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NetEnt Live Shuts Down: New owner Evolution pulls the plug on Malta Studio

By Aaron Braund

02 Dec 2020

Aaron Braund 02 Dec 2020

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NetEnt Live has officially shut down as new owners Evolution takes charge. We review what roulette games will now be absent from your favourite sites.

NetEnt Live is officially no more as new owners Evolution make wide-sweeping changes.

Evolution acquired the Swedish software firm for no less than £1.7 billion back in June. After the UK Competition and Markets Authority cleared the deal, Evolution assumed full operational responsibility on Tuesday 1st December.

Evolution wasted no time in making significant changes. NetEnt Live's Malta studio is officially closed - with many games now unavailable. It is estimated that 300 NetEnt employees are facing the prospect of redundancy.

The shutdown came as a shock to operators - with some casinos receiving no prior warning. However, the closure of the live division was a condition for the deal to go through.

It is understood that NetEnt will now focus on the slots side of the business. For more information on what roulette games are now closed, read on below:

NetEnt Live Games Removed

Here are all the roulette games that players will no longer be able to access:

VIP Roulette Live
Classic Roulette Live
Auto Roulette Studio
Rapid Roulette
Roulette Silver

New games like Roulette Max - which only went live on December 1st - are also unavailable. Other games outside of the roulette category include:

Blackjack Standard
Blackjack Ruby
Blackjack Diamond
Blackjack Silver
Blackjack Black Gold
Blackjack White Gold
Blackjack Gold
Blackjack Emerald
Blitz Blackjack
Perfect Blackjack

Why is NetEnt Live Closing

NetEnt Live's closure was one of the requirements for the £1.72 deal to pass.

The shut down of the division is to spearhead an effort to reduce costs by €30m per year. NetEnt's own slot development business will also be streamlined in the reorganisational changes.

Evolution is one of the leading providers of live games - second only to Playtech. Many of the games previously offered by NetEnt, already have a place in Evolution's catalogue of games.

With this acquisition, Evolution not only removes a competitor - but they also absorb arguably the most sought after side of the business.

Will NetEnt Live Return?

It's unlikely that NetEnt Live games will return to any casino site. Evolution already has an award-winning live product.

One of the firms motivating factors for buying NetEnt was their vast slots catalogue - and their ownership of Red Tiger.

With this in mind, it's safe to assume that NetEnt live is gone forever - taking away one of the best auto roulette studios out there.

FAQ

When did NetEnt Live close?

NetEnt Live was shuttered on 1st December 2020 - it was one of the stipulations for Evolution's acquisition deal for the company.

Is it a permanent closure?

All sources say that the division will be closed for good - as new owners Evolution offer competing live products.

What are the alternative to NetEnt Live Roulette?

Evolution Live Roulette is one of the best out there, with an easy to use interface, award-winning service and a vast range of dealer options. You will also find market first games like Lightning Roulette and Double Ball Roulette.