NetEnt – A Look at Who They Are
NetEnt is a leading provider of online gambling software and games. They are one of many companies who began life as a land-based casino brand but made the leap when the advent of online gambling took hold.
NetEnt was founded in 1996 with a history rich in the traditional casino world. The company was founded by the son of well-known casino operator and businessperson Bill Lindwall, the man behind AB Restaurang Rouletter in Sweden, and the company quickly became a leading light in the online gaming world. Online gaming started to really take off in the mid-1990s and NetEnt were among the companies present at the start of it all. Their CasinoTM was launched in 2002 and by 2003 they began offering their software to other companies. Until 2007 they remained part of their traditional casino company partner Cherry, but at this point they reached a level of success which allowed them to spin off, eventually being listed on the main list of the Stockholm Stock Exchange by 2009.
NetEnt Partners with Leading Gambling Operators
NetEnt remained ever present at the front of developments when mobile gaming became popular, with their first mobile games launched in 2011. Their position as a market leader allowed for important partnerships with casino and bingo brands including Paddy Power and Boylesports, as well as Betfair and Rational Group. As the industry changed to adopt new technologies NetEnt continued to do the same, innovating with games in HTML5, ensuring they remained at the forefront of the industry and an attractive partner for leading casino and bingo operators.
While their strength and main offering remains in video slots games, NetEnt launched their first mobile live casino games in 2016. They also became a member of the World Lottery Association in this year. Their reach across the world spans many European countries as well as holding licences for other nations and regions such as Mexico and British Columbia, Canada.
NetEnt Slots and Games
NetEnt casinos and slots games are among the most popular online and they’re recognisable by frequent players due to similar bonus features and even graphics. The NetEnt range incorporates a wide variety of video slots and progressive slots, with some branded and licensed options available too. The slots feature more complex and rewarding bonus games as the company looks to impress and advance the nature of the standard online slots game.
There are over 100 slots in total in the NetEnt games library and they range across many different types and style of game as mentioned. In total they estimate they have actually created over 200 games but there are at least 100 in circulation at any time. Their most recognisable games tend to feature stand-out characters such as Dracula, Frankenstein and music themed slots such as Jimi Hendrix and Guns n’ Roses slots which won awards for its design and innovation. The games range also incorporates retro and vintage inspired games such as Jackpot 6000 and its expansive nature means there is a game for almost every kind of player to enjoy.
Industry Recognition and Awards
NetEnt’s position as one of the earliest companies working in the online gaming industry has given them a head start in many areas. However, their ability to adapt and keep up with changes in trends and the way games are enjoyed ensures they have kept up their position at the forefront of the industry. They remain one of the leading suppliers of B2B casino systems and games worldwide and has picked up both recognition from leading industry bodies and awards too. Awards received by NetEnt include the Best Slots Supplier and Mobile Supplier of the Year several times at the eGR B2B Awards and similar awards at the IGA Awards including Slot Supplier of the Year again.
NetEnt and The Future of Online Gambling
As the rate at which technology moves seems to increase year on year as does the commitment to research and development by leading software providers like NetEnt. NetEnt embrace change in the industry and have done this most recently by testing and launching games utilising the newest technologies such as virtual reality (VR). Gonzo’s Quest is the first of their games they’ve relaunched utilising virtual reality and it was launched at ICE Totally Gaming in summer 2018. It is one of the first examples of web-based VR being used in an iGaming context and it is set to be the first of its kind when launched as a virtual reality online slots game.
The latest and most exciting deals between NetEnt and other leading companies include a recent agreement to provide Live Casino games for William Hill and regular new games launches including the Scudamore Horse Racing slot game and a commitment to launching even more games in the coming years. They have maintained their Swedish roots throughout, keeping headquarters in Stockholm and continuing to work with Swedish partners such as Svenska Spel Sport and Casino AB.