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Guide · NetEnt Updated 27 Oct 2026

The evolution of NetEnt casino products

NetEnt began in Sweden in 1996 as part of the Cherry group and became one of the studios that defined online slots. In 2020 it was bought by Evolution, the live casino company, and its games now sit in the same group as Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming.

For players, the history explains why its classic slots still appear in nearly every lobby that carries the studio.

By Chloe O'Sullivan | Software

Milestones

PeriodDevelopment
1996 to early 2000sFounded in Sweden; early online casino platform and table games
2010sStarburst (2012) and Gonzo's Quest (2011) become standards; Mega Fortune jackpots make headlines
2011 onwardNetEnt Touch brings its games to phones through HTML5
2019Red Tiger joins NetEnt
2020Evolution completes its takeover of NetEnt

Slots

NetEnt moved slots from three-reel fruit machines to feature-led video slots: avalanche reels in Gonzo's Quest, expanding wilds in Starburst, sticky wilds in Dead or Alive. Later releases lean toward higher volatility and bigger maximum wins.

Tables and live

NetEnt built RNG roulette and blackjack early and ran its own live casino for a time. Since joining Evolution, live play sits with Evolution's studios.

Progressive jackpots

Mega Fortune and Hall of Gods pooled bets across many casinos into large networked jackpots, and Divine Fortune added a lower-tier jackpot game. Networked jackpots pay the same prize whichever casino you play at.

What it means for you

NetEnt games are tested and widely licensed, but the casino still chooses which version and RTP to run. Read the info screen. Our guide to the best NetEnt games picks titles by player type.

Questions

NetEnt history: questions

When was NetEnt founded?

In 1996, in Sweden.

Who owns NetEnt now?

It became part of the Evolution group in 2020.

What were NetEnt's breakthrough slots?

Gonzo's Quest and Starburst in the early 2010s, plus the Mega Fortune jackpot.

Do NetEnt games work on phones?

Yes. They run in HTML5 in a mobile browser.

Responsible gaming

Play only if you are 18+ and it stays fun

These rules apply on every page of this site. A young casino has less history to judge it by, so the limits matter more.

18+ only

Adults only, everywhere

You must be 18 or older, and older in some countries. A casino can ask for ID before your first withdrawal, and new casinos often do.

Responsible gaming
New brands

Start small with an unknown casino

Deposit an amount you would accept losing to a failed withdrawal, and request a small cash-out early to see how the casino handles it.

How we review new casinos
Limits

Set limits before the welcome offer

Bonus wagering keeps you playing longer. Set a deposit limit and a time limit in the account before you claim.

Set your limits
Help

Free, confidential support

If playing stops being fun, talk to someone. Gambling Therapy offers free support in many languages.

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