Note: It is illegal for Australians to gamble at online casinos as of September, 2017. This page should be used as an information source only.
Without the innovation and creativity used by game developers, online casinos would never be as popular or as impressive as they are today. The high level of detail which goes into game software never ceases to amaze us, with online games providing a level of player engagement and entertainment which can’t be found within the walls of an land based casino. We’ve compiled an overview of the best software providers whose instant-play games you can find at online casinos.
Best online casino software at gambling sites
When playing the pokies, blackjack, roulette, video poker, scratchies and other table game at an online casino, the games with the highest quality graphics and best features come from these software providers:
Microgaming: Microgaming is the longest running software provider in the online casino industry, with some games remaining popular today despite being more than a decade old. Based in Sweden, Microgaming has more accolades under its belt than any other software provider, powering some of the most reputable online casinos. New pokies from Microgaming continue to be released regularly in instant-play mode for both desktop and mobile play, while Microgaming also offers downloadable casino software and mobile apps.
Net Entertainment: as Microgaming’s major competitor, NetEnt is fighting strong for first place, and if they continue to pump out the incredible games they have been it won’t be long until NetEnt takes the crown. As far as high quality graphics, level of detail, and all-round player experience goes, Net Entertainment’s software can’t be beat. Pokies are vibrant and engaging, while table games are sleek and sophisticated. Try NetEnt’s instant-play games at G’day Casino and Thrills Casino.
BetSoft: while BetSoft has a good range of table games in its portfolio, this software developer is most well-known for its incredible range of 3D pokies known as the Slots3 collection. If detailed 3D animation is your thing, look no further than BetSoft’s pokies, with standout titles including Mr Vegas, At the Copa, Weekend in Vegas, Mega Glam Life and Rooks Revenge. The entire BetSoft Slots3 collection can be played for free or real money at Guts Casino and Slots Million.
Play’n Go: Play’n Go is a Swedish software developer known mostly for its diverse range of online pokies. The game development team is made up of self-proclaimed computer geeks, whose love for technology shows in the attention to detail within each of Play’n Go’s creations. Try popular Play’n Go games at Guts.com for real money bets using AUD.
Thunderkick: Thunderkick is a newer gaming brand set on introducing fresh content to the online casino world, which is exactly what they’ve accomplished through their awe inspiring range of pokies like Esqueleto Explosivo, Toki Time, Sunny Scoops, and Birds on a Wire. While the Thunderkick portfolio is small, there are no other games like these, making this young Stockholm based software company one to watch.
NextGen: incorporating the Australian brand NYX Gaming, the NextGen Gaming Group consists of four game studios supplying over 600 high-end games to more than 170 casino operators around the world. NextGen games are powered by Flash and HTML5, making them accessible in instant-play mode at a selection of leading browser based casinos. Exclusive NYX Gaming poker and bingo software is also currently in the works.
iSoftBet: iSoftBet is a London based game developer known mostly for its range of film branded pokies including Rambo, 24, Basic Instinct, Rango, Platoon, Nacho Libre, The Love Guru and Beverley Hills 90210. Games are available in instant-play mode at Leo Vegas and Slots Million.
Live dealer online software studios
Live dealer casino games have become all the rage, with players drawn to the social experience of playing against real life croupiers hosting games in real time from high-end casino studios. When it comes to the most impressive live dealer software, the most attractive hosts and the best studio atmosphere, these are the best software developers to look out for:
Microgaming: along with a range of live dealer table games executed in signature Microgaming style, there is also a Playboy live dealer suite available where games are hosted by beautiful women in glamorous attire complete with Playboy bunny ears – need we say more?
Evolution Gaming: arguably the best software available when it comes to live dealer gaming, Evolution has state of the art casino studios running out of Malta and Latvia. The developer recently upped their reputation even further with a new wave of high-def live dealer games which blow the competition straight out of the water. Popular live games exclusive to Evolution Gaming include Blackjack Party and Baccarat Squeeze.
Ezugi: hosting games out of world class casino studios in Malta, Ezugi offers an extensive range of live dealer games including live Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, 21+3, Lottery, Keno, Perfect Pairs, Hybrid Blackjack, Double Ball Roulette, Wheel of Dice, Knockout Baccarat, Texas Hold’em and Caribbean Stud Poker.
Net Ent: NetEnt’s collection of live dealer games is comprehensive and with multiple tables running around the clock you never have to wait more than a few minutes to join in on a live game.
Note unlike computerised casino games trialled for free in demo mode before making a deposit, live dealer games require real money bets in order to play.
Can I play their games via Web browser without downloading?
Leading game developers recognise not all players want to download software, which is why the best online casino software can now be accessed directly via your Web browser.
Browser based casinos are powered using Flash, making them accessible on both PCs and Macs, regardless of what operating system or Web browser (Safari, Chrome, Explorer, Firefox) you’re running. Simply click our links to head to a reputable no-download casino and you’ll be able to play real money games instantly.
For those who prefer to download dedicated casino software, several sites offer this option. Microgaming powered casinos like Royal Vegas Casino, Jackpot City Casino and 32Red Casino also offer the option of downloading a unique casino client. Downloads are free and will only take a few minutes to complete, giving you full access to the same range of games available at the instant-play casino plus a couple of additional games exclusive to the downloadable software.
Essentially, instant-play browser casinos and downloadable casino software offer the same features and games, so the format you use will come down to personal choice.
Advantages and features of online gaming versus land-based games
Online gaming presents many advantages over gambling in a land based casino. The most obvious benefit is online gaming provides the upmost in convenience, with games available anywhere you can access the Internet. Going to the effort of dressing up to head out for a night at a land based casino simply can’t compare with the comfort and ease of playing in your own home in your comfiest clothes without having to spend extra money on casino incidentals.
The second biggest advantage of playing online is the game variety, with hundreds more games to choose from than you’ll find in a land based venue. Unlike real life casinos which only offer the table game variants in favour of the house, online casinos offer diverse game collections where the player has the freedom to choose games with odds suiting them. This means you can also hone your skills on a game which might not be offered at your closest bricks and mortar casino.
Along with hundreds of pokies, online casinos offer an extensive range of blackjack, roulette, poker, video poker and baccarat variants, as well as virtual scratch cards and number games like keno and bingo.
The fierce competition between game developers like the ones outlined above means players are constantly benefitting from new games using innovative technology and state of the art animation – there’s always something new and exciting to experience.
On top of all that, online casinos extend welcome packages and exclusive promotional offers you simply won’t find in a land based casino.
