NetEnt Review

The bandit is the most diabolically constructed gambling machine ever invented, huffed Swedish parliament member Sven Andersson as he was spearheading a campaign in 1977 to banish slots from the country. Andersson’s years of anti-gambling sentiment were then ultimately rewarded when Parliament voted 239-59 to ban them.

However, this was very bad news for local restauranteurs who used income from them to keep food prices down. An even harsher verdict for Bill Lindwall and Rolf Lundström who started Cherry in 1963, as they disseminated the bulk of fruit machines in Scandinavia. Within a month, business was shuttered.

Down, but not completely out, the ownership group re-emerged in the 1980s and began purchasing rights to a number of former Swedish gaming companies, resulting in expanded distribution to eastern European countries. In 1994, legislation was lifted in Sweden and Cherry went all-in on the market, closing down other foreign initiatives.

Industry Standing

Pontius Lindwall, son of Bill, saw the future and in 1996, started to design virtual games and run proprietary online casinos. “NetEnt” got out of that particular endeavour after a few years and has concentrated solely on software development ever since, becoming a leading enterprise and more recently, a member of the World Lottery Association.

Pontius’ original version was scuttled because he wasn’t happy with products at the time, so he decided to just make his own. That passion to deliver only the highest-quality creations has propelled the company forward for more than two decades.

Game Design

NetEnt designs look first-rate on both downloadable and instant launch mediums, regardless of whether on iPhone, Android, tablet computer, or anything in between. They’ve been leading the high quality, flash-based 3D animation push in recent years, as well as now offering live tables and land-based attractions.

Most slots have a certain look and feel, primarily due to user controls always being in the same spot, annoying searches never necessary. A winning design formula was conceived and they’re sticking with it.

Game Selection

One-armed bandits were the prime beneficiaries of those fresh, sleek, 3D graphics, presently flagship products for NetEnt, more than 100 titles available worldwide. Their first platinum video slot was Gonzo’s Quest, the standard bearer for story-based releases going forward. More recently, Vikings, Jumanji, and Guns’N Roses were launched to wide acclaim.

Strong in movie branded ventures, teaming up with Universal Studios resulted in heavy hitters like Aliens, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and The Invisible Man. Customers can also tap into progressive slots linked across partner websites or compete for locally contained jackpots, depending on location.

With a few small exceptions, if it’s seen at land-based operations, a facsimile has been fabricated. Punto Banco, Casino Hold’em, baccarat, and every unique style of roulette are offered, Caribbean Stud Poker and Red Dog both linked to huge prizes. Tons of video poker, virtual scratch cards, and mini-games are additionally posted to attract curious eyeballs.

In Bonus Keno, progressive jackpots are chased via the appearance of a random joker character. “Jump-off-the-screen” graphics of newer creations like this make traditional ones sometimes appear stodgy, yet a pleasing mix of “fresh” and “traditional” provides understanding of improvements.

Speaking of excitement, in 2013 NetEnt’s Mega Fortune Dreams paid out one of the highest bonanzas on record, €17,861,813, from a tiny €0.25 bet (Microgaming ended up surpassing this total in 2017 to gain accreditation in the Guinness Book of World Records). Regardless, in 2017 a total of €30.4 million was paid out on Mega Fortune Dreams, obviously nothing to scoff at.

NetEnt Blackjack

Net Entertainment has released many 21 variants ranging from “traditional” to “extravagant”, although nothing shocking or ground-breaking is discovered. Versions found depends on specific operations, most providing the vast majority of popular ones below.

• Single Deck Blackjack

One deck, one hand, and table stakes between 1 and 40 units. This classic arrives in a fast-paced mini option too, enjoyable while waiting for a flight, or for horse race results to be settled. House edge is 0.44%.

• Blackjack Pro

Clients can play up to three hands at once with antes of Low Baller, Standard Punter, or High Roller, minimums ranging from 0.10 to 500 of chosen currency. A Double Jack side bet on whether the first card is a jack yields a maximum profit of 100x. House edge is also 0.44%, but 4.93% on side action.

• Double Exposure

This variant has players competing against two dealer up-cards, reducing opportunities for doubling, turning blackjack payouts into normal win amounts, quirky experiences such as hitting on 19s arising, if need be. Return odds are listed at 99.33%.

• Pontoon

This is British 21 where those seated “twist” and “stick” rather than “hit” or “stand”, largest dividends achieved via a 5-Card Trick issuing a 2:1 return. Furthermore, three hands per deal is permitted but no dealer cards are exposed. House edge is a scrawny 0.34%.

• Live Dealer Blackjack

Two versions of NetEnt Live Dealer Blackjack exist, both attempting to mimic real life action. Dealing transpires in their Malta studios and tables are open around the clock, every day of the year. State-of-the-art equipment like six-deck Shufflemaster shoes insure fast-paced proceedings from snazzy dealers in classy evening wear.

High-definition video streaming is infused with “low latency”, a technology reducing transmission lag, footage always different depending on product. For example, in Common Draw Blackjack, dealers stand on 17s so cameras focus solely on their hands, however, in Standard 7 Seat participants see all hands as normal.

Live tables also facilitate tournaments, brining a wide range of combatants together to test skills against one another.

NetEnt Practice Blackjack

NetEnt Practice Blackjack can be enjoyed at netent.com with intuitive, quick, and sharp action, fluid graphics witnessed throughout. Start with a 5,000 unit bankroll and test rules for each to determine which are attractive.