Game Providers at Sweepstakes Casinos

Did you know that sweepstakes casinos don’t produce most of the games they host? Instead, they use third-party software developers who provide the games on their behalf. Because of this, it’s important that you know which developers are reliable, safe, and have the best selection of games for your enjoyment and this is what I explore below.

Game Studios at Online Casinos Explained

Only a handful of sweepstakes casinos produce their own games, and these are usually instant wins or arcade games like Plinko and Crash. To fill their libraries and provide entertainment, these casinos therefore use games from third-party software developers.

Oftentimes, they work with multiple software developers to provide a larger game library. For example, WOW Vegas uses games from Betsoft, Pragmatic Play, 3 Oaks Gaming, and BGaming to name a few.

Typically, sweepstakes sites will rent the games from the developer, or use the games and split the house edge winnings when customers play the games between them and the developer.

What We Look for in Sweepstakes Gaming Providers

Rating sweepstakes software developers can be a tricky task as just about every user will have different criteria that they regard as being important. However, after almost a decade of playing at and reviewing sweepstakes casinos, I’ve noticed some features that all good software developers seem to share.

And with the help of the rest of the SweepsKings, we’ve come up with a list of what we believe to be the most important criteria to look out for when judging game providers.

RTP — When looking at the profitability of a game, there is no more important metric than the RTP. While slots at land-based casinos may be able to operate in the sub 90% range, at sweepstakes casinos that bar is much higher. That’s why when looking at a software developer, we check through their catalog of games to see what the average RTP is. Generally speaking, ~95% is about the average. Although if they offer games with RTPs higher than 96.5%, that’s a huge positive.

Variety of Themes — While some users still enjoy Ancient Egyptian themes, others find them a little stale. And to be honest, I fall into the category of the latter. That’s why we like to ensure that a software developer isn’t afraid to explore a variety of different styles and themes through their games so that all players will be able to find something that looks interesting to them.

Graphics & Visual Features — Throughout movies, video games, and TV shows, it’s clear that visuals have reached a new level. And we feel that there’s no reason that sweepstakes slots shouldn’t be the same. Of course there’s nothing wrong with a throwback to the past — but we do like to see games that make use of new technology to give their users an exciting and unique experience.

Interesting Mechanics — Tying into the prior point, the mechanics of online slots have come a long way. The standard 3×3 or 5×3 slot with five paylines is no longer good enough — and we like to see games that push the envelope a little further. With that being said, it’s not expected that every game reinvents the wheel. However, a developer that has a library of games that make use of popular mechanics like tumbling symbols and megaways reels is always a great sign.

Mobile Compatibility — More and more players are turning to their mobile phone as their primary device for playing casino games. That’s why it’s crucial that software developers ensure that their games are not only mobile compatible, but mobile optimized to guarantee the best possible experience regardless of how you’re playing.

The Best 10 Software Game Providers at Sweepstakes Casinos Reviewed

Across the dozens of sweepstakes casinos available to US residents, you’ll find a lot of different software developers. Compared to traditional online casinos, you’ll notice that some mainstays are absent — while other software developers are only available at sweepstakes casinos. This can make recognizing the best sweepstakes casino gaming studios difficult, even for users experienced with all the most popular names usually available in the US market.

But don’t sweat it. Because below, we’ll be looking at our pick of the top software developers for sweepstakes casinos.

#1 Hacksaw Gaming

Established in 2018, Hacksaw Gaming initially struggled out of the gates to gain traction — however, have since gone on to become one of the most renowned slot developers.

With a wide variety of themes and art styles, you won’t be able to pick out Hacksaw Gaming games via their graphics alone. Though with that being said, a hallmark sign of Hacksaw is their implementation of their bonus buy options — giving users a variety of ways to alter gameplay and guarantee wins in exchange for increasing their stakes.

RTP is usually pretty high, with volatility tending to sit at medium-high. However, if you choose the most expensive bonus buy options, volatility will of course rise sharply. For a taste of what Hacksaw Gaming is about, we recommend the following games:

• Wings of Horus — Blending Egyptian themes with a gothic art style, Wings of Horus is a unique take on one of the most popular themes of slots.

• Duel at Dawn — This 5×5 Western themed slot gives a gritty take on the Wild West while offering players a respectable 96.3% RTP.
• Le Viking — One of the many successors to the popular Le Bandit series, Le Viking sees the return of Smokey the Raccoon — this time as a Viking.

Availability of Hacksaw Gaming games isn’t quite as widespread as other producers. Though if you do want to give them a try, we recommend you check out Stake.us. And if you can’t get enough of Hacksaw, keep an eye out for sister software developers Backseat Gaming and Bullshark Games.

#2 Pragmatic Play

The European heavyweight was once impossible to find in the US. However, with the rise of sweepstakes casinos, that’s no longer the case. And let me tell you from first-hand experience, they have more than lived up to the heights and are now one of my personal favorite slot gaming studios.

Variety has been the key to success for Pragmatic Play. While you can find games that are full of bonus features and introduce exciting mechanics, you can also find games that take a more reserved and simplistic approach. Likewise, you’ll find that Pragmatic Play games span a wide range of RTPs and volatility levels. As a sample pack, we recommend you check out the following Pragmatic Play slot games:

• Gates of Olympus — The award winning Gates of Olympus is a perfect example of why Pragmatic Play has become so popular.

• Hand of Midas 2 — Multiplier wilds practically guarantee big wins in Hand of Midas 2 whenever they land on the reels.
• Wolf Gold — Wolf Gold stands out as despite being a medium volatility game, users can still win jackpots worth x1,000 their stake.

The good news is that Pragmatic Play is no stranger at sweepstakes casinos — and users will be able to find them at a wide variety of social gaming sites. Our top pick for Pragmatic Play slots though has to be Mega Bonanza, where new users can look forward to a hefty welcome bonus and the studio’s progressive network.

#3 Relax Gaming

Relax Gaming is another veteran in the iGaming industry having started in 2010. If there’s one slot game studio that encapsulates the saying “expect the unexpected”, it’s Relax Gaming. Themes vary from game to game. As does the art style, RTP, volatility, and game mechanics — as seemingly every game developed by this company seeks to reinvent the wheel.

For newcomers to slots or players looking for a more traditional slot game, Relax Gaming is not going to be for you. However, if you’re looking for a new experience and games that redefine what online slots can be, then give them a shot. Below are our picks of three games which we believe best capture what it is that sets Relax Gaming apart from the crowd.

• Money Cart 3 — Encapsulating the craziness of Relax Gaming, Money Cart 3 does not offer wins in the base game — instead, first requiring you to land three symbols in order to activate the respins round.

• Book of Power — 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines may make this game look oddly tame, but enter the bonus rounds and you’ll find that this has more than a couple of surprises in store.
• Grim the Splitter — Played on a set of reels that resemble tarot cards, this exciting game features a max win worth x10,000 your stake.

Games produced by Relax Gaming are some of the most widely available across US sweepstakes casinos. And with 30+ gaming studio partnerships, even if you can’t find Relax Gaming, chances are that you’ll be able to find a producer that’s partnered with them. If you’re interested in Relax Gaming, we recommend signing up to PlayFame — where you’ll be able to find all of their best games.

#4 Evoplay

Prioritizing graphics and visual features, Evoplay is known for having some of the most visually stunning games in the industry. But that’s not all. With the future in mind, Evoplay also has some of the best mobile optimized games on the market — and so if you’re the sort of user who likes to play from their mobile device, Evoplay slots will be for you.

For the most part, you won’t find many of the classic slot themes surrounding Ancient Egypt or Rome in Evoplay games. Likewise, you won’t see as many unique features as you might with other game studios, which in turn tends to lead to Evoplay producing games with lower to medium volatility. But don’t worry. This won’t affect your bottom line, as Evoplay slot games RTPs regularly hover around 96%. Below, we’ll take a look at the most popular games from this studio.

• Redrose Sanctuary — Red orbs mark the reel in which they land — changing symbols that land there into wilds on every 10th spin.

• Elven Princess — With graphics resembling RPG computer games, Elven Princess stands out as one of the most visually impressive games in a stacked library.
• Battle Tanks — Tanks and other symbols of war make up the high paying symbols of this exciting game.

While not as widely available as other sweepstakes developers that we’ve covered so far, users shouldn’t find it too hard to find a sweepstakes casino that offers Evoplay slots. Though if you’re after a sure thing, we recommend signing up through our links to Pulsz, where new users will receive a welcome bonus instantly and a first purchase discount.

#5 Nolimit City

Produced under parent company Evolution, Nolimit City is known for creating games with a more mature art style and theme. While sometimes criticized for being overly graphic, Nolimit City has developed something of a cult following for users looking for games that push the envelope of what is acceptable.

Likewise, very high volatility on their games makes anything produced through Nolimit City an adrenaline filled experience — and something of an acquired taste. Personally, I’m a big fan of Nolimit City. But if violence in games and very high volatility are things that you’re looking to avoid, this studio might not be for you. If you do play though, you’ll be happy to know that most Nolimit Games feature RTPs of 96%+.

• Duck Hunters — While tamer graphics than other Nolimit City games, Duck Hunter’s huge bonus buy options exemplify the very high volatility that Nolimit City is known for.

• Tombstone R.I.P. — Featuring graphic hangings, Tombstone R.I.P. is one of the most violent titles that you’ll find at US sweepstakes casinos.
• Outsourced — Score a “MAKS” win of x5,000 your stake in this darkly funny game by lining up M, A, K, and S on the reels.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the mature themes of Nolimit City games mean that they are seldom found at sweepstakes casinos. However, one place you will be able to find them and their trademarked X features is BCGame.us.

#6 3 Oaks Gaming

Established in 2021, 3 Oaks Gaming has proven that you don’t need to break the mold to become a renowned casino-style game developer. While games made by 3 Oaks Gaming will rarely introduce any sort of groundbreaking features, they are nevertheless responsible for producing a wide range of solid games.

To be honest, this is not a studio that I personally hold that highly. But in that regard I tend to be in the minority, as most other SweepsKings regard them as geniuses — having brought back old school style slots and optimizing them for a modern audience. RTP at 3 Oaks Gaming tends to be a shade lower than at other producers we’ve covered so far. However, they have done a pretty good job of ensuring their games cover a wide range of volatility levels.

• Aztec Sun — The Mesoamerican themed slot offers a high RTP as well as a profitable respin bonus game where a grand jackpot will award you an x1,000 win.

• Candy Boom — Candy Boom offers a sweet treat and a rare venture by 3 Oaks Gaming into unknown territory — with cascading symbols and scatter payouts both in effect.
• Black Wolf 2 — Play Black Wolf 2 for the chance to win one of the four available fixed jackpots.

If you’re after classic slots and Hold & Win bonus rounds, you’ll be happy to know that games produced by 3 Oaks Gaming are not hard to find. Though with that being said, you won’t find many better 3 Oaks Gaming sweepstakes casinos than McLuck.

#7 BGaming

It seems like BGaming has been going from strength to strength ever since debuting in 2018. A wide variety of themes, art styles, and gameplay mechanics practically guarantees that they’ll have something that every player will enjoy. Slots are of course the bread and butter of this software producer. However, they also develop some pretty creative casual games.

This flexibility extends to the volatility of BGaming’s roster of games — with a variety of low, medium, and high volatility games all available to play. And regardless of what you play, you can rest assured that the game will have a competitive level of RTP. Below, we’ll be going over our three favorite slot games produced by BGaming.

• Gold of Minos — The expanding minotaur wild stays locked on the reel whenever it lands — doubling the multiplier for each successive spin without a win.

• Forgotten — Very high volatility and an RTP of 96.89% awaits anyone brave enough to face the horrors of this horror themed slot.
• Elvis Frog Trueways — One of BGaming’s most popular mascots, Elvis Frog, makes his return to the reels in this light-hearted and fun Megaways game.

BGaming’s versatility has seen them not only rise in popularity amongst players, but also with sweepstakes casinos — being one of the most widely available software providers around. Our pick for the top site though has to go to Hello Millions.

#8 Bespoke/Proprietary Software

While sweepstakes casinos do have the option of partnering with outside casino game developers, some sites prefer to take a crack at developing games themselves. Needless to say, this is no easy task. Although with that being said, some sites have done a great job — and in many cases, have made a name for themselves as one of the top sweepstakes casino game developers.

One of the most significant benefits of a sweepstakes casino developing their own games is that they don’t have to split the profits or pay a licensing fee to external developers. And while this may sound like it’s only an advantage to the sweepstakes casino itself, it can also be of benefit to the player. Because since profits don’t need to be split, sites can offer better bonuses and RTPs than they’d otherwise be able to afford.

Below, you’ll find our picks for the best bespoke casino style games.

• Emily’s Treasure (Blazesoft) — The game that was responsible for introducing many players to multiplayer fish games, Emily’s Treasure remains as popular now as when it was first launched by Fortune Coins.

• Buffalo Blitz (Chumba) — The wildly popular buffalo themed slot game helped make Chumba one of the earliest success stories among sweepstakes casinos.
• Ariel’s Song (Blazesoft) — Ariel’s Song proves that Fortune Coins is just as good at making classic slots as they are at creating other game types.

Bespoke software isn’t overly common amongst sweepstakes casinos. However, probably the most popular of the sites that do make use of this gaming category is Fortune Coins. And proving that bespoke software can be a benefit to both sweepstakes casinos and players alike, Fortune Coins offers a welcome package of like no other.

Slots aside, most crypto casinos also release bespoke versions of popular arcade games like Crash, Plinko, Mines, and Chicken Run (see Legendz, MyPrize.us, and LuckyBird.io for a taste).

#9 Red Tiger

The second software provider to fall under the Evolution brand, Red Tiger is a direct contrast to Nolimit City — offering a more light-hearted and fun style of games. And fun is undoubtedly the best way to describe games produced by Red Tiger. While themes and game mechanics will vary between games, you can always look forward to exciting gameplay.

Like most titles under the Evolution family of games, expect games developed through Red Tiger to have high volatility. Though while this high volatility may not suit all players — you’ll be happy to know that RTP is always pretty high at around 96%. If you’re looking to try out this slot game provider, we recommend the following:

• Gonzo’s Quest Megaways — Gonzo is back — and in this game, players can look forward to bigger multipliers on wins the more reactions they get.

• Primate King — Primate King is perfect for users looking for a more standard slot that still has a couple of surprises in store.
• Rainbow Jackpot — Test if you have the luck of the Irish in the slot game where max wins of up to x1,000 your stake are up for grabs.

Despite their mass appeal, Red Tiger games are a pretty rare sight in sweepstakes casinos. Fortunately though, one of the very best sweepstakes casinos in WOW Vegas does stock them — and when you sign up through our links, you can score yourself free SC and WC across your first three days after signing up.

#10 NetEnt

One of the most renowned game developers across the globe, NetEnt is also available in US sweepstakes casinos. Great graphics and innovative gameplay are all the hallmarks of a NetEnt game. And If a sweepstakes casino features slots or table games from NetEnt, you know they mean business.

There’s no game developer that I’m aware of that offers games across such a wide range of volatilities. Though regardless of what you play and what volatility you prefer, you can bet your bottom dollar that NetEnt will provide a fair and competitive RTP. While NetEnt does have hundreds of games in their arsenal, pickings are a little slim in sweepstakes casinos. However with that being said, they still have a few classics.

• Starburst — A combination of high RTP and low volatility has seen Starburst be a favorite amongst players since it first launched.

• Gonzo’s Quest — The original Gonzo’s Quest introduced the world to the now iconic Gonzo franchise.
• Twin Spin — While never reaching the popularity of other NetEnt games, Twin Spin remains something of a hidden gem 10+ years after being produced.

Another developer operating under the Evolution banner, NetEnt unfortunately suffers from the same limited availability that plagues its sister sites. Fortunately, one sweepstakes casino that still offers NetEnt produced games is High 5.

Conclusion

I hope you now have an idea of why software developers matter when selecting a sweepstakes casino. These third-party tech companies provide the games at social casinos so knowing which ones are reputable and offer the best titles directly impacts your gaming experience.

Our list of top 10 slot providers should steer you in the right direction and you can’t go wrong with games from developers like Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, BGaming, and software providers under the Evolution umbrella.