Microgaming: The Legacy Behind Mega Moolah and Games Global

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Microgaming Ratings

Our review team has rated Microgaming Casino Games on the categories below and Microgaming scores an awesome 94% ratings overall.

Microgaming Casinos and Slots

Microgaming is one of the most influential names in online casino software, having developed the first true online casino software in 1994 and the first mobile casino software in 2004. The Microgaming name still appears across thousands of slots and casino games at operators worldwide, even though the way the company operates has changed significantly since those early years.

Situated on the Isle of Man within walking distance of Douglas Promenade, the company’s towering head office was officially opened on 31 July 2017.

Microgaming built its reputation on an unbeatable range of epic games and branded blockbusters, releasing new titles across desktop and mobile platforms for decades. Few software developers in the industry’s history can compare to the sheer level of quality and quantity the brand produced during its peak years as an active game studio.

Microgaming is a founding member of eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), which sets the standard in fair and responsible gaming, and ran a well-regarded CSR initiative, Microgaming PlayItForward, supporting local health, education and sports causes on the Isle of Man.

Microgaming At a Glance

Founded 1994, Isle of Man
Game Catalogue Today Owned and distributed by Games Global since 2022
Microgaming Today Operates as Apricot Investments, focused on platform systems and sports betting technology
Legacy Game Library 600+ casino games, 300+ online slots
Operator Reach 900+ gaming brands
Flagship Jackpot Mega Moolah, still branded and distributed via the Games Global network

The Games Global Transition

In 2022, Microgaming sold its Quickfire distribution business and its entire portfolio of online games to Games Global Limited, a private capital-backed company. That deal transferred ownership of Microgaming’s exclusive game content, including its flagship progressive jackpot network, along with its relationships with an operator base of more than 900 gaming brands worldwide.

Since the sale closed, Games Global has managed the rights to the Microgaming-branded game library and its progressive jackpots, while Microgaming itself, now operating as Apricot Investments, shifted its focus to platform systems and services, and to its proprietary sports betting technology, which it continues to license to operators including Betway.

In practice, this means the “Microgaming” name players see on slot titles today is largely a legacy brand carried forward by Games Global, rather than an indication that Microgaming itself is still actively developing new casino games. The history, milestones and classic titles covered on this page reflect Microgaming’s era as an active game studio, from 1994 through to the 2022 transition.

How Many Games Did Microgaming Develop?

Across its history as an active game studio, Microgaming developed over 600 casino games, more than 300 of which were online slots. At its peak, the company was releasing up to 4 new online slots every month, with its software available at over 120 online casinos, and around 40 of the most successful and well-known poker rooms also ran on Microgaming’s software.

That legacy library, known for massive jackpots, detailed graphics and exhilarating themes, is what Games Global now distributes to Microgaming’s former operator network.

What Awards Did Microgaming Win?

Across its years as an active developer, Microgaming won numerous industry awards, including:

EGR B2B Awards

  • 2017: Mobile Gaming Software
  • 2015/2011: Poker Network
  • 2016/2015/2014/2013/2012: Poker Software
  • 2013: Innovation in RNG Casino Software, Innovation in Bingo, and Highly Commended: Live Casino Supplier
  • 2012: RNG Casino Supplier
  • 2011: Innovation in Slot Provision
  • 2010: RNG Casino Supplier

Awards for Excellence

  • 2017: Sure Award for Workplace Wellbeing
  • 2014: Celton Manx Award for Corporate Social Responsibility
  • 2012: Baker Tilly Isle of Man Award for Corporate Social Responsibility
  • 2009: Abacus Award for Innovation and Independent Thinking
  • 2008: Nationwide International Award for Business Person of the Year, Microgaming CEO
  • 2008: Capital International Limited Award for Company of the Year
  • 2007: Capital International Limited Award for New Business or Programme Development
  • 2006: IOM Steam Packet Award for New Organisation of the Year

Global Gaming Awards

  • 2016/2015/2014: Digital Product
  • 2015: Digital Gaming Innovation

International Gaming Awards

  • 2017: Mobile Product of the Year
  • 2016: Innovator of the Year

ReB Awards

  • 2017: Workplace Responsible Business Initiative of the Year for Private
  • 2017: Community Initiative of the Year for Private

SPARK

  • 2017: Spark the Change Award

BEGE Awards

  • 2016: Biggest Online Games Portfolio

How Did Microgaming Begin?

Microgaming was established in 1994, launching its first online casino, Gaming Club. At that time, most people did not have internet access in their homes, but the company persevered, knowing it was onto something big.

In 1998, Microgaming launched a slot called Cash Splash, the first game to have a progressive jackpot. A portion of each spin was placed into a pooled jackpot that could only be triggered when a specific combination appeared on the wheel. This innovation allowed Microgaming to secure some of the largest gaming clients worldwide.

Microgaming released its Viper software in 2002, taking the company to even greater heights.

In 2005, Microgaming released the first co-branded, trend-setting slot game, Tomb Raider. The game used graphics from the popular comic book and movies. By 2008, Microgaming had reached several milestones, including becoming the first company to launch an online slot with 100 paylines. Soon after, it set a world record when one of its progressive jackpots paid out over $10 million.

Microgaming also released a feature called My Slot, which had never been seen before, giving players the option to upload their own graphics into the software so they could personalise the game however they desired.

In the early 2000s, Microgaming began developing other gaming software, including the Microgaming Poker Network and Bingo software.

With the introduction of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act in 2006, Microgaming’s management decided not to risk the future of the company by remaining in the US market, and closed their US business as a result.

Microgaming continued releasing new, top-notch games with modern technological advances right up until its 2022 transition, at which point its game portfolio passed to Games Global.

What Type of Microgaming Slots and Games Are Offered?

Microgaming built its reputation on the saying “Our games are made to be played,” and its legacy portfolio includes imaginative creations alongside some of the best-known names in entertainment.

The library, now distributed through Games Global, remains one of the biggest and most diverse casino game portfolios in the industry, spanning Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker alongside its slots. The slot categories include classic slots, video slots and fruit machine-style games, featuring a variety of creative themes, 3 and 5 reel formats, and differing paylines. There are also multiplayer games that bring an additional element of social interaction, plus tournaments and community games.

The catalogue includes some of the biggest branded names in the industry, from Terminator 2™, Jurassic World™ and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider™ to Game of Thrones™ and Playboy™ Gold. Microgaming’s in-house production team also created some of its most successful original games, including Avalon, Dragonz, Hot as Hades, Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck, all of which remain available today through Games Global’s distribution network.

These games are still offered in most formats, including no-download, download, live and mobile.

Does Microgaming Offer a Progressive Jackpot?

The progressive jackpot network built under the Microgaming name is the largest of its kind in the world. In 2015, it set the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Jackpot Payout in an Online Slot Machine Game,” when a UK Betway player won the GBP equivalent of €17,879,645.12 from a 25p spin.

That jackpot network, including top-rated titles like Mega Moolah, is now operated and distributed via Games Global. This company continues to offer some of the biggest progressive jackpot prizes in the industry. The prizes aren’t confined to slots either. Jackpots remain available across various table games at leading casinos carrying the Microgaming-heritage library.

Is There a Mobile Platform?

Microgaming entered the mobile gambling space in 2004. It was one of the world’s leading suppliers of mobile gambling solutions during its years as an active developer. Its mobile games run on everything from older devices through to the latest tablets and smartphones. Including Apple, Android and BlackBerry.

The mobile games are compatible with the HTML5 gaming platform. Offering strong quality with clear audio and rich, sharp graphics. And using swipe and tap technology for quick and easy navigation. A number of older titles remain compatible with the legacy HTML4 platform. Furthermore, some mobile games are still available for devices running Java.

Microgaming also created GameWire, offering safe and secure transactions for mobile gaming. With all sensitive data encrypted using standard protocols before being stored in a database. This mobile infrastructure continues to underpin the Microgaming-branded games now distributed through Games Global.

Casinos Using Microgaming Software

Microgaming Based Slots

About Heather Gartland

Heather's background in banking and extensive experience in senior management positions has been instrumental in her success as a business owner and content writer in the iGaming industry. Her ability to manage teams and develop strategies has allowed her to grow her business, which now includes over 140 online gaming websites.

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