The Rise of Pragmatic Play: How It Became a Giant in Online Casino Gaming

If you have visited an online casino, you probably know Pragmatic Play. This is the leading supplier of games in the industry, earning impressive profits that others in the field wish they had. Millions of players around the world enjoy pragmatic play games across hundreds of online casinos. But how did this developer succeed in capturing such a large portion of the market? Let’s examine the incredible growth story behind Pragmatic Play and why it is now a dominant force in the iGaming world.

A Rough Beginning as TopGame

Although it was officially formed in 2015, the company began as TopGame Technology in 2007. It was founded by David Barzilay and quickly made a name for itself, but for all the wrong reasons.

From the start, TopGame had issues with the quality and fairness of its slot games. In particular, players began to notice something suspicious in the progressive jackpot slots. For years, no one ever hit the big prize. As it turned out, this wasn’t just bad luck; the game design made it impossible. Critical symbols required to trigger a jackpot never appeared on the reels. This made winning the top prize completely unachievable, even if players spent thousands trying.

Worse yet, the company began licensing its platform to dozens of white-label casinos. These partner casinos became known for poor customer service, delayed withdrawals, and broken promises. It wasn’t long before TopGame became a name many players associated with scams.

Legal Problems and a Crumbling Reputation

By 2013, things got worse. Barzilay was also behind another company, T.G. Services, which became the target of lawsuits for allegedly fabricating debts and engaging in fraudulent business activities. Romanian authorities took notice, and the company’s already shaky reputation started to collapse.

With the legal heat intensifying and trust at an all-time low, TopGame needed a new identity. In 2015, the entire company was rebranded and came out with a new name: Pragmatic Play. The company changed not only on the outside but also got new management, new logos and made quality a priority.

However, not everything was forgotten. As part of the rebranding, all of the accumulated progressive jackpots from the old system were erased. Players who had contributed to those prize pools never saw a cent. It was a clean slate for the company, but it left a bitter taste for those who had been loyal customers.

Pragmatic Play’s Rebirth and Growth

Despite the rocky past, the new brand showed immediate promise. Pragmatic Play began releasing games at a rapid pace, and the quality was noticeably improved. Their slots featured better graphics, mobile-friendly design, and more balanced gameplay mechanics.

More significantly, the company implemented a considerably tougher framework for equity and openness. Games underwent independent audits and certifications, aiding Pragmatic Play in restoring its reputation. Collaborations with regulated markets also contributed, as the firm obtained licenses in areas such as Malta, Gibraltar, and the UK.

At first, Pragmatic Play specialized in games with low to medium volatility. However, a tactical change toward higher-risk titles, along with improved marketing, greatly expanded their attractiveness. Da Vinci’s Treasure and Peking Luck were some of the first high-risk games the company introduced in 2018. These games received a lot of attention and helped Pragmatic Play make a name for itself. 

Since then, Pragmatic Play has kept expanding its library of games and enlarging its reach by working with many partners. In 2019, they introduced live casino games and bingo to give customers more choices. 

Today, Pragmatic Play is recognized as a top provider of gaming products to the iGaming market. It has many different slots and a big selection of live casino games, as well as bingo, virtual sports, and, most recently, a sportsbook. 

Why Pragmatic Play Is Now a Dominant Force in iGaming

Consistent Game Releases

It is common for the company to release several new games every month. Every new title introduces a fresh theme or mechanic, such as Megaways, cluster pays, or the traditional 3-reel style. As a result, players are given fresh areas to explore all the time.

Mobile-First Development

All the games developed by Pragmatic Play are created using HTML5 so they can be enjoyed the same way on any mobile device. In regions where mobile gaming dominates, this has been a major strategic advantage.

Global Reach and Local Focus

With over 20 certificates worldwide and game translations into more than 30 languages, Pragmatic Play can now reach players all over the globe. They’ve also made strides to provide content tailored for certain players, for example, slots with a regional theme for Latin American and Asian use.

What’s Next for Pragmatic Play

Looking ahead, the company has announced plans to grow its mobile game library and explore new product categories. Upcoming releases will continue to support mobile-first design and offer a variety of themes and mechanics.

Expansion into new markets is also on the horizon. Pragmatic Play has made clear its interest in Latin America and Asia, where demand for regulated casino content continues to rise. The company is also considering entry into sports betting, though details are still limited.

The consistent launch of new titles and steady expansion into global markets suggest that Pragmatic Play is prepared for long-term success.

Conclusion

Pragmatic Play has earned its place as a trusted and leading provider in the online casino space. It began as a brand riddled with flaws and scandal. But through a combination of smart leadership, strong marketing, and better-quality games, it rebuilt its image into something truly impressive.

As the company continues to grow, only time will tell whether it sticks to the new path or repeats old mistakes. For now, though, it’s a giant in the world of online casino gaming and it earned that title the hard way.