Microgaming – A Pioneer of Online Casino

Last updated Jan 12, 2018

Microgaming – A Pioneer of Online Casino

One of the oldest and most well-known providers of software for casinos online is Microgaming. Their story begins in 1994, when they launched the first(?) online casino. Since then they have grown to deliver gaming solutions and software for a wide collection of the main online casinos and has, among other things, beaten the record for the highest awarded progressive jackpot multiple times.

FACTS

Owner: Microgaming Software Systems Ltd
License: Issued by the UK Gambling Commission
Certified by: eCogra, Mega, Remote Gambling Association, BMM Compliance and Gambling Laboratories International
Play in Browser: Yes
Game Client for Download: Yes
Mobile Casino: Yes
Live Casino: Yes

Microgaming says, despite a series of impressive figures, that they do not allow themselves to be defined by numbers. Instead, it is all about genuine care when it comes to games, casino operators to collaborate with, and players. As one of the supervisory organization eCOGRA’s founders, they are active in setting the standards for fair and responsible gaming. The company also puts great emphasis on sharing their successes to their local community and to deal with issues such as health, sports, and education on the Isle of Man.

Gaming Software from Microgaming

Microgaming offers a wide array of game software in the following categories:

Casino Games: A large and diverse portfolio of casino games with well-known titles such as Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, Bridesmaids, and Playboy. Microgaming also has a long list of brands that they themselves created from scratch, such as Avalon, Thunderstruck, Hot As Hades, and Immortal Romance. In total there are 850 titles in the game portfolio.
Mobile Games: Microgaming have been involved in mobile games since 2004 and in the portfolio you will find casino games, bingo, poker, sports betting, multiplayer games, and games with live dealers. Their games are programmed for HTML5, iOS or Android, and consists of a total of 350 titles. The mobile games come with an auto play feature, built in assurance for interrupted connections, message handling for players, and a revolutionary swipe-and-tap interface.
Bingo: Microgaming’s bingo game has an advanced bonus and loyalty system which they believe gets the players to continue playing. Each bingo room is fully equipped with multiple configuration options to give players the chance to win the prizes they wish for, on the computer or cell phone. In 2012, their bingo software generated the largest jackpot in online bingo history – £5.88 million from a bet of 30 pence.
Poker: The award-winning MPN is one of the oldest established poker networks and was launched in March 2003. It is available in several languages and provide players with regular promotions, action 24 hours a day, several side games, a market-leading performance system, and much more. Microgaming offers all variations of poker, and the fast version Blaze Poker has been a great success.
Live dealer: Microgaming’s live dealers are offered via HD video streaming, with support for multiple languages, and gaming in multiple windows simultaneously. The games offered include Baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, and these have with a gaming experience that, to the greatest extent possible, should feel like you are playing at a casino.

Microgaming’s Story

So it Began

Microgaming’s story begins in the young days of online casinos – 1994 – and started its days as one of the casinos on the web. They even claim that this was the very first functional casino which was launched on the internet, which we could neither find confirmation for or against. Certainly, they were in all cases among the first. Shortly after, however, they decided that it was probably better if they concentrated on the development of casino games and to license them to other online casinos.

Said and done, they put their own online casino on the shelf and began to focus on expanding its line of games and to provide others with software. In 1996, they got their first license online and the company aimed toward success. The coming years, they signed many more licenses and created a reputation as a leader in its field.

Key Moments in Microgaming’s History

There have been many, many moments in Microgaming’s history that have affected the company and the online gaming industry at large. In 1997, they became one of the members who helped to start up the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC), an organization that still exists. One of the organization’s main objectives is to ensure fair and responsible practices in the interactive games industry and to improve consumer confidence.

In 1998, Microgaming launched its Cash Splash slot, which was the first online slot with a progressive jackpot. Since then, progressive jackpots have become an everyday thing at most online casinos. Shortly after this, they introduced their new software which gave players the option to download games or run them directly in the browser.

In 2001, Microgaming had released its casino software in multi-language versions and developed software that allowed players to download casino games at the same time as they were playing others. That same year, Microgaming was appointed the best software provider by Casino Player Magazine, their first of many awards. In 2002, Microgaming won more awards from Gambling Express Magazine and Gambling Online Magazine. One of their slots – Major Millions – sat the world record of having the highest paid out jackpot through the ages. The winnings were €1.5 million.

Even 2003 was a big year for Microgaming. Besides winning more awards, they improved their software and added many advanced features. They introduced its poker software and launched a poker network for license holders. They also took part in starting up e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), an organization that inspect games operators online and ensures best practices.

In 2008, Microgaming released the first slot with 100 lines. The following year, another one of their slots – Mega Moolah – paid out yet another world record for a progressive jackpot of over €6 million. Now their game portfolio had reached more than 400 downloadable games and over 200 Flash-based games. And in the years that followed, more games would supervene.

In 2011, Microgaming improved its mobile casino software and they also offered the first real 3D-slot online. The same year, Bad Beat hit a record jackpot at their poker network with a payout in excess of $500 000. The following year, they launched a new form of poker – Blaze Poker – to compete with other speed poker games that were becoming popular. They also introduced a new way to distribute rakes for their poker network.

Microgaming Today

Microgaming is currently headquartered on the Isle of Man, and in spite of fierce competition, they continue to win awards and their popularity among players seem to be higher than ever. The company has over the years maintained its position at the top, despite difficulties on the way, such as discontinued licenses and criticism towards the company.

Games from Microgaming

As mentioned, Microgaming has a huge selection, with over 850 titles in its casino game selection and over 350 titles among its mobile games. Below you will find some of the most popular slots, table games, scratch cards, and video poker games.

Slots

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