Microgaming Casino Software Provider

In short: Microgaming was founded in 1994 and is based in Douglas, Isle of Man, and is widely credited with some of the earliest online casino software. In 2022 it sold its distribution business and games portfolio, including Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II and Immortal Romance, to Isle of Man-based Games Global, which holds MGA and UKGC licences. Microgaming itself now focuses on platform systems and services.

Microgaming is among the most recognizable names in the online gambling industry and is considered by many to be the first company to develop software for web-based casinos. The company has a long history in this field, although in 2022 it sold its games portfolio and distribution business to Games Global and now focuses on platform systems and services. Over its history, the software developer produced hundreds of games of every type one could possibly imagine – virtual slots, classic casino games like roulette, poker and blackjack, arcades, video poker, and various live dealer games. Many of those titles are still widely played, now distributed by Games Global. Each game on the developer’s portfolio is a feast for one’s senses – the graphics are exceptionally crisp and well-defined, the sounds are compelling while gameplay and navigation are smooth and trouble-free.

Portfolio ownership update: In its 3 May 2022 launch announcement, Games Global confirmed the acquisition of Microgaming’s distribution business, game intellectual property, progressive jackpot network and interests in several studios. The historical products described below should be read in that context; this was not an acquisition of the entire Microgaming company. Availability of individual games and services depends on the operator and market.

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Microgaming’s History and Achievements

Microgaming’s long history began in 1994, when entrepreneur Martin Moshal laid the foundations of what was to become one of the earliest and largest online gambling software developers in the world. Interestingly, Microgaming is a company whose roots can be traced to South Africa, although it is headquartered in Douglas, Isle of Man. Games Global, which took over its games portfolio in 2022, is also based on the Isle of Man.

Two years later, Microgaming introduced its web-based casino management tools and things quickly took off for the company. It teamed up with its first licensee in 1996, and quickly signed contracts with several other web-based operators. Soon after, Microgaming became one of the founding members of an organization, called the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC). One of its main priorities is to establish and maintain fair practices in the online gambling industry and earn the confidence and trust of players across the world.

Microgaming’s popularity and reputation continued to grow as in 1998, the developer released the first progressive jackpot slot – Cash Splash. Microgaming’s influence is undeniable as today, progressive slots have become a standard and are available in a mind-blowing number of online casinos. The next step was to introduce players to the option of choosing between playing via a downloadable client or directly on the web, which Microgaming did shortly after the release of the Cash Splash slot. Downloadable casino clients have since been replaced by browser-based HTML5 play.

In 2001, Microgaming won what was to become the first of its many awards – the Casino Player magazine named the company the Best Software Supplier of the year. 2002 was somewhat of a turning point for the software provider. First of all, Microgaming snatched two more prestigious awards, one was granted by Gambling Online and the other by Gambling Express. In addition, the developer considerably expanded its catalog, added various cool and helpful features to its client and released yet another progressive slot – Major Millions. The latter held the record for the biggest jackpot won for quite some time.

But Microgaming’s achievements do not end here. In the following years, the software developer released its own poker network, known as the Microgaming Poker Network or simply MPN. The number of licensees who teamed up with the company continued to increase at staggering rates. Then again, Microgaming went on to become a founding member of yet another player-protection organization – the reputable eCOGRA. In 2006, the first Microgaming Live Dealer games were introduced to the market. The following years saw the release of many advanced slots which are considered absolute classics at the present moment. Hell Boy, Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, Battlestar Galactica, The Lord of the Rings are all staples in the developer’s portfolio. Microgaming is also the brand name behind the first ever 3D slot in the industry.

Microgaming’s historical catalogue spans slots, table games and progressive jackpots. The 2022 transfer to Games Global is relevant when checking who distributes those games today.

Microgaming and Online Gambling Regulations

A software brand alone does not establish whether a casino is licensed or suitable for a particular jurisdiction. Check the operator’s legal entity and licence with the relevant regulator; supplier and casino-operator permissions are distinct.

As became evident by the company’s history, Microgaming places a special emphasis on fairness and is among the founding members of two of the most respected testing agencies and player-protection organizations in the world. The IGC’s main occupation is to address and provide solutions to any ensuing problems players face as well as to protect their interests and rights.

Microgaming is among the founding members of eCOGRA, one of the biggest and most trusted independent testing authorities on the global scale. It has tested Microgaming games and licensee casinos to check random results and payout percentages, with audit reports published by certified casinos. In addition, eCOGRA helps solve in an impartial way any disputes, arisen between players and Microgaming’s licensees.

In addition, Microgaming was a member of the Remote Gambling Association or RGA, a London-based trade body which in 2019 merged into the Betting and Gaming Council. Established in 2005, the RGA also promoted responsible gambling and provides help to players whose gambling habits have become problematic and interfere with their professional and personal lives.

Historical Range of Products

Over its history, Microgaming has produced a vast range of interactive gambling products of supreme quality. The software developer became known for an extensive slots collection featuring hundreds of titles, which now sits with Games Global. Some of those have been inspired by popular films, the likes of Bridesmaids, Terminator 2, and Jurassic Park. Others like Cash Splash and The Dark Knight Rises go hand in hand with massive progressive jackpots.

The company receives a good amount of praise for its selection of exquisite table games. It matters not whether you enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps or poker – either way, you can rest assured Microgaming’s table variations will leave you breathless as each game on offer impresses with utmost authenticity in terms of visuals and sound effects. Navigation is easy, while gameplay is exceptionally smooth which makes for a pleasant, hassle-free and enticing gaming experience from the comfort of one’s home.

Microgaming previously ran its own Live Dealer platform, streaming baccarat, blackjack and roulette from land-based studios. It also offered the Playboy Live Dealer studio – the first branded live dealer studio in the industry. Its tables were hosted in a setting styled after a Playboy Club.

Microgaming also ran its own poker network, the MPN. Launched in 2003, the MPN was one of the longest-running poker networks until Microgaming closed it in 2020.

Microgaming also operated a bingo network until it closed it in 2020. It featured variants of the popular game, hundreds of side games as well as an integrated chat functionality and a rewarding bonus and loyalty program. One of the most noteworthy titles in the bingo network is Immortal Romance Bingo, where players compete against each other for the chance to spin the wheel in the Chamber of Wins to win a life-changing jackpot. Microgaming’s bingo network was reported to have paid one of the biggest online bingo jackpots as one lucky player managed to scoop nearly six million with a humble stake of 30 pence.

Being a pioneer in interactive gaming, Microgaming has been developing first-class games, compatible with mobile devices since 2004. In fact, the company’s mobile catalog is among the most extensive in the industry and runs on a vast range of portable devices, including iOS, Windows and Android-based smartphones and tablets. By the time of the 2022 sale its mobile catalogue had grown to hundreds of titles; new releases now come through Games Global and its partner studios. One of Microgaming’s greatest achievements is the development of the first-ever virtual slot, compatible with the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch.

Conclusion

Microgaming has paved the way for other notable software developers, specializing in the field of interactive casino games. Before the 2022 sale, the company had built a catalogue of hundreds of games distributed to a network that Games Global put at more than 900 gaming brands.

Microgaming’s game catalogue was built around diversity, playability and originality; today the company focuses on platform systems and services, while Games Global distributes the games. It matters not whether a given player prefers virtual slots, is interested in table classics like roulette and blackjack or prefers to play on the go. In all cases, check the casino’s own licence and terms before playing.

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