As explained in a 2013 Forbes article, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 all but brought a stop to the iGaming industry in the US. However, after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision gave individual states the authority to legalize online gambling, the market once again began to flourish.
Resultantly, this saw many of the internet’s top iGaming software providers voluntarily exiting the US market granted licenses by states like New Jersey and Nevada. While initially, this was a relatively small, the number of software providers licensed in regulated jurisdictions in the US has grown significantly.
Licensed Casino Software Providers in the US
As the market continues to develop in the US and the list of software developers increases, the regulation of the US market has been a welcomed addition for vocal critics of the UIGEA. This has resulted in established brands like MGM and Caesars once again opening the door for American players to access some of the net’s top iGaming software providers.
Resultantly, the list of top iGaming software providers is impressive and includes names like Barcrest, Bet Digital, Digital Gaming Corporation, Design Work Gaming, Everi, Greentube, High 5 Gaming, Incredible Technologies, Inspired Gaming, Konami, Lightning Box, IGT, NextGen Gaming, NetEnt, Red 7, Red Tiger, ReelPlay, Shuffle Master, Side City Games, Slingo, Spin Games, and Wild Streak, to name a few.
Fortunately, the benefits of having access to state-licensed iGaming casinos and the respective software providers adds up for Americans. Most notably, it has had an impact on the marketing efforts and the inherent promotional value that is associated with iGaming establishments. While proponents of iGaming establishments will be familiar with promotional marketing efforts such as welcome bonuses, other offers like no deposit bonuses are good for first timers as they provide a free no-cost introduction to the casino.
Still, the value in promotional marketing pales in comparison to the value derived by the software providers offering iGaming products in the US. The list is substantial and includes top Gaming brands like:
- Microgaming: Established in 1994, Microgaming has grown into one of iGaming’s most recognized suppliers. With a portfolio that includes over 800 mobile and desktop compatible casino games, its portfolio includes slots, network progressives, table games, live dealer games, bingo, and poker.
- WMS: WMS Games, otherwise known as Scientific Games, is a known provider of land-based slots and other gaming terminals. As part of its iGaming catalog, they include hundreds of their most famous titles for online and mobile play applications.
- Big time Gaming: As an exclusive distributor of iGaming video slots, Bigtime Gaming is best known for the development of their megaways series of slots. With over 40 games in their Megaways series, Big Time Gaming includes titles like Wheel of Fortune Megaways, Monopoly Megaways and Lil Devil.
- Bally Games: As part of the Scientific Games franchise, Bally Games is a recognizable brand that features hundreds of classic, video and progressive slots. Available for desktop and mobile applications, it includes notable brands like Fire Link, Hot Shot Inferno and Twin Fire Frenzy.
As you can see, the list of developers is significant, and due to their being established iGaming software providers, they offer substantial game catalogs. Moreover, while they are licensed within regulated US jurisdictions, they also are licensed by offshore gaming control boards. This is significant as it ensures games are provably fair and regularly checked to ensure regulatory compliance, both within the US market and abroad.
Licensed Live Casino Software Providers in the US
Similar to casino software providers, the US markets expansion has resulted in the demand for live casino entertainment. As there is a notable difference between the two software variants, the number of providers is significantly less. In part, this is due to the limited room for new game software development and the additional expense required for creating, maintaining and operating live gaming studios.
However, two of the largest names in Live Casino gaming are licensed within most regulated US markets. They provide access to a respectable inventory of live dealer gaming content and likewise offer unique live games designed to complement traditional variants like Blackjack, Hold’em Poker or Roulette. Currently, the licensed live casino software providers in the US include:
- Evolution Gaming
- Ezugi Gaming
US States Where Online Gambling is Legal
As mentioned, in 2018, the US Supreme Court decision gave individual states the authority to legalize online gambling. The decision resulted in legislators in multiple states tabling new legislation that would legalize online sports and casino betting within their borders. Unsurprisingly, legislators were faced with objections by special interest groups, and more so, by land-based casinos operators like Sheldon Atkinson.
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and by 2019, the first two states to enact legislation legalizing iGaming within their borders were Nevada and New Jersey. Since Nevada and New Jersey amended their gaming laws to include iGaming, the following states have joined the list of US states where online gambling is legal:
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
Non-Licensed Software Providers in the US
While there have been positive steps towards licensing iGaming software providers within the US, there are providers who have opted to continue operating within non-regulated US markets. Unfortunately, while they may be licensed for offshore operations, non-licensed software providers pose a risk to US players as there is no regulatory oversight.
Resultantly, the list of software providers who operate within non-regulated US markets includes:
- Saucify
- Rival Gaming
- Betsoft
- Realtime Gaming
While the software providers above are non-licensed in the US, it should be noted that they are licensed in offshore jurisdictions. While that is good news for US players in non-regulated markets, the problem is that most casinos promoting their services in non-regulated US markets tend to be predatory. More importantly. Due to their non-license status, US authorities have no oversight, nor do players have the opportunity for dispute resolution.
Since the pivotal decision by the US Supreme Court, more US states are realizing the potential for the increased revenue legalized online gambling can add to their state coffers. This includes Alabama, California, Hawaii, Minnesota, South Carolina, Kansas, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Alaska, Missouri, Vermont, Texas, Maine, and Georgia.
However, while much of the discussions around online gambling in the aforementioned US states are stalled while legislators present moral objections, the eventuality and needed revenue will likely prevail. How long that will take is difficult to predict as states like Mississippi have seen several attempts to legalize sports betting fail to materialize.
On the plus side, the potential for new markets is causing iGaming software providers to sit up and take notice. This is especially the case with the rise of blockchain technology and metaverse opportunities. Regardless of whether new states enact legislation, that is good news for proponents of iGaming in US states where online gambling is legal.
