There might be more than 1,000 internet gambling sites throughout the word, but there are probably fewer than 10 software providers that make the industry run. In fact, only six software firms account for the majority of internet gaming software.

Gambling sites that use the major brands of software generally are more reliable since a casino’s reputation, and therefore its profits, rests on players trusting the house not to cheat the players. As such, if an internet casino advertises that it uses its own proprietary software, software no one else but that casino uses, then a player might think twice about offering up his or her money. Below is a list of the major providers of internet gambling software.

Microgaming, a private South African software firm, is the oldest and one of the largest providers of internet gambling software. It was founded in 1994 and employs more than 150 programmers. It offers the largest selection of games and good sign up bonuses. It also offers good odds on baccarat, Caribbean stud poker, and video poker.

Another of the oldest internet casino software providers is Cryptologic, a Canadian firm founded in 1995. Its Global Edition software offers a large variety of games, many multi player. Cryptologic offers good odds on roulette and let it ride.

Dutch software provider Playtech has an excellent reputation in the online casino gambling industry. The company was founded by a partnership of traditional casino owners, specialists in e-commerce, and multimedia designers. It offers high odds on video poker and boasts a client list of reputable casinos.

Real Time Gaming, an American software company founded in 1998, has the reputation for having the best online casino software. That does not extend to its licensing policy. The policy is limited to the software itself and not those who use it.

While Boss Media offers smaller bonuses than the other software providers, it has a reputation for its quality of service. It is a Swedish company founded in 1997 and has approximately 110 employees. Boss Media also owns the e-cash processor WebDollar. Boss Media software offers excellent odds on blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker.

Graduates of the Israel Institute of Technology founded Random Logic in 1997, the year internet gambling took off around the world. Its software is licensed exclusively to Cassava Enterprises, the company that operates Casino on Net, the world's largest online casino, among others.