Today’s multi-billion online gambling industry continues to expand at a rapid pace. Undoubtedly getting a boost from the COVID-19 Pandemic, new players are registering at iGaming sites to claim the massive welcome bonuses. But it’s the caliber of casino games that keep players coming back. And for decades, IGT (International Game Technology) has reigned as the king of casino game developers.
Background
In Las Vegas, Nevada, IGT was founded in 1975, commencing its journey as a small-scale venture specializing in developing land-based slot machines. During its formative years, IGT distinguished itself by introducing cutting-edge innovations to the realm of gaming. Among its notable achievements was the creation of video poker, a groundbreaking breakthrough that rapidly captivated the gambling community and gained immense traction within casinos.
Innovation in Game Development
IGT significantly impacted the gaming industry in the 1980s when it introduced video slots. By replacing the traditional mechanical reels with video screens, these machines offered a more dynamic and immersive gaming experience. This innovative and stellar approach attracted a new generation of players and greatly expanded IGT’s market share.
As online casinos switched from the flash engine to HTML5 technology, IGT immediately took advantage of the switch to produce interactive and character-driven online slots like Cleopatra. But IGT also helped innovate the modern-day live dealer experience. Besides Evolution Gaming, IGT plays a strong role in live dealer games, especially Blackjack. But IGT stays true to video poker. Today, its iconic Game King Suite features nine video poker games in one.
Cross-Platform Integration
With the emergence of smartphones, the gaming industry experienced a significant transformation. IGT, being adaptable, responded by developing mobile gaming solutions. As a result, players were able to relish their preferred casino games anytime and anywhere, consolidating IGT’s standing as a progressive gaming technology provider.
IGT’s exceptional PlayCasino slots, Blackjack, bingo, and video poker games on the Company’s Remote Game Server, along with its consistent success in delivering top-performing land-based casino games and advanced systems technologies, led to its well-deserved recognition as the Multi-Channel Supplier of the Year. Moreover, IGT’s Powerbucks slots, the first-ever omnichannel wide-area progressive jackpot in the industry, played a pivotal role in distinguishing IGT’s game library in Canada, further enhancing its triumph. IGT’s cross-platform excellence is mostly due to these factors:
- Fluid and Seamless Mobile Play: Online casinos that partner with IGT take their reputations to the next level, with IGT’s games playing seamlessly on various mobile devices.
- International Appeal: As the market demand for IGT’s products soared, the company swiftly expanded its operations on a global scale. This rapid expansion propelled IGT to become a prominent leader in gaming technology, firmly establishing its foothold in Europe, Asia, and other regions. IGT’s unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and responsible gaming has earned it the trust and partnership of casinos worldwide.
- Cutting-edge Response: As AI and other technologies continue to fuel the market share of the online casino industry, IGT is in the thick of things. IGT constantly updates its software to feature the latest technological advancements.
- Responsive Design: With hundreds of millions using mobile devices, IGT stands out by having beautifully crafted games on mobile platforms. Going beyond basic scale, the detail and game navigation are essential with IGT’s mobile games.
- Innovation: IGT has consistently been a trailblazer in the realm of gaming technology, constantly striving to surpass existing boundaries. Over the years, the company has introduced innovative elements like multi-level progressives, interactive bonus rounds, and advanced player tracking systems. In addition to its technological prowess, IGT has made significant strides in embracing sustainability. By prioritizing responsible gaming practices and actively working towards reducing its environmental impact, IGT has emerged as a leading advocate for a greener and more responsible gaming industry.
Live Dealer Games
While IGT doesn’t have a mammoth live dealer presence beyond Auto Roulette and American Blackjack at online casinos, it continues to pioneer the table game experience at land-based casinos. A few years back, IGT launched the Dynasty Electronic Table Game (ETG) terminals at Ontario’s Niagara Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara.
By leveraging IGT technology, live baccarat and blackjack ETG games are seamlessly streamed from Niagara Fallsview Casino to its sister site, Casino Niagara. This pioneering initiative represents the first-ever utilization of IGT’s multi-site live-streaming Dynasty ETG technology.
| Features | Live Dealer Games |
| Streaming Quality | 4K |
| Dealer Interaction | Professional Live Dealers and Croupiers |
| Environment | Genuine Vegas-Style experience |
| Accessibility | Play anywhere |
| Innovation | Main Innovator |
| Current Stage and Development | Always pushing the envelope with new games |
| User Engagement | Fluid and Interactive Features |
| Future Impact | The standard of other game developers |
Regulatory Challenges
In the present day, IGT maintains its position as a significant contender in the gaming industry by delivering a diverse range of products and services to both land-based and online casinos. Its unwavering commitment to responsible gaming and continuous technological advancements sets the company apart in a highly competitive market.
Final Thoughts
The history of IGT stands as a testament to the company’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving industry. From its humble beginnings in Las Vegas to its current global reach, IGT has consistently remained at the forefront of gaming technology. With a legacy of innovation and a strong commitment to responsible gaming, IGT continues to be a leader in the gaming world, actively shaping the industry’s future.
