NetEnt: A Legend of the Gaming Industry

Written by alex
Last updated

NetEnt is a Swedish casino game developer specialising in online slots. The company also offers classic table and card games, which are equally popular with players around the world. The provider’s range includes dozens of beautifully designed slot games with high payout rates that leave competitors far behind in terms of graphics and gameplay.

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The History of Formation

NetEnt’s roots go back to 1996, when the company was founded by Pontus Lindwall and Bill Lindwall as a subsidiary of the land-based casino operator Cherryföretagen AB. This was a time when the internet was just beginning to conquer the world, and few had heard of online gambling. The Swedes proved to be visionaries – they saw potential where others saw only an experiment.

In 2000, the company launched its first online casino, and in 2002 it went public on the Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange. This step demonstrated serious intentions and attracted the investments necessary for scaling. By 2011, NetEnt launched its NetEnt Touch platform – a revolutionary solution for mobile devices that was ahead of its time.

Company Information

ParameterData
Official NameNetEnt AB (Net Entertainment)
Year Founded1996
HeadquartersStockholm, Sweden
FoundersPontus Lindwall, Bill Lindwall
Parent CompanyEvolution AB (since 2020)
Stock Exchange ListingNasdaq Stockholm (2002-2020)
Number of Employees~1,000 (before merger)
OfficesSweden, Malta, Gibraltar, Ukraine, Poland, USA, India
Main LicensesUK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Commission, Alderney Gambling Control Commission
Number of Games200+ slots, table games, live casino
Language Support25+ languages
Currencies20+ currencies

Company Management (current information requires verification)

PositionNamePeriod
CEO NetEnt (last)Therese Hillman2017-2021
Chairman of the Board (last)Fredrik Erbing2019-2020
CEO Evolution AB (after merger)Martin Carlesund2020-present
Chief Product OfficerTodd Haushalter2020-present

After NetEnt’s acquisition by Evolution Gaming in 2020, the management structure was integrated into Evolution AB. Many NetEnt executives either left their positions or were transferred to positions within the combined company. For current information about the current management, it is recommended to refer to Evolution AB’s official corporate documents.

Development Philosophy

NetEnt never chased quantity-they chose the path of quality. Every slot from this provider is a work of art where mathematics meets visual magic. The company brought cinematography to the industry: their games resemble interactive films more than simple slot machines with spinning reels.

The technological side is no less impressive. NetEnt was among the first to implement HTML5, abandoning the outdated Flash. Their games work flawlessly on any device – from desktop computers to smartphones, maintaining graphics quality and animation smoothness.

Legendary Games

  1. Starburst is perhaps the most recognizable slot in the world of online gambling. Simple, elegant, mesmerizing. Its space theme with shimmering crystals has become the provider’s calling card. Despite the absence of complex bonus rounds, the game retains millions of players thanks to its perfectly balanced mechanics and hypnotic atmosphere.
  2. Gonzo’s Quest opened a new era in 2010, introducing the Avalanche mechanic instead of traditional reel spinning. Symbols fall from above, winning combinations explode, and new ones fall in their place. The main character Gonzo—an animated conquistador—reacts to your wins, creating an emotional connection with the game.
  3. Dead or Alive and its sequel won the hearts of high volatility enthusiasts. The Wild West, duels, huge multipliers—this series proved that NetEnt knows how to create not only beautiful but also mathematically attractive games for high rollers.
  4. Space Wars became NetEnt’s bold statement in the sci-fi slot genre, proving that cosmic themes can be both visually stunning and mechanically innovative. Released in 2013, this intergalactic adventure takes players into the depths of space where alien creatures battle for supremacy and treasures float in zero gravity.

Branded slots are a separate pride of the company. Guns N’ Roses, Jimi Hendrix, Jumanji, Vikings – NetEnt masterfully transforms cultural phenomena into gaming format, preserving the spirit of the original and adding unique game mechanics.

Innovation and Technology

NetEnt constantly experiments. They created NetEnt Live Casino – a platform for live dealer games that competes with market leaders like Evolution Gaming. NetEnt’s studios are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and broadcast quality is impeccable.

VR slots are another area where the company proved itself a pioneer. Gonzo’s Quest VR immerses players in the Amazon jungle as if they were actually there. Although virtual reality hasn’t yet become mainstream, NetEnt is ready for this future.

The Megaways system (licensed from Big Time Gaming) was integrated into several NetEnt slots, showing the company’s willingness to adapt and use the best mechanics on the market.

Licensing and Reliability

NetEnt holds licenses from the strictest regulators: UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gambling Commission. Their games regularly undergo audits by independent organizations like eCOGRA, which guarantees the fairness of the random number generator and compliance with the stated RTP (which usually ranges from 95% to 97%).

Product Features

What distinguishes NetEnt from competitors? First, polish. Every detail is thought out to the smallest detail – from sound design to button animations. Second, balance. Their games are equally well-suited for beginners and experienced players. Third, versatility. The betting range allows playing with any bankroll.

The Autoplay feature at NetEnt is one of the most flexible on the market. You can configure auto-play as you wish: stop when winning a certain amount, when reaching a certain balance, after a certain number of spins.

Industry Influence

NetEnt doesn’t just create games – they shape trends. When NetEnt releases a slot with a new mechanic, within six months similar solutions appear from a dozen other providers. Their visual style has become the standard, and their approach to storytelling in slots has changed the perception of the genre.

The company actively shares experience with the industry, participating in conferences and advocating for responsible gaming. NetEnt was among the first to implement tools for preventing gambling addiction directly into their products.

Merger with Evolution Gaming

In 2020, an event occurred that changed the industry landscape – Evolution Gaming acquired NetEnt for $2.1 billion. This merger united the leader in slot production and the absolute king of live games. The synergy of two giants opened new opportunities for integration and cross-platform solutions.

Current Position

Today, NetEnt continues to release 40-50 new games per year, maintaining a balance between classic slots and innovative solutions. Their portfolio includes over 200 games available in thousands of the best online casinos worldwide.

The company adapts to new realities: market regulation, changing player preferences, technological shifts. And it does so with the same elegance as 25 years ago.

Hi everyone, my name is Alex and I am an author and SEO specialist at wagermaniacs.com. I have been doing SEO for many years and am recognised by many casino sites as an expert in this field. I also love online casinos, poker and sports betting. I am a dedicated fan of what I do. That’s why you can trust me with the most challenging tasks!

Alex’s favourite online casinos: Stake, Bitstarz, Fresh Casino

Favourite casino games: Space Wars, The Dog House, Voodoo, Deadwood, Chicken Road

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