NetEnt at a Glance
- Founded
- 1996, as Net Entertainment
- Headquarters
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Owner
- Evolution, since 2020
- Key licences
- UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Swedish Gambling Authority and other regulated markets
- Known for
- Classic online slots, the Avalanche mechanic, progressive jackpots
- Related studio
- Red Tiger, acquired by NetEnt in 2019
- Games we review
- Starburst, Gonzo's Quest
Company Background
Net Entertainment was founded in 1996 with roots in Swedish land-based casino gaming. It became one of the first major developers of online casino games and built a reputation for polished graphics, sound and animation at a time when many online slots were very basic.
In 2019, NetEnt acquired Red Tiger, another online slot studio. In 2020, Evolution, a major live casino supplier, completed its acquisition of NetEnt. NetEnt now operates as part of the Evolution group and continues to release slots under its own name, while Evolution handles live casino products.
What NetEnt Is Known For
Classic Online Slots
NetEnt is responsible for several of the most widely played online slots ever made. Starburst, released in 2012, remains a byword for simple, fast-paced slots, while Gonzo's Quest showed how animation and storytelling could be built into a slot.
The Avalanche Mechanic
Gonzo's Quest introduced NetEnt's Avalanche mechanic, in which symbols fall into place and winning symbols crumble away to make room for new ones, with a multiplier that rises with each consecutive win. Cascading reels are now one of the most common features in online slots. See Cascading Reels Explained.
Progressive Jackpots
NetEnt has also produced well-known progressive jackpot games, such as Mega Fortune. In 2013, Mega Fortune paid a €17.8 million jackpot, recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest online slot jackpot at the time. Wins like this are extraordinarily rare. See Progressive Jackpots Explained.
A Wide Range of Volatility
The NetEnt catalogue ranges from low-volatility games such as Starburst to much more volatile titles such as Dead or Alive. Some older titles, such as Blood Suckers, are known for unusually high published RTPs. See Slot Volatility Explained.
NetEnt Games We Review
Starbursta low-volatility gem slot with expanding wilds, respins and 10 paylines that pay both ways
Gonzo's Questthe Avalanche classic with rising multipliers and Free FallsBrowse all titles in our Slot Game Reviews.
RTP and Volatility
NetEnt publishes RTP information for its games, but like most major providers it allows casinos to run games at different RTP settings. Starburst, for example, is available in several versions, ranging from around 96.1% down to around 90%. Always check the RTP shown in the game's information screen. See Pokies RTP Explained.
Licensing and Testing
NetEnt holds licences in many regulated jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Malta and Sweden, as well as regulated markets in North America. Its games are certified for each market in which they are offered. See Slot RNG Explained.
In Australia, it is illegal for companies to offer online casino games, including online pokies, to people in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Long history as one of the pioneers of online slots
- Several iconic, widely played games
- Introduced the influential Avalanche mechanic
- Licensed in many regulated markets
Weaknesses
- Lower RTP versions of popular games are common
- Many classic titles have modest maximum wins by modern standards
- Some older games feel dated next to newer releases
Playing Responsibly
No studio makes games that are more likely to pay on any given spin, and record jackpots are extremely rare. If you choose to play, set a budget and time limit before you start. Our guides on setting gambling limits and recognising gambling harm explain practical steps, and Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.