I think after playing at a few casinos new players quickly realize that the same slots appear at different casinos. Wether they perceive that as a common software platform or as a “brand” of games is open to debate. I wouldnt be surprised if many dont consider the games as a sort of brand. IE:
“I often see Major Millions and Cash Splash in the slots area at a lot of the casinos I visit. They must be a popular brand of games”
Similar to what we see at Land Based casinos. IGT slots are at ALL casinos.
Seasoned online players do identify casinos by software suite. I often see them refer to the casinos by software at player boards so once they’ve been around for awhile they group casinos like we do.