Microgaming at a Glance
- Founded
- 1994
- Headquarters
- Douglas, Isle of Man
- Founder
- Martin Moshal
- Known for
- Early online casino software and a large library of classic slots
- Notable games
- Immortal Romance, Mega Moolah
- Games portfolio today
- Sold to Games Global in 2022
- Games we review
- Immortal Romance
Company Background
Microgaming was founded in 1994 by Martin Moshal and developed some of the earliest online casino software. Over the following decades, it built a very large catalogue of online slots and supplied them to online casinos around the world, often working with independent studios that created games for its platform.
In 2022, Microgaming completed the sale of its online games portfolio and distribution business to Games Global, a newly formed company. As a result, many games originally released under the Microgaming brand are now distributed by Games Global, and new games from its partner studios are released under Games Global rather than Microgaming. Microgaming itself now focuses on platform systems, licensing services and regulatory compliance tools.
This means you may see the same game credited to Microgaming in some places and to Games Global in others.
What Microgaming Is Known For
A Long-Running Catalogue
Microgaming's library includes many games that were popular for years, from simple classic slots to feature-rich games with multiple free spins modes. Many of these games are still widely played.
Progressive Jackpots
Microgaming is closely associated with networked progressive jackpots, most famously Mega Moolah, a game where a share of every bet across the network feeds into shared jackpots. In October 2015, Mega Moolah paid £13,209,300 to a player in the UK, which was recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest online slot jackpot at the time. Wins of this size are extraordinarily rare. See Progressive Jackpots Explained.
Feature-Rich Free Spins
Games such as Immortal Romance introduced players to free spins rounds with several modes that unlock over time, along with features such as random wild reels. See Free Spins Explained.
243 Ways to Win
Microgaming is generally considered a pioneer of the 243 ways to win format, which many of its games use. See Ways to Win Slots Explained.
Microgaming Games We Review
Browse all titles in our Slot Game Reviews.
RTP and Volatility
Games from the Microgaming catalogue cover a wide range of RTP and volatility levels. Some games are offered in more than one RTP version, so always check the RTP shown in the game's information screen. Progressive jackpot games usually have a lower base-game return, because part of every bet goes into the jackpot. See Pokies RTP Explained and Slot Volatility Explained.
Licensing and Testing
Games from the Microgaming catalogue are supplied to regulated markets and certified for each jurisdiction where they are offered. Independent testing helps confirm that results are random and that games pay in line with their published maths. See Slot RNG Explained.
In Australia, it is illegal for companies to offer online casino games, including online pokies, to people in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- One of the longest histories in online casino software
- Large catalogue of well-known classic games
- Famous progressive jackpot network
- Helped popularise the 243 ways format
Weaknesses
- Ownership changes can make it unclear who supplies a game today
- Many older games feel dated compared with modern releases
- Progressive jackpot games concentrate value in extremely rare wins
- Some games are offered in several RTP versions
Playing Responsibly
No studio makes games that are more likely to pay on any given spin, and record jackpots are extremely rare. If you choose to play, set a budget and time limit before you start. Our guides on setting gambling limits and recognising gambling harm explain practical steps, and Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.