Evolution gets CMA approval for NetEnt Acquisition

Evolution Gaming’s hoped-for acquisition of NetEnt has made another step forward, after the CMA (the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority) announced its approval of the proposed deal.

Back in September, the CMA began an investigation to ascertain whether the acquisition would lessen the competition in the UK i-gaming market. At the same time, the watchdog invited any interested parties to submit their comments by 5th October 2020 before the CMA began the first phase of its analysis.

With the deadline for comments now passed and the CMA appearing to be satisfied that the deal would not negatively impact the competition in the affected i-gaming market, Evolution Gaming has announced that it’s ready to go.

It also says that the offer’s acceptance period is due to expire on 20th November 2020 and that it hopes to carry out the acquisition by the beginning of December 2020. Provided that the deal is declared unconditional by 23rd November 2020 at the latest.

Evolution’s original proposal was submitted to NetEnt back in June, and the latter accepted the former’s bid of €1.8bn, allowing Evolution to acquire 90% of the Swedish software manufacturer’s corporate shareholding.

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has already given the takeover its seal of approval. Therefore, it’s hoped that Evolution will meet its 1st December deadline.

Evolution Gaming was founded in 2006, and it works with a vast range of top-tier gambling brands and operators. It’s best known for its live dealer suite which is constantly being improved and expanded, and as of last week, now includes live craps.

Evolutions New Game Release worlds first

Evolution’s newest addition to its live dealer offering is the first online live Craps game in the world.

The online game, which was released on 12th November 2020, sticks as closely as possible to the original dice game. That’s enjoyed in many land-based casinos although, as you might expect, it also takes full advantage of Evolution Gaming’s impressive technology. For example, the game is hosted in a speakeasy-inspired underground studio and uses an innovative mechanical arm to throw the dice.

Evolution’s Chief Production Officer, Todd Haushalter, says that the company’s latest live game offers players “a fantastic finished product that will thrill Craps enthusiasts” while helping to attract “legions of new fans”.

The company is also hoping that novice players will give it a try by including a simple online interactive tutorial, as well as an Easy Mode. Evolution is also launching an RNG version of Craps that will be included in its First Person games portfolio.