Microgaming – Overview of Microgaming

There are a lot of ‘Firsts’ in the history of MicroGaming – who remain one of the largest suppliers of casino software to this day. They launched the very first internet casino way back in 1994, introduced the first progressive slot jackpot and formed the first governing body for online casino games too. MicroGaming also created a poker network, live dealer games and some of the most innovative and popular slot games anywhere online.

This article takes you through the history and technology of this casino slots giant. First of all a look back in time to the key events in the history of this company. After that I have explained how the technology has developed from the early downloads through to the latest mobile casino offerings. Some of the awards this company has won over the years are briefly summarized, followed by my wrap-up at the end.

MicroGaming History

Microgaming SlotsThis company is based on the Isle of Man, UK. They created the first online casino back in 1994. While most people add ‘claimed to have’ when referring this first casino, I have yet to see any competing claim or evidence contradicting this. Today, MicroGaming (along with PlayTech and NetEnt) is one of the giants of online casino software. They do not offer games to players directly, instead licensing them to casino operators.

MicroGaming is known for their linked progressive jackpots. Certain slot games make their biggest prizes available for all casinos which host the slot. This means that the prizes go up very quickly – 100’s of casinos are involved. With multi-million prize pools on offer, many more players are attracted to the machines. While many software houses have these in place, MicroGaming was the first to use this linked-jackpot system back in 1998. They were record holders for the largest ever single payout for many years – and still hold that accolade in many categories.

In addition to the huge reach of the casino games, MicroGaming has been involved in Poker. Their network was previously known as the Prima Network. This has since been rebranded under the MicroGaming name as MPN (MicroGaming Poker Network). The business model is the same as for the casinos – licensing to 3rd party operators rather dealing with players directly. MicroGaming survived one of poker’s biggest scandals, when in 2008, licensee Tusk Gaming went into liquidation, taking player funds along with it.

This company has been behind many of the initiatives to bring legitimacy to the online casinos industry. In 1995 they were one of the founder members of the Interactive Gaming Council, which oversees the industry. MicroGaming also became a founder member of the widely respected eCogra organization.

MicroGaming Games

There have been more than 700 games over the 20 years since MicroGaming got started. Many of these have since been retired. This company continues to produce new titles, many of which are at the cutting edge of casino development.

Originally, the games were all available via a Windows and later Mac download. These are now being replaced by a growing number of in-browser games. MicroGaming is able to detect your device and optimize the way the game operates depending on this. The latest ‘Viper’ software delivers an incredible experience for both computers and mobile devices using Java and Flash. If your device is not able to handle the optimized games, the software automatically provides a lighter version. There are now more than 100 native apps, and more than 40 games using HTML5 which will work on iPhones.

Interactive bonus features, animations and special play options on the reels and tie-ins with big movie and TV franchises are standard for MicroGaming. You’ll also get a huge choice of table games (more than 20 variations in some categories) and many novelty and entertainment titles too.

MicroGaming Awards

No other company has scooped so many industry awards over the years – many of them the top accolades from respected organizations. There are too many to list on one short page, so instead here are some recent highlights:

Winner of best iGaming Casino Software at the iGaming Business awards 4 times, with the most recent in 2010. 9 awards from eGR, including Innovation in RNG casino software 2013, plus awards for poker, bingo and a mention for the Live-Dealer games. 3 Separate awards from Casinomeister and several more from industry magazines and online brands.

Microgaming Summary

Many of the world’s most popular online slots are MicroGaming titles. Their quality, stability and device compatibility are all first-class. With 20 years of experience in online casino gaming, this software provider has an unrivalled reputation in the industry. What you will find is that their age has not stopped them becoming one of the most innovative slots makers out there. The transition to mobile devices (including Apple products) is moving very quickly – while maintaining the playability and innovative bonus features which made the games popular in the first place.

Associate Writer: Geoff enjoys both live and online poker as well as casino games, and is particularly knowledgeable about the legal landscape of online gambling.