What is the difference between a casino and a game provider

What is the difference between a casino and a game provider

Introduction

Confusion often arises in the online gambling industry: some players believe that the casino develops games on its own, others are sure that all the machines belong to the operators. In fact, casinos and game providers are different market participants, each of which performs its own functions. To understand how the system works, it is important to clearly distinguish between their roles.

What is an online casino

An online casino is an operator that provides gamblers with access to gambling.
Casino features:
  • organization of a gaming platform;
  • receiving bets and processing transactions;
  • holding promotions, bonus offers, tournaments;
  • support and customer service;
  • ensuring the security of accounts and finances of players;
  • licensing and compliance.

The casino is responsible for the service and infrastructure, but does not create the games themselves.

Who are the game providers

Game providers (software providers) are developers who create software for gambling.
Supplier functions:
  • development of slot machines, board games, live casinos;
  • creation of graphics, animation, mathematical model (RTP, volatility, multipliers);
  • implementation of innovative mechanics (Megaways ™, Hold & Win, Cluster Pays);
  • certification of games from independent audit organizations;
  • technical support and updates.

Suppliers do not manage bets and payments - they only provide the casino with ready-made solutions.

Major differences

1. Role in the industry

A casino is an operator working directly with players.
A provider is a developer who creates content for a casino.

2. Responsibility to the player

The casino is responsible for deposit, withdrawal, bonuses and support.
The supplier is responsible for the honesty of the game, the stability of the software and the correctness of the mathematical model.

3. Income

The casino earns on the margin from gamblers' bets.
The provider receives royalties or a percentage of casino revenue for using the games.

4. Regulation

The casino must have a gambling license (MGA, UKGC, Curacao, etc.).
The vendor certifies their products with auditors and often also has a separate developer license.

5. Interaction

The casino buys or rents games from providers.
The provider does not contact the players directly, but only through the operator.

Why it is important for the player to understand the difference

Transparency: if there are problems with payments or bonuses, the casino is responsible, not the developer.
Honesty: if you doubt the game, you should look at the supplier's reputation and the presence of RNG certification.
The choice: the casino may be new and little known, but if it offers games from top providers (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Evolution), it increases confidence.

Examples of interaction

The casino cooperates with dozens of providers at once: in one lobby you can find slots from Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Yggdrasil and Microgaming.
The provider releases a new slot, and the casino promotes it through bonus promotions or tournaments.
The player sees the brand of the game (for example, Starburst from NetEnt), but runs it on the platform of a particular casino.

Conclusion

Casinos and game providers are two different links in the same system. The casino is responsible for service, finances and contact with players, and the provider is responsible for the creation and honesty of the games themselves. Their collaboration is shaping the online gambling industry, where everyone plays a role. Understanding this difference helps the player better navigate: trust trusted providers and choose licensed casinos so that the gaming experience is honest and safe.