Netent Casino
The top Netent casinos in Ireland
Where to begin when it comes to NetEnt? We could start with the fact that NetEnt is one of the leading slot manufacturers and plays in the same league as Microgaming and other established companies. Or we could kick off this article with our own opinion, because for us, the Scandinavians are among the world's best all-rounders when it comes to casino games. Even though NetEnt does not have as long a tradition in Ireland as Merkur or Novoline, they are already among the most popular producers of high-quality casino entertainment. This is certainly also due to their widespread availability. There is hardly a good online casino that does not offer NetEnt games.
Sunmaker, previously known for their specialization in Merkur slots, now also offer these machines. One would struggle to find a similar range and quality of options elsewhere. No matter what kind of player you are, there is always something to suit your taste here. It is no wonder that some of the most popular slots come from the NetEnt brand.
The company history of NetEnt
Net Entertainment, now known as NetEnt, was founded in Sweden in 1996 during the early years of online casino gambling. It may come as a surprise to some players that NetEnt also had its roots in the business of land-based slot machines. The AB Restaurang Rouletter, established in 1963 by Rolf Lundström and Bill Lindwall, played a significant role in the company's journey. Over the decades, many events unfolded, but only a few were relevant to the present-day NetEnt. In 1996, Pontus Lindwall, the son of Bill Lindwall, took the reins and transformed the company into Net Entertainment. Initially, the company focused more on providing casino backend software rather than developing games. Another milestone was reached in the year 2000 when NetEnt introduced its first online casino.
In 2007, the company was finally detached from the original corporate group, laying the foundation for what is now NetEnt. First minor successes were celebrated as a manufacturer of slots such as Pacific Attack and Super Lucky Frog. Even back then, players appreciated the impressive graphics and immersive gameplay mechanics. NetEnt's full potential was realized in 2009 with the release of Mega Fortune, a jackpot slot that remains highly successful to this day. Since 2010, thanks to the enduring popularity of Gonzo's Quest, NetEnt has established itself as one of the giants in the world of online casino games.
NetEnt has accomplished an incredible feat in just a few years, transitioning from a small developer of pleasant and entertaining slots to a heavyweight in the online casino industry. Their games have suddenly become the benchmark for graphics and gameplay mechanics. Furthermore, by obtaining an additional license in Alderney, they have created the necessary legal framework to offer their games not only throughout Europe but also globally. In 2011, NetEnt once again set the trends by revolutionizing mobile casino games, which had previously been considered niche products. With strong partnerships and the knowledge gained from years of experience, they swiftly dominated the mobile casino market.
Gonzo's Quest and Starburst ignited the spark that fueled players' enthusiasm. Every online casino made sure to offer these titles. Nowadays, regular modern and innovative releases have become a trademark. However, players still can't get enough of Starburst and Gonzo's Quest even today. Starburst holds the record as the most played online slot in the world, and Gonzo's Quest is rarely found outside the top 3. Only Play'n Go's Book of Dead is as consistently present among the top 3 most popular online slots as these two blockbusters from NetEnt.
Nowadays, the realm of slot machines encompasses every aspect imaginable. Whether it's titles with massive licenses, jackpot slots, or table games, NetEnt has not forgotten its roots and ensures a comprehensive program. Additionally, online casinos greatly value the seamless integration of NetEnt games into their offerings, as it provides a simple yet secure and stable experience. Lastly, it is important to mention the innovative and exceptional live casino provided by NetEnt, which truly sets it apart.
Satisfaction is not enough; instead, the goal is to continue making waves with innovations in the future. In 2018, Mr Green introduced the first-ever virtual live casino lobby, and in 2019, Gonzo's Quest will be repositioned as a virtual reality online slot. For a contemporary online casino experience, one cannot overlook the importance of having an account with a provider offering NetEnt games. To immerse oneself in the world of online casinos, choosing a provider with NetEnt games is a must. The company's dedication to pushing boundaries and introducing cutting-edge technologies ensures that players can enjoy a truly immersive and exciting gaming experience.
The most popular NetEnt games in Ireland
NetEnt is responsible for hundreds of games. However, unlike other providers, the exceptionally well-crafted games abound, while finding bad titles requires a magnifying glass. At this point, we would like to introduce four exceptional slots. In addition to our own preferences, we have taken into account popularity and quality when deciding which games to highlight here. These four titles are truly magnificent, but they only represent a small portion of the quality that can be found in the NetEnt portfolio. Tastes may vary, but when it comes to this game developer, we can confidently claim that there is something for everyone.
Starburst
If a game is generally considered the most played online slot, then we can't ignore it either. Calling Starburst a blockbuster would still be an understatement given its qualities and popularity. Are there even players who have never played this slot before? We doubt it, because no matter which casino lobby you enter, Starburst is waiting prominently for us players. A significant portion of the free spins available in Irish and international casinos are also implemented with Starburst.
Starburst is not even among the flagships when it comes to creativity and innovation. The success is based much more on simplicity. Starburst is one of those slots that immediately captivate even players who have never played a slot machine before. This also explains why online casinos so willingly credit free spins for Starburst. Even those who are inexperienced in slots quickly get a good sense of the possibilities that the machines offer. In addition, there is a very low volatility. Players can play for a long time with low deposits, as frequent small wins are constantly present. But Starburst is also unmatched when it comes to fulfilling the wagering requirements of casino bonuses.
The action in Starburst takes place entirely in the base game, as there is no bonus round. While having 10 paylines may seem like a small number, winnings are paid out in both directions. This means that winning combinations can occur not only from left to right, but also from right to left. So, combinations can start with either the first or fifth reel.
Despite the low volatility, players can still achieve significant winnings thanks to the Starburst wilds. Once the Starburst symbol lands on one or more reels, it expands to cover the entire reel. During the subsequent free re-spin, the wilds remain in place. Up to 3 reels can be fully covered with wilds simultaneously, ensuring guaranteed (and often high) winnings.
One thing remains a mystery to us. Why isn't there a successor to such a fantastic slot? Admittedly, even today, Starburst still sets the benchmark when it comes to presentation. That would be a challenge even for talented designers like NetEnt to surpass. And as for how to enhance the simple yet long-term motivating gameplay concept, we're clueless. Furthermore, a mere "good" successor could potentially jeopardize the cult status of Starburst. But who knows what the future holds? Until then, we are more than satisfied with Starburst.
Twin Spin
If you're craving for more innovative gameplay features in Starburst, then take a look at this slot machine instead. Twin Spin offers everything that defines NetEnt and much more. It was this particular video slot that made "twin reels" (with identical symbols) truly popular. The fact that NetEnt struck a chord with this concept is evident in the continued popularity it has enjoyed in recent years. Surprisingly, Twin Spin is not quite as popular in Ireland compared to other European countries. However, if you're in search of a video slot with medium to high volatility and thrilling bonus features, it's definitely worth a try.
Visually, Twin Spin is a contemporary tribute to the machines of yesteryear. Impressive combinations of playing card and fruit symbols in the stunning neon style make this slot visually unique. However, one should not be deceived by the initial impression. Twin Spin is definitely not a classic fruit slot. This is primarily due to the winning potential that can make players ecstatic. Its ability to make players jump out of their skin sets it apart.
Just like in Starburst, the entire action takes place in the base game. There are no scatter symbols or free spins. Everything revolves, quite literally, around the fact that the two twin reels display the same symbols on every spin. Particularly with the abundance of wild symbols, a spin can quickly pay off. Right after calmly pressing the "Start" button, the two twin reels are randomly selected and highlighted in color. If luck is on your side, the twin reels can expand over three, four, or even five reels. And we probably don't need to extensively describe what a full screen means at this point.
The uniqueness of this slot lies in its 243 paylines, which is the icing on the cake. It doesn't matter how the symbols land on the reels, as long as they appear on consecutive ones. Nowadays, many other slots also feature a high number of paylines. However, when Twin Spin was released, this concept was considered almost revolutionary.
While we can easily accept the fact that Starburst has yet to receive a successor, the case is different for Twin Spin. The release of Twin Spin Deluxe brought forth some intriguing innovations and modifications, making this slot equally worth playing. However, in terms of popularity, the original Twin Spin reigns supreme, consistently ranking in the top 10 most beloved slots. Surprisingly, Twin Spin Deluxe fails to even make it into the top 100. This seems unjustified to us, considering the added variety brought by the increased number of symbol fields and the addition of a sixth reel. Stylistically, both titles belong to the same league.
Both versions of Twin Spin offer a great combination of high-quality slot mechanics and state-of-the-art casino entertainment.
Gonzo’s Quest
We've mentioned it in the overview of NetEnt's company history: if there's one game that made a real statement, it's Gonzo's Quest. Shortly after its release, this Latin America-set adventure became the talk of the town among slot players. Years later, this title remains one of the most well-known and beloved slots of all time. NetEnt is no stranger to impressive graphics and animations, but this game was one of the first to implement a 3D style. Creating the lovable character Gonzo, who interacts with the players, also proved to be a stroke of luck.
Unlike the previously introduced games, there are several elements that we are already familiar with from other slot machines. The game is played on 5 reels, each with 3 fields. The volatility, especially during the free spins, is very high and often leads to breathtaking winnings. However, Gonzo's Quest is much more than just an all-or-nothing game. The so-called Avalanche function alone ensures fine returns in the base game, thanks to symbols that slide into place after a winning combination.
Back in the day, this groundbreaking game mechanic was truly revolutionary. When a winning combination is paid out, these symbols vanish, making way for fresh ones to slide in. This can result in high winnings without even spinning the reels again, like some sort of chain reaction. Moreover, with every new winning combination, the multiplier for the winnings also increases. Up to five times the normal win can already be pocketed during the base game.
However, the real action starts with the free spins. Depending on the number of scatter symbols, they can trigger either 10 or a whopping 20 free spins. Now, the win multiplier can soar up to 15 if enough winning combinations land on the reels. And the best part is, the free spins themselves can be extended by additional scatter symbols.
Unfortunately, there is no direct continuation of Gonzo's adventures. However, NetEnt has decided to relaunch the slot as their first-ever virtual reality slot in company history. This gives us hope for future escapades with Gonzo, where we can expect exciting treasure hunts and bountiful rewards. Let's look forward to embarking on more thrilling journeys alongside our beloved character Gonzo.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack and the Beanstalk is the perfect game to conclude our little overview of the best NetEnt games. While other video slot manufacturers focus on games with either very high or low volatility, NetEnt offers the most diverse range not only in terms of gameplay concepts but also in terms of winnings. For example, Starburst is known for its frequent small wins, while games like Gonzo's Quest require a bit more patience before the big wins start rolling in. Jack and the Beanstalk is tailor-made for players who enjoy taking some risks, and that can definitely pay off here time and time again.
Unfortunately, Jack and the Beanstalk suffers a bit in popularity due to its seemingly incredibly high volatility. Rarely does this game make it to the top positions of the most beloved slots. However, we believe this to be undeserved because those who dare to embrace the high risk are in for a unique gaming experience. At first glance, 5 reels with 3 symbols each, along with 20 paylines, may not sound particularly special.
However, Jack and the Beanstalk is not just a true gem because of its fantastic graphics. First and foremost, the so-called Walking Wilds are intriguing. When a wild symbol lands on the reels, it moves one position to the left after all wins are paid out, providing up to 5 free new spins. Additionally, this wild symbol also delights us with a 3x win multiplier. During these free respins, there is, of course, a realistic opportunity to acquire more Walking Wilds and thus boost the winnings.
However, its full strength is only unleashed in the free spins. 10 of them are triggered by 3 or more scatter symbols. The free spins can be extended with three or more scatters. But the real highlight here are the roaming wilds. Because during the free spins, we also collect keys that can transform up to 3 additional symbols into roaming wilds. These wilds stretch across up to 3 positions on a reel. It is entirely possible for all 5 reels to be filled with wilds. Admittedly, luck is definitely necessary for this. But if Lady Luck is on one's side, then it's payday.
Jack and the Beanstalk is now considered to be the unofficial precursor to well-known fairytale slots such as Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. When it comes to gaming enjoyment, the tale of Hans and the beanstalk - the Irish title for Jack and the Beanstalk - is just as captivating as the new games from NetEnt's Fairytale Legends series. There is no shortage of excitement in this timeless fairytale adventure.
And that's all for now with our overview of our favorite slots from NetEnt. We have confidence that this casino game provider has something for every type of player. Whether you have a preferred theme and style or if you exclusively opt for slots with high or low volatility and specific bonus rounds, NetEnt offers all that and more. That's precisely why we consider the Scandinavians to be one of the top slot manufacturers. The only question that remains is which NetEnt machine is best suited for you, isn't it?