Evolution, formerly known as Evolution Gaming, has confirmed with WhosWho.mt that Malta will continue to be its commercial centre for Europe.

Apart from Malta being the commercial centre for Europe, Evolution also hosts its support functions, such as HR, finance and legal, on the island.

The gaming giant, which develops, produces, markets and licenses fully integrated B2B Live Casino solutions to gaming operators, received final regulatory approval for its acquisition of NetEnt just two weeks ago.

NetEnt is a supplier of digitally distributed gaming systems such as pooled jackpots, branded games, back office systems and Live Casino solutions.

Both companies hold MGA B2B Critical Gaming Supply licences and have offices in Malta.

With NetEnt’s shareholders having accepted the €1.8bn bid, both Malta and UK regulators giving final approval, and several gaming media reports stating that settlement of the acquisition was expected to commence from 1st December, Tuesday morning saw Evolution inform staff at NetEnt Malta to pack up their belongings and not to report for work anymore.

Reliable sources from within NetEnt say that some 300-325 staff members have been told to no longer report for work.

Following the news, WhosWho.mt got in touch with Evolution, which confirmed that the company will have both a world-leading Live Casino and top-performing slots in its product portfolio.

“Our Evolution and Ezugi Live casino offerings remain but we have initiated the closure of NetEnt’s offer for Live Casino services including its operations in the Qormi studio.

“As we are closing the studio, the people working directly with this product are at risk of redundancy. The formal processes have been initiated,” a company spokesperson said.

Evolution will continue to offer products under the brands of Evolution, NetEnt, Red Tiger and Ezugi to customers, the spokesperson confirmed.

The company failed to confirm the exact number of NetEnt staff that have been let go when asked directly, neither did it respond to remarks that the decision came as an abrupt surprise to many NetEnt staff members in Malta.

The Government of Malta has, in response to the restructuring by Evolution, confirmed that a dedicated helpline has been set up, and that the Economy Ministry would be assisting those whose employment was terminated with immediate effect to find other work withing the gaming industry.