Microgaming and Games Global

Corporate History and the Games Global Acquisition

The history of Microgaming is deeply intertwined with the birth of the online casino industry. The company launched what is widely considered the world's first online gambling software in 1994, a milestone that set the standard for digital gaming. Over the following decades, Microgaming expanded its offerings far beyond slots to include poker, bingo, sports betting, and live dealer games. A major corporate change occurred on May 3, 2022, when Games Global Limited completed the acquisition of Microgaming's online game distribution business and its entire content portfolio. This deal transferred ownership of an extensive back catalog of exclusive games and a network serving over 900 global gaming brands to Games Global. Following the sale, Microgaming refocused its operations on providing platform systems and technology services, rebranding these remaining operations under the name Apricot Investments.

Game Portfolio and Development Studios

Microgaming, and now Games Global, has a vast and diverse game portfolio that has grown to over 1,300 exclusive titles. The collection includes not only a huge array of slot machines but also table games, video poker, scratch cards, and specialized random number generator (RNG) games. A key to the company's prolific output has been its partnership model with independent development studios. Rather than developing all content in-house, Microgaming has long supported a network of external creative studios that produce games under its banner. Notable partner studios have included Crazy Tooth Studio, Electric Elephant, Stormcraft Studios, and Gameburger Studios. This collaborative approach has allowed for a wide variety of themes and innovative mechanics, from fantasy adventures to branded titles based on major film and television properties. The portfolio is known for its high average return to player (RTP) rates, with many slots offering RTPs of 93.61% or higher, and includes games with volatility ranging from low to high.

The company's game development has consistently emphasized technological innovation. It was among the first to develop a mobile-optimized casino platform, launching mobile gaming content as early as 2004. All modern games are built using HTML5 technology, ensuring compatibility across desktop and mobile devices without requiring downloads. Microgaming has been a leader in progressive jackpot networks, connecting pools across multiple casinos and games to create life-changing prize pools. The company's commitment to fair play is supported by its games being regularly tested for randomness by independent auditors like Gaming Labs International.

Legendary Slot Titles and Progressive Jackpots

Microgaming's reputation is built on a foundation of enduring slot games that have remained popular with players for years. The most famous of these is Mega Moolah, a safari-themed progressive jackpot slot launched in 2008. This game holds the record for some of the largest online slot payouts in history, including a £13.2 million jackpot won by a player in the United Kingdom. In 2015, a Canadian player won $7.5 million playing Mega Moolah, cementing its popularity in the Canadian market. The game features four progressive jackpots and a free spins bonus round with tripled wins. Beyond Mega Moolah, the developer's catalog is filled with player favourites that have demonstrated lasting appeal. These titles are celebrated for their engaging themes, bonus features, and high-quality graphics.

• Mega Moolah: The record-breaking progressive jackpot slot with a safari theme.
• Immortal Romance: A popular vampire-themed slot with multiple bonus features.
• Thunderstruck II: A Norse mythology slot famous for its Great Hall of Spins.
• Avalon II: A sequel offering a quest-based bonus game set in King Arthur.
• Game of Thrones: A branded slot based on the hit television series.
• Tomb Raider 2: A slot featuring the adventures of Lara Croft.
• The Dark Knight Rises: A Batman-themed slot machine.
• Book of Oz: A slot featuring re-spins and an expanding symbol free spins round.

Other notable Microgaming slots include the Arthurian adventure Avalon 2 and the heist-themed Bust the Bank. The company has successfully produced a range of branded slots based on major entertainment franchises. These branded games include titles like Game of Thrones, The Dark Knight Rises, Tomb Raider 2, and Jurassic Park. These slots have attracted fans through familiar themes and characters from popular media.

Microgaming's reputation is built on a foundation of enduring slot games that have remained popular with players for years. The most famous of these is Mega Moolah, a safari-themed progressive jackpot slot launched in 2008. This game holds the record for some of the largest online slot payouts in history, including a £13.2 million jackpot won by a player in the United Kingdom. In 2015, a Canadian player won $7.5 million playing Mega Moolah, cementing its popularity in the Canadian market.

• Mega Moolah: The record-breaking progressive jackpot slot with a safari theme.
• Immortal Romance: A popular vampire-themed slot with multiple bonus features.
• Thunderstruck II: A Norse mythology slot famous for its Great Hall of Spins.
• Avalon II: A sequel offering a quest-based bonus game set in King Arthur.
• Game of Thrones: A branded slot based on the hit television series.
• Tomb Raider 2: A slot featuring the adventures of Lara Croft.
• The Dark Knight Rises: A Batman-themed slot machine.
• Book of Oz: A slot featuring re-spins and an expanding symbol free spins round.

Safety, Regulation, and Industry Standards

Microgaming has established itself as one of the most reputable and regulated software providers in the online gambling industry. The company holds licences from numerous respected regulatory bodies, including the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Swedish Gambling Authority, the Danish Gambling Authority, and its home regulator, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. This multi-jurisdictional licensing ensures that its games and platforms adhere to strict standards of player protection, fairness, and operational integrity. Beyond licensing, Microgaming has actively contributed to raising industry-wide standards. The company was instrumental in helping to establish eCOGRA, an independent testing agency that audits online casinos for fairness and responsible gambling practices. Microgaming itself has been certified by eCOGRA as compliant with the European Gaming and Betting Association's standards for casino and poker software. It has also received the eCAP Seal for operational standards and ongoing player safety. All game outcomes are determined by a certified random number generator, which is routinely tested by third-party laboratories like Gaming Labs International to guarantee unpredictable and fair results for every player.

Live Casino and Other Game Verticals

While slots are its most famous product, Microgaming has developed a comprehensive suite of other casino game verticals. The company offers a full live dealer casino, streaming real-time games from professional studios staffed by trained croupiers. The live portfolio includes classic table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, along with game show-style offerings and regional favourites like Dragon Tiger. These games are broadcast using advanced in-house technology and include player-friendly features like side bets and multiple language options. For players seeking digital table games, Microgaming provides a wide range of RNG-based versions of blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, known for their smooth gameplay and realistic graphics. The company also developed a significant video poker library, with multiple variants of popular games like Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. Its portfolio extends into niche categories like keno, scratch cards, and interactive multiplayer crash games, demonstrating the breadth of its software development capabilities.

Awards, Recognition, and Corporate Responsibility

Over its long history, Microgaming has received numerous awards that recognize its innovation and excellence in the iGaming sector. The company has won prestigious titles such as iGaming Software Supplier of the Year and Mobile Product of the Year at various industry award ceremonies. In 2024, its parent company, Apricot Investments, was honoured with the Workplace Excellence and CSR Achievements Award, highlighting its commitment to corporate social responsibility and employee welfare. Beyond commercial success, Microgaming has engaged in philanthropic initiatives. The company launched the PlayItForward project, a community program that provides scholarships and financial aid to deserving individuals nominated by the public. This initiative reflects a corporate ethos of giving back to the community, separate from its core business of providing entertainment to adults. The combination of industry accolades and responsible business practices has helped solidify Microgaming's standing as a trusted and leading name in the global gaming market.

Microgaming Casinos in the Canadian Market

For Canadian players, Microgaming-powered games are accessible through a wide selection of licensed online casinos. These casinos integrate the software to offer the familiar suite of slots, table games, and jackpots. Reputable Canadian-facing brands that have historically featured Microgaming content include Jackpot City Casino, Spin Casino, Royal Vegas, Platinum Play, and Euro Palace. It is important for players to understand that since the 2022 acquisition, these games are technically supplied by Games Global, though they are often still referred to as Microgaming titles in the market. When choosing a casino, Canadian players should verify that the site holds a valid licence from a recognized authority such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or a provincial regulator. Players should also review individual casino policies on bonuses, banking methods for Canadian dollars, and customer support.

The availability of free demo play for most Games Global (Microgaming) slots allows Canadian players to try games without financial commitment. This is a valuable tool for familiarizing oneself with game mechanics, bonus features, and volatility before playing for real money. The enduring popularity of titles like Mega Moolah ensures they remain staples at top online casinos catering to Canadian players, often featured prominently in game lobbies and promotional offers. Canadian review teams often evaluate casinos based on game selection, customer service quality, and deposit and withdrawal methods to help players make informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microgaming a safe and fair software provider for Canadian players? Yes, Microgaming is considered one of the safest and most reputable providers. It is licensed by multiple top-tier regulators including the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Its games use certified random number generators that are regularly tested for fairness by independent laboratories like Gaming Labs International. The company also helped establish the eCOGRA standards organization, which audits online casinos for player protection and game integrity.

What happened to Microgaming in 2022? In 2022, Microgaming underwent a major corporate restructuring. On May 3, Games Global Limited completed the acquisition of Microgaming's online game distribution business and its entire portfolio of gaming content. Following this sale, Microgaming's remaining operations, which focus on platform systems and technology services, continued under the new corporate name Apricot Investments. This means Games Global now owns the classic game library, while Apricot provides the underlying software platform.

What is Microgaming's most famous slot game? Microgaming's most famous and successful slot game is Mega Moolah, a progressive jackpot slot with a safari theme. Launched in 2008, it is known for creating multi-millionaire winners, including a Canadian player who won $7.5 million in 2015. The game holds the record for one of the largest online slot payouts ever at over £13.2 million. Its popularity stems from its four-tiered progressive jackpot network and engaging bonus features.

Can I play Microgaming slots for free in Canada? Yes, Canadian players can typically play Microgaming slots for free through a demo or play for fun mode offered at most online casinos that host these games. Since the 2022 acquisition, these are technically Games Global slots. This free play option uses virtual credits and allows players to experience the game mechanics, bonus rounds, and themes without any financial risk or requirement to create an account at some casinos.

What other types of games does Microgaming make besides slots? Beyond its vast slot collection, Microgaming has developed a comprehensive suite of other casino games. This includes a full live dealer casino with games like blackjack and roulette, a wide range of digital table games, and numerous video poker variants. The company's portfolio also extends to bingo, scratch cards, keno, and specialized instant win or crash games, demonstrating its broad software development capabilities across the iGaming spectrum.

Where is Microgaming headquartered? Microgaming is headquartered on the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency. The company has been based there since its early days and operates from a multi-story office building. This location serves as the central hub for its platform and technology operations, which continue under the Apricot Investments brand following the 2022 sale of its game content business to Games Global.

Questions about Microgaming and Games Global

Is Microgaming a safe and fair software provider for Canadian players?

Yes, Microgaming is considered one of the safest and most reputable providers in the industry. The company holds licences from multiple stringent regulatory bodies including the United Kingdom Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Its games use certified random number generators that are regularly tested for fairness by independent laboratories like Gaming Labs International. The company was also instrumental in helping establish the eCOGRA standards organization, which audits online casinos for player protection and game integrity.

What happened to Microgaming in 2022?

In 2022, Microgaming underwent a major corporate restructuring. On May 3, Games Global Limited completed the acquisition of Microgaming's online game distribution business and its entire portfolio of gaming content. Following this sale, Microgaming's remaining operations, which focus on platform systems and technology services, continued under the new corporate name Apricot Investments. This means Games Global now owns the classic game library, while Apricot provides the underlying software platform.

What is Microgaming's most famous slot game?

Microgaming's most famous and successful slot game is Mega Moolah, a progressive jackpot slot with a safari theme. Launched in 2008, it is known for creating multi-millionaire winners, including a Canadian player who won $7.5 million in 2015. The game holds the record for one of the largest online slot payouts ever at over £13.2 million. Its popularity stems from its four-tiered progressive jackpot network and engaging bonus features.

Can I play Microgaming slots for free in Canada?

Yes, Canadian players can play Microgaming slots for free. Many top Canadian casinos offer free play options for these games. Players can discover Games Global slots, which include Microgaming titles like Mega Moolah and Immortal Romance, for free at these casinos. This free play allows players to experience the games without financial risk.

What other types of games does Microgaming make besides slots?

Beyond slots, Microgaming's game portfolio includes many other types of casino games. The company offers a variety of table games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. Their lobby also includes other casino content like bingo and scratch cards. The company's online casino software powers a comprehensive gaming experience across multiple genres.

Where is Microgaming headquartered?

Microgaming is headquartered on the Isle of Man. The company has its magnificent headquarters located there. This Isle of Man location has served as the company's base for many years. It is from here that the company manages its platform systems and services.

Sources and further reading

• Best Microgaming Casinos Canada 2026 - Play 800+ Games (casino.ca)
• Games Global Slots 2026 - Play Free Microgaming (casinocanada.com)
• The Best Microgaming Slots & Casinos in Canada (nostrabet.com)
• Games Global completes acquisition of Microgaming's ... (yogonet.com)
• Best Microgaming Casinos Canada 2026 - Play 800+ Games (casino.ca)
• Microgaming Slots | Casumo Casino (casumo.com)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-13.