NetEnt Mobile Games: How a Swedish Pioneer Put Its Slots on Smartphones

From browser games to the top tier

NetEnt was founded in Sweden in 1996. From then until the early 2000s it sat in the second tier of suppliers, largely because downloadable casino software dominated the market and browser-based games were seen as the weaker option. What held NetEnt back eventually became its biggest advantage. It was one of the first studios to build games that ran directly in the browser with Java and Flash, and within a few years it had become one of the leading slot suppliers in the industry.

The company listed on the Stockholm stock exchange in 2009, and its revenue grew steadily through the following decade. In 2020 Evolution agreed to buy NetEnt, and the deal was declared unconditional in November of that year. Under its new owner, NetEnt's slots and mobile games carried on as a core part of the business, while its live casino division, NetEnt Live, was closed as Evolution concentrated live dealer games in its own studios.

NetEnt Touch: the mobile breakthrough

Once browser games became the norm, NetEnt set its sights on mobile. Work began in 2010, when smartphones were not yet a common way to gamble and a mobile casino product was both new and risky. Few competitors were willing to bet on it at the time.

In 2011 the studio launched NetEnt Touch, its mobile platform. At first it carried adapted versions of existing browser games, and the opening line-up included Gonzo's Quest, Jack Hammer and Blackjack. For the first month, games were available only on iOS; Android and Windows Mobile versions followed.

From then on, NetEnt worked in two directions: converting older desktop titles for mobile, and releasing every new game for both desktop and mobile from day one. For operators, that meant the same game could be promoted across every channel at the same time.

Desktop versus mobile: what changes

NetEnt's mobile games keep the graphics, features and game maths of their desktop versions, so players get the same experience and the same chances wherever they play. The differences are in the interface, which is rearranged for touch screens:

• Bet and game settings. Coin value, bet level, autoplay and quick spins sit in a dedicated menu tab. On desktop they form a control bar along the bottom of the screen.
• Rules and options. Game rules, feature descriptions and sound and video settings are grouped in a sub-menu. On a PC they mostly open as pop-ups.
• Left-hand mode. Players can move the controls to suit the hand holding the phone.
• Spin button shortcuts. Tapping the "+" on the main button opens autoplay and quick spins, so players can change settings in the menu or right where they play.

Slots such as Dead or Alive, Football: Champions Cup and Divine Fortune show the pattern clearly. The base game, the rules screens, autoplay and win animations look the same on PC, phone and tablet, with the controls moved to where a thumb can reach them.

What NetEnt mobile games give operators

Mobile play has grown steadily since the late 2000s, and casinos that want to keep pace with rivals need a strong, regularly refreshed mobile catalogue. NetEnt is a natural choice for several reasons:

• Quality players recognise. Polished graphics, strong sound and generous bonus features have made NetEnt titles standard in many lobbies.
• Several categories from one supplier. Alongside slots, NetEnt offers progressive jackpots and table games such as roulette and blackjack.
• Room to choose. A large catalogue makes it easy to pick games that match your audience and markets rather than taking a fixed package.
• One release, every device. New games launch on desktop and mobile together, so a single campaign covers all players.

Tips for featuring NetEnt on mobile

1. Lead with recognisable titles. Familiar games such as Gonzo's Quest give new mobile players a comfortable starting point.
2. Test in both orientations. Check how each game plays in portrait and landscape on the phones your audience uses most.
3. Group jackpot games. NetEnt's progressives work well in a dedicated jackpot row where players can compare the prizes on offer.
4. Check availability by market. Confirm which titles are approved for your licence before planning promotions.

Adding NetEnt to your casino

Browse NetEnt games in our catalogue, read our selection of top NetEnt games, or learn how the studio's jackpots work in our guide to NetEnt progressive jackpots. NetEnt is also part of our Slots Bundle, and you can add it through our casino games integration alongside other providers.