Online gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry where successful projects require substantial investments. The main element of casino entertainment is software. Software ensures the smooth operation of the platform, game functionality, and user interaction convenience with the system.
How much does gaming software for online casinos cost? The cost varies from $250,000 to $1,500,000, depending on the provider, content set, service functionality, and cooperation conditions. In addition to initial costs, royalties, payment system commissions, and technical support expenses should be taken into account.
How much does gaming software cost and what is included in the online casino software?
The gaming platform is a software environment that ensures the operation of all casino elements. It is responsible for data processing, user account management, game and payment system integration, as well as marketing tools.
Key functions:
- Authorization and registration of participants.
- Balance and bet management system.
- Bonus programs and promotions.
- Analytics and reporting.
- Security tools and data protection.
Cost of a license for a gaming platform:
- SoftSwiss — from $100,000.
- Playtech IMS — from $200,000 to $300,000.
- Microgaming Quickfire — from $250,000.
- BetConstruct — from $150,000.
Some companies offer White Label solutions with a rental model, priced from $10,000 to $50,000 per month plus royalties of up to 50% of the profit.
Gaming content — slots, live games, table games
One of the main factors determining the attractiveness of a gambling platform for users and the cost of gaming software is the variety and quality of content in online casinos. Modern services offer a wide range of entertainment, including video slots, card and table games, live formats with real dealers, as well as bingo, lotteries, and keno. Developing and licensing such products requires significant financial investments.
The complexity of creating a slot directly affects its cost. The higher the quality of graphics, the more interesting the mechanics, the more complex the bonus features, and the higher the level of audio accompaniment, the more expensive the license. For example, classic slot machines with a simple set of symbols will cost less than innovative machines with dynamic multipliers, cascading reels, and the Megaways system.
Major developers like NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming sell their products at fixed prices. A license for popular hits like Starburst or Gonzo’s Quest will cost operators between $10,000 and $15,000 per slot. The cost of Play’n GO slots, including Book of Dead, ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, while machines from Pragmatic Play, such as Sweet Bonanza and Gates of Olympus, range from $12,000 to $18,000.
Games with live dealers are of particular interest. Products from Evolution Gaming, a leading player in the live entertainment market, require much larger investments. A full package, including roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and other table games in a live casino format, costs no less than $50,000.
For platforms, it is more advantageous to buy entire sets of games rather than individual ones. Developers offer packages containing 300-500 slot machines, with costs ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. This allows launching a platform with a wide library capable of satisfying users with various preferences.
Payment systems — transaction processing
To operate a virtual establishment effectively, it is necessary to connect payment services that provide account replenishment and winnings withdrawal. This also affects the final figure of how much gaming software costs for online casinos.
Main payment methods:
- Bank cards (Visa, MasterCard).
- E-wallets (Skrill, Neteller, PayPal).
- Cryptocurrency transfers (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT).
Average integration cost:
- API integration — $5,000.
- Full processing — from $50,000.
How much does gaming software cost for online casinos: nuances
As mentioned earlier, launching a virtual casino requires significant investments, with a large portion going towards acquiring software. Financial costs depend on the chosen cooperation model with providers — purchasing a full package, renting a White Label platform, or developing a system from scratch:
- Full purchase of software includes a platform, 500 games, payment solutions, and costs between $250,000 and $500,000. This is the most convenient option for those looking to launch a full-fledged online establishment without the need to create software independently.
- Developing a custom management system and exclusive gaming products requires significantly larger investments. Services developed from scratch will cost between $500,000 and $1,500,000. This model is suitable for companies aiming to create a unique brand with its own style, original features, and exclusive content.
- For operators looking to minimize initial costs, there is the White Label scheme. This collaboration format allows the use of a ready-made platform with licensed gaming content on rental terms. The price starts from $10,000 per month, and the developer receives a percentage of the casino’s profit ranging from 10 to 50%.
Royalties and additional expenses
Using licensed games involves monthly payments of a percentage of the service’s revenue to providers.
Average royalty share in %:
- NetEnt — 20.
- Microgaming — 19.
- Play’n GO — 16.
- Evolution Gaming (Live) — 25-30.
- Indie developers — 5-10.
Some operators choose to purchase products without royalty obligations, but in that case, their cost increases by 50-70%.
Conclusion
How much does gaming software cost for online casinos? Three options are available for a full platform launch:
- Purchase of ready-made software — from $250,000.
- Development from scratch — from $500,000 to $1,500,000.
- White Label rental — from $10,000 per month.
Licensed software is the key to successful platform operation. Saving on software quality leads to reduced user trust and potential technical failures.
