Casino software
Since the first internet casinos appeared in the 1990s, online casino gaming has come a long way. The modern New Zealand casino player who heads online to play at their favourite site will find a playing experience that has changed out of all recognition over the last twenty years. That rapid evolution is down to the innovation and technological developments brought to the industry by an ever growing band of software developers.
Modern online casino software boasts smooth and attractive high definition graphics and animations, often in 3D, combined with evocative and entertaining sound effects, to create a truly immersive gaming environment. Modern software is also optimised for the player to make it as easy as possible to navigate the casino site and play the games. The vast majority of modern online casino games are designed to be easy to pick up so that newcomers don’t feel intimidated and are able to quickly get to grips with the play.
By Amelia Smith - Last modified 17/01/2025 - Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.
Table of contents
Microgaming Casinos
Playtech Casinos
NetENT Casinos
Amatic Casinos
Evolution gaming Casinos
Yggdrasil Casinos
Play 'n Go Casinos
Real Time Gaming Casinos
Cryptologic Casinos
Novomatic Casinos
Aristocrat Casinos
BetSoft Casinos
NextGen Casinos
Quickspin Casinos
Scientific Games Casinos
As a New Zealand player venturing into online casino gaming, you might wonder about game fairness. How can a computer replicate the randomness of a physical slot machine, roulette wheel, or card dealer? The answer lies in a piece of computer code called a Random Number Generator (RNG). Every online casino game uses an RNG to ensure each spin or deal is truly random.
Who provides the software for our favorite online casinos? Initially, casino operators developed their own proprietary software. This approach often led to a limited selection of games. To offer a broader range, online casinos began using software from third-party developers. As a result, you're likely to find a variety of games from different companies at your chosen casino.
An important innovation in online casino gaming was the adoption of HTML5 technology. This development ensured that games run smoothly across various devices and operating systems. It also resolved many early compatibility issues, particularly with Apple devices, making gaming more accessible than ever.
Modern casino software can be grouped into three main categories:
- Downloadable Software: Allows you to install the casino's software on your desktop, giving you direct access to the full library of games without navigating to the website.
- Instant Play Software: Enables you to play games directly in your web browser, without needing to download anything. This is now the most common option for online players.
- Mobile Apps: Many casinos offer apps that can be downloaded to your mobile device, providing access to most of their games and making gaming on the go easier than ever.
Microgaming
Microgaming has been a cornerstone of online casino gaming since the mid-1990s. Its influence on the industry is immense, offering a wide array of games and driving technological advancements.
Playtech
Playtech is renowned for its high-quality, licensed slots based on popular movies and franchises. New Zealand players frequently praise its engaging gameplay and excellent graphics.
NetEnt
With origins in land-based casinos, NetEnt has transitioned seamlessly to online gaming. Its cinematic slots are loved for their innovative features and visual appeal.
Amatic
Based in Austria, Amatic has been supplying land-based casinos since the early 1990s. In 2011, they ventured online, successfully recreating the real-world casino atmosphere for online players.
Evolution
Latvian company Evolution Gaming joined the online casino gaming revolution in 2006. They are well known for their innovative approach and the quality of their live casino titles.
Yggdrasil
One of the newest game development companies, Yggdrasil has won numerous awards for their high-quality, beautifully rendered slots titles such as Vikings Go Wild and Super Heroes.
Play N Go
Known for their technically strong, player-friendly titles, Play N Go has an excellent reputation among New Zealand players for the visual quality of their games and their wide range of jackpots and bonuses.
Real Time Gaming
One of the most experienced operators in the online casino industry, Real Time Gaming creates authentic table games and online slots that replicate the real-world casino feel.
Cryptologic
Canadian company Cryptologic is popular among New Zealand players for its player-friendly slots titles, driven by feedback and attention to detail.
Novomatic
Novomatic began as a producer of land-based casino games in the early 1980s. The Austrian company successfully transferred its expertise to the online world in 2011.
Aristocrat
Aristocrat Leisure Limited, an Australian company based in Sydney, dates back to the 1950s. Its move online has introduced its impressive gaming repertoire to a new audience.
Betsoft
Betsoft, a UK-based company, revolutionized the industry in 2008 with its Slots3 series, celebrated for their graphics and bonus features.
NextGen
NextGen became part of the NYX Gaming Group in 2011. Their platform-independent slots are popular for features like Dynareel, Slide A Wild, and Select A Play.
Quickspin
Founded in 2011, Quickspin is known for its award-winning, player-friendly slots with excellent mobile compatibility and presentation quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RNG, and why is it important?
An RNG ensures that every game outcome is random and fair, providing trust in the online casino industry.
What is HTML5 technology?
HTML5 enables games to run smoothly on any device, ensuring compatibility across platforms.
What are the main categories of casino software?
Downloadable software, instant play options, and mobile apps make up the main categories.
Which software providers are popular in New Zealand?
Companies like Microgaming, Playtech, and Evolution are highly regarded by Kiwi players.
Do mobile apps offer the same features as desktop versions?
While most features are available, some games may not be optimized for mobile.
How can I ensure the software is legitimate?
Look for licenses and certifications from reputable gambling authorities.