Robert Raatgever and Microgaming

There's not much known about Robert Raatgever other than he's the CEO of the popular casino software developer Microgaming. It's not even known if Robert Raatgever actually started Microgaming or if he merely joined the company in 2000.

What I can tell you is that he's from South Africa and is now headquartered in the Isle of Man. He frequently comments on the latest developments and strategies of Microgaming, but he refuses to name the primary shareholders of the company. All he says is that they are upstanding businessmen who prefer to stay out of the limelight and away from the social stigma that's associated with online gambling.

Robert Raatgever also spent some time as a member of the board of the eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) commission. eCOGRA is a respected testing agency that specializes in certifying the fairness and safety of online games. Some of what eCOGRA does is to identify battle fraud, ensure games are fair, ensure that problem gamblers aren't taken advantage of, and they do what they can to keep the industry reputable and safe for everyone involved.

About Microgaming

Microgaming isn't a casino on its own. It's a software company that develops and licenses its software out to casinos and poker sites. At last count, Microgaming powered more than 120 casinos and 40 poker sites. The company has been around for roughly 15 years now and has made it possible for hundreds of non-technical people to get into the online gaming business.

Some of its biggest clients include the likes of 32Red, Ladbrokes, and BetVictor.com. Microgaming doesn't yet power the biggest names in the business, but it has a solid portfolio of smaller and medium-sized clients. Robert Raatgever makes it no secret that he would love to do business with names as large as Party Gaming.

Over its time in operation, Microgaming has become known for offering stability and quality software to its licensees. Microgaming knows how to take a startup casino through the process, get everything running smoothly, and then successfully process payments to and from players. Meanwhile, the casino operator can focus on marketing and bringing new customers to the casino.

Microgaming is also famous for licensing big name entertainment icons for use in its software. For example, Microgaming has in the past released slots themed after Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, Terminator 2, Batman, and others as well. Players love to see those popular themed games, and casino owners love being able to bring that kind of entertainment to their players.

Microgaming Charity

It isn't often mentioned in articles about the company, but Microgaming runs an active charity organization in the Isle of Man. It's called the Microgaming Health and Care Trust, and it has to date contributed to more than 50 different local health-related charities.

For example, the trust recently helped set up 20 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) around the island. Not only that, but Microgaming helped install them and train people in the area to use them. Before that, Microgaming donated AEDs to 8 different golf courses after a local businessman nearly died of a heart attack on one of the island's golf courses.

The Microgaming Health and Care Trust was established by Microgaming in 2002. Interestingly, the trust is employed entirely by Microgaming employees. It's also worth noting that Microgaming doesn't seek public money. Every British pound donated to charitable causes comes directly from Microgaming itself.