Microgaming

1994 Founding & Evolution

Microgaming was founded in 1994 in South Africa by Martin Moshal, claiming to have launched the first online casino for real money. The company quickly became a major player in the burgeoning online gambling industry. In 2022, Microgaming sold its online games portfolio to Games Global Limited, marking a significant shift in its business strategy. By 2024, the company rebranded to Apricot Investments, signaling a further evolution and a shift in focus. This transition highlights Microgaming's adaptability and its continued presence in the iGaming sector, albeit in a different capacity.

Company Structure & HQ

Microgaming, now known as Apricot Investments, operates as a privately held company. Its headquarters are located in Douglas, Isle of Man, a jurisdiction known for its favorable regulatory environment for online gaming businesses. In 2017, the company expanded its physical presence by opening a new five-story headquarters called 'Sixty Two', situated next to its existing office. This expansion underscores the company's growth and its commitment to maintaining a strong base of operations in a key iGaming hub. The Isle of Man provides a stable and supportive environment for Apricot Investments to conduct its business.

Key Leadership & Workforce

Stephen Fisk was appointed CEO of Microgaming, now Apricot Investments, in May 2023, bringing new leadership to the company. He succeeded previous CEOs such as Andrew Clucas and John Coleman, each of whom played a role in shaping the company's direction. The company employs between 201 and 500 individuals, as of July 1, 2024, though some sources cite a smaller number of 96 employees. This workforce supports the company's various operations, including platform development, licensing services, and other strategic initiatives within the iGaming industry. The leadership team and workforce are crucial to Apricot Investments' continued success and innovation.

Global Gaming Licenses

Microgaming holds licenses to operate in over 20 jurisdictions worldwide, demonstrating its commitment to regulated markets and responsible gaming. The company is notably licensed and regulated in key territories such as Malta, the United Kingdom, and the Isle of Man, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. These licenses allow Microgaming to offer its platform and services to a broad international audience, fostering trust and credibility within the industry. This extensive licensing portfolio is a testament to Microgaming's dedication to operating within legal and ethical frameworks.

Regulatory Compliance & Audits

As a founding member of eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), Microgaming is regularly audited for fairness and promotes responsible gambling practices. This affiliation ensures high standards of player protection and operational integrity, reinforcing the company's commitment to ethical conduct. eCOGRA's independent audits verify that Microgaming's games and platforms meet rigorous standards for randomness and fairness. This commitment to compliance and player protection has helped Microgaming maintain a strong reputation within the iGaming industry.

Licensed Market Reach

Microgaming's extensive licensing allows it to operate globally, providing its platform and services to a vast international audience. Its focus on compliance enables broad market penetration, ensuring that its products are available in numerous regulated markets. This wide reach not only enhances its business opportunities but also helps to promote responsible gaming practices across different regions. By adhering to local regulations and standards, Microgaming fosters a safe and reliable gaming environment for players worldwide.

800+ Game Portfolio

Before the sale of its game portfolio to Games Global, Microgaming boasted over 800 titles, accumulating to over 1,200 video slots and casino table games released. This vast collection showcased the company's prolific output and its ability to cater to a wide range of player preferences. The portfolio included a diverse array of games, from classic slots to innovative video slots and traditional table games. This extensive library made Microgaming a leading provider of casino content for many years.

Extensive Game Categories

Microgaming's game portfolio was incredibly diverse, offering something for every type of player.

• Video Slots: A wide variety of themes and features, from classic fruit machines to modern video slots with intricate storylines.
• Classic Table Games: Traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, available in multiple variations.
• Live Dealer Options: Real-time casino games streamed with live dealers, providing an immersive gaming experience.
• Poker: Various poker games and tournaments, catering to both casual and serious poker players.
• Bingo: Online bingo games with different themes and prize pools.
• Sports Betting Software: Software solutions for online sports betting platforms.

This diversity ensured that Microgaming's platform could meet the needs of a broad spectrum of online casino operators and players.

Signature Progressive Jackpots

Microgaming is particularly renowned for its progressive jackpot network, which has created numerous millionaires over the years. This feature became a hallmark of their game offerings, attracting players with the potential for life-changing wins. The Mega Moolah network, in particular, is famous for its record-breaking payouts, making it one of the most successful jackpot networks globally. These progressive jackpots have significantly contributed to Microgaming's popularity and its reputation as a leading provider in the iGaming industry. Play Mega Moolah Slot for a chance to win big.

Pioneering Industry Innovations

Microgaming has a rich history of innovation, credited with several industry firsts that shaped the online gambling landscape. Their contributions extended from software development to game mechanics, setting new standards for the industry. These pioneering efforts have solidified Microgaming's position as a leader and innovator in the online gaming world. The company's commitment to innovation has driven the evolution of online casinos and player experiences.

First Online & Mobile Casinos

Microgaming claims to have launched the first true online casino in 1994, marking a pivotal moment in the history of online gambling.

• Online Casino: In 1994, Microgaming launched what it claims was the first online casino, setting the stage for the industry's future growth.
• Mobile Casino Software: In 2004, Microgaming developed the first mobile casino software, enabling players to enjoy casino games on their mobile devices.

These advancements set new standards for accessibility and play, transforming how people engage with casino games.

Progressive Jackpot Network

Microgaming introduced the industry's first progressive jackpot slot, which evolved into the highly successful Mega Moolah network. This innovation revolutionized player engagement and prize pools, offering the potential for massive payouts. The Mega Moolah network quickly became a player favorite, attracting a large audience with its promise of life-changing wins. This progressive jackpot system has been a key factor in Microgaming's long-term success and influence in the iGaming industry.

Iconic Game Titles

Microgaming developed some of the most recognized and played casino games, celebrated for their engaging themes and innovative features. These titles have garnered a massive following worldwide, becoming synonymous with quality and excitement in the online casino world. The games continue to be popular even after the sale of the portfolio to Games Global.

Mega Moolah & Records

Mega Moolah is famous for its record-breaking progressive jackpot payouts, making it one of the most successful jackpot networks globally.

Aspect	Details
Record Payouts	Consistently delivers life-changing wins to players.

Its popularity is a testament to its engaging gameplay and the life-altering sums it offers.

Popular Slot Series

Microgaming boasts a number of highly popular titles that have become player favorites.

Game Title	Description
Immortal Romance	Known for its vampire theme and engaging storyline. Explore Immortal Romance.
Thunderstruck II	Celebrated for its multiple bonus features and Norse mythology theme.
Avalon	A popular slot with a medieval theme.
Game of Thrones	Based on the hit TV series, offering fans a unique gaming experience.

These games stand out as fan favorites, contributing significantly to Microgaming's reputation.

Advanced Platform Solutions

Microgaming, now Apricot Investments, focuses on providing robust platform systems and licensing services for the iGaming industry. Their technology stack includes the Viper software and the Apricot Platform, designed to support a wide range of online casino operations. These platform solutions are essential for operators looking to deliver seamless and engaging gaming experiences to their players. Apricot Investments leverages its extensive experience to offer cutting-edge technology and support services.

Apricot Platform & Integrations

The Apricot Platform is designed for seamless integration with customer casinos, offering operators a comprehensive solution. It supports various APIs for efficient content delivery, allowing for easy integration of games and other services. This platform is a key component of Apricot Investments' B2B offerings, providing a robust and scalable solution for online casino operators. The Apricot Platform aims to streamline operations and enhance the overall gaming experience for players.

Mobile-First Development

Microgaming was an early adopter of mobile optimization, developing the first mobile casino software in 2004. Their content and platforms are built with a mobile-first approach, ensuring broad device compatibility. This focus on mobile gaming has allowed Microgaming to stay ahead of the curve, catering to the growing demand for mobile casino games. By prioritizing mobile compatibility, Microgaming ensures that players can enjoy their favorite games on any device, at any time.

Award-Winning Excellence

Microgaming has consistently been recognized with numerous industry awards for its innovation, platform quality, and overall contributions to the iGaming sector. These accolades underscore its leading position and its commitment to excellence. The awards reflect Microgaming's dedication to providing top-notch products and services to its clients and players.

Industry Accolades

Microgaming has received numerous awards recognizing its contributions to the iGaming industry.

• EGR B2B Awards 2020: Platform of the Year.
• International Gaming Awards 2016: Innovator of the Year.
• Global Gaming Awards: Digital Gaming Innovation of the Year for VR Roulette.

These awards highlight Microgaming's commitment to innovation and quality.

Innovation Contributions

Microgaming's pioneering work has been widely recognized.

• Top Casino Software: Recognized as 'Top Casino Software' by Gambling Online Magazine for two consecutive years.
• Pioneering Work: Its pioneering work in online and mobile casino software, alongside progressive jackpots, cemented its status.

These contributions have solidified Microgaming's status as a leader in the iGaming industry.

Player Sentiment & Reputation

Microgaming generally enjoys a strong reputation among players and industry observers, often praised for its long-standing presence and quality games. The company's commitment to fair play, as a founding member of eCOGRA, contributes to positive player sentiment. While the sale of its game portfolio to Games Global Review has changed its role, its legacy remains influential. Microgaming's reputation for reliability and innovation continues to resonate within the iGaming community.