Connecting games to your online casino platform is one of the most critical decisions. And most operators face massive confusion when it comes to choosing. Should you integrate games with a Remote Gaming Server (RGS) or should you use a casino game aggregator that offers access to thousands of games via single API integration?
At first glance, they may seem like the same thing, but there is a huge difference when it comes to advantages, limitations, technical requirements and costs.
The choice also impacts how quickly you launch, how many games you can offer to your players, which markets you can enter, how much control you get to have over the platform, and how much you need to spend.
RGS vs aggregator? Which one aligns with your goals?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover how each model works along with factors that impact your business. Whether you are an operator, entrepreneur or you run an established casino business, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is an RGS (Remote Gaming Server)?
A Remote Gaming Server (RGS) is a backend system that powers casino games. It is responsible for running game logic, processing player actions, generating outcomes, calculating payouts, and sending the results back to the casino platform.
How an RGS Works
When a player clicks on the play button, the casino platform sends a secure request to the RGS. The RGS then:
- Verifies all the critical information
- Runs the game as per built-in rules
- Uses a random number generator (RNG) along with mathematical algorithms to generate an outcome
- Calculates winnings
- Updates player’s wallet balance
- Sends the result back to the casino website or mobile app
All these processes take place instantly, ensuring seamless user experiences.
Who Uses an RGS?
RGS integrations are commonly used by:
- Businesses developing custom casino solutions
- Gaming studios
- Casino operators with their casino platform
- Large operators managing multiple brands
- Operators working directly with individual game studios
What Is a Casino Game Aggregator?
A casino game aggregator is a platform that offers multiple games from multiple gaming studios via single API integration. Instead of connecting your platform separately to every provider of your choice, operators integrate once and gain access to a large portfolio of games from multiple providers.
How a Casino Game Aggregator Works
- Game providers connect their RGS to the aggregator.
The aggregator certifies for target markets and manages content from various game studios. - The casino operator connects the casino platform with the aggregator via a single API.
- Players can access games from various game providers without the operator needing a separate connection to each one.
Casino game aggregation allpows operators to expand their game library much more quickly as compared to individual integrations.
Who Uses a Game Aggregator?
- New online casinos
- Operators looking to launch quickly
- Turnkey and White-label casino platforms
- Businesses that want access to thousands of games quickly
- Operators with limited technical resources and budget
Both models offer access to hundreds and thousands of games. But they differ in integration process, technical complexity, data access, and long-term flexibility, and many more factors.
RGS vs Aggregator: Key Differences
Content Source and Game Library Size
An RGS integration allows you access to one gaming studio’s gaming content. If you want access to games from five gaming studios, you are looking at five separate integrations along with five certification processes.
On the other hand, a casino game aggregator offers you access to thousands of games from multiple gaming studios quickly through one single API integration.
RGS is a better option if you want better control. But if you want to launch games quickly, aggregation is a better fit.
Integration Effort and Regulatory Certification
Integration and development is only a part of the bigger picture. But when it comes to certifications, that’s where it gets tricky.
Every RGS connection you’ll use will require independent certification from every jurisdiction your casino is operating in. This often stretches the launch timeline, making it a less appealing option for operators who want to launch quickly.
A game aggregator usually completes this process for you, which helps you cut down time-to-market drastically.
Commercial Contracts and Billing
RGS integration requires you to sign separate agreements with every studio. This translates to separate invoices, contracts, terms and conditions and so on.
With an aggregator, you deal with only one partner, which helps you simplify the whole process.
Cost and Revenue Share
Though pricing varies based on your provider, your requirements and the market, it’s influenced by the below factors:
Direct RGS integrations may involve:
- One-time integration as well as certification fees
- Revenue-sharing agreements
- Monthly platform fees
- Game licensing fees
Aggregators may involve:
- Integration/onboarding fees
- Revenue share (sometimes layered — the aggregator’s cut plus each studio’s cut)
- Monthly subscription or platform access fees
It’s important to point out that an aggregator significantly reduces development cost and long-term investment.
Customization, RTP Configuration, and Support
RGS offers direct integrations, which also offers you better flexibility:
- Earlier access to new releases
- Custom feature requests
- Ability to select or negotiate RTP in some jurisdictions
- Closer long-term business relationships
- Direct technical support from the studio
Though aggregators do not offer this level of flexibility, they do offer greater convenience. Aggregators offer a single point of contact for support, onboarding, and platform management, also a non-negotiable game configuration.
Latency and Operational Resilience
A direct integration offers you better speed and performance while aggregator might cause some latency as aggregator acts as an additional layer. Think of this scenario, if an aggregator experiences an outage, every studio becomes inaccessible. Direct integration via RGS minimizes that risk as every provider is connected via a different RGS.
RGS vs Aggregator: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Remote Gaming Server (RGS) | Game Aggregator |
|---|---|---|
| Game access | Games from one studio per direct integration | Games from diverse studios |
| Integration | Separate integration per studio | Single API integration for many studios |
| Certification | Certificate required per-studio and per-jurisdiction | Largely handled by aggregator |
| Time to launch | Usually longer | Quick |
| Technical effort | Higher | Lower |
| Customization / RTP control | Better flexibility | Less flexibility |
| Resilience | Risk isolated per studio | Aggregator outages can affect all connected studios |
| Support | Directly from the studio | Via aggregator |
| Contracts | Multiple studio contracts | Usually one commercial contract |
| Scalability | Rebuilds but incremental | Quick expansion |
| Best suited for | Operators wanting control and customizations | Operators prioritizing speed and simplicity |
What are Some Pros and Cons of Using an RGS
Advantages
- Direct relationship with the studio
- Potential early access to new releases
- Greater control over integration and RTP configuration
- Access to player and game data
- Risk isolated to a single provider if something breaks
Cons
- Separate integration and certification per studio
- Multiple commercial agreements to manage
- More development and compliance overhead
- Higher technical and regulatory complexity
- Longer implementation timeline
Pros and Cons of Using an Aggregator
Advantages
- One integration for a large, pre-certified catalog
- Faster time to market
- Simplified contracts and billing
- Lower technical and compliance overhead
- Single point of contact for support
Limitations
- Less flexibility and RTP control
- Custom feature requests may take longer
- Shared operational risk
- Ongoing revenue share (aggregator margin on top of studio share)
When to Choose an RGS
Consider a direct RGS integration if you:
- Want to work directly with studios of your choice
- You are looking for RTP or any other customization
- Operate multiple brands that come with distinct technical requirements
- Want access to raw data
- Are building a custom platform for long-term growth and better controlled
When to Choose an Aggregator
Consider an aggregator if you:
- Want a large catalog without multiple certifications
- Are launching a new casino and need speed
- Prefer one over many relationship and contracts
- Have a small technical or compliance team
Can You Use Both an RGS and an Aggregator Together?
Yes. This is the most common setup among established operators. A typical hybrid approach:
- Connect to an aggregator for quick access to thousands of games.
- Integrate directly for exclusive titles, RTP customizations, and better control.
This setup allows operators to launch fast while keeping the door open for better control and quality relationships.
How to Decide: RGS vs Aggregator
Choose an RGS if you want:
- Direct studio relationships
- A platform built for long-term flexibility
- Maximum control over integration, data, and RTP
- Isolated operational risk
Choose an Aggregator if you want:
- Quick access to a large game catalogue.
- Fewer certification requirements
- Lower initial technical and compliance burden
There’s no one answer, the decision solely depends on your budget, target markets, and growth timeline.
Key Takeaways: Making the Right Integration Choice
The RGS vs aggregator decision isnt about finding the ideal model, but it’s about matching the integration approach with your growth plans and your ability to handle technical and operational complexity.
A direct RGS integration offers better control and closer relationships with the gaming studios of your choice. But timeline and cost increases when it comes to certifications.
A game aggregator offers you better time-to-market and pre-certified game catalog via single API integration.
Before finalizing your ideal fit, it becomes critical to evaluate your budget, target markets, launch timelines, growth opportunities and to ensure you do not have to migrate in the future.
Why Choose GammaStack for Your Casino Game Integrations?
A right technology partner makes the process of RGS integration much easier. GammaStack is one such trusted provider of RGS and aggregation services that allow you to get games of your choice, on your own terms. With API driven integrations, multi-currency support and advanced tools, GammaStack offers solutions that align with your growth goals and business needs. Have more questions about RGS and aggregation? Book a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an RGS and an aggregator?
An RGS runs and offers you games from a specific gaming studio, while a game aggregator offers you games from multiple via single API integration. While RGS focuses on better control, aggregator focuses on time-to-market.
Is an aggregator more expensive than a direct RGS integration?
It depends on the market and your provider. Aggregators come with lower upfront and certification costs, but may charge monthly subscription fees or GGR share. It’s important to evaluate long-term cost instead of just launch cost.
Can a casino use both an RGS and an aggregator?
Yes, various operators use aggregators for seamless access to thousands of games as well as direct RGS integrations to bring in games from studios of their choice. Direct RGS integration offers various benefits such as RTP customization, better data control, access to exclusive content and more.
How long does integration typically take — aggregator vs. RGS?
Aggregators are quicker since the certification process is already done by the provider. Direct RGS integrations may take longer especially if you are operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Which is better for a new online casino — aggregator vs. RGS?
Most new operators start with an aggregator for quick time-to-market and then add RGS as their business grows.
Do aggregators own the games they provide?
No. Aggregators act as a layer between online casinos and RGS. Game studios retain the ownership of the games while an aggregator is reposonsible for distribution and for handling the certification process across the market.
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