NetEnt is a world-renowned developer of online slot games and digital casino solutions, credited with revolutionizing the RNG slots segment through hits like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Divine Fortune. Known for cinematic quality, feature-rich mechanics, and branded IP titles, NetEnt helped shape the modern online casino experience. While originally an independent powerhouse, NetEnt became a subsidiary of Evolution Gaming in 2020, now operating under the Evolution Group’s B2B portfolio. NetEnt has also pioneered mobile play through its proprietary NetEnt Touch® technology, which allows games to perform seamlessly on smartphones and tablets without losing core features.
Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, and publicly traded prior to the acquisition, NetEnt built its legacy as a pioneer in Java-based and later HTML5 slot development. Today, it continues to deliver high-performing games, seamlessly integrated into Evolution-powered platforms, with a reach across regulated markets including Europe, North America, and Asia.
Company Overview – From Slot Innovator to Evolution Group Brand
NetEnt was founded in 1996 as part of the Cherry Group and quickly became one of the first companies to offer browser-based casino games. It launched its own platform in 2002, followed by a significant breakthrough in 2012 with Starburst, which became one of the most played online slots globally.
The company went public on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm exchange and grew rapidly through innovation and partnerships. Its technology stack evolved from Flash to HTML5, ensuring compatibility across devices. In 2020, NetEnt was acquired by Evolution Gaming for approximately €2 billion, consolidating its position as a leader in slots within the wider Evolution ecosystem, which also includes Red Tiger, Big Time Gaming, and Nolimit City.
Before its foundation as NetEnt in 1996, its heritage traces back to AB Restaurang Rouletter, established in 1963 by Bill Lindwall and Rolf Lundström. This legacy laid the foundation for NetEnt’s future role in the digital casino revolution.
In its early days, NetEnt operated its own online casinos before divesting those assets in 2005 to focus entirely on software. By 2006, its casino module was voted one of the top 20 platforms globally. In 2019, NetEnt acquired Red Tiger Gaming for £200 million. NetEnt is also a member of the World Lottery Association.
How NetEnt Works
NetEnt’s product line centers on RNG-based slot games developed in-house and licensed to hundreds of online casinos worldwide. These games run on a certified random number generator, are built with a mobile-first HTML5 engine, and offer seamless integration via Evolution’s backend systems.
Operators can access a full suite of games, bonus tools, and promotional features through the Evolution integration API. All NetEnt slots support multi-currency, multilingual formats, and are compatible with regulated jurisdictions and operator-specific requirements.
NetEnt functions as a B2B casino software supplier, creating slot games and digital casino content that are licensed to third-party operators rather than directly to consumers. Most online casinos do not develop their own games—instead, they integrate NetEnt’s content via backend APIs.
Revenue is typically generated through:
- Revenue share models, where NetEnt receives a percentage of the operator’s game profits.
- Flat licensing fees for access to its game catalog.
- Premium licensing for branded games such as Narcos or Jumanji, which carry additional value and contractual exclusivity.
NetEnt provides the games and platform integration, while the casino operator handles the customer relationship, payment processing, KYC, and regulatory compliance. This model allows NetEnt to scale globally across hundreds of casinos without managing player accounts or direct services.
Innovation in Mobile, Mechanics & Technology
NetEnt Touch®, HTML5, and Mobile Game Performance
NetEnt’s transition from Java to HTML5 positioned it as an early leader in cross-device slot development. Its proprietary NetEnt Touch® framework ensures seamless mobile compatibility without feature loss. This enables flagship titles like Starburst and Dead or Alive II to maintain full functionality on both iOS and Android platforms.
Game Mechanics Glossary
- Cluster Pays™ – Pays based on grouped adjacent symbols instead of paylines.
- Avalanche™ Reels – Cascading symbols with chain reaction wins.
- Sticky Win™ – Re-spin feature where wins lock and expand.
NetEnt has consistently led with design-forward, mathematically driven games featuring proprietary mechanics like Cluster Pays™, Avalanche™ Reels, and Sticky Win™. These features are showcased in blockbuster titles such as Aloha! Cluster Pays and Gonzo’s Quest, which continue to inspire industry-wide imitations.
Licenses and Global Reach
NetEnt holds licenses from key jurisdictions including:
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
- New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
Its games are certified by independent labs such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI. NetEnt titles are widely available across Europe, Latin America, parts of Asia, and selected U.S. states. The company avoids grey markets and maintains strict compliance standards.
NetEnt adapts its games for local regulatory frameworks, RTP caps, and currency formats. It supports integration with Evolution’s unified API stack to meet operator-specific requirements across licensed U.S. states and European jurisdictions.
Types of Games from NetEnt
Core Game Categories:
NetEnt’s catalog includes over 200 titles, with a focus on high-RTP video slots. Categories include:
- Video Slots – Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Twin Spin, Dead or Alive II
- Branded Slots – Narcos, Jumanji, Vikings, Gordon Ramsay: Hell’s Kitchen
- Classic Slots – Jackpot 6000, Mega Joker, Fruit Shop
- Jackpot Games – Mega Fortune, Divine Fortune, Hall of Gods
- Table Games – European Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat
They also produce scratch cards, lottery-style keno games, and operator-exclusive skins. NetEnt’s legacy in video poker and RNG poker has largely been retired, with the exception of titles like Jacks or Better Double Up.
Flagship Titles and Popular Variants
Here are 20 of the most iconic and high-performing NetEnt slots, including updated specs:
- Starburst – RTP: 96.09%, Low Volatility, Max Win: 500x
- Dead or Alive II – RTP: 96.80%, High Volatility, Max Win: 111,111x
- Gonzo’s Quest – RTP: 95.97%, Medium-High Volatility, Max Win: 37,500x
- Starburst XXXtreme – RTP: 96.26%, Very High Volatility, Max Win: 200,000x
- Divine Fortune – RTP: 96.59%, Medium Volatility, Max Win: 600x (plus progressive) …
- Fairytale Legends: Hansel & Gretel – RTP: 96.71%, Low-Medium Volatility, Max Win: 400x
These games span multiple genres including adventure, space, ancient themes, and fantasy. NetEnt is known for retiring underperforming games and constantly rotating in new titles.
Comparative Metrics for Top NetEnt Slots
Define each title by volatility, max win, and mechanic usage.
- Dead or Alive II – Extremely high volatility, retrigger-heavy bonus modes
- Gonzo’s Quest – Avalanche reels with multipliers
- Mega Fortune – Progressive jackpot game with wheel bonus
Branded Environments & Seamless Integration
NetEnt has formed licensing partnerships to launch branded hits such as:
- Jumanji – Board-game-inspired gameplay with bonus rolls
- Street Fighter II – Fighter-based slots with character bonuses
- Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen – Wild Orders, food fights, and team challenges
- Narcos – Drive-by wilds, locked spins, and free spin rounds
These branded slots feature high production value and are fully mobile-optimized.
Trust, Certifications, and Fair Play
NetEnt maintains rigorous game audits through:
- eCOGRA
- iTech Labs
- GLI (Gaming Labs International)
Players should always access games via licensed platforms, as counterfeit copies have appeared on rogue sites. NetEnt games are encrypted, secure, and compliant with major regulators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NetEnt do?
NetEnt develops online slot and table games with certified RNG software. Its games are distributed to licensed operators globally.
Are NetEnt slots fair and tested?
Yes. All games are tested by accredited labs and certified in multiple jurisdictions.
Where can I play NetEnt games?
Stake.com and other top online casinos feature a large catalog of NetEnt games. Many offer demo modes and crypto-friendly deposits.
What’s the best NetEnt slot?
Starburst, Dead or Alive II, and Gonzo’s Quest are the most recognized globally, while Starburst XXXtreme leads in max win potential.
Can I play NetEnt games on mobile?
Yes. All NetEnt slots are built in HTML5 and work seamlessly on mobile and tablet devices.
