Is NetEnt exiting the Canadian market?

In the absence of a direct communication from online gambling software supplier Netent, Canadian players were left wondering this week whether they would be able to play the company’s games in the future.

Guts Casino advised players in an email:

“We regret to inform you that one of our most popular casino game providers, Netent, is no longer offering its games in Canada as of tomorrow, the 26th May 2016.

“This will not adversely affect your Guts account and apart from the exclusion of these games, we will still remain the same casino & sportsbook offering a great selection of games, promotions and rewards.

“All future casino promotions in Canada will feature fantastic games from other top-notch providers that still have the ability to offer their games for your pleasure.”

The message was later confirmed by a Rizk Casino executive, who made a forum post advising:

“Yes, I am afraid that an e-mail from us will follow day time our time tomorrow. The information that I have had through NetEnt is that this is a network wide IP blockage and it will come into force tomorrow.”

Apart from the appallingly short notice, the absence of an explanation has left the reason for this sudden withdrawal open to speculation. NetEnt executives have made no secret of their ambitions for the company in the US market, and this is one of the theories regarding the software company’s exit.

In related news, NetEnt launched Football: Champions Cup, a 5×3, 20-payline slot across mobile and desktop in anticipation of the upcoming EURO 2016 football tournament.

The game features a penalty shootout bonus game and free spins, along with wild and overlay wild substitutions.

“All eyes this summer will be glued to the European Championship football, and our exciting new release taps into that interest and gives fans another reason to cheer,” Simon Hammon, chief product officer for NetEnt said.

Readers can have a look at the vid here: https://youtu.be/QVJVV6iWZtU