When online casino gambling was introduced in the mid 1990s, software providers like Microgaming and Cryptologic offered complete software packages. Online casino operators had to select the package from one software provider and offer only those games to their players. This system was in force for almost a decade. It was inconvenient to players because they had to sign up at different online casinos to play a variety of games and the operators also did not like it too much because the players moved around a lot. But in the initial stages of online casino gambling there was no choice.

To overcome this problem independent software platforms were developed. These platforms offered the complete administrative packages without the games. Independent online casino games developers began to service these platforms. One of the earliest independent games developer was NextGen Gaming whose games could be found at online casinos powered by Vegas Technology and Cryptologic. Then the hitherto dedicated software package suppliers began to see the advantages and the necessity of offering the flexibility. WagerWorks came out with its remote gaming server. Online casino operators could decide between taking the complete WagerWorks package and picking off individual games from the remote gaming server. WagerWorks is the online software division of International Game Technology (IGT). IGT has popular slot machines in many land casinos. WagerWorks has converted many of these slot machines for online gambling and they are in great demand among online casino players. Virgin Casino and 888 Casino are operators who make extensive use of the WagerWorks remote gaming server.

When Cryptologic developed branded slots in partnership with Marvel Comics, it changed the face of online gambling. These slot games based on the popular super heroes that had enthralled a couple of generations of comic books readers were suddenly available as online casino games. Cryptologic realized the potential of licensing them to a wider range of operators than those offering its dedicated product. Over the last few years Cryptologic Marvel super hero slots and its Casual Games slots have been licensed to leading independent software platforms and through them to their online casino operators. In fact this mode of operation today generates more revenue for Cryptologic than its dedicated casinos.

Microgaming is known for offering the best online casino games in the industry. However, till recently it offered these games only within its overall software package. Though online casino operators would have loved to offer these games to their customers, they could not afford to lose out on the growing flexibility in the industry. Ultimately it was Microgaming that had to make a concession. It developed the QuickFire platform through which it offers its leading games to a number of operators that have not opted for Microgaming’s complete package. Microgaming realized that its dedicated online casinos were losing out as well, not being able to offer the best games from other games developers. Therefore QuickFire was made to function both ways. It offers games from other developers to Microgaming online casinos.

Playtech remains the last of the major old style software providers that is persisting with its dedicated package. Playtech powered operators like Paddy Power and William Hill have found a way out of this. They offer a dedicated Playtech powered online casino and a separate Games portal that is serviced by multiple games developers.