In this article we discuss the two main types of casino software as well as take a look at some of the major software providers. The software is one of the most important aspects of online casinos as it is where you play the games, make your deposits and withdrawals and find out about casino promotions.

There are two main types of software;

• Download Required
• No Download Required

Every casino offers at least on of these types and the majority offer you the choice or both. So which type is better? In general we suggest going for the free downloads for several reasons with one main exception. Today 99% of the software available for download is only Windows PC compatible - it will not work on a Mac.

Downloading has some advantages. Once you have the software set up on your computer you can play it instantly so apart from the wait for the initial download it makes it very easy to simply open up your casinos software rather than having to visit the casinos web site to open the no download version.

The downloads also tend to offer bigger game ranges and more advanced features although lately the no download versions have been getting better and better so at some point this will not be an issue.

Clearly if you do not like downloading and installing software then the no download versions can be an easy way to get started. Most of them use Flash which is installed on over 95% of computers today. The other advantage of flash casinos is that you can play them from any computer instantly. So for example if you were at work and business was slow you could load up a casino in your browser.

Today there are over fifty different online casino software providers. We suggest you stick to casinos that use on of the big five brands. These are Microgaming, Wagerlogic / Cryptologic, Real Time Gaming, Odds On Vegas Technology and Playtech. Below we take a look at each of these brands.

Microgaming Systems
Established in 1994, Microgaming Systems was one of the pioneers of online gaming. They currently power well over 100 casino sites and another 80 or so online poker rooms and bingo sites. Their software platform has one virtually all of the industry awards and is constantly being upgraded.

In total there are over 200 different games available in the Microgaming software downloads and new games are added every month. All games feature realistic graphics and sounds which adds to the whole online gaming experience. All Microgaming casinos have their payout percentages independently audited on a month basis. Over the long term the pay outs have been above the online average.

Wagerlogic / Cryptologic
Also an early entrant into the online casino business, Wagerlogic is owned by the Cryptologic company which is publicly listed on the NASDAQ as well as the London and Toronto stock exchanges. The biggest Wagerlogic brand is InterCasino which has been voted "Best Online Casino" by players in the GOM readers awards.

All Wagerlogic casinos feature just over 120 different games. One of the best features of the software is the multi player gaming tables where you can play games such as blackjack, baccarat or roulette with other players from around the globe. Of course in addition to tables Wagerlogic offers the full suite of casino games.

Real Time Gaming (RTG)
Founded in 1998, Real Time Gaming is the software behind just over 80 online casinos. The casinos are very popular among video poker players as they have an exception range of video poker games including 50 and 100 hand versions. They have also recently added a whole new range of video slots.

Odds On Gaming / Vegas Technology
While Odds On only powers a hand full of online casinos they have become a well respected company by both players and industry experts alike. In business since 1997 they have recently added a whole range of slot machine from Bally Gaming and have become the first ever online casino to offer free slot machine tournaments.

Playtech
Another publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange, Playtech is probably the fastest growing online casino software provider. They offer some of the best looking games we have seen and add new games every quarter. Playtech casinos have a great live chat feature within the software so if you need to ask support a question it is simply one click away.