NetEnt Goes into Simulated Gaming with GAN

The fact that land-based casinos are looking to introduce Netent games ahead of possible regulations has ramifications for iGaming regulation in the US.

The Deal

Leading digital entertainment companies NetEnt announced an agreement with GameAccount Network Plc (GAN) to enter the Simulated Gaming Market.

GAN will supply its gaming platform so that NetEnt can offer a way to bring its games to players ahead of regulation, and curry user interest as a way to initiate competition for the online gambling market for players in each state.

Simulated Gaming, Not Betting

The unique gaming experience that online simulated gaming represents has to this point never included real money bets. This brings NetEnt gaming to a huge customer base ahead of necessary state regulations that would allow betting and gambling, with currently only Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware offering online betting and gambling within their states.

To this end, NetEnt in the new deal can now directly offer simulated gaming and simulated money to players, which can start targeting customers and increasing demand for online gaming without the regulation actually being in place.

In the NetEnt simulated game, real currency is not allowed. Players purchase virtual currency as a means of prolonging the time that they can play their favorite online games of chance as offered by NetEnt.

Instead of cash prizes, NetEnt will offer players other awards such as play bonuses or casino promotions.

GAN Platform Opportunity

The GAN platform specifically enables NetEnt to offer games in a simulated format that can be displayed and accessible in land-based casino operators web sites as well. This may point the way for other exclusively online gambling operators to begin competing for customers even in states where gambling is not allowed, though the investment in simulated gaming remains a risk that each online casino operators will have to consider for themselves.