adminEvolution is pursuing an unusual strategy, adapting successful online slots for use in brick-and-mortar casinos. Together with Gaming Arts, classic games like Divine Fortune and Starburst are expected to hit casinos in late 2025.
Evolution adapts NetEnt slots for traditional casinos
Evolution announced a long-term partnership with Gaming Arts LLC. The goal is to bring some of NetEnt’s most successful online slots to land-based casinos for the first time. The launch is scheduled for Q4 2025 in North America.
Strategic changes in the industry
The games will be featured on Gaming Arts’ powerful MOD EX slot machines. Evolution is taking a previously rare approach in the industry: instead of the usual practice of migrating games from physical to digital, the company is changing the process and bringing its most popular online games back to casinos.
The gaming industry has been shifting from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments to online platforms for years. With its new alliance, Evolution is attempting to reverse this trend. Chief Product Officer Todd Haushalter explained:
“Since the inception of online gambling, content has traditionally flowed in one direction—from land-based casinos to the online space. This approach proved to be a worthwhile one, offering digital audiences a proven experience. Now, we’re excited to reverse this trend by bringing some of the most successful games in online gambling history to land-based casinos.”
The agreement was initiated jointly with Evolution’s partner, Bluhare Studios. Haushalter particularly praised Gaming Arts’ creative potential:
“Watching them use their ground-based magic to adapt and reimagine our games has been truly inspiring.”
Divine Fortune: NetEnt’s Most Successful Slot
The project focuses on iconic games, most notably Divine Fortune, the most successful online game in the US. This classic has already spawned several successful sequels, including Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black.
Not only has the original version been adapted for the new generation of casinos, but also a completely new slot: Divine Fortune Ascension. The Ascension version features an innovative triple-save feature, designed to make the game even more exciting and extend the playing time.
Evolution builds on the success of previous versions while enhancing the gaming experience with new features specifically designed for casino use.
Starburst: An Online Gaming Icon
Another highlight was Starburst, NetEnt’s most successful slot in the world. It captivated millions of players and inspired sequels like Starburst XXXtreme and Starburst Galaxy.
For the land-based adaptation, Gaming Arts developed a two-game bundle, including both a remastered version of the original and the all-new Starburst Supernova.
Both games offer multiplayer and include a permanent bonus feature that triggers a “hold and spin” mechanic. This makes Starburst appealing not only to long-time fans but also to new players experiencing casino gaming for the first time.
Industry and stakeholder reactions
Gaming Arts is also thrilled about this collaboration. Greg Colella, the company’s Chief Product Officer, explained:
We’re delighted to partner with Evolution, a long-standing leader in developing engaging online gaming content. We’re working closely with the Evolution team to effectively adapt these classic games for land-based play, while creating innovative, fresh, and engaging experiences that will resonate with today’s casino players.
The alliance significantly expands Evolution’s influence in the traditional casino sector, while strengthening Gaming Arts’ portfolio with world-renowned and proven content. The goal is to attract both long-time online gaming fans and new players who previously only played in land-based casinos.
Industry trends and market conditions
Following the lifting of the ban on sports betting in the US in 2018, many states re-regulated their gambling markets. This led to increased integration between online and offline offerings. Providers like Evolution are capitalizing on this momentum to expand their presence.
Gaming Arts, in turn, brings its expertise in optimizing slot machine hardware and ensures that games meet the social and tactile needs of casino players.
New features include persistent bonuses that remain active across multiple gaming sessions, as well as multiplayer modes that encourage interaction between players. These mechanisms are designed to ensure that the online formula for success also works in a brick-and-mortar casino environment.
Financial and strategic prospects
For Evolution, the partnership with Gaming Arts is an important strategic step toward diversifying its revenue streams. Entering the traditional casino market opens up an additional revenue stream for the company and strengthens the brand presence of its core products across various distribution channels.
Markets reacted positively to this announcement. Evolution’s share price rose following the agreement, which can be interpreted as a signal of investor approval of this growth strategy.
Observers see this as a possible new stage in the company’s expansion, which is looking to extend its market leadership beyond the purely online sector.
