expert 6.4
Denis Anipchenko
Expert opinion

Microgaming, a developer of various online casino games, has been delighting players for over 20 years with unique products and unforgettable gaming experiences. Many of the company's games have become real hits in the gambling industry. But not many people know that the manufacturer's portfolio includes solutions for live casinos. In general, their line of table games with live croupiers is quite ordinary and does not spoil users with unique offers. Except for the visualization of the gameplay itself, thanks to Playboy Live Dealer (the dealers are Playboy magazine models).

Best Live-casino Microgaming 2025

The company has partnered with global industry giants such as: Leo Vegas, William Hill, Bwin, Casumo. Microgaming currently has more than 800 companies and online casinos as partners.

Microgaming Review

Editor's NOTE
In 2024, the company formerly known as Microgaming rebranded and is now called Apricot.
In May 2022, the entire Microgaming game line was acquired by Games Global Ltd. which now operates the entire Microgaming game catalog; the independent studios that previously produced Microgaming-branded games; and the OnAir Entertainment live dealer brand.
As far as we are aware, Apricot does not currently operate live dealer tables in casinos. However, this page and related game reviews remain available for informational purposes.

The company was founded in 1994 and has been all about developing slot machines for online casinos. Currently, the portfolio includes more than 600 video slots, unique gaming solutions, as well as games with live dealers. Live casino appeared in the range of games since 2006. 

The company's games are available for mobile devices, desktop PCs. There is also a downloadable version, in which the range of entertainment is significantly larger than in the browser version. Various currencies are supported, and the games' interface is translated into 20 languages.

The company has fruitful partnerships with recognizable brands from the film industry, including Universal and Playboy. Games from Microgaming can be found in any online casino, although their live casino is not represented in all establishments.

The company's products are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and certified by eCOGRA. In total, Microgaming holds more than 13 different gaming licenses issued by states around the world. 

Microgaming has studios located all over the world:

  1. Canada. Microgaming's main center of operations for live casinos is located in Toronto, Canada. This centralization allows the company to streamline operations while benefiting from a local talent pool of native English speakers. Canadian dealers, especially those with a slight Quebec accent, are known for their polite demeanor and engaging stories, making the gaming experience more enjoyable. Microgaming's attention to detail in this studio sets a high standard for live casino operations.
  2. Argentina. Microgaming's Argentine studio was created as part of the company's expansion into the Latin American market. Despite the limited number of blackjack tables and the presence of Spanish-speaking dealers, the studio demonstrates Microgaming's commitment to localization for the region. However, a lack of table variety was noted, and the studio could benefit from increased variety to better cater to local players.
  3. Philippines. Like many other live casino providers, Microgaming's studio in the Philippines specializes in baccarat and sic-bo. While most of the tables for these games are streamed from the Canadian studio, the Philippine center plays an important role in maintaining diversity. A distinctive feature here is "table fill alerts," a mechanism that encourages dealers to open new tables when active tables are full. This is especially useful for games with limited seating, improving the overall player experience.

Microgaming Studios demonstrate a solid foundation, with their Canadian division standing out as a flagship. However, their reluctance to innovate and expand their offerings in some regions, such as Argentina, indicates that they have room to grow.

Microgaming Live dealers

Croupiers at the gambling tables are predominantly girls, dressed in austere gowns. They are neat and smiling. Players can go to the Playboy Live Dealer section of the lobby, where the dealers will be dressed in sexy Playboy costumes. Note that they are quite attractive.

There are downsides, however. Many players don't like the "robotic" demeanor of the dealers, who can seem stiff and lack the warmth and charisma often found in dealers at other live casino providers. This may be due to special training or guidance, but it detracts a bit from the experience players expect from live dealer games. After all, dealer stiffness can disrupt the feeling of being in a real casino environment, which is a key reason why players prefer live dealer tables to standard online games.

Microgaming History

The company was founded in 1994.

The company's management was well aware of the need to prove fair play when playing in online casinos, so in 1997, Microgaming became a member of the Interactive Gaming Council, an organization that monitors the integrity of gambling suppliers.

In 1998, the developer released its first slot machine with a progressive jackpot, it should be noted that this was, in fact, an innovation in gambling.

Recognizing the boundlessness of the Internet, in 2001 the company began to actively adapt its games into different languages, thus reaching an even larger audience around the world.

Firmly established in the niche of video slots, Microgaming decides to conquer new heights. In 2003, a new product is announced to players - its own online poker network. Thanks to this, most operators can organize various online tournaments, and allow users to play poker among themselves. In the same year, the company continues to work on the transparency and integrity of online gambling and becomes a founding member of eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), an organization that regulates and certifies online gambling.

In 2004, cell phone software is announced.

In 2006, a live casino becomes available to players, with the first game being Baccarat.

By 2010, Microgaming's product range was very wide and ready to meet the needs of most players, and the company's games had become very popular and recognizable. In view of this, it was necessary to develop a way to quickly integrate the games into online casinos, which is how the Quickfire platform came into being.

In 2016, the manufacturer tries itself in a new industry and develops virtual reality glasses, with the help of which the game in the casino becomes more realistic.

The timeline and the main milestones of Microgaming:

  • 1994 - Martin Moshal, a Durban-based entrepreneur, founded Microgaming .
  • 1994 - The first real-money gambling site, Gaming Club Casino, is created. This event marked the birth of online gambling as we know it today.
  • 1995 - The company launched a suite of tools and decided to sell its products to casino owners, allowing others to take advantage of its innovative solutions.
  • 1995 - Microgaming co-founded the Interactive Gaming Council, a regulatory body that sets standards for the online gaming industry.
  • 1996 - The first online casino, InterCasino, used Microgaming software.
  • 1998 - Cash Splash, the world's first progressive jackpot slot, was released.
  • 2001 - The company began adapting its games into different languages, reaching an even larger audience around the world.
  • 2002 - Viper Software's platform was created, offering the largest set of games at the time, with over 200 titles. It revolutionized the online casino industry by offering cross-platform compatibility and making it easy for players to access Microgaming software from both desktops and mobile devices.
  • 2003 - Created its own online poker network.
  • 2003 - The company played a crucial role in the creation of the e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation Assurance (eCOGRA).
  • 2004 - Created the world's first mobile casino, paving the way for mobile gaming.
  • 2005 - The company released Tomb Raider, the first co-branded online video slot.
  • 2006 - Microgaming enters the live casino market.
  • 2008 - The company's live games received official approval from the eCOGRA Seal Compliance Committee.
  • 2008 - Mega Moolah is created, which became known for its record payouts. That same year, the slot brought a lucky player $5.5 million dollars.
  • 2010 - The Quickfire platform was developed.
  • 2013 - Microgaming introduced Playboy Live Casino, the first fully branded live casino with a unique Playboy theme.
  • 2014 - Developed the first online casino game designed for wearable devices.
  • 2014 - PlayItForward program created, partnering with national and international charities promoting responsible gaming.
  • 2016 - The company entered the virtual reality gaming market, emphasizing roulette using Oculus Rift technology.
  • 2016 - Microgaming entered into a strategic partnership with Evolution Gaming, replacing its European live gaming installations with Evolution's offerings. The move allowed the company to focus on the Asian and South American markets, where demand for live casino gaming continues to grow.
  • 2018 - Mega Moolah paid out €18,915,872.81, becoming the Guinness Book record holder for the largest online slots jackpot.
  • 2018 - Triple Edge Studios became the first independent studio to partner with Microgaming.
  • 2018 - Roger Raatgever, who served as Microgaming's CEO for 17 years, stepped down.
  • 2019 - Microgaming entered the Swedish market.
  • 2020 - The company introduced the WowPot jackpot series and launched the Absolootly Mad slot as part of the Mega Moolah series.
  • 2020 - Received ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management efforts.
  • 2020 - The Poker Network (later MPN) closed down.
  • 2021 - Microgaming entered the Dutch market and the iGaming market in Buenos Aires.
  • 2022 - The company entered the Ontario iGaming market.
  • 2022 - Games Global acquired aggregation platform Quickfire and Microgaming's extensive catalog of games.
  • 2023 - Stephen Fisk became CEO of the company.
  • 2024 - Microgaming celebrated its 30th anniversary.
  • 2024 - As part of its business diversification strategy, Microgaming rebranded to Apricot and relocated its headquarters to Douglas, Isle of Man. In addition to commercial success, Apricot focused on supporting a variety of causes including environmental sustainability, charitable initiatives and promoting education for students with financial barriers.

With an impressive track record spanning more than three decades and Apricot's renewed vision, the company is poised to continue to be a leader in the online gaming industry in the future.

Microgaming Live Games

The range of games is small, but contains all the most popular table games. The games are broadcast from specialized studios in Canada and the Philippines, using real gambling tables and other equipment, which brings the gaming process as close as possible to the real one.

The interface of the games is very simple, which allows you to quickly understand how the bets are made in the game. With the help of additional functions, depending on the speed of the Internet connection, you can choose the quality of the video stream from low to very high.

The games have additional statistics, which helps the player to predict the result of the next game round. For example, in roulette there is the percentage of red and black, hot and cold numbers.

The Casinoz team was a bit surprised by the lack of a live chat function in the games, which can be used to communicate with each other and the croupier. In our opinion, this feature not only brings the game closer to reality, but also brings a significant entertainment aspect to the gameplay.
List of games:

  • European Live Roulette. Live Roulette from Microgaming offers an immersive experience with a "casino look", simulating the feeling of standing next to a physical roulette table. While the roulette wheel is real, the rest of the table is digitally represented.
  • Microgaming Live Blackjack. Standard 7-seat blackjack utilizes 8 decks and hand shooz. The authenticity of the gameplay is enhanced by the view of other tables in the background, which adds to the dynamic atmosphere of a real casino.
  • Microgaming Live Baccarat. Single-player and multiplayer baccarat tables are available, utilizing 8 hand-shuffled decks. The game is played according to standard Punto Banco rules.
  • Microgaming Live Casino Hold'em. Using a single deck, the game offers a common hand for all participants. The game is played under standard rules with the addition of an AA side bet, which pays out regardless of the outcome of the main hand.
  • Microgaming Live Sic Bo. The game has a distinctly Asian aesthetic, using rich red and gold colors to create a sense of exclusivity.

Microgaming's live games combine authentic casino elements with innovative technology to offer players an exceptional and realistic gaming environment.

Awards

Microgaming is arguably the most titled team in the world. Here's a full list of its honors:

  • 2001 - Winner of "Best Vendor" and "Best Games and Progressive Jackpots" by CasinoPlayer.
  • 2005 - Awarded "Best Software Vendor of the Year" by Casinomeister 2005.
  • 2006 - "Best Software Vendor of the Year" award by Casinomeister 2006.
  • 2006 - "Best New Organization of the Year 2006" award at the IOM Steam Packet Award 2006.
  • 2007 - "Best Online Casino Software Vendor of the Year" award at the A-Awards 2007.
  • 2007 - "Best iGaming Casino Software" award at the iGaming Awards 2007.
  • 2007 - Award for "New Business or Program Development" at Capital International Limited 2007.
  • 2008 - "Best Company of the Year" award at Capital International Limited 2008.
  • 2008 - "Best Online Casino Software Vendor" award at A-Awards 2008.
  • 2008 - "Best iGaming Casino Software" award at the iGaming Awards 2008.
  • 2008 - Businessman of the Year Award to the CEO of Microgaming at the Nationwide International Award 2008.
  • 2009 - "Best Online Casino Software Vendor" award at the A-Awards 2009.
  • 2009 - "Best iGaming Casino Software" award at the iGaming Awards 2009.
  • 2009 - Award for "Innovation and Independent Thinking" at the Abacus Award 2009.
  • 2010 - "Best Online Casino Software Vendor" award at the A-Awards 2010.
  • 2010 - Winner of the "Best Online Casino Supplier" category at the EGR B2B Awards 2010.
  • 2010 - "Best Software Vendor of the Year" award at Casinomeister 2010.
  • 2010 - "Best Software for iGaming Casino" award at the iGaming Awards 2010.
  • 2011 - "Innovation in Game Creation" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2011.
  • 2011 - Winner of the "Poker Network of the Year" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2011.
  • 2012 - Best Poker Software Vendor Award at the EGR B2B Awards 2012.
  • 2012 - Winner of the "Best Supplier for Online Casino" category at the EGR B2B Awards 2012.
  • 2012 - Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Baker Tilly Isle of Man Award 2012.
  • 2013 - Winner of the "Best Live Casino Producer" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2013.
  • 2013 - Best Poker Software Producer Award at the EGR B2B Awards 2013.
  • 2013 - Award for "Innovation in the game of bingo" at the EGR B2B Awards 2013.
  • 2013 - Award for "Innovation in Online Casino Software Production" at the EGR B2B Awards 2013.
  • 2014 - Digital Product of the Year Award at the Global Gaming Awards 2014.
  • 2014 - "Best Poker Software Manufacturer" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2014.
  • 2014 - Winner of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Celton Manx Award 2014.
  • 2015 - Digital Product of the Year Award at the Global Gaming Awards 2015.
  • 2015 - Winner of the "Best Poker Network" category at the EGR B2B Awards 2015.
  • 2015 - Award for "Innovation in Digital Gaming" at the Global Gaming Awards 2015.
  • 2015 - "Best Poker Software Vendor" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2015.
  • 2016 - Winner of the "Innovator of the Year" category at the IGA Awards 2016.
  • 2016 - Digital Product of the Year Award for the Quickfire platform at the Global Gaming Awards 2016.
  • 2016 - "Best Poker Software Vendor" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2016.
  • 2017 - "Employee Empowerment Initiative Award" at the Spark Award 2017.
  • 2017 - Winning "Mobile Product of the Year" at the International Gaming Awards 2017.
  • 2017 - "Mobile Gaming Software" award at the EGR B2B Awards 2017.
  • 2017 - "Workplace Wellbeing Award" at the Sure Award 2017.
  • 2018 - Winner of the category: 'Best Software Provider for iGaming' at the IGA Awards 2018.
  • 2018 - Awarded "Gaming Platform of the Year" at the Malta Gaming Awards 2018.
  • 2018 - Winner of the "Company of the Year" award at the Women in Gaming Diversity Awards 2018.
  • 2018 - Winner in the Best Poker Network category at the EGR B2B Awards 2018.
  • 2018 - Technology Investment Award at the National Technology Awards 2018.
  • 2018 - "Best Business Social Responsibility Strategy" award at the HR Excellence Awards 2018.
  • 2018 - Company of the Year Award at the Hooded Ram Brewing Co Award 2018.
  • 2019 - "Slot Innovation Award" at the EGR B2B Awards 2019.
  • 2019 - PlayItForward Program Award at the CasinoBeats Pride of Gaming Awards 2019.
  • 2019 - Winner of the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Women in Gaming Diversity Awards 2019.
  • 2019 - Best Leadership Event Award at the ICE Awards 2019.
  • 2019 - John Coleman was named to the Gaming Intelligence Hot 50.
  • 2020 - Awarded "Platform of the Year" at the 2020 EGR B2B Awards.
  • 2020 - Winner of the "Great Place to Work" award at the IGA Awards 2020.
  • 2020 - Andrew Clucas was named to the Gaming Intelligence Hot 50.
  • 2022 - Social Responsibility of the Year Award at the Global Gaming Awards 2022.
  • 2022 - Winner of the Community Award at the IGA Awards 2022.

Microgaming Jackpots

It should be noted that it was Microgaming who introduced the concept of the progressive jackpot, whereby the jackpot amount keeps growing as more and more players place their bets. This happened in 1998 when they created the world's first progressive jackpot slot Cash Splash. The progressively increasing jackpot amount gives players a heightened sense of excitement, as they know that the prize could reach a life-changing amount. This innovation has become a hallmark of Microgaming slot games.

Microgaming's progressive jackpot network has paid out more than €1.1 billion in winnings to players since its inception.

Mega Moolah, the flagship of Microgaming's progressive jackpot series, is a true record-breaker in the online gambling industry. This game has paid out some of the largest jackpots in online casino history. The African safari theme makes for an interesting backdrop, but it's the huge potential prizes that keep players coming back.

In 2009, a lucky player won $6,374,434, which was the biggest win in online gambling at the time. In 2015, Jonathan Heywood from the UK broke the record by winning €17,879,645.12 on Mega Moolah. The bar was raised once again in September 2018 when an unknown player struck gold at Grand Mondial Casino, taking a staggering €18,915,721.

In addition to Mega Moolah, Microgaming boasts other games with lucrative jackpots such as Mega Vault Millionaire, King Cashalot, Major Millions Progressive, Triple Sevens, Treasure Nile and LotsALoot. Each game offers its own unique theme and jackpot structure, providing a varied and exciting experience. These progressive slots not only provide excitement in the pursuit of potentially life-changing winnings, but also reinforce Microgaming's reputation for offering a diverse and high-quality gaming experience.

Conclusion

Microgaming is a big company in the gambling industry, but if you take an unbiased look at its lineup of live dealer games, unfortunately it doesn't stand out among its competitors. Small assortment, no progressive jackpots, no live chat. Perhaps in the future the range will be significantly expanded, but according to casinoz it is unlikely, as the developer is directing its efforts to the development of video slots and actively enters the segment of sports betting.

Of course, the Playboy Live Dealer lineup of games brings some excitement to the game, but it's not much. It's also worth considering that it's Microgaming's live dealer games that are becoming less common. Operators prefer competitive products.

Frequently asked Questions

📋 Are Microgaming games legal and safe?

Yes, the company's games are legal and safe. The company holds gambling licenses in more than 20 markets, including notable ones such as the Malta Gambling Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. These licenses ensure that Microgaming adheres to industry standards for safety, fair play and responsible gambling. In addition, Microgaming utilizes advanced encryption methods and complies with GDPR regulations, ensuring the safety of players' money and personal information.

📱 What devices and platforms are supported by the developer?

Microgaming supports a wide range of devices and platforms including PC, Mac and mobile devices. All of their games are written in HTML5, allowing them to run smoothly in most web browsers. However, despite being a pioneer in mobile gaming, Microgaming does not currently offer live casino games on mobile devices. For now, players can only enjoy live casino tables on desktops or laptops.

🎰 Are there any progressive jackpot games from Microgaming?

Yes, the company is known for its progressive jackpot games, including the legendary Mega Moolah, King Cashalot and Major Millions. The company has developed no less than 16 progressive jackpot games, making it one of the most prolific and generous providers in the category.

❓ Why is the company so popular in the iGaming industry?

Microgaming holds the honor of being the first iGaming developer in history. It launched the world's first online casino in 1994, proving that the traditional casino gaming experience could be replicated online. Since then, Microgaming has consistently delivered innovative and high quality gaming products, cementing its place as a pioneer and leader in the industry.

🌏 How many languages does Microgaming support?

While most gambling sites provide live dealer games in English, the developer supports around 20 different languages to cater to a global audience. However, compared to some of its competitors, Microgaming hasn't dived as deeply into the localization process.

Editorial rating
6.43/10
Pros
  • Dealers dressed in Playboy costumes
  • There are all the basic board games
  • High quality video broadcasting
Cons
  • No live chat in games
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Info
Website https://www.microgaming.co.uk
Site languages English
Foundation date 1994
Downloadable version Yes
Flash version Yes
Mobile version No
👮 Regulators Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission
🗺️ Jurisdictions Isle of man
Contact information
🏠 Post address Sixty Two, Circular Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1AE
Email Contacts
Tel.
Info
4401624727777