Online gaming giant, NetEnt, provides equipment to Swedish state-owned gambling company, Svenska Spel.
In a significant move for the online gaming industry, the takeover of NetEnt by Evolution Gaming, announced in June 2020, was completed in July 2025. The acquisition, valued at approximately $2.09 billion, has seen NetEnt become a key brand within Evolution's portfolio, specialising in high-quality slot games and live casino offerings.
Since the acquisition, Evolution has actively expanded NetEnt's gaming content into new regulated markets, notably the US. This strategic move has resulted in the recent launch of NetEnt slot games in Rhode Island through a partnership with Bally’s Corporation. As a result, Evolution now operates in all seven US states permitting online casino gaming, offering NetEnt’s slots alongside other Evolution brands like Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming.
The partnership with Bally’s also includes branded live dealer Blackjack tables in mature markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, integrating Evolution’s live casino content with Bally’s platforms to enhance user engagement. This US expansion positions Evolution and NetEnt well in a strategically important region, leveraging regulatory openings and growing iGaming adoption.
The merger has consolidated Evolution’s position as a market leader in online casino content, combining NetEnt’s premium slot portfolio and live dealer offerings with Evolution’s broader product slate. By integrating NetEnt’s well-known IP licenses, such as Aliens, Scarface, and South Park, and award-winning games, Evolution strengthens its competitive edge against other suppliers.
Innovation remains a priority for Evolution, with the company developing exclusive online casino games based on major brands like Hasbro’s Monopoly, with releases expected in early 2026. These games will feature all Evolution brands, including NetEnt, expanding the creative scope and appeal of their game portfolio.
The takeover enables streamlined development pipelines, technology sharing, and a unified go-to-market strategy that will likely accelerate NetEnt’s product launches under Evolution’s umbrella. The merger could provide greater leverage on expanding markets like North America for Evolution Gaming, as NetEnt already holds interactive gaming licenses in the US market.
The Evolution-NetEnt merger is still pending approval from market regulatory authorities, including the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). However, the strategic integration of NetEnt's offerings into Evolution's portfolio is already positioning both companies strongly for growth with broader, high-quality offerings and exclusive brand partnerships that could redefine their competitive landscape in digital gaming over the coming years.
What technologies are being utilized in Evolution's expansion into the sports domain, given their strategic integration of NetEnt's offerings into their online casino portfolio?
Has the partnership between Evolution and NetEnt extended to the field of sports, with the integration of sports-themed slot games in their collection?
