while being immersed in a television-like environment, so the gambling experience is further enhanced.
Virtual Sports Games Inspired by traditional gambling on sports, virtual sports games are decided by algorithms, rather than players on the field. There’s a strong relation between the odds and the chances to win, so punters know in advance how their chances are. The advantage is that the games are decided within minutes.
Social Games Many online casino games have developed titles that can be played for free using virtual currency. Social games are an excellent example of entertainment that doesn’t require a financial commitment. Just as the name indicates, these games bring players together and foster interaction with their peers.
Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play stand out from the crowd as the best-known and most respected suppliers.
Choosing games supplied by leading companies will grant you access to high-quality games with modern features and technologies while mitigating the risks of being cheated.
If you play at a licensed and regulated casino powered by leading developers you can trust the algorithms behind the games and the random number generator.
Most software developers have their games compatible with smartphones and tablets, so you can play on the go even without having to download an app.
It is the casino that manages the sensitive data shared by players, which makes it essential to play at operators that are licensed and regulated while enjoying a solid reputation internationally.
When it comes to finding the best mobile casinos for real money, you should read our guide for Android, Windows, and iPhone. We cover everything from the best mobile payments, and casino games, to the step-by-step process of gambling on a smartphone.
In order for a casino to receive a top ranking in our list, they also need to offer the best online casino tournaments. There are a variety of different types of tournaments including monthly, weekly and daily contests. Some tournaments offer small prizes while others offer massive prizes. The best tournaments offer several great incentives for players. Some of the most popular tournaments are online slots tourneys and online blackjack tournaments.
The select group of casinos that have earned the Seal of Approval (aka SOA) are the most reliable options. They have scored high marks in key areas, such as Security & Privacy, Casino Trust & Fairness, Customer Service, Banking options, and Reputation.
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