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How NetEnt built an empire based on familiarity

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Initially founded as Net Entertainment in 1996, NetEnt is one of iGaming’s greatest and most recognisable online slot developers, a company that’s universally known for having a truly unbeatable catalogue of online slots.

But how did this gargantuan Swedish development studio grow in prominence over the years, casting an imposing shadow over the rest of the industry? The short answer, brand power!

That being said, we’re not exactly talking about NetEnt’s brand power here… We’re talking about the fact that NetEnt has traditionally utilised other recognised brands to boost their reputation within the world of iGaming.

In the beginning – NetEnt signs collaborative deal with Universal

NetEnt kick-started this incredibly smart strategy in 2010 when they entered into a landmark multi-year licensing agreement with Universal, the film studio behind some of Hollywood’s greatest movies and television shows.

The first big-name IP that NetEnt developed into an online slot was none other than Mr. Tony Montana himself, the notorious drug lord Scarface. Looking back it’s quite understandable why NetEnt decided to go with an R-rated character.

Not only is Tony Montana all about big money, but it’s much easier to pair a classic bad boy with a form of entertainment such as online slots that have long been looked upon as risqué.

Once it was quite apparent that NetEnt had discovered a winning strategy they continued to sign deals with other major film and television studios such as Colombia Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Sony Entertainment to get access to some of the world’s biggest brands.

These brand partnerships gave NetEnt a competitive edge over other studios who were themselves releasing run-of-the-mill online slots themed around ancient Egypt, Las Vegas and Ireland… Nothing particularly exciting when compared to NetEnt’s slots that are based on hit movies and television shows.

Aggressive expansion – NetEnt’s television and movie-themed slots arrive at casinos across the internet

After the success of Scarface, NetEnt decided to stick with creating branded online slots that feature characters and IP that wouldn’t be ‘tarnished’ by being made into an online slot game. Whether this was a decision made by movie and television executives, or NetEnt themselves remains to be seen… Either way, it worked!

Their next hit games were South Park and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Naturally, South Park featured all of the same rude and crude humour the famous animated show is known for, and as a result, it pulled in a whole host of players (old and new) that were interested in this new and unique crossover.

The same can be said for Creature from the Black Lagoon, a slot based on the unsettling 1954 horror movie of the same name. Despite the fact that not too many players will vividly remember the black and white film, players still flocked to this highly volatile slot.

In the months and subsequent years that followed NetEnt released a huge number of branded TV/movie-themed slots that pulled in huge audiences, these include: South Park: Reel Chaos, The Invisible Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, Universal Monsters: The Phantom’s Curse, Emojiplanet, Planet of the Apes and Conan.

NetEnt also used their successful partnership with Universal to muscle in on the world of music as part of the developers 20th-anniversary celebrations, they got their hands on the IP for some of the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll stars Guns N’ Roses, Motörhead and Jimi Hendrix.

Having seriously upped their game utilising big-name brands, NetEnt continued to pull out all the stops to wow audiences with new online slots based on iconic people, tv shows and movies.

First came Jumanji Video Slot, then Narcos (based on the hit Netflix series), followed by Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Slot and most recently Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Video Slot.

Building for the future – NetEnt supplement their success by creating their own brand icons

Despite having seen unprecedented success due to their branded slots, credit still must be given to their army of creatives as they’re also responsible for inventing some iconic brands of their own that have gone on to spawn multiple games and feature heavily in casino lobbies.

If you ask anyone today to name a handful of the most recognisable online slot games, odds are they’ll mention NetEnt classics such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Fortune and Twin Spin. All of these games have spawned popular sequels and are often used as part of casino welcome bonuses due to how popular they are with players around the world.

NetEnt seems to be one of the very few successful online slot developers that have found the perfect balance between creating timeless classics of their own and utilising big-name brands from outside the world of iGaming to help grow their reputation.

Blueprint Gaming and Play’n GO are the only two studios that can hold a candle to NetEnt, and it’s hard to say whether any other developers will get remotely close to any of them at this point. Ultimately, the costs and intricacies involved in licensing are just far too great for up and coming developers to front.

Looking back, it’s clear to see that NetEnt took a serious risk in signing expensive deals with Hollywood studios, but it’s one that paid off tenfold. NetEnt is without a doubt the biggest name in online slots, and has been for the last decade. 

We believe that their success is entirely down to the fact they’ve played host to the biggest names and therefore gained the attention of the biggest casinos, seeing their games front and centre of slot lobbies all over the world.

Anja Ortmanns Account Manager at Push Gaming

Push Gaming strengthens Dutch market presence with Starcasino.nl partnership

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B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has broadened its profile in the Netherlands through a new commercial deal with prominent operator Starcasino, increasing access to its award-winning content within the regulated market.

Now live, the partnership makes Push Gaming’s full portfolio available on www.starcasino.nl, giving players access to popular titles across Push Originals, Push Action, and Reel Hot Games. These include hits such as Razor Returns, Goat Getter, and Wild Swarm 2.

The deal strengthens the strong relationship between the two companies, following a successful rollout with Starcasino in Belgium. It also supports Push Gaming’s wider growth strategy in the Netherlands, one of its key regulated markets in Europe.

The agreement marks the latest milestone in Push Gaming’s ongoing expansion, as the supplier continues to grow its operations with trusted partners and proven content strategies.

Anja Ortmanns, Account Manager at Push Gaming, said: “The Netherlands remains a key market in our European strategy, and we’re pleased to be expanding our presence there with Starcasino in the Netherlands.

“It’s a trusted name with a strong local following, and this partnership enables us to reach even more Dutch players through a platform that shares our commitment to quality content and regulation growth.”

Pieter Van den Bos, Director at Starcasino.nl, said: “Push Gaming’s reputation precedes it, and we’re excited to bring its acclaimed content to our players in the Netherlands.

“Our mission is to provide the best possible experience, and this partnership is another step towards achieving that. We look forward to a fruitful relationship together.”

The post Push Gaming strengthens Dutch market presence with Starcasino.nl partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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ICE 2026

Setting the benchmark for 2026: NOVOMATIC at ICE Barcelona

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At ICE 2026, NOVOMATIC will once again take to the global stage in Barcelona with a showcase that sets a clear direction for the year ahead. As the largest exhibitor at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, the Group – together with its subsidiaries and technology partners NOVOMATIC Italia, NOVOMATIC Spain, NOVOMATIC Gaming UK, LÖWEN ENTERTAINMENT, APEX, and Ainsworth Gaming Technology – will present a portfolio shaped by performance, player engagement, and future-oriented innovation. And the centerpiece of this presentation is XTENSION LINK™, accompanied by a range of powerful new multi-feature progressives, as well as a brand-new premium cabinet that is designed to unlock fresh dimensions of immersive play.

XTENSION LINK™: Expanding the global success story

Building on the proven success of the global hit series, XTENSION LINK™ will headline NOVOMATIC’s appearance at the show, introducing entirely new game worlds and evolved feature mechanics that broaden the entertainment spectrum across international markets. The XTENSION LINK™ brand has become a standout performer in casinos around the world, consistently demonstrating strong and sustainable floor results in a wide range of jurisdictions.

On top of this, NOVOMATIC will unveil a lineup of brand-new multi-feature progressives, each designed to offer distinctive engagement dynamics, compelling bonus features, and lasting floor performance. The development of these game concepts reflects a clear focus: more choice for operators, deeper engagement for players, and sustained results over time.

Elevating cabinet design to a new galaxy of experience

To accompany this expanded multi-feature offering, NOVOMATIC will present a new premium cabinet that is engineered to elevate the player experience and broaden the entertainment landscape. With an expanded visual stage, refined ergonomics, and powerful sound performance, this cabinet sets a new benchmark for immersive gameplay presentation on the casino floor. Its design supports the full depth and energy of the XTENSION LINK™ universe, enabling operators to create standout entertainment zones with strong visual impact and player appeal.

Systems that power performance

Beyond cabinets and game content, NOVOMATIC will also highlight its latest advances in Electronic Table Games. The presentation of the Novo Unity™ Pro platform, with its expanded functionality and flexible configuration options, will demonstrate how operators can combine live, automated, and virtual game formats within a single seamless environment. With new interface experiences and scalable multi-game capabilities, Novo Unity™ Pro continues to offer a powerful solution for venues that are aiming to diversify their table game offering while maximizing floor efficiency.

For the systems sector, NOVOMATIC presents the NOVOVISION™ Casino Management System, a modular suite of applications built to handle the complexities of modern gaming operations. From biometrically supported cashless gaming and real-time analytics to sophisticated player tracking and loyalty dynamics, NOVOVISION™ equips operators with tools to run smarter floors and cultivate deeper player engagement.

With their own spectacular Booth #2M70 in the iGaming area, Greentube – the digital gaming and entertainment division of NOVOMATIC – will showcase its latest iGaming offerings, perfectly complementing our land-based portfolio. Dive into an ever-expanding range of online content that includes classic NOVOMATIC hits and exclusive proprietary brands and developments. This is where innovation meets tradition in a truly thrilling way!

The stage is set for Barcelona

As one of the industry’s most anticipated annual gatherings, ICE 2026 will once again provide the ideal setting for international operators, partners, and industry stakeholders to experience NOVOMATIC’s latest developments firsthand. With XTENSION LINK™ as the leading theme, alongside an expanded multi-feature game portfolio, the debut of a next-generation premium cabinet, and a strengthened systems and ETG offering, NOVOMATIC will present a comprehensive vision for the future of gaming entertainment. Adding to the on-site experience, Max Hopp – one of Germany’s most acclaimed professional darts players – will join the program at the NOVOMATIC booth with a special highlight for attendees. Visitors can look forward to an exciting challenge as well as the opportunity to collect exclusive prizes.

“This year’s showcase reflects our continued commitment to meaningful innovation,” says Thomas Schmalzer, Vice President Global Sales and Product Management, NOVOMATIC AG. “From multi-feature progressives to immersive cabinet design and intelligent system architecture, we are focusing on solutions that deliver sustained value for operators and compelling experiences for players worldwide.”

“ICE Barcelona is a key platform to demonstrate the strength of our localized development and customer-focused approach,” adds Bernhard Teuchmann, Managing Director Product and Technology, NOVOMATIC Spain. “We look forward to welcoming our partners and presenting innovations that are aligned with the needs and dynamics of these markets.”

Visitors are invited to explore this showcase at the NOVOMATIC Booth #3P70 and to see how these developments can shape stronger performance and more engaging gaming experiences.

The post Setting the benchmark for 2026: NOVOMATIC at ICE Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Brightstar Lottery

Brightstar Lottery Gains Exclusive Omnichannel Lottery Licensing Rights to Rubik’s® brand

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Brightstar Lottery PLC announced that it has signed a five-year exclusive licensing agreement with Spin Master Toys UK Limited (“Spin Master”) to develop and distribute Rubik’s-themed omnichannel lottery games worldwide, including instant tickets, innovative draw-based games and engaging iLottery games.

Created in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube is an iconic puzzle that inspires creativity and problem-solving across generations, with millions of cubes sold worldwide. Spin Master’s partnership with Brightstar to bring this cultural phenomenon into the lottery space creates fresh ways for fans and players to engage.

“The Rubik’s Cube is one of the most iconic symbols of pop culture and Brightstar is thrilled to extend its timeless legacy into compelling, next-generation experiences for lottery players to enjoy,” said Matthew Whalen, Brightstar Senior Vice President, Global Instant Ticket Services. “We look forward to producing exciting omnichannel games featuring Rubik’s Cube, which will include innovations such as our revolutionary Infinity Instants technology, creating an infinite number of possibilities to customize each ticket.”

The post Brightstar Lottery Gains Exclusive Omnichannel Lottery Licensing Rights to Rubik’s® brand appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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