In the offline world of pokies companies like Aristocrat, IGT and Ainsworth are the names that all players are familiar with. In the online space the leading online software companies are different as the major offline manufacturers have been too focused on the casino, pub and club markets.
The Major Players
Microgaming (View Games)
Established in 1994, Microgaming is the biggest online casino software provider and is the software behind some of the biggest online casinos. They have released hundreds of pokie games including popular games like The Dark Knight, Mega Moolah and Thunderstruck II.
The Microgaming jackpot network has paid out a staggering AU$622,000,000 in progressive jackpots since 1998 when Cash Splash, the first linked progressive game to appear online was released.
Playtech (View Games)
Founded in 1999, Playtech is an online casino software company that is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Playtech's game range has greatly expanded in recent years with some of the most popular titles being Great Blue, The Sopranos, Spamalot and the Marvel Jackpot pokies.
Net Entertainment (View Games)
A software provider located in Sweden and established in 1999, Net Entertainment is quickly making waves in the online pokies market with unique games including Aliens, Eggomatic and Robin Hood Shifting Riches as well as huge jackpots on games like Mega Fortune.
Other Software Companies
In addition to Microgaming, Playtech and Net Ent there are a number of other casino software providers that are in market.
Realtime Gaming
Realtime Gaming or RTG have been around since the late 1990's and have a small library of games. Unfortunately their relatively relaxed licensing options mean that there are very few RTG casinos that can be trusted.
Next Gen Gaming
Originally an Australian company, Next Gen Gaming do not offer a full software suite, rather they develop pokies that can integrated into software from other providers such as Microgaming or Playtech.
Cryptologic
Once of the biggest names in online casino software, Cryptologic have lost a lot of market share in recent years. They are known for games like Rags to Riches, Millionaires Club and King Kong.
Offline Game Manufacturers
In the late 2000's some of the major slot machine manufacturers started releasing their games online. This started with IGT and has now grown to see WMS Gaming, Bally, Ainsworth and Aristocrat having all released online games in certain markets.
These companies are all bound by country specific licensing restrictions which means that the list of countries that can access their games is very small. For example players located in Australia cannot play online games from any of the major offline game makers.