Internet gambling is a relatively new but rapidly developing niche. It's probably one of the most profitable and toughest niches online, after adult stuff. So if you're looking at jumping into this business you'd better come prepared because the competition is at cut-thought level and you'll need every trick in the book to succeed.

One of the first choices gambling business startups face alongside with getting a license is choosing a casino software provider for the website. It comes even before all the licensing issues because in order to apply for a license you need to specify what software platform you're going to use to make sure it complies with the requirements of the licensing jurisdiction you're applying to.

There are a number of software developers offering casino and poker software. Some of them are quite expensive and require high set-up fees and revenue share percentage. Others are more competitive in terms of pricing. When allocating your budget for the software, keep in mind that you'll also need a considerable marketing budget, so don't spend all of your start-up capital on the software because getting your website up and running is only half the battle. The real work starts when you get down to getting the players to the site.

But we're diverting. What are the major things you should consider when choosing your casino software provider?

License

Just like gambling operators casino software providers have their own licensing system. Only work with companies that are licensed in white-list jurisdictions, this way it'll be much easier for you to get a license and you'll know you can trust these guys.

Payment options

Make sure the software system makes it easier for the player to deposit the money. The more payment options are supported the better. Also, make sure there are no issues with the cash-out system, because your reputation as a business will pretty much depend on it.

OS support

Make sure the software is compatible with the most popular operating systems Windows and Mac, and runs seamlessly on both.

Games

While a powerful and reliable back-end is a must, the games are just as important. Games are what keeps the player coming back to your site. Modern graphics, realistic sounds, effects, themes – all these things contribute to a good gambling experience, but the most important component of the game is the mathematics. Casino games are based on a random number generator but there's much more to it. The game should keep the player captivated, it should make each spin and each hand as exciting as possible – and that's what the algo mathematics is responsible for.

Once you have shortlisted a number of software providers, be sure to visit the casinos powered by their software. Register for an account, play the games, try on the shoes of a regular player and see if that's where you would play. But tastes differ of course, so your own opinion is not enough. Read gambling forums and see what players are saying about the casinos powered by the software from each company on your list, because it's all about the player.