Rival Gaming Software could be considered one of the "newer" middle-tier software platforms in business today. Officially launched in 2006, this budding white-label online casino software platform has since endured some rocky times, yet all the while managing to keep up a respectable reputation, if for anything, evidence that some polishing is not only needed, but that it is at hand.

To elaborate, Rival Gaming has not been the most discerning when it comes to who can license their software platform and launch an online casino. In other words, there was a time when many a Rival Gaming-powered online casino was having a hard time paying out their players. Complaints were surfacing all over the internet - especially the gaming forums - and Rival was forced to either address the matter or buy a one-way ticket out of town. They opted for the former, and at first, began by taking over a number of white-label licensees that were having trouble keeping themselves afloat.

Under Rival's contract with white-label casino operators, Rival Gaming would provide all of the centralized support/daily affairs to keep the casino in operation, while the owners would be responsible for promotions and keeping funds liquidated to keep up with the casino's operating expenses. When players began experiencing delayed payouts or no payouts at all, Rival had no choice but to either shut down the casino or take over management. These days, Rival owns and operates some 20% of the online casino properties powered by its platform. While not every Rival Gaming casino should warrant a recommendation, the majority of Rival's 30+ online casinos should be considered on the up and up.

Like certain other software providers, players should consider Rival Gaming online casinos on a case-by-case basis. The bottom line is that Rival Gaming has emerged as a more pro-active and transparent software provider, albeit they are lacking a proper complaints channel for player disputes at the time of publication. The good news is that all of Rival Gaming's white label online casinos are licensed and strictly regulated through the Netherlands, Antilles government (Curacao). Many Rival casinos also willingly undergo payout audits through third-party certifiers like Technical Systems Testing (TST).

As mentioned, Rival is now in operation of one-fifth of their online casinos, while the UK-based Silverstone Overseas Limited (Bonne Chance NV) is Rival's most prolific licensee, with over twenty online casinos in operation at the time of publication. Standout, independently owned, white-label Rival licensees include SlotoCash, Box24 and Black Diamond.

Rival's 80+ casino games are available on a download, while a more compact version is offered for no-download Flash mode. There is no mobile compatible version at this time. There are several varieties of 5-card draw video poker (with 1-25 hand variants) and four progressive jackpot slots - One Million Reels BC, Major Moolah, Money Magic and Strike Gold. Smaller than the two other USA facing progressive networks - RTG and Vegas Technology - Rival's jackpots are consistently in the five digits range, reaching into six digits. Compared to other software developers, Rival lacks somewhat on the table games (fifteen total), but offers all the classics you would find in a land-based casino. They make up for it with the I-Slots - an innovative and highly entertaining series of slots incorporating an evolving storyline and highly interactive bonus rounds. Just like the rest of their games, the graphics are outstanding. Game speed and upload is exceptionally fast.

In short, having only been on the iGaming scene since 2006, Rival Gaming has come a long way in a short time. Depending on how the company chooses to deal with white-label operators in the future, as well as their players, will largely factor in whether or not Rival Gaming becomes a top-tier platform the likes of Microgaming.