Industry takes to LinkedIn to rally around affected NetEnt employees

Online gambling operators have joined the Maltese government in offering support to NetEnt staff being made redundant as a result of the £1.6bn takeover by Evolution. Social media sites including LinkedIn have been awash with messages of support and sympathy for the affected individuals, including for those in NetEnt Live’s Qormi studio who lost their jobs yesterday. Representatives of firms including Kindred, Betway, Videoslots, Trustly, Authentic Gaming and LeoVegas have posted links to their careers’ pages to aid NetEnt employees both past and present. Igaming consultant Andrew Visser wrote: “There are jobs out there and I’m sure everyone will find something new. But the road can be long, difficult and at times it will seem never-ending. “If anyone in my network is on that road, send me a short message about the kind of job you’re looking for and I’ll do what I can to help.” Elsewhere, Kindred Group line lead Prathiba Sadagopan posted: “My dear NetEnt friends, this is not an easy time. Those who have worked in NetEnt at some point even for a short while will still feel the strong bonds. So, I am reaching out to you to offer my help and support.” Maverick Slots CEO Enrico Bradamente added: “To my brothers & sisters at NetEnt affected by the redundancies announced by Evolution, feel free to reach out to me and I will do my very best to help and support.”

Malta’s igaming recruiters have also wasted no time in reaching out to NetEnt staff at-risk of redundancy, while former and current colleagues have offered to write LinkedIn recommendations. The Maltese government also provided an official statement after the scale of the redundancies became clear and set up an official helpline for affected staff. It said: “Whilst noting the strong commitment by Evolution to its Malta operation, the government, through the Ministry for the Economy and Industry, has immediately started discussions with the relevant entities to facilitate the smooth transition of employees who may be at risk of being laid off as a result of this restructuring.” In addition, the government’s JobsPlus scheme has been upgraded to include a job-matchmaking service to coordinate this service directly. Finally, Gaming Malta Foundation, a non-profit entity working to promote the Maltese igaming industry, is in discussions with operators on the island regarding available job opportunities.