Evolution, a company best known for its dominance in online casino entertainment, has entered into a landmark partnership with Gaming Arts LLC to bring some of its most celebrated digital slot titles into physical casinos. The move represents a significant shift in industry practice, reversing the usual path of adapting successful land-based slots for online play.

Through this collaboration—initiated with Evolution’s slot development partner Bluhare Studios—Gaming Arts will adapt select titles from Evolution’s NetEnt portfolio into high-performance land-based cabinets. The rollout is slated to begin in North America in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the games appearing on Gaming Arts’ MOD EX line, including the J55, 227, and 337 cabinets.

Todd Haushalter, Chief Product Officer at Evolution, emphasized the importance of this new direction: “Since the beginning of online gaming, content has traditionally flowed in one direction — from land-based casinos to online. That approach made sense, as it brought proven experiences to digital audiences. What excites us now is reversing that trend by taking some of the most successful games in the history of online gaming and bringing them to land-based casinos. Evolution is thrilled to be at the forefront of this shift.”

Iconic Titles Headline the Launch

Four highly recognizable titles will spearhead the launch, with Divine Fortune and Starburst leading the lineup.

Divine Fortune, already Evolution’s top-performing online slot in the U.S., has been a consistent favorite in regulated markets such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Known for its progressive jackpots, the game has generated numerous six-figure wins and inspired sequels like Divine Fortune Megaways and Divine Fortune Black. For land-based casinos, players will see both the original version and a new release titled Divine Fortune Ascension. The latter introduces a three-pot perceived persistence feature, designed to sustain engagement and give the game a fresh layer of excitement.

Starburst, first launched in 2012, has long held the crown as NetEnt’s most globally successful slot. Its straightforward mechanics and fast-paced gameplay have made it a staple among casual and veteran players alike. On casino floors, the game will debut as part of a two-title multi-pack, pairing the original Starburst with Starburst Supernova. Both versions will incorporate a persistent bonus mechanic culminating in a hold-and-spin feature, with multiplayer functionality enhancing the social element of the gameplay.

Expanding Opportunities for Cross-Platform Play

The partnership not only introduces new experiences for casino patrons but also lays the groundwork for coordinated marketing campaigns that bridge digital and land-based platforms. By leveraging brand recognition already strong in online spaces, both companies expect to deepen player loyalty across verticals.

Greg Colella, Chief Product Officer at Gaming Arts, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “We are delighted to be working with Evolution, which has long been an industry leader in creating compelling content for online gaming. We are collaborating closely with the Evolution team to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play, while also innovating to create fresh, engaging experiences that will resonate with today’s casino players.”

Gaming Arts CEO Rob Ziems added: “This collaboration goes beyond simply combining Evolution’s exceptional game brands with our latest MOD EX hardware. We are working closely with Evolution to effectively adapt these classics for land-based play while also innovating and modernizing them to create fresh, engaging experiences that will truly resonate with today’s casino players.”

A Strategic Move for Evolution’s U.S. Growth

For Evolution, which until now has operated almost exclusively in digital environments, this expansion marks its first major foray into brick-and-mortar gaming. Unlike traditional suppliers such as Aristocrat or Light & Wonder, Evolution has never manufactured slot cabinets or placed games on casino floors. Partnering with Gaming Arts—a Las Vegas-based company with deep expertise in land-based gaming, especially electronic bingo, keno, and video slots—offers a bridge into the U.S. retail casino market.

Industry analysts note that the timing is strategic. With online casino legalization slowing across U.S. states, retail gaming remains the largest revenue driver. By bringing established online hits like Divine Fortune and Starburst to physical venues, Evolution and Gaming Arts aim to capture crossover audiences who already enjoy these games digitally.

If the debut proves successful, it could encourage other digital-first suppliers to explore similar paths, further blending the boundaries between online and land-based gaming experiences.