The studio that made the game tells you more about it than the theme. A Viking slot from Nolimit City and a Viking slot from NetEnt are categorically different experiences — different mechanics, different volatility, different max win ceilings, different RTP configurations. Knowing the provider is the fastest way to know what you’re actually getting before you play.
This guide covers the 10 major studios whose games appear most frequently at UK-licensed casinos. Each has a complete individual guide linked below. This page is the comparison hub — the master table, the ownership structure (who bought whom under Evolution), and the framework for choosing which provider suits your playing style.
Who Owns Who — The Evolution Group Consolidation
Before the provider comparison, the ownership context matters. Evolution Group has been on a multi-year acquisition spree that has changed the independent studio landscape significantly:
| Studio | Ownership | Acquisition year | Still operates independently? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NetEnt | Evolution Group | 2020 | Yes — own brand, own releases |
| Big Time Gaming | Evolution Group | 2021 ($534.5m) | Yes — own brand, own releases |
| Nolimit City | Evolution Group | 2022 (€340m) | Yes — own brand, own releases |
| Relax Gaming | Independent | — | Yes |
| Pragmatic Play | Independent | — | Yes |
| Push Gaming | Independent | — | Yes |
| Hacksaw Gaming | Independent | — | Yes |
| Play’n GO | Independent | — | Yes |
| Yggdrasil | Independent | — | Yes (owns YG Masters platform) |
| Blueprint Gaming | Gauselmann Group | 2001 (founded within group) | Yes — own UK-focused brand |
The practical implication: NetEnt, BTG, and Nolimit City are all Evolution-owned but operate as entirely separate studios with distinct catalogues, RTPs, and game designs. Being “owned by Evolution” does not mean the games are the same or interchangeable. Each studio continues under its original creative direction.
Master Comparison Table — All 10 Providers
| Provider | Portfolio avg RTP | Variable RTP? | Typical volatility | Highest max win | Signature mechanic | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolimit City | 96.13% | Yes — down to 92% | Extreme | 300,000× (Tombstone RIP) | xNudge, xWays, xSplit, xBomb | Maximum win ceiling; extreme variance players |
| Big Time Gaming | 96–97.24% | No — fixed RTP | Very High | 68,180× (Rasputin Megaways) | Megaways (invented); Reactions (cascades); unlimited multiplier | Megaways purity; fixed RTP certainty |
| Relax Gaming | 96%+ | Yes — 94% variants | Very High | 150,000× (Money Train 4) | Money Cart Bonus (Collectors, Payers, Snipers) | Money Train series; 99% RTP (Book of 99) |
| Push Gaming | 96.6% avg | Yes — lower variants | High to Very High | 50,000× (Razor Shark) | Hypermode, Cluster Link, Walking Wilds | Jammin’ Jars; highest avg RTP of mainstream providers |
| NetEnt | 96.4% avg | Yes — some games (Starburst to 90%) | Low → Extreme | 111,111× (Dead or Alive 2) | Avalanche/cascades (invented); Starburst Wilds | Blood Suckers 98% RTP; DoA2 for extreme ceiling |
| Yggdrasil | 96.2% avg | No — mostly fixed | High to Very High | 68,180× (Rasputin Megaways — via BTG Megaways) | GigaBlox, DoubleMax, Splitz, Golden Bet | Visual quality; Scandinavian design; GigaBlox mechanics |
| Hacksaw Gaming | 96%+ | Yes — down to 88% | High to Very High | 30,000× (Chaos Crew 3) | DuelReels™ (VS symbols, multiplier duels) | Mobile-first; distinctive aesthetic; DuelReels sessions |
| Pragmatic Play | 96.5% avg | Yes — operator selectable (94–96.5%) | Medium to Very High | 5,000× (most titles) — higher on 1000 series | Tumble cascades; multiplier ramps; Drops & Wins | Widest catalogue; Gates of Olympus; beginners |
| Play’n GO | ~96% | Yes — most extreme (down to 84.18%) | High | 5,000× (most titles) | Expanding symbols (free spins); cluster pays (grid slots) | Book of Dead; Reactoonz; franchise depth |
| Blueprint Gaming | 96–97% | Yes — Jackpot King versions at 93% | Medium to High | 50,000× (Fishin’ Frenzy, The Goonies) | Fisherman Collect; Jackpot King network; Megaways | UK heritage games; Jackpot King exposure; Fishin’ Frenzy |
The Variable RTP Issue — Which Providers to Watch Most Carefully
Variable RTP — where operators select from multiple versions of the same game, with different return-to-player settings — exists across most providers. The range of reduction varies significantly:
| Provider | Standard RTP example | Lowest variant documented | Gap | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play’n GO | 96.21% (Book of Dead) | 84.18% | 12.03% | Highest risk — check every session |
| Nolimit City | 96.06% (Tombstone RIP) | 92% | 4.06% | High risk — check Money Train sessions |
| Hacksaw Gaming | 96.38% (Wanted Dead or Wild) | 88.42% | 7.96% | High risk — especially at smaller operators |
| Relax Gaming | 96.10% (Money Train 4) | 94% | 2.1% | Moderate — verify before Money Train sessions |
| Pragmatic Play | 96.50% (Gates of Olympus) | ~94% | ~2.5% | Moderate — check in-game RTP |
| NetEnt | 96.09% (Starburst) | 90.05% (Starburst) | 6.04% | Moderate — Starburst specifically |
| Blueprint Gaming | 96.12% (Fishin’ Frenzy) | 93.32% (Jackpot King version) | 2.8% | Moderate — Jackpot King versions specifically |
| Big Time Gaming | Fixed — no variable RTP | N/A | 0% | None — what the paytable says is what you get |
| Push Gaming | Variable — verify in-game | Lower variants exist | ~2% | Low-moderate |
| Yggdrasil | Mostly fixed | Some lower variants | ~1–2% | Low |
How to check: Open any slot’s information screen (the “i” or “?” button) before extended play. The RTP displayed is the specific version running at your casino — compare it against the published standard for that game. If it’s more than 1% below standard, you’re on a reduced variant. The major UK operators in our sidebar (Ladbrokes, Coral, Casumo, 10Bet, Gala) generally run standard or near-standard variants. Smaller or newer operators may not.
See our Slot Game Mechanics guide for a full explanation of how variable RTP works across the industry.
Complete Individual Provider Guides
Pragmatic Play Slots
The largest catalogue of any provider featured here. Variable RTP model — always check the in-game figure, particularly for Gates of Olympus and Sweet Bonanza. The 1000 series (Gates of Olympus 1000, Sweet Bonanza 1000) raises max win ceilings. Drops & Wins network connects qualifying slots for tournament prize pools. Best entry point for new players due to breadth and accessibility.
Key games: Gates of Olympus (96.5%, 5,000×), Sweet Bonanza (96.48%, 21,100×), Dog House Megaways (96.55%, 12,305×), Big Bass Bonanza (96.71%, 2,100×)
→ Full guide: Pragmatic Play Slots — Complete 2026 Guide
Big Time Gaming Slots
Megaways inventors. Fixed RTP across their entire catalogue — the only major provider where the published RTP is guaranteed to be what every casino runs. Superior Reactions (cascade) frequency vs licensed Megaways implementations. Acquired by Evolution Group (April 2021, $534.5m) but operates independently.
Key games: Bonanza (96%, 26,000×), White Rabbit Megaways (97.24%, 17,420×), Extra Chilli (96.17%, 20,000×), Rasputin Megaways (96.68%, 68,180×), Lil’ Devil (96.43%, 100,000×)
→ Full guide: Big Time Gaming — Megaways Origin, Best Games & Honest Guide
Push Gaming Slots
Highest average RTP of any mainstream UK provider at 96.6%. Jammin’ Jars invented the Rainbow Feature (base game only). Wild Swarm has a 97.03% RTP. Cluster Link mechanic unique to Push Gaming. Hypermode (raised bet for increased multiplier activity) available at some operators.
Key games: Jammin’ Jars (96.83%, 20,000×), Razor Shark (96.70%, 50,000×), Wild Swarm (97.03%, 10,000×), Fat Rabbit (96.45%, 10,000×)
→ Full guide: Push Gaming — Jammin’ Jars, Razor Shark & the Highest RTP Provider Guide
Yggdrasil Gaming Slots
Scandinavian design quality. GigaBlox (oversized 2×2 to 6×6 symbols) and DoubleMax (multiplier doubles on each cascade) are proprietary mechanics licensed to other studios through YG Masters. Splitz mechanic expands symbols to increase ways to win.
Key games: Vikings Go Berzerk (96.1%, high vol), Joker Millions (98.9% — progressive), Wolf Hunters (96.3%), Hades GigaBlox (96.06%), Raptor DoubleMax (96.14%)
→ Full guide: Yggdrasil Gaming — GigaBlox, DoubleMax & Complete Provider Guide
Play’n GO Slots
Most extreme variable RTP in the mainstream market — Book of Dead runs at 84.18% at some operators (standard: 96.21%). Always verify before playing. Franchise depth is excellent: Rich Wilde / Dead series, Reactoonz series, Moon Princess series, Rise of Olympus series. Book of Dead has been the most-played UK slot for nearly a decade.
Key games: Book of Dead (96.21% standard, 5,000×), Reactoonz (96%, 4,570×), Legacy of Dead (96.58%, 5,000×), Rise of Olympus (96.5%, 5,000×), Moon Princess (96.5%, 5,000×)
→ Full guide: Play’n GO Slots — Best Games, Variable RTP & Complete Guide
Hacksaw Gaming Slots
Mobile-first, portrait mode, immediate visual distinctiveness. DuelReels™ is a proprietary mechanic (VS symbols duelling for multipliers) found nowhere else. Variable RTP down to 88% — check before extended sessions. Scratchcard and instant win catalogue alongside slots.
Key games: Wanted Dead or Wild (96.38%, 12,500×), Chaos Crew 3 (96.3%, 30,000×), Hand of Anubis (96.24%, 10,000×), Le Bandit (96.34%, medium-high vol, 10,000×)
→ Full guide: Hacksaw Gaming — DuelReels, Best Games & Complete Provider Guide
NetEnt Slots
Acquired by Evolution Group (December 2020, £1.72bn) — not Everi, which is a separate US company. Invented the Avalanche/cascading reels mechanic (Gonzo’s Quest, 2011). Widest volatility range of any major provider — Starburst at low, Dead or Alive 2 at extreme. Blood Suckers at 98% RTP is among the highest-return standard slots at UK casinos.
Key games: Dead or Alive 2 (96.8%, 111,111×), Blood Suckers (98%, low vol), Gonzo’s Quest (96%, medium-high), Starburst (96.09%, low), Twin Spin (96.6%, medium)
→ Full guide: NetEnt Slots — Dead or Alive 2, Blood Suckers & Complete Provider Guide
Blueprint Gaming Slots
Most British provider — founded Newark, UK, 2001, part of Gauselmann Group. Physical pub and betting shop heritage (Eye of Horus, Fishin’ Frenzy originated as land-based cabinets). Jackpot King network (70+ games, 30+ millionaires since 2016, uncapped top prize). Important: Jackpot King versions have lower RTPs than standard versions (Fishin’ Frenzy: 96.12% standard vs 93.32% Jackpot King). First studio to license Megaways externally from BTG.
Key games: Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch (96.12%, 50,000×), Eye of Horus (96.31%, 10,000×), The Goonies (96%, 50,000×), Genie Jackpots Megaways (96%, 50,000×)
→ Full guide: Blueprint Gaming — Fishin’ Frenzy, Jackpot King & Complete UK Provider Guide
Relax Gaming Slots
Dual business model: in-house game studio plus Silver Bullet / Powered By Relax aggregation platform (distributing BTG, Quickspin, Nolimit City, and others). The Money Train series (4 games, 2019–2023) invented the Money Cart Bonus mechanic where symbol interactions are multiplicative. Money Train 4: 150,000× max win, 21 modifiers. Book of 99: 99% RTP — the highest of any standard slot.
Key games: Money Train 4 (96.1%, 150,000×), Money Train 2 (96.4%, 50,000×), Book of 99 (99%, high vol)
→ Full guide: Relax Gaming — Money Train Series, Book of 99 & Complete Provider Guide
Nolimit City Slots
Acquired by Evolution Group (June 2022, €340m). Holds the record for highest max win of any standard UK slot: Tombstone RIP at 300,000×. Variable RTP down to 92% — check before any Nolimit session. xNudge multipliers are multiplicative (4× and 6× = 24×, not 10×). xWays can push ways to win above 13 billion in San Quentin. Deliberately provocative themes. Not suitable for casual players or limited bankrolls.
Key games: Tombstone RIP (96.06%, 300,000×), Deadwood RIP (96.06%, 250,000×), San Quentin 2 (96.03%, 200,000×), Mental (96.09%, 66,666×), Fire in the Hole (96.06%, 60,000×)
→ Full guide: Nolimit City — xMechanics, 300,000× Max Wins & Complete Provider Guide
Which Provider Suits Your Playing Style
The honest answer to “which provider is best” is: it depends on what you want from a session. Use this framework:
| Your priority | Best provider | Specific game |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum win ceiling | Nolimit City | Tombstone RIP (300,000×) |
| Highest fixed RTP + Megaways | Big Time Gaming | White Rabbit Megaways (97.24%, fixed) |
| Highest portfolio average RTP | Push Gaming | Wild Swarm (97.03%) |
| Best single-game RTP (non-Supermeter) | Relax Gaming | Book of 99 (99%) |
| Best for bonus clearing | NetEnt | Blood Suckers (98%, low vol, 100% contribution) |
| Most accessible catalogue for beginners | Pragmatic Play | Big Bass Bonanza (96.71%, medium vol) |
| Best UK heritage / Jackpot King exposure | Blueprint Gaming | Fishin’ Frenzy (96.12%, medium vol) |
| Best mobile-first experience | Hacksaw Gaming | Wanted Dead or Wild (96.38%, DuelReels) |
| Best franchise / character-led IP | Play’n GO | Book of Dead (96.21%) / Reactoonz (96%) |
| Most distinctive visual identity | Yggdrasil | Vikings Go Berzerk (GigaBlox, 96.1%) |
| Money Cart Bonus mechanic | Relax Gaming | Money Train 2 (96.4%, 50,000×) |
Understanding Megaways Across Providers
Megaways was invented by Big Time Gaming in 2015 and licensed to other studios from 2019. The core mechanic (variable reel heights creating up to 117,649 ways to win) is consistent across all licensed implementations, but the quality of implementation varies.
BTG originals vs licensed Megaways: BTG’s own Megaways games (Bonanza, White Rabbit, Extra Chilli, Rasputin) have higher Reactions/cascade frequency than most licensed versions. Blueprint was the first external licensee. Pragmatic, Red Tiger, and iSoftBet followed. Licensed Megaways games sometimes have higher RTPs than BTG originals (Blood Suckers Megaways at 97.66% vs Bonanza at 96%) while trading the original mechanic depth.
Our full ranked comparison of Megaways slots across all providers is in the Top Megaways Slots Ranked guide. The Cascading Reels guide covers the underlying mechanic maths that all Megaways titles share.
Frequently Asked Questions — Slot Providers
Which slot provider has the highest RTP?
By portfolio average, Push Gaming leads at approximately 96.6% — the highest average of any mainstream UK provider. For individual game RTP, Relax Gaming’s Book of 99 sits at 99% — the highest of any standard slot at UK casinos. NetEnt’s Blood Suckers is at 98%. For the most important caveat: RTP at your specific casino may differ from standard if your operator runs a reduced configuration. Always verify in-game. Big Time Gaming is the only provider with fully fixed RTP (no operator variable configurations).
Which slot provider has the highest max win?
Nolimit City holds the top three positions: Tombstone RIP (300,000×), Deadwood RIP (250,000×), San Quentin 2 (200,000×). These are all standard (non-progressive) slots. For context: the nearest non-Nolimit competitor is NetEnt’s Dead or Alive 2 at 111,111× and Relax Gaming’s Money Train 4 at 150,000×. Progressive jackpots (Mega Moolah, Jackpot King) have no stated maximum and have paid above £10 million.
What is the difference between a game’s published RTP and what I’m actually playing?
Most providers offer operators multiple RTP configurations for each game. The published standard RTP (e.g. Book of Dead at 96.21%) is the highest available configuration. Some operators run lower versions — Play’n GO’s Book of Dead has configurations down to 84.18%. The specific version running at your casino is displayed in the game’s information screen. UKGC regulations require this to be disclosed in-game. Big Time Gaming is the only major provider that offers only fixed RTPs — their published figures apply at all casinos carrying their games.
Which provider is best for beginners?
Pragmatic Play — widest catalogue, medium-to-high volatility options, all games available at most major UK operators, and mechanics that are clearly explained without requiring deep knowledge of proprietary systems. Big Bass Bonanza (96.71% RTP, medium volatility) is a specific recommendation for a first proper slot session. NetEnt’s Starburst (low volatility, simple mechanics) is a good first game if you receive it as free spins in a promotion. Avoid Nolimit City, Relax Gaming’s Money Train series, and BTG originals until you understand bankroll management for very high volatility games.
Did Big Time Gaming invent Megaways?
Yes. BTG created the Megaways mechanic — first used in Dragon Born (2015), made famous in Bonanza (December 2016). They subsequently licensed it to Blueprint Gaming (first external licensee, 2019), then to Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, iSoftBet, and dozens of others. There are now 500+ Megaways games from 50+ providers, but BTG invented and owns the mechanic. Evolution Group acquired BTG in April 2021 for $534.5m. See the full Megaways history in our BTG guideand ranked comparison in the Top Megaways Slots guide.
Is Nolimit City available at UK casinos?
Yes — a previous version of this site incorrectly stated Nolimit City had “no presence in UKGC-licensed venues.” This was factually wrong. Nolimit City holds a full UKGC licence and their games are available at multiple UK-licensed operators including Casumo and 10Bet. Not all operators carry the full Nolimit catalogue, but the studio is fully operational in the UK regulated market.
What is the Money Cart Bonus in Relax Gaming games?
The Money Cart Bonus is the signature feature of the Money Train series. Triggered by three scatter symbols, it’s a respin mechanic on a separate grid where only special symbols can land. Collectors absorb all visible Payer values simultaneously. Snipers double random symbol values. Necromancers revive expired symbols. Persistent versions of each symbol stay active for all remaining respins. These interactions are multiplicative — a Collector landing next to four Payers worth 50×, 80×, 120×, 200× gives the Collector a value of 450× (their sum), not a 450× multiplier applied to your base bet. Full mechanic explanation in the Relax Gaming guide.
