20 Mar

GSA welcomes Real Money Casino Leader Microgaming

The world’s largest developer of real money casino games for the digital world, Microgaming is being welcomed into the fold of the recently formed GSA Europe. The Isle of Man-based company acquired a Platinum membership, joining other elite industry leaders like Aristocrat Leisure, IGT, and Playtech.

Real Money Casino Developer Microgaming joins GSA Europe

The brainchild of Acres Gaming founder John Acres, the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) was officially formed in May of 1998. At that time, it was known as the Gaming Manufacturers Association (GAMMA), with the original group consisting of 65 industry executives from 20 gaming suppliers.

Real Money Casino Leader Microgaming joins GSA EuropeBy 2001, membership was growing quickly, and expanding into other avenues of the business, including operators, vendors, affiliates and regulatory advisors. That year, the organization elected to change its name to Gaming Standards Association, reflecting the diversity in its representation of all facets of the live and online gambling industry, and its vision to promote open standards throughout.

For nearly two decades, the GSA was a single, global entity, headquartered in the United States. Just a few weeks ago, the organization launched a regional division called GSA Europe. The new group maintains a primary focus on European based companies, as well as international brands with a strong arm in the European market.

As the oldest and largest real money casino games developer in the digital gambling sector, with roots dating back to 1994, Microgaming was a perfect fit for GSA Europe membership. Based in Isle of Man, the company serves hundreds of operators all over the globe in the online and mobile casino, poker, bingo, sportsbook, live dealer and multi-player games markets, as well as producing content for land-based gaming.

After more than two decades, Microgaming has easily maintained the title of world’s largest real money casino software developer. The brand launches new games each and every month, now supplying over 2,000 game titles, including licenced and proprietary content.

“The benefits of joining GSA Europe are considerable,” extolled Microgaming’s 16-year CEO, Roger Raatgever. “As a Platinum member, Microgaming has reinforced its position as the industry leader in developing, implementing and promoting new technical gaming standards. We are excited to continue our work in this field with other GSA members.”

The organization’s Europe-centric focus offers substantial benefits to members, with exclusive perks for Platinum members like Microgaming. According to an official press release announcing the induction this morning, some of the advantages of GSA Europe membership include:

  • European legal jurisdiction
    Membership levels and dues identical to those of GSA (US)
    Participation on the GSA Board for eligible membership levels
    Participation in all committees for eligible membership levels
    European members will have input into GSA strategy and direction

Microgaming joins a short list of the GSA’s elite Platinum members, which now include:

Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
International Game Technology (IGT)
Konami Gaming, Inc.
Microgaming Software Systems LTD
Novomatic Gaming Industries DmbH
Playtech PLC
Scientific Games Corp.
Sega Sammy Creations, Inc.

All told, GSA supports a global membership of 60 companies in the interactive real money casino, poker and other gambling sectors, including Gold, Silver, Bronze, Affiliate and Advisory members.

Peter DeRaedt, President of GSA, shared his enthusiasm over Microgaming’s inception.“We are pleased Microgaming has become a Platinum member of GSA. As a proven leader in in the online world with widespread influence and valuable insights into the industry on the continent, we look forward their participation and their commitment to our work,” he said.