Microgaming has been a pioneer and market leader in online casino games, particularly online slots. This article takes players down Microgaming history to look at some important landmark slots.

Microgaming launched its first online casino in 1995 with software that had to be downloaded. Over the next three years several operators became Microgaming licensees. But there was no connectivity between the online casinos. 1998 saw the launch of Cash Splash, the Internet’s first wide area progressive jackpot slot. Players at different Microgaming online casinos could contribute to the same progressive jackpot, thereby increasing liquidity. The Microgaming instant play software was launched in 2000. Players did not have to download the software. The instant play software had three popular Microgaming online slots - Double Magic, Fantastic Sevens and Jurassic Jackpot.

The year 2002 gave further impetus to Microgaming progressive jackpot online slots when Major Millions set a world record for the largest online jackpot win of over $1.5 million. In 2003, Microgaming upgraded its download software to Viper. This allowed for online slots that were rich in graphics, animations and features, like Thunderstruck. Microgaming tried an innovative experience with Mega Spin slots. These slots allowed players to spin a number of sets of reels simultaneously. Unfortunately, this concept did not catch on.

By 2004, mobile phone penetration and technology had advanced to the extent of supporting real money casino games. Microgaming entered the field with its title Double Magic. Many of its new games were simultaneously released for mobile devices. At the same time Microgaming began to convert its older titles for mobile gaming. In 2005 Microgaming gave another first to the online casino industry. It launched the first branded online slot game titled Tomb Raider. This featured Lara Croft and was based on the video game from Eidos Interactive.

Mega Moolah is easily the most popular progressive jackpot network in the industry. It was launched as a stand-alone slot game in 2006. It is so structured that it creates a millionaire every time it is hit. Over the years Microgaming added other slot games to this progressive network. In 2018, this progressive paid almost 19 million, creating the record for the highest ever online progressive hit.

In 2009 Microgaming introduced another new feature in a slot game. Burning Desire was released for Valentine Day with 243 ways to win. This means that there are no defined paylines but all possible combinations could result in payouts. This structure is fairly common with all online casino games suppliers now.