| Updated: September 26, 2025Slots occupy roughly one-third of the floor space in most land-based casinos and are available in the hundreds at online gambling sites. Game manufacturers have been steadily producing slot machines for more than a century now. Some of these companies, such as IGT and Aristocrat, are old dogs in the gambling industry; they began as land-based slot machine vendors. They have proven that there is still life in these old dogs, successfully adapting to the constantly evolving gaming industry by creating newer, better, and more original slots.
These manufacturers have built a bridge between the land-based and online sectors, catering to both markets. Other companies, such as Yggdrasil and Pragmatic Play, are younger and focus exclusively on the development of innovative online slots. Most online casinos prefer to work with third-party slot suppliers, while a select few gambling operators develop some of their slots in-house and rely on proprietary software.
This page features a roundup of what we consider the best slot suppliers in the industry, along with brief overviews of each of the listed companies. Also included are recommendations for the best slot games each company has released so far.
We have done our best to make our selection of slot suppliers as exhaustive as possible. The trouble is that thousands of slots have been launched over the years, so listing all titles and companies in one place is hardly feasible. However, if you feel we have missed a supplier that deserves to be on this list, feel free to get in touch with us.
Major Manufacturers of Landbased Slot Machines
We should not forget that slots started out as simple mechanical machines with three rotating drums and a limited number of symbols. A coin was inserted, a lever was pulled, and the machine paid out when the three reels produced a winning combination on the payline.
Over the past decade, however, things have changed for the better. Major manufacturers like IGT, Bally, and Aristocrat have helped shape the way land-based slots are played by introducing numerous improvements over the years.
Some of these include motor-driven coin hoppers, wide-area progressive jackpots, multi-tiered progressive jackpots, bar-coded payment slips, and banknote validators. The arrival of the virtual reel has allowed for bigger payouts, more symbol combinations, and different variance levels.
The companies listed below supply slots for both the brick-and-mortar and the online sectors. We have placed them in a separate category because they started out as land-based machine manufacturers.
IGT
Bally Technologies Aristocrat WMS Barcrest Novomatic GamingIGT
IGT (International Game Technology) leads the pack in sheer numbers and is widely regarded as the largest manufacturer of land-based slot machines in the world. The Las Vegas-based company maintains offices in more than 300 locations across 100 countries throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa.
IGT revolutionized slot manufacturing with the 1986 launch of the first-ever wide-area progressive game, Megabucks.
The next decade brought another legendary jackpot slot, the Wheel of Fortune game, based on the eponymous television game show.
Since its debut in 1996, the game has become one of the most successful branded slots in history, awarding more than one thousand jackpot prizes of over $1 million.
The company did not stop there. IGT entered the online gambling market through its 2005 acquisition of WagerWorks. In 2014, IGT was purchased by the German company Gtech for a hefty $6.4 billion. The acquiring firm chose to keep the popular and familiar name of its new brand.
- Popular landbased slots by IGT – Wheel of Fortune, Megabucks, Ghostbusters, Da Vinci Diamonds, Treasures of Troy
- Popular online slots by IGT – Cleopatra, Siberian Storm, Cats, Golden Goddess, Pixies of the Forest, Kitty Glitter, Wolf Run
Bally Technologies
Bally Technologies is a leading manufacturer of slot machines and other land-based gaming equipment. Established in 1968 as Advanced Patent Technology, the company initially focused on patents in diverse fields such as electronics, medicine, and optics, securing rights to inventions like ultrasonic meat tenderizers and dry-cleaning machines.
The company’s entry into the gambling market began eleven years later with the 1979 acquisition of major Nevada slot route operator the United Coin Machine Company.
In the years that followed, Bally introduced several revolutionary improvements, including a new multi-game machine format that enabled players to choose among different types of games. The machine, called the Game Maker, offered video poker, slots, and video blackjack.
Another notable achievement was the introduction of the so-called iReels, a feature that creates realistic three-dimensional effects on an LCD screen.
In November 2014, Bally was acquired by Scientific Games for $5.1 billion. Today, Bally remains a force to be reckoned with and continues to supply land-based casinos with innovative slot machines.
Many of its most popular land-based creations have been adapted for online play, including branded slots themed around popular musicians, movies, and television shows.
- Popular landbased slots by Bally Technologies – Cash Spin, Quick Hit, Blazing 7s, Hot Shot, Money Wheel, Titanic
- Popular online slots by Bally Technologies – Wonder Woman, Anchorman The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Michael Jackson King of Pop, Monopoly Millionaire, Wacky Races
Aristocrat
Based in Australia, Aristocrat has been “bringing joy to life through the power of play” ever since 1953, when it was founded by Len Ainsworth. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he is also the chairman of Ainsworth Game Technology, another major player on the gambling scene.
Aristocrat revolutionized the industry with the launch of the Club Master, a game that features a free-play lock. The 1960s marked a period of great expansion for Aristocrat, whose operations entered the European and North American markets.
The company’s global growth continued well into the next decade, when Aristocrat launched game-changers like the Wild West, an all-electronic slot machine. Aristocrat is also responsible for releasing the first slot machine to use five reels, while its Cash Express slot is among the first games to offer multi-tier progressive jackpots.
The company was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1996. It is presently licensed to operate in over 200 jurisdictions. An agreement with Amaya enabled Aristocrat to enter the online gambling market and roll out web-based versions of its most iconic land-based slots.
- Popular landbased slots by Aristocrat – Cash Express, Sons of Anarchy, Buffalo Stampede, 5 Dragons Legends, Big Red, Wolf Moon, Queen of the Nile, Britney Spears
- Popular online slots by Aristocrat – Big Ben, 5 Dragons, Dolphin Treasure, Lucky 88, Miss Kitty, Moon Festival, Firelight
WMS
You might be surprised to learn that WMS (Williams Gaming) began as a manufacturer of pinball and fortune-teller machines back in 1943. Founded by Harry Williams, the company branched out into slot manufacturing in 1994, shifting its entire focus to gaming several years later.
The year 1997 was a turning point in WMS’ history, as it launched its first hugely successful slot with multiple paylines, Reel ‘Em In. The game paid on five win lines – three horizontal, a V-shaped, and a chevron-shaped one – and included an original bonus round in which players pick an angler to reel in extra credits.
WMS is particularly popular for branded slots themed after music icons, franchises, and blockbusters, with games like Bruce Lee, Elton John, Clint Eastwood, Star Trek, and Men in Black among the prime examples.
The Nevada-based company derived most of its revenue from the North American market (70% in 2010), but its worldwide presence is also quite strong, especially in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, and South Africa.
In 2013, WMS was purchased for $1.5 billion by Scientific Games, though the merger was not officially completed until 2016.
- Popular landbased slots by WMS – The Wizard of Oz, Lord of the Rings, Reel ‘Em In, Bier Haus, Montezuma
- Popular online slots by WMS – KISS, Elvis, Raging Rhino, Zeus, Enchanted Fairy, Leprechaun’s Fortune, OMG! Kittens
Barcrest
Barcrest is a UK-based company that has been supplying land-based casinos with slot machines since 1968. Over the following decades, Barcrest expanded its operations and evolved into one of the most recognizable providers of land-based slot machines in the UK.
U.S. gambling giant IGT, seeking to expand its operations to the Old Continent, purchased the company in 1998. Roughly a decade later, another acquisition followed when Barcrest became a member of the Scientific Games family of brands.
- Popular landbased slots by Barcrest – Rainbow Riches, Monty’s Millions, Jewel in the Crown, Ooh Aah Dracula
- Popular online slots by Barcrest – Mermaid Queen, Moon Shadow, Excalibur’s Choice, Mighty Black Knight
Novomatic Gaming
Novomatic debuted on the gaming scene in 1980 and has since expanded its operations to more than 80 countries worldwide. Its portfolio includes over 300 premium online and land-based slots.
The company is headquartered in Austria but maintains offices in more than 40 other locations, including Italy, Spain, the USA, the Philippines, South Africa, and Hungary. Novomatic is considered one of the top slot suppliers in Europe, generating revenue of €5 billion in 2018 alone.
The Austrian company has made several important contributions to the gaming industry. It was among the first slot manufacturers to incorporate touchscreens into its machines. Novomatic branched out into the online gambling sector in 2010 after acquiring Greentube.
Many of Novomatic’s most iconic land-based games have been adapted for online play. Unlike younger software studios that focus on sophisticated, life-like graphics and animations, Novomatic maintains its emphasis on playability and classic design.
- Popular landbased slots by Novomatic – Rumpel Wildspins, Book of Ra, Captain Venture, Gorilla
- Popular online slots by Novomatic – Lucky Lady’s Charm, Hoffmania, Sizzling Hot, Sparta, Tales of Darkness, Columbus
Meet the Best Online Slot Software Developers
The online gambling industry has thrived over the past two decades. Part of this success can be credited to major software development companies like Microgaming, Playtech, and NetEnt, which focus exclusively on providing online casino games.
These companies have earned recognition for the innovative features of their slots. They operate the three largest wide-area progressive jackpot networks in the world and have been active since the dawn of online gambling.
In recent years, several younger slot developers, including Yggdrasil and Pragmatic Play, have entered the market, bringing fresh concepts, unconventional features, and modern designs.
NetEnt Pragmatic Play Yggdrasil Playtech Microgaming Play'n GONetEnt
NetEnt is a Sweden-headquartered supplier of casino gaming solutions, offering top-shelf slots, progressives, table games, and live dealer titles. When the company launched in 1996, NetEnt relied on Java technology for its games but has since transitioned to HTML5, which has rapidly become the industry standard.
The company has established a global presence, successfully entering regulated markets across Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia. It is publicly traded on the Stockholm Stock Exchange and employs more than a thousand people.
NetEnt’s slots are available exclusively via an instant-play platform and have earned the company multiple accolades over the years. The Swedish developer won an EGR Award for Innovation in Slot Provision in 2016.
The previous year, it was named Slot Provider of the Year 2015. Among its latest achievements is the 2019 Global Gaming Award for its slot Jumanji, which won in the GGA Casino Product of the Year category.
- Popular online slots by NetEnt – Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Jack and the Beanstalk, Narcos, Jumanji, Hotline, Dead or Alive, Vikings, Twin Spin, Jack Hammer, Aloha! Cluster Pays, Asgardian Stones
Pragmatic Play
Established in 2015, Pragmatic Play is one of the newest members of the growing family of online slot suppliers. Author Maya Angelou once said that there is strength in diversity, and the developers at Pragmatic Play seem to agree.
Despite its young age, the studio has expanded its portfolio to over 100 unique slots and casino games, ranking among the fastest-growing gambling companies in the world.
Pragmatic Play has earned several prestigious accolades over the last few years, including an EGR Award for Innovation in Slot Provision in 2018.
The number of online casinos offering Pragmatic Play slots continues to grow, with some of its largest partners including Mr Green, LeoVegas, the Kindred Group, and William Hill. Pragmatic Play holds licenses in more than 20 regulated markets, including the UK, Romania, the Philippines, and various Latin American jurisdictions.
- Popular online slots by Pragmatic Play – Great Rhino, Wolf Gold, Mustang Gold, Safari King, Ancient Egypt, Sweet Bonanza, Madame Destiny, Hot Safari
Yggdrasil
Newer software studio Yggdrasil (est. 2013) claims to offer a “superior” gaming experience, and one look at its high-end slot portfolio shows this is not an overstatement. Players praise its creations for their intricate gameplay, advanced graphics, and outstanding playability.
The secret behind Yggdrasil’s life-like games is iSense technology; every slot is built in HTML5, making it compatible with a vast range of desktop and mobile devices.
Within Yggdrasil’s slots, players can enjoy features such as sticky and expanding wilds, multiple-level free spins, cluster symbols, cascading reels, and selectable risk levels. The studio is also responsible for branded slots like Nitro Circus and progressive titles like Ozwin’s Jackpots.
- Popular online slots by Yggdrasil – Orient Express, Vikings Go Berserk, Wolf Hunters, Baron Samedi, Dwarf Mine, Jackpot Raiders, Gem Rocks, Eastern Island, Nirvana, Dr. Fortuno
Playtech
Playtech (est. 1999) is one of the most experienced providers of online slot software, standing shoulder to shoulder with Microgaming and NetEnt. The company has offices in 17 countries and holds licenses in more than 20 regulated jurisdictions.
Playtech does much more than develop slot content. It offers turnkey solutions, meaning its software platform provides everything an online gambling operator might need, covering everything from casino games, lotteries, and sports betting to promotional and personalization tools.
Playtech is widely recognized for its suite of progressive jackpot games. Its Marvel-themed progressives were immensely popular several years ago; however, the company removed them in April 2017 after the license expired.
The next step for Playtech was to unleash The Age of the Gods, a series of progressive mythology-themed slots with enormous random jackpots. The Isle of Man-based company is also known for its broad range of branded games, including titles like Top Gun, Rocky, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, and Gladiator.
- Popular online slots by Playtech – Epic Ape, Buffalo Blitz, Beach Life, Cat in Vegas, Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven, Irish Luck, Jackpot Giant, White King
Microgaming
By far, Microgaming boasts one of the most impressive slot portfolios, comprising hundreds of titles – a logical outcome given that the gambling giant began operations 25 years ago. The company was also behind the launch of the Gaming Club, the world’s first online casino.
Microgaming is highly regarded for operating one of the most lucrative progressive jackpot networks in the industry. Launched in 1998, Microgaming’s Cash Splash became the first online slot to feature a progressive jackpot.
Its Mega Moolah network has awarded more than $68 million in cash prizes between January and September 2019 alone.
The company is also celebrated for its branded range of slot games, which spans blockbuster titles like Playboy, Game of Thrones, Bridesmaids, and Jurassic World.
The year 2008 marked another milestone in Microgaming’s history with the release of the first online slot that pays on 100 win lines.
Microgaming’s slot products are available both via a download platform and in instant play on mobile and desktop. The company exited the U.S. gaming market in 2008 due to changes in local regulations but maintains a strong global presence with licenses in more than 20 other jurisdictions.
- Popular online slots by Microgaming – Immortal Romance, Avalon, Thunderstruck, Agent Jane Blonde, Game of Thrones, Tomb Raider, Battlestar Galactica, Bar Bar Black Sheep, King Cashalot, Break Da Bank
Play'n GO
Play’n GO is a Scandinavian software supplier known for its superb mobile slots built in HTML5. The company is based in Sweden but maintains offices in several other countries, including Hungary, Malta, and the UK.
The supplier continues to enhance its global footprint. In September 2019, it expanded its international reach through an agreement with Spanish gambling provider Codere.
Slots produced by Play’n GO are visually appealing, feature-packed, and diverse in theme. The games are available in roughly 30 different languages for instant play on mobile and desktop. Players can chase large jackpots in Play’n GO progressives such as Gunslinger and Fruit Bonanza.
- Popular online slots by Play’n GO – Demon, Hugo’s Adventures, Rise of Olympus, Legacy of Egypt, Imperial Opera, Moon Princess, Mermaid’s Diamonds, Viking Runecraft, Gemix
New vs. Established Slot Software Studios
Let's discuss how younger software suppliers measure against the old dogs of the industry.
Keen reel spinners often prefer casinos powered by experienced suppliers like Microgaming and Playtech because the latter boast an immaculate reputation for reliability and quality.
Newer companies need time to build slot portfolios as comprehensive as those of their older rivals. Their catalogs feature a significantly smaller number of slot titles.
Additionally, established software studios offer greater diversity in terms of games. Their catalogs comprise hundreds of slot titles, available across a wider range of online casinos.
Additionally, new arrivals to the industry have yet to expand and consolidate their presence on the global gaming market.
The games are adequately audited, which ensures high levels of protection for the players.
The positive here is that such young companies are bent on beating the competition. For the purpose, they incorporate original themes and newer, better features into their slot creations that you are unlikely to see in the games of industry dinosaurs like Microgaming.
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What Makes a High-End Slot Software Supplier?
The number of slot suppliers has grown significantly in recent years, making it difficult for casino newcomers to sift out the best providers. While gaming diversity is extremely important, it is not the only criterion you should consider. Below, we list several other qualities that define a high-end software supplier.
Multiple Languages Cross-compatibility Innovative Features and Payout Structures Multiple CurrenciesMultiple Languages
The availability of multiple languages is crucial for reel spinners who are not fluent enough in English to understand the paytable or use the gaming controls. All premium slot providers, including big names like Microgaming, Play’n GO, and NetEnt, incorporate multiple language options into their slots’ gameplay to overcome language barriers.
Cross-compatibility
Most slot fans insist on cross-compatibility – an essential trait now that the whole world has gone mobile. The top slot suppliers have already transitioned to using HTML5 technology, ensuring their games are accessible on all modern handheld and desktop devices.
Innovative Features and Payout Structures
Innovative features and payout structures are equally important. Smaller software studios such as the Australian Big Time Gaming offer a more limited number of games, but each slot is worth trying. Its payout structure is so unique that the company has even begun leasing the concept to fellow software providers.
Multiple Currencies
The availability of multiple currencies is another factor to consider before choosing a supplier. If a software platform supports only standard options like USD or EUR, international players who wager in other currencies may have to pay conversion fees.